TheNewsGuru

Tag: army

  • Army nabs soldier for gun running in Borno

    Army nabs soldier for gun running in Borno

    The Nigerian Army has arrested one of its personnel for alleged gunrunning, even as troops rescued eight kidnap victims and recovered arms and ammunition in recent operations across the country.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters disclosed this NAN on Monday in Abuja.

    He said the soldier, identified as Lance Cpl. Saifullahi Garba (14NA/72/15972), was arrested in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with 711 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

    According to the source, preliminary findings showed that the soldier had been accumulating the ammunition from clearance operations with the intent of supplying terrorists.

    “He has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

    The source also confirmed that troops in Bama intercepted terrorists’ logistics movement and recovered 379 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

    He added ambush operations by troops in Borno and Yobe led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 11 rounds of ammunition and other items, with one terrorist neutralised.

    In the North-Central, the source said troops rescued three more kidnap victims in Nassarawa, in addition to five earlier rescued.

    He said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recovered 579 rustled cattle and two AK-47 rifles from armed herdsmen responsible for earlier attacks in Taraba.

    In the South-South, the source said the troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 10 armed suspects in Rivers disguised in OSPAC uniforms.

    According to him, troops seized five pump-action rifles, locally made guns, charms, mobile phones and ₦1.7 million cash, while a separate raid in Ahoada East neutralised two cult leaders.

    “These operations demonstrate both the army’s resolve to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action and its vigilance to deal decisively with any betrayal within the ranks,” he said.

  • Just in: Army officer shot dead by policeman accompanying truck

    Just in: Army officer shot dead by policeman accompanying truck

    A soldier of the Nigerian Army has been shot dead by a mobile police inspector while intercepting a truck suspected to be conveying solid minerals from an illegal mining site in Futuk, Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

    It was learnt that the incident occurred on Aug. 25 at about 7:50 p.m. when troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, Bauchi, stopped a truck with registration number Gombe 676 BLG at a checkpoint in Futuk village.

    The truck driver was said to have refused to halt at the checkpoint, forcing the Guard Commander, Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Ali Haruna, to pursue the vehicle with his men on motorbikes until they intercepted it.

    However, on halting the truck, a mobile police officer identified as Inspector Yusuf Ibrahim allegedly disembarked and opened fire on the Guard Commander, hitting him in the stomach.

    The soldiers immediately overpowered the policeman and disarmed him, while the injured officer was rushed to the Gombe Specialist Hospital for urgent medical treatment. He later died from the gunshot wound.

    Sources further disclosed that the truck driver escaped from the scene in the chaos that followed the shooting.

    Preliminary findings revealed that the truck was conveying solid minerals suspected to have been extracted illegally from Yalo community, also in Alkaleri LGA.

    The police inspector was believed to have been on illegal escort duty for the truck.

    “The reasons behind the refusal of the vehicle to stop at the checkpoint, the decision of a trained police officer to open fire on soldiers after interception, and the escape of the driver remain highly suspicious. Investigations are ongoing to unravel the circumstances behind the incident,” the sources stated.

    The sources added that the involvement of security personnel in illegal mining operations remained a disturbing trend, stressing that the incident spotlight the need for urgent and independent investigations to address compromises within the security system.

    Meanwhile, the Bauchi State Commissioner of Police has interfaced with the Commander, 33 Artillery Brigade, Brig.-Gen. U.J. Simon, to calm tensions and ensure proper handling of the case.

    It was gathered that the remains of the slain officer have been deposited at the hospital morgue while arrangements are ongoing for his burial in line with military tradition.

    The suspect, Inspector Ibrahim, is currently in army custody, while the intercepted truck has been impounded for further investigation.

  • Army hands over fake officer to police in Lagos

    Army hands over fake officer to police in Lagos

    The 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Ikeja has handed over a 36-year-old man to the Police Command in Lagos State for allegedly impersonating an Army Major.

    The command’s spokesperson CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, said this in a statement on Monday.

    He explained that the suspect was apprehended at the Arena Market in the Oshodi area of the state.

    “The suspect was apprehended with a forged Nigerian Army Identity Card bearing his name and the rank of Major.

    “He was immediately handed over to the command in a seamless operation, underscoring strong inter-agency collaboration.

    According to him, the case has been assigned to Special Squad I for investigation by tracing the forgery source, identifying accomplices and ascertaining the use of fake Identity in previous offences.

    “Upon conclusion of the investigation, the case will be charged to court accordingly, ” he said.

    Hundeying further said that already the Police Commissioner in Lagos, Mr Olohundare Jimoh,  has applauded the army for the arrest.

    “The CP also called for synergy among security agencies in tackling crime and the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities,’’ the spokesman said.

  • SAD! Bandits storm mosque k!ll 13 worshippers in Katsina

    SAD! Bandits storm mosque k!ll 13 worshippers in Katsina

    Bandits have stormed a mosque in Unguwan Mantau Community, Malumfashi Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing 13 worshippers.

    The incident occurred during the early morning (Fajr) prayers when bandits armed with dangerous weapons stormed a mosque and opened fire on the worshippers.

    It was said to be in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier.

    The State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, describing the incident as “a reprisal attack undertaken by the hoodlums after residents of the area had earlier confronted the bandits.

    According to Mu’azu, the Katsina State Government has already announced immediate security reinforcements and support measures following the tragic incident.

    He said the security agencies are currently on the ground in Unguwan Muntau to restore normalcy.
    “The incident occurred when criminal elements launched a reprisal attack on the community.

    The Muslim members of the community were praying in the mosque during the Fajr prayer when the criminal element started shooting sporadically in the mosque.
    “The attack was in retaliation for the community’s successful defence efforts two days earlier.

    “The people of Unguwan Mantau decided to lay an ambush against the bandits and killed many of them. They rescued victims taken from Ruwan Sanyi village, seized 3 motorcycles, and 2 AK-47s. The security agencies are now on the ground in Unguwan Muntau to restore normalcy”, he noted.

    The Commissioner maintained that, Air component commander of the Forward Operating Base, Nigerian Army, and Nigerian Police Force, have already been deployed to clear the bandits, as during the rainy season, bandits, according to him, hide under the crops to perpetrate their evil acts.

    “We are working towards bringing the bandits to book. As Government, we salute the gallantry and disposition of the people of Unguwar Mantau, and we are committed to fighting these bandits and ensuring safety across our communities.

    “The State Government extends heartfelt condolences to the families affected and reaffirms its unwavering support for community-based security initiatives while working to eliminate criminal elements from the region”, he added.

  • Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army top ranks

    Major shake-up hits Nigerian Army top ranks

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has approved a major shake-up in the Nigerian Army with the redeployment of senior officers into key command and staff positions.

    This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt -Col. Appolonia Anele, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Anele said the postings affect Principal Staff Officers (PSOs) at the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, Commandants of training institutions, and Brigade Commanders.

    She said that Maj.-Gen. Adekunle Adeyinka was appointed Chief of Logistics (Army), Maj.-Gen. A.A. Adekeye became Chief of Personnel Management (Army), and Maj.-Gen. T.B. Ugiagbe took over as Chief of Standard and Evaluation.

    She added that Maj.-Gen. A.A. Idris was named Chief of Military Intelligence (Army); Maj.-Gen. M.O. Erebulu was also appointed Provost Marshal (Army).

    “Others include Maj.-Gen. E.A. Anaryu as Corps Commander, Supply and Transport, and Maj.-Gen. J.E. Osifo as Director-General, Nigerian Army Finance Corporation.

    “Maj.-Gen. S.A. Akesode was posted as Head of Mission, African Union Verification Mission in Tigray, Ethiopia.

    “The new GOCs are Maj.-Gen. A.S.M. Wase, appointed GOC 1 Division/Commander Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, and Maj.-Gen. C.R. Nnebeife, appointed GOC 2 Division/Commander Sector 3, Operation FANSAN YAMMA,” she said.

    Anele further disclosed that Maj.-Gen. M.O. Ihanuwaze had been appointed new Commandant, Nigerian Army Finance School, Maj.-Gen. K.O. Osemwegie heads the Army Signal School, while Maj.-Gen. A.J. Aliyu takes over at the Ordnance School,

    She added that Maj.-Gen. A.C. Adetoba becomes Commandant, Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management.

    “Also redeployed are Brig.-Gen. M. Jimoh as Commander, 1 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. N.E. Okoloagu as Commander, 2 Brigade, and Brig.-Gen. A.A. Bello as Commander, 6 Division Garrison/Sector 3, Operation DELTA SAFE.

    “Oluyede charged the newly appointed officers to redouble their efforts in sustaining ongoing operations against terrorism, insurgency and other security threats, while assuring that troops’ welfare remained his priority,” she added.

  • Army confirm explosion, fire at Ogun barracks

    Army confirm explosion, fire at Ogun barracks

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed a minor explosion and fire outbreak in the early hours of Thursday at Ilese Barracks, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun.

    The Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Thursday, said no life was lost during the unfortunate incident.

    Anele stated that a localised explosion occurred within a storage building of the 42 Engineers Brigade Counter Improvised Explosive Device Squadron, causing a limited fire outbreak.

    Swift intervention by troops of the 12 Field Engineer Regiment, in collaboration with the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service, ensured the fire was quickly contained.

    “No lives were lost, and no injuries were recorded. Damage was limited to the affected building and some stored materials, according to Anele,” Anele said.

    She said a detailed assessment was underway to determine the extent of material loss.

    Anele urged residents of Ilese and nearby communities to remain calm and continue their normal activities.

    “The Nigerian Army, working with relevant agencies, has begun a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the incident and prevent a recurrence.

    “The Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its personnel and members of neighbouring communities,” Anele added.

  • Army crushes terrorists, nabs 17 suspects

    Army crushes terrorists, nabs 17 suspects

    The Nigerian Army has recorded major operational gains across the country in the past three days, neutralising scores of terrorists and apprehending no fewer than 17 criminal suspects.

    A credible source at Army Headquarters told NAN on Thursday that the breakthroughs followed a series of coordinated raids, ambushes, and targeted strikes in Borno, Yobe, Zamfara, Kebbi, Plateau, Taraba, and the South-East.

    The source revealed that a total 25 family members of Islamic States of West African Province (ISWAP) fighters surrendered to troops in the North-East.

    According to the source, they surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion, operating in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno, on Aug. 11.

    He said the 25 family members comprised 12 adult females and 13 children who surrendered from the Zalmari, Gazuwa, and Alafa axis.

    “The surrendered persons are currently undergoing detailed profiling by the 21 Special Armoured Brigade.

    “On the same day in Yobe State, troops of 233 Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian JTF, conducted an ambush along the Sassawa–Kaburu route in Damaturu LGA, engaging terrorists, neutralising one, and recovering an AK-47 rifle,” he said.

    In Zamfara, the source revealed that troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 5 foiled a planned terrorist attack on FOB Galadi in Shinkafi LGA, killing one terrorist and seizing a mobile phone used for operational coordination.

    The source added that troops on Aug. 12, acting on intelligence from a rescued kidnap victim, stormed Gremasa Mountain in Shanga LGA of Kebbi and apprehended eight suspected kidnappers believed to be behind several recent abductions in the area.

    In Plateau, he said the troops of Sector 4, Operation Safe Haven, nabbed five suspected pipeline vandals at Kassa Village in Barkin Ladi LGA.

    He said the suspects were caught with government-owned pipes and subsequently handed over to the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) for further investigation.

    “Similarly, in Taraba, troops of Sector 3 FOB Wukari, under Operation Whirl Stroke, apprehended two suspected kidnap collaborators.

    “Items recovered from them included POS machines, ATM cards, and cash believed to be linked to ransom transactions.

    On Aug. 13, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade launched a coordinated offensive on an IPOB/ESN camp at Ndeji Community, a border area between Anambra, Abia, and Imo States.

    “One armed member was neutralised, and troops recovered a pistol with ammunition, cartridges, handheld radios, components for improvised explosive devices (IEDs), mobile phones, and other operational equipment.

    “Two IEDs planted by the criminals were safely destroyed by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

    “These sustained operations demonstrate the Nigerian Army’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt their logistics, and deny them safe havens, while safeguarding farmers and communities,” the source said.

    He reaffirmed that the army would maintain relentless pressure on terrorists, bandits, separatists, and other criminal groups until peace and stability are fully restored across all regions of the country.

  • Army debunks viral video of foreign arms dealer’s arrest in Zamfara

    Army debunks viral video of foreign arms dealer’s arrest in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Army has dismissed a viral video circulating on social media purportedly showing the recent arrest of a foreign arms dealer, clarifying that the footage in question was outdated and misleading.

    The acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, gave the clarification in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Anele confirmed that the video portrays the arrest of one Shehu Ali Kachalla, a 30-year-old Nigerien national who was apprehended over three years ago by the Police Command in Zamfara on May 14, 2021.

    She stated that the suspect was nabbed in a joint intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force.

    According to her, the suspect confessed to have illegally supplied over 450 rifles and thousands of rounds of ammunition to criminal elements across Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger States.

    She added that “the resurgence of the old video on social media is therefore, at best, aimed at misinforming the public, while undermining the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “The Nigerian Army maintains zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conducts, and where there are proven cases of such involving its personnel, appropriate disciplinary actions are always taken in line with the Armed Forces Act and other extant military regulations.

    “While the suspect in the 2021 case alleged collusion by unnamed security personnel, no Nigerian Army personnel was indicted or arrested in connection with the matter.”

    Anele, therefore, urged the public to disregard the recirculated video as outdated and misleading.

    She advised content creators and social media influencers to verify the authenticity and date of materials before sharing same to avoid unnecessary panic or confusion.

    “The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its constitutional mandate to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

    “We shall continue to collaborate with sister security agencies and communities in the fight against terrorism, banditry and other forms of criminality threatening peace and stability in our country,” she stressed.

  • Army rescues 138 kidnap victims, nabs terrorists collaborators

    Army rescues 138 kidnap victims, nabs terrorists collaborators

    Troops of the Nigerian Army  have rescued 138 kidnapped victims and arrested several terrorist collaborators and informants in several operations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the troops also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive device (IED) components.

    A credible source in the Army who revealed the latest in the ongoing operations by the military to NAN,  described the rescue as another round of remarkable operational successes in the army’s ongoing aggressive efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and criminality in the country.

    The source said the troops conducted series of highly coordinated operations across Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States.

    He said the troops of 1 Brigade, in conjunction with local vigilantes, had on July 20, acted on credible intelligence and rescued 106 kidnapped victims including eight women, 85 girls, and 13 boys at the outskirts of Mayanchi Village towards Bayan Ruwa axis of Zamfara.

    According to him, the terrorists fled the scene under superior firepower from the troops, leaving behind the victims who were safely handed over to the District Head of Mayanchi for proper documentation and reunification.

    “In a separate but related non-kinetic engagement on the same day in Zamfara, 32 additional kidnapped victims, comprising 27 adult females and five male minors, were released to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Team.

    “Also handed over were five AK-47 rifles and one DUSHKA gun.

    “The victims and weapons have since been handed over to the Sector Commander, SDS Zamfara.

    “In another operation, 1 Brigade troops arrested a terrorist collaborator in Tofa Village, Maru LGA, Zamfara State.

    “Investigations revealed that the suspect served as a ransom negotiator and logistics supplier for the terrorists,” he said.

    In North East, the source revealed that troops of 144 Battalion with support from the Hunters/Hybrid Forces ambushed fleeing ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Takaskala in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    He said the troops recovered critical IED-making materials, including detonators with cords, pressure plates, batteries, plastic explosives, and a bicycle.

    In Borno, he said the troops of 242 Recce Battalion successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Monguno Local Government Area.

    According to him, exploitation led to the recovery of six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an RPG bomb, empty magazine, and other items.

    “Also, on 20 July, a joint intelligence operation by troops of Sector 3 and Civilian JTF led to the arrest of a suspected ISWAP informant in Abari, Monguno Local Government Area.

    “Earlier, on July 19, troops of 145 Battalion Damasak, alongside the Civilian JTF, arrested a suspected drug peddler attempting to infiltrate Damasak Town, Mobbar Local Government Area, with illicit substances including tramadol and diazepam,” he added.

    The senior officer said the successes stressed the Nigerian army’s relentless commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and restoring peace across troubled regions.

    He expressed Nigerian army’s appreciation to the local communities and security stakeholders for their cooperation while assuring Nigerians of troops unwavering resolve to protect lives and property.

  • Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

    Army arrests 183 suspected fraudsters in Delta

    Troops of 63 Brigade Nigerian Army /Sector 1 Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have arrested 183 suspected internet fraudsters in a raid in Warri, Delta.

    ‎Spokesman of the Brigade, Capt. ILiyasu Bawa, disclosed this in a press statement on Sunday in Asaba.

    ILiyasu said the raid was carried out on July 19, following a tip-off on the activities of the suspects.

    ‎He said that the suspects, all males between the ages of 16 and 29, were arrested in some apartments that served as an internet fraud training center within the area.

    ‎Iliyasu said Items recovered from the suspects include 274 laptops, 87 mobile phones, nine laptop chargers, a table phone, and two WiFi devices.

    ‎He said the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigation for the next line of action.

    ‎He assured Deltans that the Nigerian Army will continue to support the fight  to rid the society of the menace of cybercrime and other forms of criminality.