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Mangu Carnage: Defense HQ Blows hot and vows to go after anyone who destroys the reputation of the Nigerian military.
Mangu Carnage: Defense HQ Blows hot and vows to go after anyone who destroys the reputation of the Nigerian military.
By: Bodunrin Kayode
The defense headquarters have described the allegations of the CAN chair of Mangu in Plateau State as baseless and untrue.
A release signed by the spokesman of the Defense Headquarters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that a video released by the man of God was meant to malign the image of the entire military and that it was done in bad faith.
The release stated that “the attention of the Defense Headquarters (DHQ) has been drawn to a malicious video made by the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) Mangu Chapter, Reverend Timothy Daluk.
“The video has been circulating in the media, aiming to malign military personnel deployed to address the security challenges in the Mangu general area.
“The video made baseless and untrue accusations, claiming that the military is biased and supports a particular group against others.
“We categorically state that these accusations hold no truth, are malicious, and lack any reasonable foundation.
“It is important to recall that on January 23, 2024, there was a breach of security in the Mangu municipal area, resulting in the Government of Plateau State declaring a 24-hour curfew.
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN were reinforced in Mangu to enforce the curfew and bring the situation under control, thereby preventing its spread to other areas.
“The troops have carried out their duties professionally and in accordance with the rules of engagement.
“They have successfully arrested criminals involved in looting and burning properties, as well as recovered weapons.
“It is deeply disturbing that a religious leader, who is expected to demonstrate high levels of moral judgment and truthfulness, has resorted to spreading falsehoods about the military and its personnel.
“We want to reiterate that the military remains neutral, focused, professional, and committed to its constitutional role of protecting the lives and property of law-abiding citizens.”
The release made available to newsmen on Thursday in Abuja further stated that the military will deal with anybody found disobeying the law without bias or prejudice.
It called on the public to support the ongoing military operations aimed at decimating non-state actors operating in the troubled areas of the state, adding that they will not be distracted by baseless accusations but will rather remain steadfast in their commitment to restoring peace and security.
It went on: “We strongly caution individuals involved in making malicious comments against the military to cease such acts. Henceforth, any person found spreading falsehoods will face constitutional redress, regardless of their status in society.
“We sincerely appreciate the law-abiding citizens’ support and cooperation and assure the public of our unwavering dedication to preserving peace and security in the country.” the release posited
Video clip by the Mangu CAN chair
In the video making the rounds on social media, the Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria in the Mangu council area, Rev. Samson Daluk, has vowed to mobilize his people against the bandits on a killing spree against residents.
In the video clip made viral on Wednesday, he decried what he described as special treatment for the non-Christians who are allowed to move around while the Christians are restricted by the curfew, which he said was against human justice.
He said that the troops posted to take care of the Mangu enclave have been watching while the bandits ransack Mangu, which is the home town of the sitting governor of the state, Caleb Mutfwang.
The CAN boss alleged that the military was watching while the bandit militia burned down people’s homes around Gindiri Junction and other locations, and they protected the others.
In the video, he said, “For this reason, we do not want the military anymore. They should pack and go. They have been bought to carry out what they are doing. I am calling on the entire world to come and help us. This is a dangerous plot to destabilize and finally destroy Mangu, and we will not allow it to happen.
“We have tried all we can to stop this fracas and live peacefully in our domain, but we do not understand why this torment is lingering. If the military will not protect us, we may have to organize ourselves and stop these assailants from killing our people,” he said angrily in the video clip.
The incessant escalation of this lingering ethnic cleansing on the Plateau has actually been on since September 2001 to 2007 under Gov. Joshua Dariye; from 2008 to 2015 while Baba Jonah Jang held sway; from 2015 to 2023 with Simon Lalong as chief security officer; and from 2023 till date under Caleb Mutfwang, a former council chairman now Governor.
The peculiarity of the fracas between the residents and assailants is that when each governor takes over, the bandit militias have been recorded attacking the very ancestral territories they hail from.
Jang, a retired military officer, is Birom, so the entire Birom land and Bassa were made slightly ungovernable while he held sway.
But he weathered the storm by setting up “operation Rainbow,” which maintained vigilance against the bandit militia, whose known trademark is to kill, steal, and destroy before taking over the ancestral homes of the residents.
Now it’s Caleb Mutfwang, who is governor and from Mangu, and the theater of wickedness has been moved to the Mangu Bokkos axis, where he comes from.
The military is thoroughly overstretched, being present in 34 out of 36 states in the country, where they are fighting internal challenges created by the political class, who use religion to manipulate the people.
This reporter recalls that the people of Plateau,,however,r, have vowed that they will perpetually maintain the sanctity of their state, religion, and worship God the way they know and will resist any attempt to force them into another religion known to the bandits who have seized most of their farmlands for grazing their animals after destroying their crops.
Mangu Carnage: Defense HQ Blows hot and vows to go after anyone who destroys the reputation of the Nigerian military.
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
By: Michael Mike
The National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) has launched new WhatsApp and live chat support channels to improve customer service and ease access to National Identification Number (NIN) enquiries for Nigerians and legal residents.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Commission said the initiative forms part of its ongoing digital transformation and service reform agenda under the leadership of Director-General and Chief Executive Officer, Abisoye Coker-Odusote.
According to NIMC, the newly introduced platforms are designed to provide faster, more convenient and real-time support services to the public, while reducing the need for physical visits to its offices.
The Commission stated that users can now access support through the live chat feature on its official website, NIMC Official Website, as well as through its official WhatsApp support line at +234 701 566 6971.
NIMC noted that the move aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Tinubu, which seeks to improve efficiency in public service delivery through technology-driven solutions.
The Commission explained that the platforms would offer prompt responses to enquiries, real-time guidance, and verified information relating to NIN services and identity management matters.
It added that the reforms being championed by Coker-Odusote are aimed at expanding access to identity services, strengthening public confidence, and enhancing operational efficiency across the Commission’s activities.
NIMC also urged Nigerians and legal residents to utilise only its official communication channels and remain vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities.
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
News
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says troops operating within the sector have neutralised more than 250 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters during sustained offensive and defensive operations across Yobe and parts of southern Borno.
Martins disclosed this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu, where he highlighted major operational achievements recorded within the sector’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
He said the achievements were made through a combination of kinetic and non-kinetic operations aimed at degrading the operational capability of terrorists and restoring security across critical locations.
According to him, troops carried out deep penetration and clearance operations into previously inaccessible terrorist enclaves within the Timbuktu Triangle, including Buk, Chileria, Kafa, Abbagajiri and Maisani.
He stated that over 50 terrorists were neutralised during offensive operations conducted within the Timbuktu Triangle, Bulabulin Forest and other identified hideouts.
Martins further disclosed that troops also foiled coordinated attacks on military formations at Kukareta, Forward Operating Base (FOB) Azir, Gonori, Buni Gari and Katarko, among other locations.
He said the failed attacks resulted in more than 200 terrorist casualties.
“In the course of these operations, troops recovered over 150 assorted weapons and large quantities of ammunition from the terrorists,” he said.
The commander listed some of the recovered items to include AK-47 rifles, PKT machine guns, Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tubes, hand grenades, mortar bombs, motorcycles, communication gadgets and Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials.
He added that troops also discovered and destroyed terrorist life-support structures, detention facilities, IED fabrication sites and Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in Chileria, Buk and other identified locations.
Martins said intelligence-driven operations had equally disrupted terrorist logistics networks, leading to the arrest of more than 30 suspected logistics suppliers, couriers and collaborators.
According to him, troops intercepted drugs, Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and medical supplies suspected to be destined for insurgent groups.
The commander attributed the successes to sustained offensive pressure, improved intelligence gathering and stronger collaboration between troops and local communities.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Sector 2 troops to sustaining operations aimed at eliminating remaining terrorist threats within the North-East theatre.
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
By: Zagazola Makama
The Commander of Sector 2, Operation HADIN KAI, Brig.-Gen. Beyidi Martins, says the Nigerian military has significantly enhanced operational mobility and surveillance capacity in the North-East through the repair of battle-damaged equipment and deployment of modern combat enablers.
Martins stated this on Tuesday during a media briefing in Damaturu while outlining operational and non-kinetic achievements recorded by the sector.
He said the sector successfully overhauled and repaired 30 battle-damaged and burnt armoured and tactical vehicles previously considered beyond economic repair.
According to him, the refurbishment programme has improved operational lift capability and increased firepower available to troops operating across the sector.
The commander said the initiative was part of efforts to sustain combat operations without waiting for prolonged procurement processes for new platforms.
He explained that the sector also procured critical operational equipment within available resources to improve troop effectiveness and communication.
The items, he said, included Night Vision Goggles (NVGs), surveillance cameras, tactical drones, Starlink communication systems, radios, repeaters, floodlights and inverters.
Martins noted that the equipment had enhanced surveillance capability, troop coordination and operational response within difficult terrains across the Area of Responsibility.
He added that troops also sustained Counter-IED and shoulder-clearance operations along major highways, particularly the Maiduguri-Damboa and Biu-Damboa routes, to improve troop mobility and reduce ambushes and roadside bomb attacks.
On non-kinetic operations, the commander said the sector intensified stakeholder engagements with community leaders, traditional rulers, youth groups and religious leaders to strengthen civil-military relations and improve intelligence sharing.
He said troops also provided armed escorts for commuters and humanitarian organisations along vulnerable corridors, including the Maiduguri-Damboa, Damaturu-Maiduguri and Biu-Damboa roads.
According to him, Sector 2 conducted regular farm patrols to protect farmers during cultivation activities and supported reconciliation efforts between farmers and herders in flashpoint communities.
Martins said the sector further collaborated with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), NGOs and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) on humanitarian support, sensitisation campaigns and training on international humanitarian law.
He also commended vigilantes and Hybrid Forces for their contributions to intelligence gathering and deep insertion operations within difficult terrains.
The commander assured that troops would continue to sustain offensive operations and strengthen collaboration with communities to consolidate gains recorded in the fight against insurgency.
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
NIMC Unveils WhatsApp, Live Chat Platforms to Revolutionise NIN Customer Support
Troops Neutralised Over 250 Terrorists, Recovered 150 Weapons in Sector 2 Operations — Commander
Sector 2 Repairs 30 Battle-Damaged Vehicles, Expands Surveillance in Anti-Terror War
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