Quit Notice To Igbos: Nigerians Are Safe, Secured Anywhere In The Nation - Defence Hq

Defence Headquarters on Friday assured Nigerians that their lives and property are safe and secured wherever they choose to reside in the nation.

The Director Defence Information Maj.-Gen. John Enenche gave the assurance in a statement, in reaction to the October 1 ultimatum by Arewa youths to Igbos residing in the North.

Enenche said that this followed “so many requests in the recent past, to know from the military about the safety of Nigerians living in parts of the country, other than their aboriginal habitats.

“As such, it behoves on the Defence Headquarters to reassure the general public that all lives and property in Nigeria are secured and safe at any location.

“Thus, the Armed Forces of Nigeria are constantly on surveillance, in collaboration with other security agencies, to curb acts capable of distorting the peace”.

The defence spokesman, appealed to the general public to “report suspicious movements and any act that point to creating any situation of insecurity to lives and property to the nearest security agency.

He also urged the public to reach the Nigerian Army Call Centre, short code 193 and email:na.callcentre@army.mil.org, in case of emergency.

“The Armed Forces hereby reaffirms its commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians living in any part of the country.

“Therefore, all should go about their normal life wherever they are living without fear or intimidations,” Enenche added.

By Wale Odunsi

Calabar Police vs Navy Clash: DHQ To Sanction Naval Officers

The Defence Headquaters, Abuja, on Tuesday said a committee had been set up to investigate the clash between naval and police operatives in Calabar, Cross River State, with the aim of sanctioning the culprits.

The DHQ Director of Information, Maj. Gen. John Enenche, said the mandate of the committee included recommending the sanctions to be meted out to erring navy ratings and civilians behind the incident.

Some naval ratings and policemen had on Tuesday, May 30, clashed at the Akim Police Station along the IBB Way, Calabar, during which at least two persons were shot dead.

Enenche said on Tuesday that the panel comprised senior officers from the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force and the Nigerian Navy.

He said, “The Defence Headquarters has set up a high-profile committee to investigate the causes of the clash between personnel of the Nigerian Navy and the police, which led to the destruction of lives and property. The committee comprises senior officers from the three services.”

By Olaleye Aluko, Abuja

Why There Is No Coup Plot To Overthrow Buhari – Defence Headquarters

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed claims of coup by the military to usurp power from President Muhammadu Buhari.

Recall that there are rumours of a possible takeover of power by this Military. This was further fueled by a statement credited to the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai where he claimed some politicians were approaching soldiers to usurp power.

But in a press briefing by the Defence Information Office, the military said there was no course for any alarm.

It said, “Professionally, it is a command responsibility to caution officers and men on routine basis to conform to the ethics of the military in all ramifications, which includes; interactions and exchange of visits among others.

“This command responsibility is exercised right from the highest echelon such as the office of the Service Chiefs down to the lowest levels of command. Hence, the caution from the Army in this case.

“Secondly, administratively, officers and men are regularly cautioned to exercise command and control by Appropriate Superior Authorities through commanders at various levels. This is to prevent members of the armed forces from derailing from their core focus of total dedication to their oath of allegiance. Thus, it is a usual practice in military administration.

“However, it is pertinent to state that, if there are signs of actions that point to likely breaches of military code of conduct as it were, cautions or warnings are issued with possible investigations following.

“Thus, in the present situation, the Armed Forces and the Army in particular has employed the due process to ensure that officers and men remain committed to performing their constitutional roles. As such, the mention of coup plots from some quarters are assertions which are not confirmed.

“At this juncture, let me assure all Nigerians and lovers of this country that the Armed Forces, is and will remain totally loyal to the Commander-In-Chief (C-in-C) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and in complete subordination to civil rule.

“Furthermore, all fears about a coup should be allayed as the contemporary Nigerian Military is abreast with the best international practices in governance, which is democracy. In this regard, the military high and other levels of command will continue to ensure effective training and administration, to ensure that the Armed Forces of Nigeria, retain its place of pride amongst the military globally.”

By Seun Opejobi