World News

Over 500 soldiers compete in Army small arms championship

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No fewer than 542 personnel are competing in the 2024 Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.

The week-long championship would feature 109 officers and 433 soldiers at Jaji Military Cantonment Range in Kaduna State.

The participants comprised personnel of the Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja; 1 Division Kaduna, 2 Division Ibadan, 3 Division Jos, 6 Division Port Harcourt, 8 Division Sokoto, 81 Division Lagos, 82 Division Enugu and 4 Special Forces Command Doma, Nasarawa, respectively.

The Chief of Army Staff, Luitenatet-General Taoreed Lagbaja, who kicked off the championship on Monday, described well-trained personnel as the bedrock of success in military operations.

Represented by Major General Kevin Aligbe, Commander, Training and Doctrine Command Nigerian Army, Lagbaja said the championship was aimed at testing and enhancing the competencies of personnel in handling various small arms in the Nigerian Army inventory.

“It is not just a competition in marksmanship, but a holistic exercise that tests various aspects of military professionalism, discipline and the ability to respond effectively to a wide range of security challenges.

“The Nigerian Army has always placed a high premium on training and preparedness,” he said.

According to Lagbaja, competitions like this underscore the importance of operational proficiency, and military effectiveness which is the strategic focus of his command philosophy.

He said the skills demonstrated would ensure that the Nigerian Army remained a formidable force, capable of responding to the diverse threats confronting the nation.

He said: “The Nigerian army small arms championship is not just an exercise in shooting accuracy; it is an embodiment of the values and principles that define us as soldiers.

“As we continue to confront security threats ranging from insurgency and terrorism to banditry and other forms of criminality, your proficiency in the use of small arms will play a decisive role in securing victory.

“Let this competition inspire you to be better soldiers, more determined in your resolve to protect our nation and more prepared to face any adversary”.

Lagbaja said that soldiers of the Nigerian Army were all united by a common purpose geared toward protecting the nation and the people.

The army chief pledged the loyalty of the Nigerian Army to President Bola Tinubu and the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

Earlier, the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso said the championship was assessing and enhancing troops’ proficiency in handling small arms.

Saraso, who is also Commander Sector 1, Joint Task Force Northwest Operation Fansan Yanma, stressed the need for soldiers to remain professional, focused and committed during the competition.

He lauded Lagbaja for his support to the competition.

Politics

Army, police, SSS, NIA chiefs meet over February 25 presidential election

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The Chief of Defence Staff, Lucky Irabor, has reassured Nigerians that the armed forces and other security agencies are ready to provide a safe and secure environment for the February 25 and March 11 elections.

Mr Irabor gave the assurance while briefing journalists shortly after meeting with service chiefs and heads of security agencies on Monday in Abuja.

The closed-door meeting was attended by service chiefs, the inspector general of police, the directors-general of the State Security Service and National Intelligence Agency, and the chief of Defence Intelligence.

He said the purpose of the meeting was to review security arrangements for the elections and develop action plans to ensure that the exercise would be peaceful.

“We have just finished the meeting. The service chiefs, the inspector general of police, the DSS, represented by the director of operations, the DG, the NIA and the CDI.

Looking at the security for the elections, and as you know, the police are the lead agency for elections security, we have compared notes and assessed the entire situation, and we are good to go,” stated the army chief.

He added;

“The assessment is that we are set on all fronts. We got representation from the Independent National Electoral Commission, who, of course, you have interacted with and has also told Nigerians and the world that they are ready for this election.

By and large, we are good to go, and I like to use this opportunity to assure Nigerians that on the security front, we are good to go on all fronts.”

Mr Irabor also gave assurance that the security agencies would cover every part of the country to ensure peaceful elections so that all eligible Nigerians exercise their franchise.

He added that contingency actions had been taken to address areas with peculiar security challenges.

Lifestyle

Army silent as court jails COAS over contempt

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The Nigerian Army has declined response after a court ordered the remand of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Faruk Yahaya, and the Commandant, Training and Doctrine Command, Minna, Major Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, for alleged contempt.

A High Court sitting in Minna, Niger State, had issued a warrant of arrest and subsequent remand of both Yahaya and Olabanji in the custodial centre.

The case was said to between one Adamu Makama and 42 others, versus the governor of Niger State and seven others.Counsel for the plaintiffs, Mohammed Liman, had prayed the court to send the army chief and commandant to the custodial centre for disobeying an order made on October 12, 2022.

Ruling on the application, Justice Halima Abdulmalik, said, “An order is made committing the Nigerian Army Chief of Staff, General Farouk Yahaya, and the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Minna, i.e the 6th &7th respondents, into the custody of the correctional centre for contempt of the order of this honourable court made on 12/10/2022.”

The judge ordered that the army chief and commandant should remain in custody until they purged themselves of the contempt.

The case was adjourned till December 8.

Several attempts to get the reaction of the Nigerian Army were not successful.Calls and a text message to the phone number of the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, were not answered.

The ruling is coming barely a few days after the Federal High Court in Abuja sentenced the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to three months’ in prison over a similar offence.

Another Federal High Court in Abuja also ordered the remand of the Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Abdulrasheed Bawa, at the Kuje Custodial Centre.

Lifestyle

NSCDC arrests fake soldier who defrauded 22 residents in Nasarawa

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The Nasarawa State command of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has arrested a fake soldier in Keffi-Wambai community, Lafia Local Government Area of the State.

The suspect, Moses Ayaka, 32, confessed to have defrauded over 22 individuals in the area with proceeds amounting to N440,000.

Parading the suspect at the State Command Headquarters of the NSCDC in Lafia on Tuesday, the State Commandant, Abbas Bappa Muhammed who spoke through the spokesperson, DSC Jerry Victor said the suspect was arrested based on the tip-off made available by the member of the public and a victim to the suspect.

“The suspect was arrested by the gallant men of the Command on the 9th September, 2022 at about 1700hrs in Keffi-Wambai, Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State,” the spokesperson stated.

“The suspect who is an indigene of Bakin Ayini, in Kokona local government area of Nasarawa State, was caught with various items that belongs to the military, these items include: No1 Dress, 1 set of Camouflage, P-Cap Tie, Military inner vest, sophisticated and poisonous Jack-knife and a motorcycle he allegedly stole from one of his victim.

“The suspect, confessed that some of the items were sold to him by one LCPL Gabriel serving in Maiduguri, Borno State and LCPL Daniel serving in Calabar, Cross-River State who he claimed are serving military personnel.

“The suspect, confessed that some of the items were sold to him by one LCPL Gabriel serving in Maiduguri, Borno State and LCPL Daniel serving in Calabar, Cross-River State who he claimed are serving military personnel.

“The suspect, Moses Ayaka,32yrs, onfessed to have defrauded over 22 individuals amounting to N440,000 and attributed it to the handiwork of the devil.

He will be charge to competent court of jurisdiction for prosecution after investigation is concluded,” he added.

DSC Jerry further called on the people of the State to be security conscious, and report any suspected movement in and around their vicinity, to any security agencies closer to them.

Lifestyle

17 Boko Haram terrorists and family members surrender to Nigerian Army in Borno

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Seventeen Boko Haram terrorists including their family members have surrendered to the Nigerian Army in Borno State.

The terrorists surrendered with their weapons to troops of 151 Task Force Battalion deployed at Banki-Junction in Bama Local Government Area of the state.

The Army in a statement on Tuesday, September 20, said the terrorists surrendered due to renewed military onslaughts by gallant troops of Operation Hadin Kai.

“Profiling of the surrendered terrorists is ongoing,” the statement added.

The latest develoment is coming days after a chief executioner from Shekau’s faction, Bashir Bulabuduwaye, recently surrendered to the Nigerian troops.

Bulabuduwaye, alongside his wives and children, surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai stationed in Baking, Bama.

Lifestyle

Lagos lawyer petitions Army chief over inspector’s murder

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The legal firm led by the human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has requested the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Leo Irabo, to investigate the alleged torture and killing of officers of the Lagos State Police Command by some privates of the Nigerian Army at the Trade Fair area of Lagos-Badagry Expressway, Lagos State.

It had been reported that an inspector, serving with the Lagos command, Orukpe Monday, had died from the torture he allegedly received from soldiers who attacked him and his colleagues while carrying out their duties earlier this month.

It was gathered that the soldiers descended on the policemen after the officers stopped vehicles in their lane to allow a truck to connect to the expressway, killing Monday during the altercation.

Another Inspector, Igbafe Ojo, reportedly tortured by the soldiers, was taken to the Ojo Military Cantonment hospital for treatment.

Activists and groups, including the Lagos Police Command, had condemned the alleged killing and called for transparent investigations to bring the culprits to book.

However, in a letter signed by its Per Pro, Taiwo Olawanle, Femi Falana Chambers requested the Army Chief to investigate the incident.

“Our attention has just been drawn to the brutal killing of Inspector Monday Orukpe and torturing of four others, all of the Ojo Division of the Lagos State Police Command.

It would interest you to know that save for the maturity and skill of the officers of the Nigeria Police Force involved, the event would have left many injured and killed including innocent civilians going about their normal business activities,” the letter read in part.

“Having regard to the avoidable tragic incident, we humbly request you to use your good offices to cause a thorough investigation into this allegation and fish out the members of the Nigerian Army who carried out this uncivilized act on the personnel of a sister security agency carrying out their constitutional mandates.”

Olawanle said he believed the Army Chief would let justice prevail in the matter.

Lifestyle

Man arrested with Army uniform and gun in Kano

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A suspect, whose name is yet to be revealed, has been arrested in Kano State with Army uniform, a rifle and ammunition.

Daily Trust reports that the suspect had been disguising as an army officer, with the name tag M.A Ibrahim to extort money from people along the popular BUK road in the state metropolis.

A resident of the community who spoke on condition of anonymity said the suspect was living at Danbare area of BUK, and had been telling people that he was a captain in the Nigerian Army.

The suspect was arrested on Thursday, August 18, after he forcefully secured the release of his girlfriend, who was arrested by Hisbah officials. He was said to have shot into the air at the Hisbah office and freed her.

“You know Hisbah officials come here to arrest ladies that come to take drugs and do other indecent things. So they arrested his girlfriend and took her to their office. When he got to the Hisbah office here in Danbere, he fired shots into the air more than three times and went away with her.We then reported to the police and the army here in Janguza barracks.

When we sent them his pictures, they realized that he is not an army officer and directed that whenever we see him we should call them.

When we saw his car parked at one filling station, we immediately called them and they arrested him” an eyewitness told the publication.

He said although the suspect was not arrested in his car, a gun and army uniform were found in his car. The spokesman for the police in the state, SP Abdullahi Haruna Kiyawa, said he learnt about the case but the suspect had not been handed over to the police.

Lifestyle

Army gifts soldiers motorcycles

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The General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Taoreed Lagbaja, has honoured four soldiers serving in the Division for their diligence while performing their duties.

The honoured soldiers are Staff Seargent Amodu Simon, Seargeant Oyinbo Emmanuel, Corporal Mbanaso Isaac, and Private Ibrahim Lawal.A statement on Wednesday by the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Col Abubakar Abdullahi, said they were honoured during an event held on Tuesday at Abakpa Cantonment Enugu, where each received a brand new motorcycle, in addition to letters of commendation from the GOC.

While making the presentation to the soldiers, Maj Gen Lagbaja described their conduct as commendable and exemplary and noted that the soldiers’ assiduousness in ensuring the hygiene of the various portions of the cantonment assigned to them was impressive. He charged other Division soldiers to emulate the honourees’ exemplary conduct.The General Officer Commanding disclosed that the four motorcycles presented to the soldiers were a symbol of appreciation for their outstanding conduct.

He, therefore, enjoined them not to relent in their duties even if they thought nobody was observing.Each of the four awarded soldiers was drawn from various units of the Division and was picked after carefully observing their conduct over a period.

Lifestyle

Army denies complicity in Prelate’s kidnap as youths protest

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The Nigerian Army (NA), yesterday, denied allegations of complicity of its troops in the kidnap incident of the Prelate of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, His Eminence Samuel Uche, and two others in Umunneochi, Abia State, on Sunday.

The Prelate, his Chaplain, Very Rev. Abidemi Shittu and the Methodist Bishop of Owerri Diocese, Rt. Rev. Dennis Mark, were abducted along the Enugu-Port Harcourt expressway in Umunneochi Local Council.

While narrating his ordeal in the hands of the kidnappers, Uche, who was released on Monday after paying N100 Million ransom, had alleged that some soldiers from the North, posted to the area, were aiding kidnappers in the region.

But reacting to the allegation in a statement he sent to The Guardian, the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. General Onyema Nwachukwu, who doubted the position of the Cleric, noted that the allegation is false.

Nwachukwu said: “While the Nigerian Army expresses concern and sympathy for the victim of this heinous crime and shares in his pains, the insinuation that troops are complicit in the kidnap incident is not premised on any findings of investigations and, therefore, unacceptable.

“This allegation, therefore, raises some pertinent questions, which are still unanswered.

“Given the spate of insecurity in the region, was the issue reported to the unit covering the area? Did the Methodist Church take the NA into confidence while negotiating the ransom with the kidnappers? The unit has received no formal complaint. More worrisome is the fact that it was alleged that the ransom was paid in less than 24 hours. Was the ransom paid to troops? These are questions that beg for answers.

MEANWHILE, youths of Umunneochi Local Council, where the abduction occurred, yesterday, staged a peaceful protest to the local council headquarters at Nkwoagu Isuochi.

They expressed worry over the recurring incidents of kidnapping, abduction and other acts of criminality within the council and neighbouring Uturu axis in Isuikwuato Local Council, where many students and staff of Abia State University Uturu have fallen victims.

Politics

Army slams reports of aiding criminalities in Abia State

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The Nigerian Army has dismissed allegations by a lawmaker in Abia that military personnel were aiding and abetting criminality in the Isuikwuato Local Government Area of the state.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement in Abuja, warned the lawmaker to desist from such blackmail.

Nwachukwu said that the assembly member representing Isuikwuato constituency of Abia had alleged that when security agents arrested suspected kidnappers of Abia State University lecturers, a certain call came from a high military formation ordering their release.

“Much as we do not want to join issues with the insinuators, it is crucial to set the record straight.

If truly the claims in the said report emanated from the lawmaker, then we must state without mincing words that they are not only unfounded but a travesty of facts and reality.

“The claim is completely devoid of truth. It is most unfair for anyone at that height of the social ladder to sponsor a smear campaign against the Nigerian Army for whatever reason; particularly knowing that he has access to the leadership of the military.

Contrary to the narrative being peddled in the said report, it took the gallantry of our men on patrol to rescue the victims of the said kidnap incident before handing them over to the police.

“How then could the same army that was instrumental to the rescue of the victims, turn around to order the release of the suspects.

“Evidently, this is illogical and a blatant lie,” he said.

Nwachukwu said that the report was an abysmally failed attempt at blackmailing the army for denying unscrupulous elements the freedom of action to foist lawlessness and violence on the good people and government of Abia.

He said that the lawmaker was supposed to have sought clarifications from the army before resorting to media trial.

He appealed to members of the public to approach the army on any issue requiring clarification rather than resorting to blackmail.

Lifestyle

Bandits invade barracks in Kaduna, steal cows owned by army officers

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Gunmen suspected to be bandits have invaded the military barracks of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji, Kaduna State, and carted away a herd of cattle in the early hours of Thursday.

The incident happened around 2:00 am as the gunmen arrived at the barracks and started shooting sporadically in the air to cause panic in the Army community.

Though the exact number of the cattle stolen could not be determined, an eyewitness told SaharaReporters on Thursday evening that the cows would not be less than a hundred in number based on previous experience.

According to the source who spoke on condition of anonymity for security reasons, the cattle were owned by Army officers.

He, therefore, expressed shock that the barracks could be so porous for bandits to attack without any form of resistance.

The source told SaharaReporters the first time it happened was last year and that about 400 cows were taken away by the bandits in what he described as a bloodless attack on the barracks.

Around 2:00 am on Thursday, gunmen invaded where cattle are kept at Jaji barracks in Kaduna here. Those cattle are owned by some military officers. So, they are kept at the Mammy market, inside the barracks at Jaji here. I cannot tell you the number of cows taken by these bandits but before the operation, they were shooting sporadically in the air.

“Even the people outside the barracks heard the gunshots. And this was not the first time. The first time it happened was last year. That one happened close to the Firing Range. They went there and took away all the cattle. About 400 cows were taken away. Some of them (cows) managed to come back to their ranch,” the source said.

When asked if the bandits came with a truck or any vehicle to convey the cattle, the eyewitness said they did not drive any truck.

He said they took the cattle away on foot.

He also lamented that both the military personnel and civilians living in the barracks and the areas surrounding the military base are no longer safe.

“They didn’t come with any vehicle. They would just come on foot and push the cattle away. This is telling us that one day, even, the Army officers in the barracks can be kidnapped. And the barracks are one of the most strategic barracks in the country.

“In the barracks there, there are houses that even foreign Army officers that are taking courses live in. The Jaji barracks are among the largest in the country and if this kind of thing is happening there, that means we are not safe anymore.

There was a time even military officers from African and Asian countries came for courses there. Majors and Captains do come there from different countries. Every graduation, you will notice that about 17 African countries participate. It means that even foreign officers can be abducted. And if this happens, it is a slap on the face of the country.

“I don’t know if the military authorities are doing anything to see how they can tackle the issue. What I want you to know is that even the immediate areas surrounding the barracks are being attacked daily, and nothing is done. Outside the cantonment, barely a kilometre away is not safe,” he said.

Politics

Army rescues 10 foreigners, four Nigerians abducted by sea pirates

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The Nigerian Army has said troops of its 6 Division, on Saturday, rescued 10 expatriate workers and four Nigerians who were kidnapped by sea pirates off the Coast of Gabon.

This was disclosed in a statement released by the Nigerian Army and signed by it’s Director of Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Yerima, in Abuja.

Yerima said the rescue operation was carried out successfully and without any ugly incident or casualties.

He said the rescued victims would be handed over to law enforcement agents for further profiling before they would be released to their loved ones.

Politics

Army denies reported killing of 20 soldiers in Borno

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The reported killing of 20 soldiers of the Nigerian Army by Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the North-East Theatre of Operation Lafiya Dole has been dismissed as false.

The denial was contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Mohammad Yerima on Thursday.

According to Yerima, an online report titled: “Nigerian Army keeps mum as Boko Haram terrorists kill 20 Soldiers In Borno” is false, fake and baseless.

The Army spokesman also said the report was aimed at discouraging the public and demoralising troops on the untiring efforts in the overall fight against insurgency, insisting that there was no attack where 20 soldiers were killed in the entire Theatre.

He also disclosed that the recent attacks on troops providing security for road construction workers along Goniri–Kafa on Feb. 5 and in Geidam on Feb. 9 were decisively dealt with.

He further stated that the attack on the troops along the road construction site and the attempt to infiltrate Geidam town by the terrorists were swiftly and professionally cleared by the Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) and elements of 159 Task Force Battalion.

According to Yerima, soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice while two others who sustained injuries were currently receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

He also disclosed that Boko Haram and ISWAP are on the run and desperate for foods, drugs and logistics from soft targets for survival as their camps, routes and enclaves have been destroyed, blocked and manned by troops of Operation “TURA TAKAIBANGO.”

He said that troops also overpowered terrorists mounted on eight gun trucks, motor bikes and foot soldiers who attempted attack on troops of 3 Battalion at Rann in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno on Feb. 9, adding that the troops held their ground and instantly destroyed one terrorists’ gun truck.

“With swift air support during the attack, the terrorists lost initiative and had to scamper for safety due to heavy aerial bombardments, while additional four terrorists’ gun trucks were completely destroyed as several of their members were killed while others fled with gunshot wounds.

The situation within the Rann general area is under control by our troops and members of the community are going about their normal activities.

“Members of the general public are therefore requested to continue to cooperate with the Nigerian Military to fight both the terrorists and peddlers of fake and unsubstantiated stories.

“We shall continue to remain focus and determined to perform our constitutional roles and responsibilities professionally in the protection of the sovereignty of our nation, ensure the safety of lives and property, while we clear the terrorists and their cohorts within the region,” Yerima said.

World News

Soldier To Die By Firing Squad For Killing Newly Married Commander.

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Maduabuchi had in July 2020 fired at least five shots at the late Ngorgi, while the latter was on the telephone with his newly married wife.

A court-martial sitting in Borno State has sentenced Trooper Azunna Maduabuchi to death by firing squad for killing his commander at 202 Battalion of the 21 Special Armoured Brigade in Bama, Lieutenant Babakaka Ngorgi.

Maduabuchi was on Tuesday sentenced to death by firing squad after he was found guilty at the court session held at the Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

This, according to the court, is in accordance with Section 106 of the Armed Forces Act.

Maduabuchi had in July 2020 fired at least five shots at the late Ngorgi, while the latter was on the telephone with his newly married wife.

He was said to have embarked on the shooting spree shortly after the troops returned from scanning the environment to wade off Boko Haram terrorists.

Maduabuchi

SaharaReporters gathered that the shooter aimed at the officer’s chest and released rapid rounds, stunning his colleagues who were present.

“We were all shocked because we did not expect that such a thing could happen at that moment. Soldiers and officers were in a sad mood to the extent that they wanted to go and kill the shooter in the guardroom but the Brigade Commander ordered that they should not kill the guy.

“Later, we tried to verify if there were issues between them but nothing personal was established. We only found out that the soldier’s bank account had been blocked for several months so he could not collect his office allowance and salary. He had been complaining that he was also not even given a pass so he could go out. We are in a sad mood already here,” a source said.

Entertainment

Army Releases List Of Successful Candidates For SSC, DSSC

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The Nigeria Army yesterday released the list of successful candidates for its Short Service Combatant Course 47/2021 and Direct Short Service Commission 26/2021.

In a statement by the director, Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Sagir Musa, the Army said that the names of the successful candidates had been uploaded to the Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal.

The statement noted: “This is to inform the general public that candidates who were successful at the SSC 47/2021 and DSSC 26/2021 pre-selection examination conducted across the country on 14 November 2020 have been shortlisted and published on the Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal.

“The portal can be accessed on https://.recruitment.army.mil.ng/.ms/shortlisted from 12.00am on 10 January 2021. Candidates who sat for the pre-selection examination are strongly advised to confirm their names and other details from the portal and ensure they are shortlisted before reporting for the Selection Board. Details of items to be carried and other instructions for candidates are contained on the portal.

“Shortlisted candidates for SSC 47/2021 are to report for the Selection Board on 16 January 2021 at Nigerian Army Training Area Falgore, in Kano state. The direction to Falgore is included in the General Instructions to candidates on the portal.

“Shortlisted candidates for DSSC 26/2021 are to report for the Selection Board on 1 February 2021 also at the Nigerian Army Training Area in Falgore Kano State.

“Candidates are to beware of internet fraudsters that may operate other websites to publish names and defraud unsuspecting candidates.  Accordingly, candidates are to make sure they only confirm their names from the authentic Nigerian Army Recruitment Portal using https://.recruitment.army.mil.ng/.ms/shortlisted”.

Lifestyle

Army officers arrive probe venue, to show footage of Lekki shootings

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Officers of the Nigerian Army, 81 Division have arrived at the Lagos Court of Arbitration, venue of the probe into the alleged shooting of #EndSARS protesters by soldiers on the night of October 20 at the Lekki tollgate in Lagos.

The PUNCH had reported that in response to a summons by the retired Justice Doris Okuwobi-led Judicial Panel of Inquiry probing the tollgate shooting, the Army had submitted the names of three Lieutenant Generals and a Lieutenant Colonel who will testify before the panel.

The Army, which vehemently denied shooting at or killing any of the protesting youths, had also told the panel that it was ready to show videos capturing its activities at the tollgate on October 20 night.

The military officers are led by the Commander of 81 Military Intelligence Brigade, Victoria Island, Lagos, Brig. Gen. Ahmed Taiwo.

At the moment, soldiers, lawyers, journalists and other persons are in the hearing hall awaiting the arrival of the panel.

Details later…

Politics

End SARS: Tinubu slams Army for using live bullets on protesters, deny owning Lekki Toll Gate

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The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Tinubu, has denied being part of the shooting at the Lekki Toll Gate on Tuesday night.

Dozens of End SARS protesters were killed and many left critically injured, after men believed to be officers of the Nigerian Army, opened fire at them.

In a telephone interview with Channels Television on Wednesday morning, Tinubu insisted he will never be part of any carnage.

The former Governor of the state also condemned the action of the Army, saying, “Why will they use live bullets?

“I will never, never be part of any carnage. I will never be part of that.”

Tinubu also denied having any investment in the Lekki Concession Company (LCC), the firm which manages the tollgate.

“I have no dime, no kobo investment in the tollgate,” he said.

Politics, World News

We will defend Nigeria at all cost – Army

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Following the heightening protests against police brutality across the country, the Nigerian Army has warned it is prepared to protect the country’s democracy at all cost.

Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”

Lieutenant General TY Buratai (Chief of Army Staff)

According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in  Nigeria.

“As a responsible and law abiding organisation,  the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.

 “The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such  acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.

“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.

“All officers  and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.

Apparently referring to the #EndSARS protesters, the Nigerian Army in a statement by the Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, assured it is committed to the “sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria”

According to the statement: “The Nigerian Army (NA) wishes to reassure law abiding citizens that it is highly committed to the sustenance of peace, security and defence of democracy in Nigeria.

“As a responsible and law abiding organisation, the NA reaffirms its unalloyed loyalty and commitment to the President, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari and the Constitution of the Country.

“The NA hereby warns all subversive elements and trouble makers to desist from such acts as it remains highly committed to defend the country and her democracy at all cost.

“The NA is ready to fully support the civil authority in whatever capacity to maintain law and order and deal with any situation decisively.

“All officers and men are directed never to be distracted by anti democratic forces and agents of disunity”.

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