RANDOM PICTURES

Militancy in south west: Tales of sorrow, tears and blood

ACTIVITIES of suspected militants in Lagos and Ogun States has given many lots of sleepless nights. This dangerous trend is gradually making the South West a hotbed. At a time when the zone is still grappling with the acvtivities of suspected Fulani herdsmen, who terrorize the South West, the issue of militancy has reared its ugly head to create an atmosphere of fear and panic in the minds of the people.

Asides this, there are growing concerns over how this might affect the socio-economic life of the South West if not curtailed once and for all. Infact, the fear of militants in some communities is now the beginning of wisdom.
Not only that the activities of the hooligans, who parade themselves as militants, have left tales of sorrow and trails of blood. The aftermath of their marauding has led to further  angry reactions, with people questioning their regard for human life.
There have been hues and cries over the nefarious acts perpetrated and various groups in the region have warned of dire consequences if urgent measures are not taken to nip these acts in the bud. In recent times, Lagos and Ogun states have been worst hit by these acts of violence.
Against the background of the series of violent and bloodcurdling acts occurring in various communities in Lagos and Ogun states, the Yoruba Unity Forum  had warned that “Nigeria is at, the precipice, threats of insecurity to life and property is no longer the exclusive preserve of any particular community. The attacks this time is coming from an unlikely foe, the Niger Delta militants. The despicable criminality by this group against innocent citizens of Igbolomu and Ishawo areas of Ikorodu in Lagos shall not go unpunished.”
Imushin slaughter
Prior to their brazen move, the militants had been keeping a low profile  in the creeks around some communities in Lagos and Ogun. Infact, there have been several confrontations between security operatives and the militants over their continued vandalisation of pipelines, situated along the Lagos and Ogun creeks.
Perhaps what informed their brazeness was the killing of some vandals, who were their collaborators around   the sleepy, tranquil  community  of  Imushin  in Ogun State. They were said to be on a revenge mission when some operatives of the Ogun State Anti-Robbery Squad had killed two suspected militants, who were said to be vandals.
In the wake of the their attack in Imushin, no fewer than 15 people were killed in the Ogijo area of Ogun State during a raid by suspected militants from the Niger Delta on June 17. Eyewitnesses disclosed that the militants, who numbered about 100 and armed with guns and cutlasses, invaded the community around 11pm and went on a killing spree.
According to eyewitness accounts, one of the victims, a technician named Waheed Buhari, was killed in front of his home. Also, one of Waheed’s children, Mariam, sustained bullet wounds. It was gathered that the militants shot dead a travel agent, Oladele Ogundare, who was said to be returning home in his car when the gunmen opened fire on the vehicle.
Another resident, Umoru, who was said to be eating noodles at the time, was chased, hacked and shot to death, along with a friend, Danladi. The assailants were said to have attacked a mosque in the community and killed a Muslim cleric there. While they also reportedly robbed and injured customers at hotels in the environs, 25 shops were also said to have been robbed.
According to many residents of the community, the militants threatened to continue the killings when they return. A resident said the assailants were suspected to be Ijaw youths involved in pipeline vandalism. Interestingly, the Imushin saga was meant to be a rehearsal for the militants.
Arepo killings
Last February, there were reported cases where pipeline vandals laid ambush on the   Anti Pipeline Vandalism Joint Task Force, JTF in the Arepo area of Ogun state, killing five operatives. The operatives were suspected to be naval personnel.
The incident was described as a reprisal attack, when the Joint Task Force, comprising the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and the National Security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, had launched a series of attacks at the pipeline vandalism syndicate in the area, which led to a series of arrests and startling discoveries.
Invasion of Lagos
The incursion of the militants into some Lagos communities has raised palpable tension in the once peaceful state. Many residents are apprehensive that the militants are gradually making in-roads into Lagos State and perhaps, by extension, the South West. The recent invasion of Ewedogbon area of Totowu, a riverine community in Ishuti, Igando, old Alimosho Local Government Area, is raising tension.
The community, which was engulfed in a fresh attack by suspected Niger Delta militants saw scores of Lagos residents killed as the militants entered into people’s houses to torment them. Not only that, the recent abduction of a Lagos monarch, the Oniba of Ibaland, Oba Goriola Oseni has made matters worse.
In the wake of the abduction, two persons were killed when the traditional ruler was killed by suspected militants in the Iba Local Council Development Area, Lagos. The gunmen suspected to be militants were said to have stormed the community on the night of July 16  in a speedboat, shooting sporadically in an effort to scare residents.
They were said to have been about 16 in number and they allegedly killed a motorcyclist and the monarch’s guard, while several persons sustained injuries. It was gathered that residents, had initially attempted to stop the gunmen, but scampered for safety when the gunshots became unbearable.
Bombardment commences
Perhaps heeding the cry of residents of some of the affected communities where the militants have held sway, the Federal Government deployed troops to the affected communities. It was an attempt to flush out the militants. Already, about 150 suspected militants have been killed in the ongoing joint military operation in riverine communities in Lagos and Ogun States.
The operation involved operatives of the Army, Navy and Police. While the bombardment lasted, the number of casualties could not be ascertained, but unconfirmed reports had it that several lives were lost with about 30 houses destroyed. Observers of events in the country opine that there should be sustained bombardment of the creeks situated in Lagos and Ogun states as a means of assuring residents that peace and tranquility have been restored.
It is expected that the joint military operation will curtail the activities of militants and ensure sanity is restored in the South West.
Ethnic groups wade in
As a means of dousing tension in the communities, the Ijaw National Congress (INC) and the Yoruba Elders Forum (YEF) met to explore ways of tamping the activities of suspected militants, terrorising various communities in Ogun and Lagos states. The ethnic groups held series of meetings in order to see how best to collaborate with security agencies to tame militancy, vandalism, kidnapping and other forms of criminality in the two states.
Afenifere condemns attack
In his remarks, National Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Yinka Odumakin alleged there was a sinister agenda to destablise the South West. Odumakin said, “It is condemnable and despicable. The unwarranted attacks suggest a sinister agenda to take the peace of the South West as we have now seen military operations extended to the region that had hitherto been the only peaceful area of the country.”

#CION PICTURES....

the following ogas abeg i need una help.tomorrow. Oga bidexiii. Oga fynline. Oga giles14.

Video clip of 133 Special Forces Battalion in Psychological Operations and Awareness training at the barracks in Port Hacourt on 4th Aug 2016:

Find video in the link below;

https://www.naij.com/916653-militants-court-troubles-see-soldiers-spotted-barracks-video.html

pacretus:
the following ogas abeg i need una help.tomorrow.
Oga bidexiii.
Oga fynline.
Oga giles14.

........

bidexiii:


........

lol oga na smell help..just help by voting PHOTOSHOOT for MR nairaland 2016.tomorrow is the final,support abeg.

Is it just me or is anyone else enjoying the cross fire between Shekau and al Barnawi? It gives me confidence that Nigerian intel is deep within BH ranks. I remember a time when Col. SK Usman gave a release about Shekau BGs killing some top members who wanted to abscond. The whole jigsaw is now taking shape.

Also, Shekau has been confirmed to be inside Sambisa still. His days are numbered

pacretus:
lol oga na smell help..just help by voting PHOTOSHOOT for MR nairaland 2016.tomorrow is the final,support abeg.

...........

olapluto:
Is it just me or is anyone else enjoying the cross fire between Shekau and al Barnawi? It gives me confidence that Nigerian intel is deep within BH ranks. I remember a time when Col. SK Usman gave a release about Shekau BGs killing some top members who wanted to abscond. The whole jigsaw is now taking shape.

Also, Shekau has been confirmed to be inside Sambisa still. His days are numbered

Shekau or no barnawi, the most important thing is to fight the ideology and minimize terrorism to the bearest minimum. Kill the kingpin and in the nearest time another leader is installed, like we av seeing in other terrorist group.

The Nigeria armed forces is not shaken.

This Boko haram war is by no means over

Until Nigeria kills or captures the top commanders or financiers of the sect.

Otherwise, this is just a merry go round.

olapluto:
Is it just me or is anyone else enjoying the cross fire between Shekau and al Barnawi? It gives me confidence that Nigerian intel is deep within BH ranks. I remember a time when Col. SK Usman gave a release about Shekau BGs killing some top members who wanted to abscond. The whole jigsaw is now taking shape.

Also, Shekau has been confirmed to be inside Sambisa still. His days are numbered

bidexiii:


...........

oga i'll take that for a yes to my request..thanks i'll keep u updated sir.


*NB* u can vote as many contestant u wish to.

All these weapons are police issue

bidexiii:
TROOPS RECOVER CACHE OF ARMS AND AMMUNITIONS IN GAMBORU

Troops conducted raids at Gamboru town early this morning following a tip off.

The troops recovered 3 AK-56 rifles and 2 AK-L rifles with registration numbers; AK-L-AGB 1172, AK-L PU2879, AK-56-2556688, AK-56-22622832 and AK-56-22622315, respectively.

They also recovered 235 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 7 AK-56 rifle magazines.

The Nigerian Army wishes to commend those good citizens that alerted the military for the timely and useful information that led to this recovery.

This is the type of cooperation and support we always require from citizens of this country to enable us clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists.

We wish to reiterate the need for all to be more vigilant, security conscious and report any suspicious movements or persons to the nearest security agency.

Thank you for your kind and usual cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

unknown87:
All these weapons are police issue

Hmmmm.....probably looted.

bidexiii:
Video clip of 133 Special Forces Battalion in Psychological Operations and Awareness training at the barracks in Port Hacourt on 4th Aug 2016:

Find video in the link below;

https://www.naij.com/916653-militants-court-troubles-see-soldiers-spotted-barracks-video.html

https://www.naij.com/916653-militants-court-troubles-see-soldiers-spotted-barracks-video.html[/quote]

The NA is very ready for the Niger Delta. Let people keep on deceiving themselves that NA "cannot fight on water" or "terrain is a problem" . When action starts we shall know.

CAS BAGS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNUS AWARD OF NATIONAL DEFENCE COLLEGE

The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar has bagged the Distinguished Alumnus Award of the National Defence College (NDC), Abuja. The award is in recognition of his exceptional meritorious and distinguished services to the nation. Air Mshl Abubakar was honoured today alongside the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin and other Service Chiefs by the Commander-in-Chief, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR at the graduation ceremony of NDC Course 24 in Abuja.

CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF GETS PRESTIGIOUS AWARD

In recognition of his meritorious service to the Nation, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin has been awarded the Prestigious Defence Alumnus Star Award at the National Defence College (NDC) Abuja.

While presenting the award to the CDS during the graduation ceremony of course 24 the Special Guest of Honour, President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, commended the CDS for the achievement the Armed Forces recorded in the recent time. He used the occasion to task the Armed Forces to deal decisively with any criminal elements working against the peace of our dear nation. See pictures

Adminisher:
https://www.naij.com/916653-militants-court-troubles-see-soldiers-spotted-barracks-video.html

The NA is very ready for the Niger Delta. Let people keep on deceiving themselves that NA "cannot fight on water" or "terrain is a problem" . When action starts we shall know.

u are funny, bros it's not about winning d war but can dey win d battle.

as d African proverb says wen a fly or mosquito pitches on ur testicle den u will remember dat diplomacy is a better solution.

giles14:
u are funny, bros it's not about winning d war but can dey win d battle.

as d African proverb says wen a fly or mosquito pitches on ur testicle den u will remember dat diplomacy is a better solution.

LOL
Am just tired of fights and more fights ..worst of all..caused by Nigerians

Odunayaw:
LOL
Am just tired of fights and more fights ..worst of all..caused by Nigerians

I tell u .simply negotiate wit dem,all dis show off will help no one

giles14:
u are funny, bros it's not about winning d war but can dey win d battle.

as d African proverb says wen a fly or mosquito pitches on ur testicle den u will remember dat diplomacy is a better solution.

Lol

No army is capable of fighting and winning a war on multiple fronts.

Certainly not the Nigerian army

It is not prudent.

You can't bomb your way out of the problems in the niger delta-You create more collateral damage

It just creates more resentment and widespread disaffection

The nigerdelta problems are deep issues of marginalization that won't go away with bombs

Adminisher:
https://www.naij.com/916653-militants-court-troubles-see-soldiers-spotted-barracks-video.html

The NA is very ready for the Niger Delta. Let people keep on deceiving themselves that NA "cannot fight on water" or "terrain is a problem" . When action starts we shall know.

NMS Zaria POP 2015/2016(ELKAS)

ELKASPBG:
NMS Zaria POP 2015/2016(ELKAS)

Is it true that weapon handling is no longer taught at NMS?

rugged7:
No army is capable of fighting and winning a war on multiple fronts.

Certainly not the Nigerian army

It is not prudent.

You can't bomb your way out of the problems in the niger delta-You create more collateral damage

It just creates more resentment and widespread disaffection

The nigerdelta problems are deep issues of marginalization that won't go away with bombs

my own small advice to d military is negotiate with dem.

is dey NDA can spot dat b Naf don't have a 4th gen aircraft tells a lot about dem.

wot ever d Nigerian military are about to do let dem remember dat $1=#400

Katyusha:
Is it true that weapon handling is no longer taught at NMS?

.

bidexiii:

.

oga bidexii,the hour(time) has come to render your support.

Please abeg ejor donallah wowo.vote for PHOTOSHOOT.

To vote:click on the link in my signature and type:i vote photoshoot cc:NLjega

thanks man.

#NAF PICTURES

pacretus:
oga bidexii,the hour(time) has come to render your support.

Please abeg ejor donallah wowo.vote for PHOTOSHOOT.

To vote:click on the link in my signature and type:i vote photoshoot cc:NLjega

thanks man.

Provide "link"..?

Uganda: New Report Slams UPDF Commanders in Somalia

An internal army inquiry has blamed greed of senior officers for last year's al-Shabaab attack that killed 19 UPDF soldiers in Somalia and injured 22.

The raid in question occurred on September 1, 2015, when al-Shabaab militants overran Battle Group BG 16. But while the under-strength Ugandan troops are praised for putting up a brave fight against al-Shabaab, the report implies that more such incidents may happen, because selfish interests pervade the army, including at the stage of deciding who gets deployed to Somalia.

After the deadly attack, the army boss Katumba Wamala instituted a Board of Inquiry (BOI), chaired by Brig Jack Bakasumba to investigate the incident. This came after the first inquiry by Amisom ruled that there was no failure of leadership on the part of Col Bosco Mutambi, the then commander of the attacked battle group.

On June 3 this year, Mutambi was charged afresh and remanded to Makindye military barracks. He has since been demoted from the rank of colonel to lieutenant colonel. In its report, BOI found that the loss and injury of UPDF troops was caused by some senior officers "putting aside what took them to Somalia and putting much emphasis on self-gain".

"It is abound in the UPDF fraternity in Amisom that the cancer that has penetrated the UPDF is the issue of self-gain [which has replaced] the mission objective of liberating Somalia. There are reported [questionable] cases of deployment of logistics especially fuel and operational funds," the report says.

Quoting Capt Gorgeous Kanduho, the contingent counter intelligence officer, the BOI says the welfare interests have overtaken the operational interests.

"The self-interest syndrome he [Kanduho] avers is evident right from the selection of troops in Uganda up to the mission in Somalia. For example, self- interest is exhibited in troops selected for the top-ups and battle casualty replacement. Some of these troops do not undergo the pre-deployment training, thus the medical screening is compromised and natural causes of deaths are registered within the first month of deployment," the report says.



It says that BG16, which was hit, was only deployed in June and July the same year; but within one month, troops making up half a platoon were already admitted in hospital, while one died within one week of deployment. This appears to suggest that they were not fit for deployment to the rough terrain of Somalia.

"All the officers we talked to testified that they are not satisfied with the manner in which their superiors handle operational requirements. The troops told us that the commanders consider this [operational] fund as an additional personal allowance," the report adds.

Other members of BOI included Col Francis Takirwa, Lt Col Johnson Niwamanya and Col Kagoro Asingura, the secretary. BOI found that the Janaale UPDF defensive position, manned by 200 troops, was overwhelmed by the al-Shabaab attack.

Al-Shabaab had between 350 and 500 attackers. In their investigation, the BOI members travelled to Somalia and Nairobi, Kenya, carried out interviews with commanders and soldiers - visited and inspected defence sites in Somalia.

BOI says that in the Janaale battle, the al-Shabaab lost at least 100, with many more wounded. But the attack could have been avoided if commanders at all levels had read the clear warning signals and made the necessary tactical adjustments.

INFORMATION

Intelligence reports indicated that between June and August 30, 2015, there were incidents, which could have alerted UPDF officers near Janaale to the possibility of an al-Shabaab attack.

On June 15 and June 24, 2015, al-Shabaab overran Ethiopian troops in Jamie Bay region, while on June 26, they attacked a Burundi defence position in Lego, killing about 58 soldiers, wounded many, and many went missing. The same day, al- Shabaab attacked Azeri Palace hotel in Mogadishu, killing 20 civilians, including a Chinese diplomat.


UPDF, the report implies, should have known that it was a highly-likely target.

ATTACK COORDINATORS

On August 31, 2015, a day after the attack, the Janaale detach was visited by three Somali nationals. One visitor was called Abdulai, who previously offered canteen services to the troops, and also acted as the interpreter. He had disappeared from the UPDF detach on June 15. Intelligence information indicated that Abdulai had joined al-Shabaab.

"When he appeared on the afternoon of August 15 in the company of his father [Farah] and uncle, he was momentarily denied access, later the soldiers of air defence identified him since they had been part of the rotated out troops. The OC Coy (company) Capt Swaibu Ayasiga had a meeting with them and after that they were allowed to stay. It is reported that they communicated the whole night on phone."

"On September 6, 2015, Farah called Capt Paul Loyep confirming that Abdulai was okay. Astonishing is the fact that he never mentioned anything about the attack on Janaale. There is a high likelihood that it is this trio that coordinated the attack," the report says.

COMMAND AND CONTROL

The command and control of Coy at the time of the attack was said to be rather in jeopardy. The first OC of the company had been Capt Justine Eilor. The report says that in the early weeks of taking over command of the camp, he had information that there was a looming attack on the Janaale detach.

When he communicated this information to the CO 13 Bn and BG Commander 16, he was labeled an alarmist and a coward. He was immediately relieved of his command and replaced by Ayasiga. BOI says that the soldiers were not properly briefed on how to respond in case of an attack.

BOI also found that there was noticeable breakdown of communication between the 13Bn and the BG 16 command.



RECOMMENDATIONS

BOI recommends that the task organization of the UPDF serving under Amisom must be revised. That the units at all levels must be equipped to sustain firepower superiority at all times whatever the enemy numbers until reinforcement arrives.

The report says increment of the support weapons at all levels should be considered a priority. "It is recommended that the fragmentation of the UPDF to detachments of less than 180 combatants be highly discouraged or prohibited.

The fragmentation of troops in the name of holding liberated land is recipe for disaster. The troops become highly vulnerable...," the report says.

It also recommended that the UPDF marine capacity in Amisom be enhanced to match the marine challenges facing the troops. UPDF at Janaale testify that the al-Shabaab approached the defence from the direction of the quarter guard initially using a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device (VBIED) that breached the front defence barriers (free logs). After the blast, BOI says, the enemy immediately started shooting as they advanced toward the defence.

The combatants, who were at Janaale detach that day, all confirm that the VBIED explosion was devastating.

INDIVIDUAL TESTIMONY

The contingent commander, Brig Sam Kavuma, in this report, attests that before the attack on Janaale, there was credible information that al-Shabaab were planning to attack UPDF detaches.

Lt Col Kibirango sent a radio message on August 15, 2015 saying that al-Shabaab, estimated to be 200, was hiding in the forest of Tawkal-Baseri village, 11 kms from Janaale. He specifically informed all concerned officers that their intention was to attack Janaale. Those warnings, however, went unheeded.

FG summons 37 mine Officers over diversion of explosives

The Nigerian Army had revealed that some mine officers are supplying explosives to the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups in the country.

The Minister of Solid Minerals Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, has recalled all Federal Mines Officers in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory over reports of illegal diversion of explosives.
In a statement issued by Mr Olayinka Oyebode, Special Assistant on Media to the Minister on Friday, August 5, in Abuja, the recall is with immediate effect.
Fayemi said this became imperative to strengthen the institutional capacity of the ministry to cooperate with the security agencies in ensuring the security of lives, environment and property in the country.
He said the call came barely 24 hours after the ministry blacklisted and withdrew the explosives licences of Delta-based company for the illegal diversion of explosives.
The Nigerian Army had revealed that some of the mining companies are supplying explosives to the Niger Delta Avengers and other militant groups in the country.
According to the minister, all the affected officers are to report to the headquarters of the Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Abuja for further directives on their next assignments.

bidexiii:

Provide "link"..?

ok boss..it's. Type: i vote photoshoot cc:NLjega. https://www.nairaland.com/3271417/mr-nairaland-2016-grand'finale#/48227310.
Thanks alot boss.