DEFENCE
No Secret Graveyards: Army Breaks Down Details of Heroes burial at The Frontlines
RE: SECRET MILITARY CEMETERY CONCEALS TOLL OF ISLAMIST INSURGENCY IN NIGERIA
The Nigerian Army has debunked a statement attributed to Joe Parkinson and released on 31 Jul 19 in “The Wall Street Journal” that the Nigerian Army has a secret cemetery that conceal toll of Islamist Insurgency.
The statement that was released by Deputy Director, Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE Colonel AD Isa stated that:
The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to a mischievous Article titled, Secret Military Cemetery Conceals Toll of Islamist Insurgency in Nigeria, was written by Joe Parkinson and released on 31 Jul 19 in “The Wall Street Journal”.
The writer alleged that the bodies of dead soldiers are covertly transported from a mortuary, delivered by truck and laid by flashlights into trenches dug by infantry or local villagers paid a few dollars by shift.
It also alleged that soldiers were buried in unmarked graves at night in secret graves.
Similarly, it alleged that Nigerian Government last summer stopped reporting the deaths of soldiers in its fight against Boko Haram. Likewise, it claimed that the operational command holds the bodies of 1000 soldiers killed since the terror groups began offensive last summer.
Additionally, it reported on one Mercy Tamuno, who demanded to see where her husband was buried, and she was led to a spot marked with a plastic bottle with her husbands name written on it.
It further claimed that 2 soldiers from the late soldiers unit said the bottle was prepared to appease his wife.
Furthermore, the writer made some derogatory comments on rotation of troops, gruesome punishments to suspected jihadists and declining morale of own troops.
Having critically studied the allegations, it was obvious that the writer’s claims were baseless and intended to smear the good image of the NA and lower the moral component of troops in the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency operations.
In this light, I wish to respond on behalf of the NA as follows:
Maimalari Military Cemetery is the only recognized place where burials are held in the Theatre.
The stretch of land where the cemetery is located and produce beyond belongs to the NA and not taken over from any person or group of persons as claimed.
This area like in other armies is secured to honour and give recognition to the sacrifices of officers and soldiers who paid the supreme price by laying down their lives for the peace, security and unity of the country.
In our own case, a hall of fame was also built in the cemetery to honour the fallen heroes and act as reference point for posterity.
Burial procedure in the NA is entrenched in the NA Administrative Policies and procedures.
The procedures is triggered by first notifying the higher headquarters and NOKs of the deceased personnel for coordination.
It is a command responsibility and attended by officers and soldiers of the unit within the Theatre of operations.
The timings for all burials in the Theatre have always been before the flags are lowered in the evening.
Maimalari cemetery is partitioned into 2 to accommodate Christians and Islam faithfuls.
The graves are also partitioned, and grave pegs placed to mark each grave. Hence, the claims that soldiers were buried in unmarked graves at night in secret graves is unfounded.
Suffice to state that all deceased are also honoured with the 21 gun salute in line with the ethics and traditions of the NA.
As such, one wonder how the firing could be done in secret contrary to NA traditions.
Certainly, commanders on their own cannot carry the corpses to the cemetery without the knowledge and support of the troops.
If this is done with the awareness of the troops, certainly it would not have been a secret.
Likewise, if not done with their knowledge, the commander on his own would not be able to drive the vehicle, carry the corpses, dig the graves and also bury the bodies without any support.
Thus, this allegation is not only worrisome but also questionable. More especially when we have the Governor, Service Chief, Principal Staff Officers from Service Headquarters, Commanders, NOKs, families and members of the press that did attend funeral ceremonies of fallen heroes.
On the allegation that Nigerian Government last summer stopped reporting the deaths of soldiers in its fight against Boko Haram is also disturbing.
Generally, events and lessons learnt from battles have shown that death in combat is inevitable.
In as much as the NA tries to reduce casualties in the battle against the insurgents, it still happens as one of the hazards of war fighting.
Obviously, when such occurrences happen, it is made known to higher headquarters to trigger burial procedures and processing of benefits.
This is also done with the consent of the NOKs and not in the secret. Soldiers also move in pairs or in groups, as such one wonder how the corpses could be isolated without the knowledge of their colleagues, which would have dampened their morale to fight or take orders from their superiors.
The claim that the operational command holds the bodies of 1000 soldiers killed since the terror groups began offensive last summer is just unbelievable.
The questions are where, when, why and for what reason would 1,000 bodies be kept in the hide without anyone seeing it or perceiving the smell.
Curtaining, this allegation further buttress the fact that the writer intends to smear the good image of the NA and the Government.
The report that one Mercy Tamuno, who demanded to see where her husband was buried, and she was led to a spot marked with a plastic bottle with her husbands name written on it is again unbelievable.
Interestingly, 13NA/70/9866 LCpl Adah Tamuno, whose wife; Mrs Mercy Tamuno claimed her husband was buried in the secret grave gave false report.
The late gallant (soldier was serving with 119 TF Bn at Metele and died during combat.
He was officially buried on 29 Nov 18 at the Maimalari Military Cemetery with proper military honour by daylight with the grave well marked, not with a plastic bottle, alongside his colleagues.
The last burial in the Theatre was that of Capt A Mohammed who was killed on 17 Jul 19 in an ambush alongside with Col EE Elemele and 5 others along Jakana-Benisheik MSR.
The Capt was buried on 18 Jul 19 at the Maimalari Military Cemetery in accordance with Islamic rites.
The burial was attended by the families of the deceased and other sympathizers.
The writer made some derogatory comments on rotation of troops, gruesome punishments to suspected jihadists and declining morale of own troops.
Suffice to state that the NA has a standing policy on the rotation of troops in the Theatre.
The last rotation of de-inducted troops was conducted on 28 Jul 19 and the troops are currently at the Nigerian Army School of Infantry, Jaji undergoing de-induction training.
The next batch of troops to be inducted are already at the Nigeria Army Special Forces Training School at Buni Yadi for induction training, after which they would be moved to the Theatre for deployment.
The pictures of the rotated troops are also available and hereby attached. In terms of the gruesome punishments to captured insurgents, one wonders why the writer decided to contradict himself in the article by reporting the immoral activities of the insurgents.
The NA is a professional Army and captured insurgents are treated in line with global best practices and in accordance with International Humanitarian Laws.
Above all, the morale of troops in the theatre remains high and not as reported.
It is obvious that the essence of the report is to distract own troops from maintaining the tempo in the ongoing operations.
The public is hereby advised to disregard the allegations as written by Joe Parkinson and released on 31 Jul 19 in The Wall Street Journal.
The NA remain resolute in its fight against the insurgents and will never be distracted by media propaganda.
The threat to the national security of our beloved country require that all hands are on deck to win the war against terrorism and insurgency.
Governor, Service Chief, Principal Staff Officers from Service Headquarters, Commanders, Next of kins, families as well as members of the Press attend befitting funeral ceremonies of fallen heroes with Gun Salute.
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have apprehended suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, received the surrender of an ISWAP member and destroyed improvised explosive devices (IED) in the last 24 hours across Borno.
An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said troops of 195 Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) apprehended a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant in Dusuman Ward, Mafa Local Government Area.
According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly met with terrorists at Labe village to provide intelligence on troop movements and activities.
It added that troops of 73 Battalion arrested a suspected ISWAP member in Konduga Local Government Area after he voluntarily surrendered.
The army said the suspect confessed to participating in three attacks on Delwa and disclosed that he dumped his AK-47 rifle in a river before surrendering to troops.
“Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, bicycle repair tools and ₦6,500 cash.
“In another operation, troops of 149 Battalion and CJTF arrested another suspected terrorist informant in Gubio Local Government Area.
“The suspect confessed to leading the June 16 terrorist infiltration of Gubio, during which a CJTF member was killed.
“Meanwhile, troops of 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison intercepted suspected terrorist logistics suppliers near Road Kauji in Damboa Local Government Area.
“The suspects fled on sighting troops, abandoning two bicycles, cartons of energy drinks, milk, soft drinks, veterinary medicines and a canopy,” it said.
The army said that troops of 26 Task Force Brigade discovered and safely detonated an IED planted by terrorists in a farming area around Dagari in Sambisa Forest, Bama Local Government Area.
It said the operations were part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks, deny insurgents freedom of movement and improve security across the North-East.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has urged Nigerians to trust its official communications, saying every statement issued by the service is factual, verifiable and aimed at promoting national security.
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the appeal while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) on a courtesy visit to NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
This was contained in a statement by the President of DECAN, Sunday Odita, on Tuesday in Abuja.
Ejodame said misinformation and public scepticism often undermine the efforts of the military, stressing that the NAF remained committed to truthfulness, accuracy and credibility in all its public communications.
He illustrated the challenge with a personal story, recalling that even his father once doubted an official NAF statement because he believed it was merely what the military asked him to say.
“There are times when people simply do not believe what we say, and that can be quite painful.
“I remember joking with my father during a conversation about one of our official statements. He told a friend, ‘That is just what they asked my son to say.’
“I had to ask him, ‘Even you don’t believe me?’ Yet I was telling the truth,” he said.
Ejodame said the experience strengthened his resolve to ensure every statement issued by the Directorate could withstand public scrutiny at any time.
“Since I became Director of Public Relations and Information, I cannot remember issuing any statement that was not truthful.
“Everything we release is something we can confidently defend today or even twenty years from now. We stand by the accuracy of our communications,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to rely on official information released by the Air Force instead of rumours, misinformation and unverified social media reports.
According to him, the spread of false information can inadvertently aid terrorist groups by creating fear, confusion and distrust among citizens.
The NAF spokesman also commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and commitment to verifying facts before publication.
“There have been occasions when you received information but chose to withhold publication until we confirmed the facts.
“Rather than rush to publish unverified reports, you exercised restraint. That means a great deal, not only to the Nigerian Air Force but also to the nation,” he said.
DECAN President, Odita commended the NAF for its sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats.
Odita said the association remained committed to ethical and responsible defence reporting, while calling for stronger collaboration through regular media briefings, improved access to information, operational engagements and capacity-building programmes.
He also disclosed that the association was concluding arrangements for the launch of The Defence Correspondent Journal and expressed optimism that the Nigerian Air Force would support the initiative.
Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to promote credible information, enhance public understanding of military operations and contribute to national security.
By David Torough, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has held a one-day strategic retreat with the leadership of various military veterans’ associations to strengthen collaboration, improve the welfare of retired personnel, and reinforce their role in national development.
The retreat, held at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja, was organised in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO).
It brought together veteran leaders to discuss issues affecting retired service personnel and explore ways to enhance their welfare.Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said the Defence Headquarters remained committed to maintaining open dialogue with military veterans, describing engagement as the most effective means of addressing their concerns.
He said the welfare of veterans remained a top priority under the leadership of the CDS and assured participants that efforts were underway to implement the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory processes.
Abdussalam also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, while urging veterans to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism.
He further assured the retired personnel that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare services, timely pension payments and enhanced welfare packages for veterans.
The retreat also highlighted the need for stronger cooperation among veterans’ organisations and encouraged retired military personnel to remain actively involved in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting national unity and security.
The Defence Headquarters said the engagement reflected its continued commitment to strengthening ties with veterans while recognising their contributions to national defence and development.
CDS Reaffirms Nigeria–United States Defence Cooperation
By David Torough, Abuja
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, GCOR, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States of America.
The CDS made this known during a courtesy visit by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The Chief of Defence Staff was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.
Speaking on behalf of the CDS, Air Vice Marshal Edosa warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and described the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United States as one founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security. He acknowledged the United States’ continued support to Nigeria in the areas of military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism and institutional development.
The representative of the CDS noted that the evolving security landscape across Africa demands stronger international collaboration, stressing that strategic partnerships remain essential in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats. He expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen bilateral defence cooperation and promote greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest.
Air Vice Marshal Edosa further reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to professional excellence, regional stability and sustained engagement in pursuit of lasting peace and security within Nigeria and the wider African continent.
The United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, also expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded his delegation. He reaffirmed the commitment of the United States Government to strengthening its strategic relationship with Nigeria, recognising the country’s pivotal role in promoting peace, stability and security across West Africa and the African continent.
Garcia commended the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security challenges, while assuring the Defence Headquarters of the United States’ continued support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and strategic dialogue. The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on prevailing regional security issues, deepen mutual understanding and explore additional avenues for defence collaboration in advancing shared security objectives.
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