Defence

Military dismisses alleged shooting of civilians in Plateau by soldiers

Published

7 months ago

April 15, 2024

Military dismisses alleged shooting of civilians in Plateau by soldiers

Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a special military task force maintaining peace in Plateau and its environs, has dismissed the allegation that its soldiers shot innocent civilians in the recent attacks in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation denied the allegation in a statement on Monday in Jos.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Coalition of Bokkos Ethnic Youth Nationalities alleged that soldiers shot civilians and compounded the vulnerability of residents of the locality.

The group, who called for the removal of the Commander of OPSH Step-Up Headquarters 2 in Bokkos, said that the security agencies failed to quell the recent killings in some communities of the council.

However, the media officer described the allegation as unfounded and aimed at tarnishing the good image of the military and other security agencies in the state.

He also noted that the claim by the group that security agencies deployed to Bokkos had a confrontation with vigilantes was mischievous, insisting that the personnel were professional while repelling the attack.

“Security agencies were rather preoccupied with restoring normalcy during the confrontations between different ethnic groups on April 13, 2024.

“Kudos should be given to these troops who remained deployed without break for over 72 hours ensuring that the high grounds and other vulnerable communities were dominated in a bid to protect law-abiding citizens.

“Also, the use of sophisticated weapons by the acclaimed vigilante was further buttressed by the discovery of eleven rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition in the possession of the dead militia contrary to claims that he was a vigilante who was using Dane gun to protect his community.

“Moreover, the acclaimed vigilante was already dead before the troops arrived in the area, therefore, the allegation of killing of the vigilante is a calculated effort to feign weakness and exonerate the dead vigilante from his participation in the attacks and counter-reprisals,” he said.

Zhakom further said that the call by the group for the removal of its set-up commander in Bokkos was malicious and aimed at dampening the morale of troops in carrying out their lawful duties.

“The call is not unconnected with the increased tempo of operations carried out by troops under the command of the senior officer which has denied criminal elements on both sides of the divide the freedom of action.

“The desperation of the petitioners may have been aggravated by the impartial stance of the commander during the attack which is already given a religious connotation to stir sentiment and instigate spillover to other parts of Plateau.

”It is of utmost importance to stress the risks associated with desperate attempts to galvanise negative public opinion against security agencies taking into account the risks it poses.

“Notwithstanding, the deliberate efforts to cast aspersion on our personnel, security agencies will continue to take proactive steps to prevent breakdown of law and order in our joint operations area,” he said.

The media officer, however, called on residents of the state to support the military and other security agencies in their bid to ensure a peaceful Plateau.

(NAN)

Defence

BREAKING: COAS Lagbaja is dead

Published

2 weeks ago

November 6, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died at age 56.

According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Army Chief passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.

In his message of condolence, President Tinubu extended heartfelt sympathies to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his “significant contributions to the nation.”

The President wished the late General eternal peace and recognized his dedicated service during this difficult time for the military and the nation.

Defence

DHQ Dismisses Claims of Ag COAS, Warns Against Military Takeover Rumours

Published

4 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

DHQ Dismisses Claims of Ag COAS, Warns Against Military Takeover Rumours

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), clarifying that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.

Gusau emphasised that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had spoken with the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a few minutes prior to the statement, confirming that the Army Chief is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is professionally managed, and all Service Chiefs are performing their duties in line with the Constitution,” Gusau said.

He also clarified that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.

Gusau urged individuals spreading false information to desist immediately, reassuring the public that “the COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties after his leave.”

He further called on media outlets to verify information with appropriate authorities before disseminating false reports.

In a strong warning, Gusau noted that any calls for a military takeover are treasonous under the Constitution, adding that “The Armed Forces remain loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are committed to the preservation and advancement of democracy in Nigeria.”

He added that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country is a direct result of President Tinubu’s support for the military and the leadership of the Armed Forces.

Gusau concluded by stating that the military, alongside relevant security agencies, has been mandated to act against any individuals or groups advocating unconstitutional changes in governance.

“The CDS appreciates the continued support and prayers of Nigerians. Victory is assured,” he said.

Defence

Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’

Published

4 weeks ago

October 21, 2024

Matthew Eloyi

Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’

The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.

The rumours, attributed to a post by one Jackson Ude, were labeled “Fake News” by the army on its official X handle on Sunday.

Speculations had spread that the Army Chief passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad, with no official confirmation from the military or the Defence Headquarters.

In response, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the COAS is on leave and attending to his health outside the country.

“There is no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army,” Nwachukwu emphasised, adding that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, is overseeing army affairs during Lagbaja’s absence.

He dismissed the rumours as mischievous, designed to cause panic and confusion.

“The Nigerian Army has a well-structured protocol for dealing with such situations, and this is not the first time a service chief has taken leave,” Nwachukwu explained.

The Army assured Nigerians that the service remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security, while also expressing gratitude to those who have shown concern and prayed for Lagbaja’s swift recovery.