Defence Minister Directs Army Chief to Remain in North-East

Defence Minister Directs Army Chief to Remain in North-East
…Orders Review of Major Military Operations Nationwide for Review

The Honourable Minister of Defence, Mansur Muhammad Dan-Ali met with the CDS and Service Chiefs today Monday 3 December 2018 at the Ship House, Headquarters of Ministry of Defence and consequently directed the Chief of Army Staff to remain in the North East until security situation improves. Similarly, the General Officer Commanding the 8 Division, Nigerian Army was also directed to relocate his Tactical Headquarters from Sokoto to Gusau, Zamfara state to oversee the conduct of Operation SHARAN DAJI.

The Chief of Defence Staff and Chief of Army Staff were also mandated to effect changes in the operational commands of Operations DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta, LAFIYA DOLE in the North East, SHARAN DAJI in Zamfara and Katsina states and AWATSE in the South West. This is to enable them meet up with the current threats and security challenges in their areas of responsibility.

The President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has also directed the emergency procurement of critical equipment for the Armed Forces of Nigeria in line with the Federal Government policy of procuring equipment from Original Equipment Manufacturers through government to government basis.

The Council/Board also considered and approved the promotion of qualified senior military officers to their next higher ranks. In a related development and a show of concern to the welfare needs of members of the Armed Forces, the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces has directed the enhancement of the welfare of troops particularly those serving in operational areas within the country.

Signed
Tukur Gusau
Colonel
Public Relations officer to Defence Minister

…………………………………………………………….

Buratai Urges Troops to Shun Boko Haram Propaganda
Lieutenant General TY Buratai, has again cautioned troops to be wary of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathizers’ recent antics in the employment of propaganda particularly the spread of fake news. He gave the charge at a dinner for the troops of Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion (AFSF Bn) and Army Headquarters Strike Group in Maiduguri on Saturday, 1st December 2018.

Speaking further, he stressed that the troops should be mindful of what they see and read on the social media as most of the stories are either doctored or fake. Believing these stories he added, would demoralize their fighting spirit, thus undermining national security.

The COAS further stated that, the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies were now fighting terrorism as insurgency has long gone; Boko Haram terrorists he said, have no claim to any territory in Nigeria. He therefore implored them to put to good use the tactics acquired during their special forces training in order to flush out the remnants of the terrorists. He emphasised that, adequate attention will be given to In-theatre training and intelligence gathering and capabilities of personnel would be enhanced.

Lieutenant General Buratai also urged them to maintain the peace in the country, support other security agencies and defend the democratic system as every commander is already aware of what is expected of them especially, in the upcoming general elections of 2019.

In his vote of thanks on behalf of the officers and men of both units after the dinner, the Commanding Officer of the AFSF Bn, Navy Commander GB Osuobeni, thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the visit and the kind gesture of hosting them to a dinner. He said that the event signifies the Chief of Army Staff’s appreciation and support of their efforts in the fight against terrorism in the north east under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

The Commanding Officer stated that the occasion would remain indelible in their minds and that the troops of both units were highly motivated by the visits, interaction and the dinner. He further thanked the Chief of Army Staff for the rare privilege and assured that they would continue to do their best to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the border areas and other areas of the north eastern part of Nigeria.

He further said that they understand the task ahead of them and pledged their unalloyed support to defend the territorial integrity of the nation.

In her remarks, Miss Global Synergy Nigeria (Africa), Queen Stessey Nuhu, of the University of Maiduguri who graced the occasion, lauded the troops efforts in fighting terrorism. She commended them for their sacrifices in restoring peace to the North East and entire country. She also solicited support to launch her pet project with theme “Homeless not Hopeless”.

The COAS Dinner for troops was attended by Principal Staff Officers from Army Headquarters, the New Theatre Commander Operation LAFIYA DOLE and Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division, Nigerian Army, amongst others.

SANI KUKASHEKA USMAN
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
2nd December 2018
…..