Ekiti Rigging Scandal: Buhari Sacks 12 Army Generals

As a result of  alleged involvement in the Ekiti governorship election rigging scandal and defence contract related offences, at least 12 senior officers of the Nigerian Army, including Generals, have been sacked by the army authority.

Although the Army failed to disclose names and number of the affected officers, it was on record that more than a dozen top officers were handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for investigation over alleged defence procurement fraud.

Some others were probed for alleged misconduct during the last general elections.

The decision to sack the officers was reached following a meeting of army council on Thursday, the statement said.

ARMY COUNCIL APPROVES RETIREMENT OF SOME SENIOR ARMY OFFICERS

"The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that quite a number of senior officers of the Nigerian Army were retired from service yesterday." 

"Those retired were mainly some Major Generals, Brigadier Generals, Colonels, Lieutenant Colonels and a Major."

"Their retirement was based on Service exigencies. It should be recalled that not too long ago some officers were investigated for being partisan during the 2015 General Elections."

"Similarly, the investigation by the Presidential Committee investigating Defence Contracts revealed a lot."

"Some officers have already been arraigned in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)."

"People should therefore not read this out of context."

"The military must remain apolitical and professional at all times."

"We must applaud and support this laudable and bold initiative by the government."

"You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium."

"Thank you for your usual and kind cooperation."

Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman 

Acting Director Army Public Relations

Joint Nigeria-Cameroon Troops Arrest 3 B'Haram Commanders, Kill 22 Terrorists, Rescue 1,275 Hostages

Killed Terrorists
Source: HQ Nigerian Army

Troops of 152 and 155 Task Force Battalions at Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with troops of Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) from Cameroon, conducted a massive joint clearance operation of suspected Boko Haram terrorists yesterday Monday, 11th April 2016 along Nigeria-Cameroon borders, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, Acting Director Army Public Relations says in a Press Released this afternoon

According to Kukasheka Usman, the unprecedented clearance operation swept through over 10 suspected Boko Haram terrorists hideouts along the border in which they killed 22 terrorists, arrested 3 Ameers (commanders) and rescued abducted persons.

During the operation the troops cleared Nbaga, Bula, Dabube, Ybiri, Greya and Suduwa towns and other adjoining settlements. The towns and settlements were occupied by suspected fleeing Boko Haram terrorists who escaped from villages previously cleared by troops of the Nigerian Army.

The apprehended terrorists commanders include Lawal Abba, Mallam Hisna and Mallam Gana in Shatte, Bulla Jaja and Bula Burra towns.

Some of the rescued hostages
Source: HQ Nigerian Army

The troops also rescued 1,275 persons held hostage by the terrorists. The rescued persons are being administered and screened by 152 Taskforce Battalion pending onward movement to Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp. 

It is gratifying to note that the operation was a huge success as there was no casualty or injury on the troops.