DEFENCE

Troops are Adequately Fed in Front Lines – Army

Published

10 months ago

August 2, 2024

The Nigerian Army says its troops deployed in various operational theatres across the country are properly and adequately fed with good meals.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, said this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said the viral video on social media alleging that soldiers of 159 Battalion in Kanama, Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe, were being poorly fed, was false and malicious.

He said that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lit.

-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, ordered an investigation headed by the Commander Sector 2 Operation HADIN KAI to ascertain the veracity of the claim with a view to address any problem of poor feeding in the unit.

According to him, it is crucial to clarify that the video in question was not created by soldiers of 159 Battalion, but was rather recorded by a police officer stationed with the troops deployed in Geidam.

“Contrary to the claim made in the video, no personnel in that location was served substandard meal as shown in the video.

“Preliminary investigation has also revealed that the police officer who recorded and shared the video did so with an ulterior motive yet to be uncovered by the investigation.

“It is anticipated to be unraveled during further investigation.

“It is expedient to unambiguously state that the leadership of the army places premium on the welfare and well-being of troops and their families to ensure that they are adequately rewarded and motivated,” he said.

Nwachukwu said the COAS had continued to show undeniable passion and commitment to the well-being of soldiers, particularly those deployed in the frontlines.

According to him, the COAS recognised that the troops are making priceless sacrifices in defence of the nation and ensuring the safety and security of the citizens.

He said it was evident in the several welfare schemes berthed and currently being implemented by the army chief.

The welfare schemes, according to him, include increase in the Ration Cash Allowance, prompt medical evacuation of wounded in action soldiers for both foreign and local treatments, commencement of payment of the backlog of Group Life Insurance Scheme that had accumulated since 2012.

“Affordable House Ownership Option for all Soldiers (AHOOAS) with the COAS offsetting about 60 per cent of the cost, and the activation of Personnel Insurance Scheme payments to soldiers who incure injury in combat operations.

“These are aside from massive revamping and equiping of Nigerian army Reference Hospitals and other medical facilities across formations and units of the army to cater for the health of personnel and their families.

“There is also ongoing renovation of old and construction of new accommodations for soldiers and their families in various Nigerian Army Cantonments and Barracks.

“The Nigerian Army, therefore, sincerely appreciates the troops for their inestimable service to fatherland.

“It equally cherishes the public’s continued concern for the welfare of the troops, as well as their cooperation and support in maintaining peace and security,” he said. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

Insecurity: Police Confirm Attacks on 2 Benue LGs

Published

4 hours ago

June 3, 2025

Editor_01

) The Benue Police Command has confirmed that suspected killer herdsmen on Sunday night attacked communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edit Udeme, made the confirmation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Makurdi on Monday.

Udeme said that tactical teams were already deployed in the affected areas to restore peace and security.

She said that nine bodies were already recovered from Edikwu Community in Apa LGA, adding that the search for the missing natives was still ongoing.

She, however, said that she had yet to get the number of casualties from the Naka attack.

“This is to confirm that there was an attack yesterday at Naka and Apa and to let you know that tactical teams have been deployed and already on ground and are on top of the situation.

“I will get back to you after getting further and accurate information, please,” she said

A credible source from Apa LGA told newsmen that the attackers invaded the community at about 6:30pm on Sunday and started shooting sporadically, killing anyone in sight.

The source further said that over 25 persons were killed and that many were also taken away to unknown destinations during the deadly assault.

It said: “As I speak with you, there is no single object in the community.

“It was an unprovoked attack. We were unaware.

“Some people went to evening service, while others were at a beer joint when the killers came.

“It is an evening one can never imagine.

“Security personnel stationed at the area were overpowered as they looked so helpless.”

In a reaction to the attack on Naka, the Chairman, Gwer West Traditional Council, Daniel Abomtse, said that the attackers “came in a guerrilla style and attacked Tse Antswam.

“As I’m talking with you now, (Monday) morning, 18 corpses had been recovered and many people sustained varied degree of injuries.

“In fact, the way some people were butchered, I doubt if they will survive.

“The search is still ongoing because many ran into the bush with gun wounds and some also jumped into well to escape the herdsmen.”

The royal father said that the community attacked was opposite a military checkpoint on the Naka- Makurdi Road. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

The Benue Police Command has confirmed that suspected killer herdsmen on Sunday night attacked communities in Gwer West and Apa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of the state.

The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Edit Udeme, made the confirmation in an interview in Makurdi on Monday.