Presidential Panel begins Hearing on alleged Human Rights Violation by Armed Forces

The Presidential Panel begins Hearing on alleged Human Rights Violation by Armed ForcesAn investigative hearing on alleged human rights violation by the Nigerian military, has begun in Abuja, with witnesses making submissions that revolved around abuse, and threats to their human dignity.
The panel promised to be independent in their conduct, while assuring all parties of fairness, in its proceedings.

The panel was set up by the Nigerian government following allegations by citizens and international organizations that some officers and men of the military operate outside set procedures and engage in extra-judicial killings and violation of human rights.
The panel begun its hearing with several military officials in attendance to hear and respond to petitions by groups against the army and Air Force in particular.
The first hearing was a case brought by a Tiv community in Benue state which accused the army of backing Jukun and Fulani’s in Taraba state against them in what is a border dispute.
After two witnesses appeared, the case was adjourned till Tuesday.

Officials at the investigative hearing assured all parties that their recommendations after the exercise will be fair to all.
The panel was inaugurated last month by then Acting President Yemi Osinbajo. It has 90 days to submit its recommendations out of which 30 days have already been exhausted.

Photo credit Apiah

Nigerian Army speaks as UN fumes over ‘unauthorised’ invasion of Maiduguri base

The United Nations system in Nigeria has confirmed the Friday invasion of its premises in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, by Nigerian soldiers.
Edward Kallon, UN’s Humanitarian Coordinator, said in a statement released to the media that the invasion was unauthorized.
 
FM had broken the story that soldiers in their large numbers invaded the UN main building in the early hours of Friday claiming to be searching for arms hidden there.

The military also confirmed the incident in a separate statement saying its action was in line with the ongoing cordon and search operation within Maiduguri metropolis.
The cordon and search operation was going on at a time speculations intensified in the state capital that Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, might be hiding in one of the UN buildings.

The military had in the past weeks intensified its search for the Boko Haram leader following the 40-day ultimatum given to the Theatre Commander in Borno arrest him.

As the 40-day ultimatum approaches, the soldiers are responding to all manners of intelligence, including rumours on social media.

The UN’s statement signed by Samantha Newport, head of communications, UNOCHA reads in full:

“Abuja, 11 August 2017 – The Humanitarian Coordinator for Nigeria, Edward Kallon, has expressed grave concern over the unauthorized search of a United Nations base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri, Borno State.

“At circa 0500 hours today, members of the Nigerian security forces entered the UN base for humanitarian workers in Maiduguri without authorization. The security forces carried out a search of the tented camp and left the area at circa 0800 hours.

“The United Nations does not have any information at this time regarding the reason or motivations for the unauthorized search. The Humanitarian Coordinator is working closely with the Government of Nigeria to resolve this issue.

“The humanitarian crisis in Nigeria’s north-east is one of the most severe in the world today,” said Mr Kallon. “I am extremely concerned that these actions could be detrimental to the critical work that is being carried out every day to support the most vulnerable in the region and I call upon the Government of Nigeria to provide clarification.

“The United Nations and more than 50 non-governmental humanitarian organisations are working in support of the Government of Nigeria to provide aid, including food, safe water and medicine, to some 6.9 million people in need in the northeast.”

The military’s statement also reads:

“As part of ongoing counter insurgency operations, the Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE has been conducting several clearance as well as cordon and search operations in urban and rural areas within the Theatre. The clearance operations effort has been yielding several successes.

“It has forced the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) to change tactics and resort to employment of suicide bombers to target military locations and the populace. This necessitated the need to intensify Cordon and Search in Maiduguri metropolis and environment.

“In the last one week cordon and search operations were conducted in Jiddari –Polo, Muna Garage, Jakana amongst several other areas. On 10th August 2017, Theatre Command received information from one of its credible sources that some high value BHT suspects had infiltrated into Pompomari Bye Pass.

“It therefore became expedient to take preemptive action by combing the general area through a cordon and search operations. The operation was successfully conducted as over 30 houses were searched.

One of such included a property which was said to be occupied by United Nations Staff, although the property did not carry a UN designation.

“On the whole, operation in the general area was successfully concluded but no arrest was made because the suspects were not found.

“The command wishes to assure the general public that these operations are being conducted to safeguard lives and properties but not targeted at any individual or group.

The general public is cautioned to avoid peddling rumours which may cause disaffection and to remain law abiding.”

Photos: Soldiers in Ikorodu engage in community service, clear blocked drainage systems and refurbish roads in their environment

Soldiers of the 174 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Ikorodu, Lagos state, embarked on community service at Odogunyan bus stop in Ikorodu.

The soldiers cleared the congested gutter in the area as well as filled up bad portions of the road.
According to the Commanding Officer, 174 Battalion Ikorodu, Lt Col. Benedict Ezeh, they decided to contribute their own quota to the development of their community as the bad portions of the road causes serious traffic and accidents in the area.

Lt. Col. Ezeh added that the Oba of Ikorodu assisted them financially in carrying out the repairs on the road.

More photos below.

Before You Join Nigerian Army Forced, See Their Ranks And Salaries Structures (Photos)

The Nigerian Armed Forces are the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Its origins lie in the elements of the Royal West African Frontier Force that became Nigerian when independence was granted in 1960.

Contrary to the belief by most people that the Nigerian army forced are being paid heavily, the opposite is the case as the the salary structure reveals that these men who risk their lives to defend the sovereignty of Nigeria go home with stipends.


Before discussing the army ranks, it is important to know what the military is and its primary task.

The military force has to defend the citizens and the country in case of threat or declared war from another country. The military also may have other other functions in the country, for example: – Controlling the population within the country; – Taking part in case of an emergency; – Guarding critical areas; – Promoting political agenda.

Sometimes the military may function as a subculture within a larger society.

It means that the military has its infrastructure in a certain area. They may have: – Schools; – Banks; – Different utilities; – Logistics; – Food production; – Health and medical services.

Types of military forces in Nigeria are divided into three categories that have different functions and obligations:
Navy

The Nigerian Navy is a branch of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Nigerian Navy is among the largest Navies on the African continent, consisting of several thousand personnel, including those of the Coast Guard.

The Navy is the water-focused military force. It is designed for naval and sea-related warfare. Most of the Naval Headquarters of Nigeria are based in Abuja, Bayelsa, Calabar and Lagos. Besides that, there are naval bases and training facilities throughout Nigeria. The primary responsibilities of the Navy are:
– Medical support;
– Regional security;
– Marine cleanups;
– Training missions at sea;
– Rescue operations at sea, etc.


Air Force

The Air Force of Nigeria is one of the largest in Africa. This is not surprising as there are about 10,000 active personnel at any given time. There are also a lot of helicopters, military transport aircraft, trainers, and fighters. Their responsibilities include:

– Rescue operations;

– Cargo transportation;

– Bombing runs;

– Airborne mapping;

– Air-support (mostly for on-land operations);

– Medical assistance;

– Target monitoring;
Army

The Nigerian Army is the largest component of the Nigerian Armed Forces, and responsible for land warfare operations. It is governed by the Nigerian Army Council.

Salary Structure of the Nigerian Army

Salary structure for non-commissioned officers in the Nigerian army

Private Soldier earns about N48-49,000

Lance Corporal earns about N54-55,000

Corporal earns N58,000

Sergeant earns N63,000

Staff Sergeant earns N68,000

Warrant Officer earns N80,000

Master Warrant Officer earns N90,000

Nigerian Army Salary Structure for Commissioned Officers

Second Lieutenant- N120,000

Lieutenant- N180,000

Captain- N220,000

Major- N300,000

Lt. Colonel- N350,000

Colonel- N550,000

Brigadier General- N750,000

Major General- N950,000

Lt. General- N1 million

General- N1.5 million

US Army Research Lab Develops Mind-Reading Program.

An automated program developed by cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Anthony Ries can make the process of scrutinizing countless images from various sources, such as drones and surveillance systems a lot faster.
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Boko Haram: Army In Gun Battle With Rebels, 30 Killed

Nigerian troops have reportedly killed over 30 members of the vicious Boko Haram sect in a gun duel on Sunday, October 18.

The Leadership reports that the Nigerian troops dealt the blow on the Islamist, with the assistance by local vigilantes.

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Apo Killings: Nigerian Human Rights Commission Indicts DSS, Army.

The Nigerian Human Rights Commission, NHRC, has indicted the Nigerian Army, the Directorate of State Security and the Attorney-General of the Federation for the unlawful killing of eight squatters at an uncompleted building in Apo area of Abuja.

Presenting the report of the commission, the Chairman of the Commission, Dr Chidi Odinkalu, said that the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Service had no credible evidence to tag the eight youngsters killed last September as agents of the Boko Haram terror group.

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