The retired Commander of the Army
Infantry School Jaji, Major-General Mohammed Isa, yesterday, disclosed how he
tried in vain to avert the terrorists’ attacks in the institution.
Infantry School Jaji, Major-General Mohammed Isa, yesterday, disclosed how he
tried in vain to avert the terrorists’ attacks in the institution.
The Chief of Army Staff had alleged that the General Isa had all
the information about the attacks, but refused to act until the attacks were
successfully executed.
the information about the attacks, but refused to act until the attacks were
successfully executed.
The Army General who was forcefully retired from active service
denied the allegation that he had prior knowledge of the bomb blast.
denied the allegation that he had prior knowledge of the bomb blast.
According to the ex-commander who spoke through his lawyer, Mr.
Yahaya Mahmood (SAN) said, he had written several letters and complaints on
security challenges at Jaji.
Yahaya Mahmood (SAN) said, he had written several letters and complaints on
security challenges at Jaji.
Mahmood, in a letter addressed to editors of four national
dailies including LEADERSHIP, said that his client had written to Army
Headquarters complaining that the Barrack was not fenced and that there were
civilians living within it.
dailies including LEADERSHIP, said that his client had written to Army
Headquarters complaining that the Barrack was not fenced and that there were
civilians living within it.
“When our client wrote to the army headquarters requesting for
Money to construct 25 watch towers and perimeters fence, he was directed to
refer the request to HQ 41 DE and NAE which he did,” he added.
Money to construct 25 watch towers and perimeters fence, he was directed to
refer the request to HQ 41 DE and NAE which he did,” he added.
The retired General also denied knowledge of those responsible
for the media campaign against perceived discrepancies in the recruitments,
promotions, postings and retirements in the Army.
for the media campaign against perceived discrepancies in the recruitments,
promotions, postings and retirements in the Army.
In relation to the bomb blast and the commander’s compulsory
retirement, he narrated that “on Sunday, November 25, 2012 he left for Asaba
for Chief of Army Staff Conference in company of a co-commandant in Jaji, AVM
Umaru (rtd) and as they were approaching Okene, he received a call that there
was bomb blast in Jaji.”
retirement, he narrated that “on Sunday, November 25, 2012 he left for Asaba
for Chief of Army Staff Conference in company of a co-commandant in Jaji, AVM
Umaru (rtd) and as they were approaching Okene, he received a call that there
was bomb blast in Jaji.”
“As I arrived Asaba I briefed the Chief of Army Staff, took
permission and returned to Jaji. On November 27, 2012, I issued a Convening
Order, constituting a board of inquiry, to investigate and determine the
circumstances that led to the bomb blast. On the same date, the COAS also
constituted a board of inquiry.
permission and returned to Jaji. On November 27, 2012, I issued a Convening
Order, constituting a board of inquiry, to investigate and determine the
circumstances that led to the bomb blast. On the same date, the COAS also
constituted a board of inquiry.
“On November 30, 2012, an Order was issued to me that I should
hand over by 8: 50 pm the following day, which I did. On the December 14, I was
asked to forward my notification of retirement or face compulsory retirement,”
he narrated.
hand over by 8: 50 pm the following day, which I did. On the December 14, I was
asked to forward my notification of retirement or face compulsory retirement,”
he narrated.
Source: Leadership
