#AFSF/72 MSF....

Does dssc accept law

Pls wen is the next form coming out

NAF LAUNCHES PERSONNEL VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTION TO SUPPORT IDPs

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) today flagged-off personnel voluntary contribution to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) in the North East. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Mshl Sadique Abubakar mooted the idea some months ago. While addressing NAF commanders and departmental heads, the CAS had encouraged them to identify with the efforts by the Federal Government and other stakeholders as individuals to alleviate the plights of the IDPs. This message was later passed down to personnel in the units in order to get both officers and men to give voluntarily to the course of IDPs.

Indeed, the flag-off ceremony in Abuja was a huge success as various items such as cash donations, clothing and food items, and other domestic items donated by individuals were pooled together and brought to NAF Headquarters for donation to IDPs. Similar donations to be collected in other units would be forwarded to major NAF locations for transfer to HQ NAF. Eventually, the NAF plans to hand over the items to the IDPs through a reputable non-governmental organisation (NGO).

The launching of the Personnel Voluntary Contribution marks another dimension to the NAF humanitarian activities in the North East. Previous efforts include the establishment of Level-2 hospitals in Dalori and Bama to provide healthcare delivery to IDPs. So far, over 22,000 and 2,000 persons have accessed healthcare in the NAF Emergency Hospitals in Dalori and Bama respectively. Additionally, over the past 15 months, the NAF has carried out medical outreach in all IDP camps in Abuja, Yola and Maiduguri. Furthermore, about 220 patients have benefited from surgery provided by NAF hospitals. A number of IDPs have regained their sights as a result of the surgery. As part of its humanitarian support to IDPs, the NAF also assisted in upgrading the hospital at Maikohi in Yola by equipping the wards and maternity, as well as with the clinic renovation. Other efforts by the NAF include provision of amenities such as solar powered boreholes, tent accommodation and toilet facilities for IDPs at Dalori. There is also provision of aero medical evacuation for IDPs and others liberated by surface forces from the clutch of Boko Haram insurgents.

WATCH HAS NA FEMALE SOLDIERS COMPETE WITH MALE COUNTERPART...




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31HiUz0JKiY

President Buhari visits MSA Aliyu, Army Commander Brigadier General and Acting General Officer Commanding 3 Division Nigerian Army Jos at an hospital in Berlin Germany on 15th October, 2016.

NO DISQUIET IN THE MILITARY OVER CHIBOK GIRLS ...
Negotiation, Political

The Defence Headquarters attention has been drawn to an online and newspaper publication insinuating that there is a mix feelings among Nigerian military ranks and files as a result of the recent release of some Chibok girls. The military wishes to state unequivocally that the Armed Forces will continue to work closely with all our sister security agencies to achieve more feat in this direction.

The military also want to debunk the baseless and unfounded story that there is disquiet in the military over the condition of release of the girls. The Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies are one, working together to finish the war on terror and other criminalities which can be done covertly or overtly. The most important thing is achieving our strategic objective. The DHQ has said before that negotiation with the terrorists or any other group rests purely on our respected political leaders. The military operations to rid our land of terrorists continue.

It is important to state that not all information are meant for public consumption due to processes which is purely political. More so, the ongoing military operation is making unprecedented progress with rescue of many captives held by the terrorists. The general public should discountenance with this baseless and misleading story.

While the Armed Forces holds the media veritable partner, it urges the media to be mindful and clarify with the military when reporting security and defence issues bothering on sensitive national matters of this nature.

TROOPS INTERCEPTS SUICIDE BOMBER IN MADAGALI....WARNING DISTURBING IMAGES.


Vigilant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE today morning intercepted and neutralized a male suicide bomber at Madagali, Adamawa State.

The suicide bomber was spotted by a vigilant duty sentry attempting to infiltrate troops forward defensive line along Madagali-Limankara road.

He was gunned down by the vigilant sentry as he failed to stop when halted.

The accurate shot also detonated the Improvised Explosive Device vest and was blown into pieces.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

Armed conflict on the rise

Conflict is a normal, and indeed eternal, element in relations between and among human beings. Whether it be in relations between husbands and wives, businesses and regulators, employers and unions, friendly co-operation all too often gives way to rancour and antagonism. The same is true of relationships with and among nation states. But what is also true in international relations is that the number and intensity of conflicts can vary greatly over time. The world’s experience over the past 30 years tends to illustrate the point.



The late 1980s and early 1990s were a period of remarkable achievements in the realm of conflict resolution. The collapse of the Warsaw Pact and then of the Soviet Union effectively marked the end of the Cold War, which had threatened both the peace and the very existence of the planet Earth for more than 40 years. The bloody Iran-Iraq war and the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan were brought to an end. In southern Africa, the Namibian civil war was brought to a conclusion with that country’s achievement of independence, and the apartheid regime in South Africa gave way to democracy and black majority rule. In the Far East, the United Nations intervened successfully to end the long-running Cambodian civil war. And again with the help of the United Nations, peace returned to Nicaragua and El Salvador. In the Middle East, Israel and Jordan concluded a peace treaty and the Oslo Accords provided some hope of an eventual agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.

There was a legitimate tendency at the time to launch into a chorus of “peace is breaking out all over” and to proclaim a “new world order.” And this despite the eruption of new civil wars in Yugoslavia, Somalia and Rwanda. And also despite the persistence of latent conflicts involving India and Pakistan, India and China, Israel and Syria, Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots. The mood at the time was distinctly upbeat and it did not seem entirely unrealistic to believe and to hope that diplomacy was finally replacing armed conflict as the way to resolve differences within and among nations.

That euphoria, however, did not take long to dissipate. The rise of violent Islamist extremism had the effect of destabilizing countries such as Algeria, Egypt and Afghanistan. It led, of course, to the terrorist attacks on New York and Washington, which in turn led to a new war in Afghanistan that is still with us. The unnecessary and totally counterproductive American invasion of Iraq in 2003 not only destabilized that country but the whole Middle Eastern region, drawing into the conflict those arch-rivals Saudi Arabia and Iran. The American invasion also gave a new lease on life to al-Qaida and resulted in the eventual emergence of the Islamic State (IS) in Iraq and Syria. And today the United States and its coalition partners are engaged in a vigorous air and land campaign with the aim of destroying the IS.

The past 15 years have also seen a multiplication and intensification of the civil wars in Africa. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has seen some five million people killed and hundreds of thousands of women raped. The Islamist movement Al Shabab has torn Somalia apart to the point that it now barely exists as a state. The Sudanese government became engaged in a vicious campaign of slaughter and repression against political dissidents in its province of Darfur. The newly created state of South Sudan is in the grips of political dissension and brutal tribal fighting. Yet another civil war broke out in the Central African Republic, pitting Muslim and Christian movements against each other. Most recently, Mali became the scene of a Tuareg rebellion and of an armed invasion by Islamist extremist elements; the country was saved only by a French military intervention and the deployment of a UN force. To add to the miseries of poverty and disease, Africa must still contend with a series of wars to which there is no end in sight.

Two phenomena have resulted in China recently adopting a far more aggressive posture in its foreign policy. The first is the economic miracle that has allowed China to devote ever more resources to the strengthening and modernization of its armed forces. The second is the conscious decision of the Chinese leadership to exploit nationalism in its efforts to sustain the position and legitimacy of the Chinese Communist Party. To underline its nationalist credentials, the Chinese leadership has become increasingly assertive in its position on Taiwan and on disputes in the East and South China Seas. It has gone so far as to develop military facilities on some of the disputed islands. This not only puts China at loggerheads with many of its neighbours, but also with the United States, which is a de facto ally of several of those countries. Should China persist in pursuing this path, the risk of a significant conflict, whether deliberate or accidental, will continue to increase.

Over the past seven or eight years, the most troubling development for those interested in international peace and security has been the evolution of Russia’s foreign and defence policy. Here again it is a case of a leader falling back on an appeal to raw nationalism at a time when the Russian economy is in dire straits. Vladimir Putin seems to feel that he can sustain his position and political support by flexing his muscles on the world stage, and particularly by cocking a smook at the United States and the West. He has done this in a number of ways:

• By intervening militarily in the independent Republic of Georgia;

• By sending Russian bombers into the airspace of western countries;

• By invading and annexing the Crimean Peninsula;

• By providing military support to separatists operating in eastern Ukraine;

• By providing massive military support to the Assad regime in Syria;

• By authorizing cyberattacks against western targets, including the Democratic National Committee of the United States;

• By sheltering Edward Snowden, who is accused of violating the secrecy laws of the United States;

• By unilaterally withdrawing from a long-standing agreement with the United States on the destruction of stocks of plutonium;

• By systematically violating a ceasefire agreement with the United States intended to put an end to most of the fighting in Syria.

All of these displays of Russian aggressiveness are particularly disturbing when it is borne in mind that Vladimir Putin has launched a major campaign to improve and modernize Russia’s armed forces. They are even more disturbing when it is known that both the United States and Russia have embarked on programs to modernize their nuclear arsenals. While a return to the dangers of the Cold War seems unlikely, Russia’s behaviour is anything but reassuring.

Envoi

The re-emergence of nationalism in the politics of countries such as Russia, China, India and Japan does not bode well for the reduction of conflict in the world. The same holds true for the emergence of political leaders such as Donald Trump in the United States and Marine Le Pen in France. Peace and security are tender plants that must be nurtured, not hacked at with axes and broadswords.

At Least 30 Killed in Central African Republic Fighting


http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/10/13/world/africa/ap-af-mali-violence.html?smid=tw-share

4 Killed as Convoy Ambushed in Central Mali, Army Says


http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2016/10/13/world/africa/ap-af-mali-violence.html?smid=tw-share

2 Al-Shabaab Terrorist Militants Killed In Own Landmine Bomb


http://intelligencebriefs.com/2-al-shabaab-terrorist-militants-killed-own-landmine-bomb/

20 Nigerian soldiers killed in Boko Haram attack in Borno State Home / Africa / Nigeria This file photo taken on March 25, 2016 shows Nigerian army soldiers on the back of a vehicle in Damboa, Borno State, in northeast Nigeria. (Photo by AFP) The Boko Haram Takfiri terrorist group claims it has killed 20 soldiers and wounded dozens of others during an attack on military positions in northeastern Nigeria. The casualties occurred during "fierce clashes" on Sunday when the group "stormed a joint position of the armies of Nigeria and Niger" in the town of Ghashghar in northeast Borno State, according to a statement released by the terrorist group. A community leader in the area confirmed the assault, saying Boko Haram militants fired rocket- propelled grenades at the soldiers who were taken by surprise. “Boko Haram launched an attack with heavy guns and rocket-propelled grenades on the soldiers. The attackers came in eight vehicles," said the leader, who was speaking on condition of anonymity. "The soldiers suffered huge casualties because they were taken off-guard. They never anticipated such an attack," he added. Boko Haram started its campaign of militancy in 2009 with the aim of toppling the central government in Nigeria. The violence sparked by the group’s militancy has so far killed more than 20,000 people and forced over 2.7 million others from their homes. Many blame corrupt officials in Nigeria’s government and army for the continued militancy, as recent reports say Boko Haram is receiving some of its arms and ammunition from corrupt Nigerian officials. The militant group has expanded its terror activities to Nigeria’s neighboring countries. Troops from Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon and Niger have been battling the terrorists in recent months. The group has pledged allegiance to the Daesh Takfiri terrorists operating mainly in Syria and Iraq.

NIGERIAN AIR FORCE DESTROYS ANOTHER SET OF ILLEGAL BARGES IN NIGER DELTA

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has destroyed 2 additional illegal barges laden with stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta. The barges were set ablaze by NAF helicopter around Opu-Bille, Yellow Island and Bille area of Rivers State. It would be recalled that the NAF, in the past 2 weeks, has destroyed a number of illegal refineries and oil barges in River State. The latest operations, like the previous ones, are clear pointers to the fact that it is no longer profitable to steal crude oil in Nigeria and increasingly difficult for anybody or group of persons to divert our commonwealth for selfish interest. The NAF will therefore continue its operations to rid the creeks of criminal elements to make the region safe for genuine economic activities.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbPxyN4wdTA

Russia will deliver 12 multipurpose Mi-35 helicopters to Nigeria by 2018.

JOHANNESBURG (Sputnik) — Russia will deliver 12 multipurpose Mi-35 helicopters to Nigeria by 2018 as the African country is carrying out the modernization program of its armed forces, the deputy head of Russia's Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation said Friday. "As for the contract for the delivery of Mi-35M helicopters, signed in October 2015, it is in the process of implementation by 2018. It has been planned to supply two vehicles until the end of 2016," Anatoly Punchuk told RIA Novosti at the Africa Aerospace and Defense-2016 (AAD 2016) exhibition, adding that the contract provides for the supply of 12 helicopters. He added that Nigeria was one of the most promising Russian partners in the field of military-technical cooperation. The Mi-35M is a modern multipurpose attack helicopter, equipped with the latest navigation and avionics technology and capable of operating in high temperatures and in mountainous terrain. It can be also used for medical and transportation purposes. The AAD-2016 expo is taking place in the capital of South Africa, Pretoria, on September 14-18.

Read more: https://sputniknews.com/military/201609161045375634-russia-nigeria-helicopters-mi35/

Bizarre! Our people ate human beings during the War– Capt. Gbulie


Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/bizarre-people-ate-human-beings-war-capt-gbulie/

So how is this of military significance unless you plan on starting a round of bigoted ,tribalistic arguments on this forum?

Be careful what u wish for....

At a time shites are being slaughtered by security forces for NO REASON at all.

Hatred of the igbo will not take Nigeria anywhere.

Equity and justice should be the watchword.

bidexiii:
Bizarre! Our people ate human beings during the War– Capt. Gbulie


Read more at: http://www.vanguardngr.com/2016/10/bizarre-people-ate-human-beings-war-capt-gbulie/

rugged7:
So how is this of military significance unless you plan on starting a round of bigoted ,tribalistic arguments on this forum?

Be careful what u wish for....

At a time shites are being slaughtered by security forces for NO REASON at all.

Hatred of the igbo will not take Nigeria anywhere.

Equity and justice should be the watchword.

kudos bro u just said my mind

A yet unknown number of Nigerian soldiers drowned in the Yobe River in North-East Nigeria as they tried to escape intense fire from Boko Haram fighters on Monday, PREMIUM TIMES can authoritatively report. Also, no fewer than 22 soldiers are currently recuperating in a hospital in neighbouring Niger Republic following the attack. The troops were manning an outpost in Gashigar, Borno State, near the border with Niger, when hundreds of terrorists advanced rapidly towards them, forcing the troops to abandon their position with some diving into the nearby river, top military sources familiar with the development told PREMIUM TIMES Wednesday. The Nigerian Army had on Tuesday distributed a statement announcing the assault on Nigerian troops, but blamed it on “escaping Boko Haram remnants.” But a day after the statement, which was signed by Sani Usman, a colonel, details of what actually transpired on the battlefield that day and the reaction of commanders on the ground have been exclusively obtained by PREMIUM TIMES. According to the security sources, the soldiers, attached to 145 Task Force Battalion, came under attack around 5:00 p.m. on Monday, but rescue operation did not yield result until the next day. On that Tuesday, three rescue operations were carried out by soldiers from the neighbouring Republic of Niger operating in Ngarwa. Around 7:00 a.m., they rescued the first set of nine Nigerian soldiers. At about 2:00 p.m., seven more were rescued. The last set of six troops was rescued around 5:30 p.m. in the River Komadougou Yobe, which empties into Lake Chad through Niger. The troops, numbering 22, were dispatched to Diffa General Hospital in Niger. Two of them sustained gunshot wounds while the rest were said to have been rescued unscathed. The casualty figure, including those who drowned, was yet to be determined as at the time of filing this report. The sources said the troops have started recounting the incident to their superiors. The soldiers said they were manning their post in Gashigar when they learnt that suspected terrorists, dressed in black and multi-coloured camouflage, were approaching in several utility trucks while chanting ‘Allah Akbar!’ (Allah is great). “Troops then had to flee from their position because of their their inability to take on the terrorists in such a large number and firepower,” one of our sources said. “The terrorists then began chasing them, and we learnt that many jumped into the Yobe River where some of them drown or get fatally shot by the attackers.” The soldiers also said Boko Haram seized their armoured vehicle and set it alight. But the sources said the military leadership might open an investigation into the attacks to establish the claims of the soldiers. One source said some of the claims made by the troops were doubtful. For instance, the commanders said it is difficult to explain how utility trucks were used to dispossess soldiers of their armoured vehicles especially when the soldiers said they were standing alert in their position. The leadership also found it curious that the soldiers were rescued with their bullets still largely unspent. “If they actually came under attack while they were fully at alert, then they should have exhausted their ammunition before taking to their heels,” the source said. “At least that much should be clear.” Mr. Usman did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES’ requests for comments. Nigerian troops are fighting alongside their counterparts from Cameroon and the Republic of Niger. Monday’s development marked the first time in more than two years that Nigerian troops would come under superior firepower that required foreign military personnel to come to counter. A similar incident last occurred in August 2014 when about 480 troops crossed the border into Cameroon while fleeing Boko Haram. It also underscored the renewed vigour of the sect to launch major attacks on not just civilians but uniformed men after losing the huge swathes of land it once controlled. Besides losing territory, the insurgents had also been largely decimated by the troops which experts said is responsible for their activities being whittled down across their stronghold in the northeast. The insurgency, which began in 2009, has left approximately 20,000 people dead and displacement of millions. Boko Haram leaders recently engaged in negotiation with the Nigerian government which led to last week’s release of 21 of the over 200 girls kidnapped from Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014. Troops gun down 4 cattle rustlers, arrest 3 kidnappers Ekitigate: Obanikoro is compromised, Fayose says in reaction to ex-ministers alleged confessions Dasukigate Court Drama: EFCC witness says AIT boss Dokpesi got N2.1 billion through due process JUST IN: Released 21 Chibok girls, parents arrive Aso Villa for meeting with Buhari EFCC seeks cut from recovered loot Supreme Court Judge accuses Amaechi, APC of attempt to manipulate judgement Senate should be scrapped, Buhari’s nominee insists $15 million: Patience Jonathan sues Nigeria rights’ group Judge accused of corruption shuns EFCC summons

TROOPS SUFFERS SET BACK IN GASHIGAR

Yesterday at about 5.30pm suspected escaping remnants of Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops location at Gashigar, border area with Niger Republic, northern Borno State. The troops did their best to defend the location in vain.

In the process, 13 soldiers sustained injuries while some are still missing in action.

The temporary setback made the troops to withdraw from the location.

However, the wounded soldiers have been evacuated and receiving treatment, while efforts are ongoing in search of those missing and clear the Boko Haram terrorists at the general area.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Public Relations

UPDATE ON OPERATION SHARAN DAJI: TROOPS RAID LIVESTOCK RUSTLERS CAMP ARREST KIDNAPPERS

Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army deployed on Operation SHARAN DAJI have carried out raid on livestock rustlers and armed bandits' camp at Barikin Daji forest near Masafa village in Talata Mafara Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on Wednesday 18th October 2016.
During the operation, the troops killed 4 bandits, recovered a motorcycle and destroyed all the camps at the forest.
Similarly troops of the same formation, in conjunction with local vigilante also carried out similar operation at the notorious livestock, armed bandits and kidnappers hideout in Anchau forest, Kubau Local Government Area, Kaduna State same day.
During the operation, 3 kidnappers, Umaru Buje, Sanusi Shuaibu and Samaila Ibrahim were arrested by the troops.
The arrested persons are currently being interrogated.
Thank you for your kind cooperation.
Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman
Acting Director Army Relations

Somalia: Al Shabaab Seizes Town From Somali Military Forces


http://allafrica.com/stories/201610170560.html

Many killed as Somali Troops battle Al-Shabaab in Afgoye


http://africa.tvcnews.tv/2016/10/19/many-killed-somali-troops-battle-al-shabaab-afgoye/#.WAkbz51MXHw

Nigerian govt says Boko Haram ready to negotiate release of 83 more Chibok girls


http://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/212893-nigerian-govt-says-boko-haram-ready-to-negotiate-release-of-83-more-chibok-girls.html?utm_source=&utm_medium=twitter

CION

At least 83 Nigerian soldiers, including a commanding officer, are still missing days after they came under a Boko Haram attack, PREMIUM TIMES can report. Top level military sources monitoring the development told this newspaper that the soldiers were still missing in action as of Friday morning, four days after the attack. The Army confirmed the attack in a statement on Tuesday, but has not given further updates. It did not also admit 83 soldiers were missing. The latest update from several military personnel, follows our earlier report on how Nigerian troops drowned in a river as they scampered for safety in the face of a superior firepower from the terrorists. While about 22 of the fleeing soldiers were later rescued by their Nigerien counterparts and dispatched to a hospital in Diffa, southern Niger, several others were fatally wounded after Boko Haram opened fire on them when they jumped into the River Yobe. The Army leadership has established contact with the 22 soldiers —including two that sustained serious gunshot wounds— recuperating in the Niger hospital, PREMIUM TIMES understands. The missing Commanding Officer of 223 Tank Battalion in Gashigar, was identified as K. Yusuf, a lieutenant colonel. Military sources said the troops could not withstand Boko Haram because they had only two light armour tanks to work with. Even the two tanks were withdrawn from the battlefront in Damasak to Gashigar, leaving soldiers in Damasak and other small units nearby with no tank. “May God touch the heart of our dear president to equip the Army,” the source said. “How have we offended him that has made him not to equip us as promised?” one source said. “May God touch his heart to forgive. Our men are dying daily here.” Besides the poor equipment, the renewed show of strength by Boko Haram has frightened many, coming after months of relative success by Nigerian troops. Since the beginning of this year, the Army had maintained that troops were clearing the sect’s remnants across the troubled Northeast as a precursor to a new phase of winding down combat operations. The Buhari administration claimed credits for the “improved morale” of the troops which had made it possible for previously displaced residents to return to their communities and commence rebuilding efforts. Corruption returns But high-ranking sources on the ground told PREMIUM TIMES the latest setback was because poor morale had returned to the battlefield. “On the day they were dislodged, troop’s morale was at the lowest ebb and troops were not ready to face the terrorists,” security sources said. The sources said the soldiers have had to endure months of unpaid salaries and their allowances also being held by their superiors. All military sources who spoke to PREMIUM TIMES asked that their identities be protected because of the sensitivity of the issue. This turn of event had compelled some commanders on the battlefield to go out of their way in search of financial support to keep their men fed — albeit poorly. “The cause of the low morale was due to their being fed once a day and the insensitivity of the authorities to pay them their allowances,” the source said. “Only part payment of their allowance for August has been paid to date.” “The commanders on the ground go out of their ways to incur debt in order to feed their troops. “The ration cash allowance meant for feeding was last paid for the month of August. So the Commanding Officers on the ground are the worst hit,” the sources said. The sources blamed alleged greed of a few brigade commanders for the situation the troops now find themselves. “Some brigade commanders reduce the official feeding ration of N500 per day to a meagre N300 just to make money. Our findings reveal that most locations outside Maiduguri only feed their troops once a day with mostly beans,” the sources said. The sources said this “insatiable craze for quick money” bears a stark similarity with what obtained under the Goodluck Jonathan administration. “The last administration doled out a lot of money to the theatre of operations which was mismanaged,” the source said. Other sources said the current pain is part of the consequences of a new distribution policy put in place by the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, who came in a little over a year ago. “The present Chief of Army Staff, in his good effort to minimise waste, decided to check these excesses by reducing maintenance allowance for the various units by half. “So the commands are not too happy with the development and have resorted to looking into troops feeding money,” one source said. They, nonetheless, described the policy as “a patriotic one” which was put in place to check the commanders’ use of allowances by “to settle political godfathers and patronise women”. Army spokesman, Sani Usman, did not respond to PREMIUM TIMES’ requests for comments. Nigerian troops are fighting alongside their counterparts from Cameroon and the Republic of Niger. Monday’s development marked the first time in more than two years that Nigerian troops would come under superior firepower that required foreign military personnel to come to their rescue. A similar incident last occurred in August 2014 when about 480 troops crossed the border into Cameroon while fleeing Boko Haram. The insurgency, which began in 2009, has left approximately 20,000 people dead and displacement of millions. Boko Haram leaders recently engaged in negotiation with the Nigerian government which led to last week’s release of 21 of the over 200 girls kidnapped from Chibok, Borno State, in April 2014.

#AUTO GRENADE LUNCHERS

7 Great African Military Leaders Who Repelled European and Arab Oppression


African military history is considered one of the oldest in the world. These militaries were led by some of the greatest leaders in time. Here’s a look at seven of the most extraordinary commanders in history:


(1)

Hannibal Barca

Born in 247 B.C., while there is no picture of Hannibal in existence, the coin pictured below is often used to represent Hannibal and his legacy of tamed elephants. Hannibal is said to be one of the greatest military strategists of all time, whose battles helped to build African history. Hannibal began serving in the military at 17 years old, when his father was killed in battle. In 218 BC, Hannibal and his troops fought in the Second Punic War in the Alps. While Hannibal lost many men in the Alps, he went on to lead troops for 15 years, winning several battles, including the Battle of Cannae, where he lost 6,000 troops to Rome’s 70,000.

(2)


Toussaint L’Ouverture

The Haitian Revolution was led by Toussaint L’Overture, born in 1743, in an effort to equalize master and slave. His effort, which began in 1791 in Saint Domingue as an uprising of enslaved Africans, eventually created the independent state of Haiti, bringing the vile institution to the attention of the world. L’Ouverture also worked to improve the economy of Saint Domingue, instated paid labor on plantations, negotiated trade, and built a formidable army. Rather than war, much of L’Overture’s success was a result of carefully strategized political and military tactics to overcome his enemies.

(3)


King Shaka Zulu

Born in 1787, South African King Shaka Zulu was drafted into the military at 23. He rose through the ranks at a rapid pace, proving to be especially skilled in battle strategy and tactics. He became the chieftain of the Zulu in 1816 when his father passed away. Shaka Zulu developed several methods of battle, to include the use of short-handled spears to create better cover and accuracy in battle; and military formations which proved optimal for success. Shaka Zulu also instilled a discipline in his army that made them legendary throughout the region. These changes and advancements as an army led to a better economy for the Zulu Nation, and had a lasting effect on South African history.

(4)


Taharqa

A Pharaoh of the 25th Dynasty and King of the Kingdom of Kush in northern Sudan, Taharqa succeeded his father Piye, who was said to be the first of a series of Nubian kings who ruled throughout Egypt for nearly a century. Taharqa led one of the strongest armies, and main international forces of the time, and busts and monuments of him could be seen throughout Egypt. Taharqa’s success in battle led to a period of peace in which the country flourished.