Buratai and Mallam Fatori are located in Biu and Abadam local government areas.

Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, made this known in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri.

He said the operation, which occurred in the early hours of Thursday, was supported by the Nigerian Army UAV platforms and the air component.

Kovangiya said preliminary findings revealed that several terrorists were killed, while AK-47 rifles, general purpose machine guns, rocket propelled guns and other equipment were recovered.

“The terrorists had attempted to infiltrate troops’ locations from multiple fronts, but were met with fierce resistance from ground troops, with close support from the Air Component.

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“Troops swiftly engaged the terrorists with heavy gunfire while the Air Component provided close air support.

“Several lifeless bodies of terrorists were discovered, and a large cache of assorted arms and ammunition recovered,” Kovangiya said.

The spokesperson added that the troops were combing the areas to clear possible remnants of the insurgents.

“After hours of intense gun duel, the terrorists fled in disarray. Troops pursued the retreating terrorists, neutralising scores while others escaped with gunshot wounds,” he said.

Kovangiya noted that coordinated ground and air operations were ongoing in the general area, reaffirming the commitment of troops to deny terrorists freedom of action across the North East.

Source: NAN

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In a message delivered at the 8th Annual Conference of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, in Lokoja, Kogi State on Thursday, Buratai said that providing effective solutions to the myriads of problems in the power sector would encourage investors to Nigeria.

Buratai, who was represented by Dr  Mohammed Sam Abubakar, his Special Adviser on Research and Development, said he was optimistic that the president would get his new cabinet to transform the power sector.

Commenting on the theme of the conference titled, “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit And Transitioning To Digital Economy,” he said it was relevant to Nigeria as it confronts insecurity that undermines social security.

He therefore suggested commitment to innovations essential to drive the collective course of the Nigerian nation.

“We must use technology as catalysts to generate meaningful progress,’’ he said, adding, “Nigerians should support President Tinubu to deliver.’’

He said unless the present administration tackled the problem of miscreants destroying power holding infrastructures in certain parts of the country, such unwholesome practices could spread to the other parts of the country.

READ ALSO: CBN sells $543m to banks to check market volatility

Meanwhile, Prof Rotimi Ajayi of the Department of Political Science, Federal University Lokoja , one of the panelists at the conference, said insecurity, power deficit and transitioning to digital economy were all related in terms of causative factors as well as the solutions to them.

But he said one thing that had been missing in the analysis of Nigeria’s problems was the question of leadership.

While explaining that the governance process was faulty, he noted  that that was also not about corruption alone but a combination of many factors.

“When I look at the configuration of the Nigerian population, the least thing that bothers them is digital education, they just want to eat and have access to their farms,  so tackling the issue of insecurity is key and this rests solely on leadership,’’ he said.

“Nigeria no longer has followers; the citizens have become slaves. Unfortunately, people think access to government  is an opportunity to bring home government resources,’’ he said.

He therefore urged online publishers to interrogate the governing process and ensure that the society did not only punish corruption but kicked against anything that glorified it.

“This will lay the foundation for insecurity not to thrive,’’ he explained.

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This is just as attendance and participation by other highly fecund speakers and panelists have been confirmed.

They comprise, among others, former Chief of Army Staff, Lt-General Tukur Yusuf Buratai (Retd); the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida; a Professor of Political Science at the Federal University Lokoja, Rotimi Ajayi, and an edutainment communicator and veteran broadcaster, Ms Debrah M. Ogazuma.

Chairman, 2024 Conference Planning Committee, Danlami Nmodu, disclosed these in a press statement issued by the Publicity Secretary of GOCOP, Sir Remmy Nweke.

According to the statement, Nmodu said that Imoke would lead discussion on the theme: “Nigeria: Tackling Insecurity, Power Deficit, and Transitioning to Digital Economy” at the Reverton Hotel, GRA Lokoja, Kogi State on Thursday, October 3, 2024 by 10 a.m.

Senator Imoke was at a time Special Adviser to President  Olusegun Obasanjo on Utilities and Chairman, Presidential Committee on OMPADEC and NEPA Technical Boards.

In 2007, Senator Imoke was elected Governor of Cross River State and served his people in that capacity from 29 May 2007 to 29 May 2015.

Imoke studied Law at the University of Buckingham, England for his LLB degree in 1985, and then studied at the American University in Washington, D.C., where he gained a master’s degree in Law.

He completed his legal education at the Nigerian Law School, Lagos, in 1988.

He was earlier elected a Senator in 1992 and was in the National Assembly until the military incursion, following the annulment of the presidential election of June 12, 1993.

He then went into private enterprise in 1993 as a Managing Consultant.

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Retired Lt-General Buratai would be joined by Dr. Aminu Maida as Guest Speakers.

The committee stated that Professor Ajayi would join other panellists, including a former Commissioner in Kwara State and National Coordinator of West African Media Network, WAMNET, Ms Ogazuma.

The 2024 GOCOP conference is the eighth in the series and would be chaired by former Nigeria’s Ambassador to Spain, Yusuf Mamman.

The 2023 edition was chaired by the JAMB Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof Ishaq Olarenwaju Oloyede, while the first Nigerian Professor of Capital Market, Prof. Uchenna Joseph Uwaleke, was the keynote speaker.

Previous speakers at the annual conference consisted of Rev. Matthew Hassan Kukah, the Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto who delivered the 2019 lecture on “Economy, Security and National Development: The Way Forward.””

In 2021, Mr. Boss Mustapha, as the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on Covid-19, keynoted the conference and spoke on: “Post Covid-19 Pandemic: Recovery and Reconstruction in Nigeria.”

Professor Mahmood Yakubu, Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, delivered the keynote at the 2022 edition themed “2023 Elections: Managing the Process for Credible Outcome.”

GOCOP was established to ensure that online publishers uphold the tenets of journalism.

Membership of the Guild is a constellation of editors and senior journalists who, having distinguished themselves in their various positions in the print and electronic media, ventured into online publishing which is both the present and future of journalism globally.

The Guild has over 104 corporate publishers as members.

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Buratai, who is also Nigeria’s former Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, added that the online had become an instrument for growth of democracy because of its potential to hold politicians accountable.

Buratai made the statement in a goodwill message in Abuja during the 7th Annual Conference of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Research and Documentation and Acting Director, Tukur Buratai Research Centre, Dr. M. S. Abubakar, the former Chief of Army Staff said that he had always valued the vitality of the online media in their reach, penetration, speed, and durability.

He said: “As we all consider the media to be the fourth estate of the realm, then the online component of the media should be compared to the Infantry Corps of an Army.

“To an Army, the Infantry is the Queen of Battle. Therefore, I see the online publishers as the Queen of the Media.

“Real power revolves around the Queen.”

General Buratai went on to say that unlike traditional or print media, online media can reach millions of people all over the world in minutes with just one click.

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Because of its low cost, he maintained that online media has made a big contribution to informing, educating, and entertaining the general people.

While praising the adaptability of the online media, Buratai also pointed out some undesirable developments.

He cited what he called “the extensive use of propaganda, half-truths, manufactured lies, and fake news”, as unintended repercussions of the development.

He urged the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, to put a stop to those who violate its corporate objectives by standing firm and ensuring that all practitioners in the online media adhere to ethical standards and professionalism.

“I have a firm conviction that online media is a genuine instrument for the consolidation of our nation’s social fabric, the promotion of forward movement, the maintenance of peace and security, and the growth of our economy.

“Therefore, GOCOP should continue to assist us in sanitizing and standardizing the online media space to make it healthier and more effective.

“This vital domain will not be ceded to fifth columnists, bigots, and blackmailers.

“This does not preclude the use of online media to expose corruption and injustice and advocate for the rights of the disadvantaged.”

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The books were written, specifically to aid in the visualization of the horrors terrorists  have visited on citizens and how the Nigerian Army and other security services, Civilian JTF confronted them under the leadership of the 20th Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai.

The books are “Walking the War Front with Lt. Gen. TY Buratai,” “Duty Call Under Buratai’s Command” and “The Lonely Grave and Other Poems – an anthology.”

A military officer who saw the manuscripts of the books, had this to say: “These books, which have taken Jibrin over five years to successfully complete, have taken a lot of sweat, blood and tears. These books are not just mere stories but actual realities. Not just through his eyes, but also through the experiences of servicemen.”

In a statement, Ndace said that the public presentation of his books would be held in the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja.

He described his trilogy as a must read for everyone seeking to have deep insight and pictorial evidence on Nigeria’s counter-insurgency warfare in the most ravaging moments.

Speaking on why he embarked on the project which took him five years of hard work, Ndace, immediate-past Chief Press Secretary to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State, noted that he was encouraged by the need to document that phase of the war against insurgency in which he was a witness.

“These books were inspired by many veterans who fought on and off the war field.

“Soldiers who sacrificed their lives to serve our great nation, the courage they exhibited and the aftermath of their gruesome experiences.

“Amongst many soldiers and servicemen, Lt. Gen. TY Buratai occupies a large part of the storytelling.

“Lt. Gen T.Y. Buratai is a retired Nigerian Army General, former Chief of Army Staff, who was appointed in 2015 and retired in January 2021,” he said.

On the scope of the book, the ace defence correspondent, explained that his trilogy contains first-hand accounts, poems, photographs, and powerful storytelling, witnessing the courage and sacrifice of soldiers, the brutal realities of combat, and the toll that war takes on both the human body and the human mind.

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Obasa received the committee delegation led by (Rtd.) Gen. Jubril Abdulmalik and other top security experts at the assembly complex in Lagos on Wednesday.

The visit is coming few weeks to the general election which has Sen. Bola Tinubu as APC presidential candidate.

Upon arrival of the committee, Abdulmalik and other security experts including former Chief of Defence Staff,  retired Gen. Abayomi Olorunisakin, and the former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Tukur Buratai, immediately went into a close-door meeting with the Speaker.

Also on the entourage were Rtd. Assistant Inspector -General of Police (AIG) Hakeem Odumosu and Dr Abdurrazaq Balogun, a former lawmaker and Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Security Trust Fund.

Source: NAN

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The confirmation of the nominees followed consideration of the report of the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The former Service Chiefs confirmed are: General Abayomi G. Olonisakin (Rtd), Ekiti; Lt. General Tukur Y. Buratai (Rtd), Borno; Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete E. Ibas (Rtd), Cross River; and Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar (Rtd), Bauchi..

Also confirmed was Air Vice Marshal Muhammad S. Usman (Rtd), Kano.

Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, Adamu Muhammad Bulkachuwa, in his presentation said their appointments were made in line with section 171(40) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

According to him, “their experiences as Service Chiefs and in the military where they rose to the highest ranks in their careers have made them eminently qualified; and that the nominees were very knowledgeable and articulate in their response to questions directed at them by the Committee.”

Bulkachuwa, however, disclosed in the report that “the Committee received petitions against their nominations as Non-Career Ambassadors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria but the petitions were dismissed.”

The Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe, while coming under a point of order, demanded explanation as to the rationale behind the dismissal of the petition against the nominees by the committee, particularly against the backdrop of the Senate resolutions in the past calling for their removal as Service Chiefs.

Responding, the Senate President pointed out that the Senate resolution demanding their removal was in no way related to President Muhammadu Buhari’s request for the Senate to confirm them as Ambassadors-Designate, adding that, “these are two separate roles.”

“Without prejudice to what the executive will do, where we need to fight the Boko Haram insurgency and banditry, because of their experience in the field, they should be able to interact very closely and sufficiently to advice and create the atmosphere for working together, for partnership and cooperation between Nigeria and those countries.

“So, I think on that scope, the nomination cannot be nullified because we said they should be changed,” Lawan said.

The nominees were, thereafter, confirmed after a motion moved by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi, to that effect and seconded by the Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe.

The Senate President in his remarks after the nominees were confirmed advised the Executive arm of government to deploy them to countries where their experiences as former military officers would be required.

Lawan said, “the nominees that we have just confirmed are nominees that have served this great country to the best of their ability as Service Chiefs and today, they have been confirmed as Non-Career Ambassadors.

“Our appeal to the Executive is to make sure that we utilise their experiences as Military men to the best, because we should be able to post them to countries where they can be much more useful in their engagements as Ambassadors.”

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They are Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

They replace Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

The announcement was made on Tuesday in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

The statement reads in full:

PRESIDENT BUHARI APPOINTS NEW SERVICE CHIEFS

President Muhammadu Buhari has accepted the immediate resignation of the Service Chiefs, and their retirement from service.

Those involved are the Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Ibok Ekwe Ibas; and Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar.

President Buhari thanks the outgoing Service Chiefs for what he calls their “overwhelming achievements in our efforts at bringing enduring peace to our dear country,” wishing them well in their future endeavours.

The new Service Chiefs are: Major-General Leo Irabor, Chief of Defence Staff; Major-General I. Attahiru, Chief of Army Staff; Rear Admiral A.Z Gambo, Chief of Naval Staff; and Air-Vice Marshal I.O Amao, Chief of Air Staff.

The President congratulates the new Service Chiefs, and urges them to be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of their responsibilities.

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The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

Musa said the air task force played a decisive role in the destruction of seven terrorists’ gun trucks during attempted attack on troops’ location in the area on Saturday.

He said the troops of Operation Tura Takaibango successfully laid an ambush against the terrorists when they attempted to attack troops’ location at the outskirts of Marte.

According to him, the Air Task Force played a commendable role in the destruction of seven terrorists’ gun trucks and decimation of unconfirmed number of the insurgents.

“The Chief of Army Staff hereby appreciates and commends the troops, especially the Air Task Force Operation Lafiya Dole for their heroic and patriotic actions which resulted in the successes recorded.

“He urged them to maintain the momentum and expedite actions to ensure speedy final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Nigeria,” he said.

Source: NAN

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Delivering judgement on Tuesday, the president of the court, Brig. -Gen. Arikpo Ekubi, said the prosecutor had proved his case beyond reasonable doubt that the accused intentionally shot and killed Ngorgi, who was the Adjutant of 212 Battalion, Bama.

“You intentionally opened fire and emptied your magazine of nine rounds of ammunition on the deceased officer, Lt. B.S Ngorgi, who was the Adjutant of 212 Battalion, Bama, which led to his instant death.

“You betrayed the trust and confidence reposed in you by the Nigerian Army to ensure dignity and respect for human life.

“Your action is therefore viewed with displeasure and as affront to efforts of the present leadership of Nigerian Army which emphasised the protection of human rights and professionalism in the discharge of its constitutional roles.

“While condemning your action of unlawfully killing the deceased officer in a gruesome manner, this court considers the plea in mitigation punishment by your counsel, the General Court Martial takes cognisance of all your counsel has said and the fact that you are involved in the Theatre of Operation.

“However, the gravity of the crime that you have committed against the innocent officer which by application is a crime against humanity and an attempt to drag the good name of Nigerian Army into mud must be sanctioned appropriately.

“The general court martial for the offence of murder as provided by section 106 of the Armed Forces Act is death. This sentence is to be carried out by firing squad,” he said.

Ekubi also convicted four soldiers for manslaughter for their involvement in torturing a civilian, one Peter Apogu, to death over a missing car battery.

Based on their nature of involvement in the act, Sgt. Sani Ishaya who is the leader of the team was sentenced to four years in prison, Lance Cpl. Fabiyi Bidemi is to serve two years, while Pte. Adamu Abdulrashid and Pte. Musa Bala are to serve one year each.

The court also sentenced one Pte Mohammed Kuru to three years in prison for accidental discharge at a civilian wedding ceremony that killed a 12 year-old-boy.

One Lance Cpl. Aja Emmauel was demoted to private for assaulting a civilian causing him “grievous bodily harm.”

The court president however said that all the sentences were subject to confirmation by the appropriate superior authority as provided under Section 151 Sub Section 1b and Section 152 Sub section 1b of the Armed Forces Act.

Speaking at the end of the sitting, the Borno Coordinator of National Human Rights Commission, Mrs Jummai Mshelia, lauded the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and show of respect for human rights.

Source: NAN

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