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Tag: DHQ

  • Military renames its operation in Plateau

    Military renames its operation in Plateau

    The Defence Headquarters has renamed its Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) to “Operation Ensuring Peace” in its efforts to ensure better action against insecurity in the area of its operational environment.

    Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) disclosed this during the rebranding of the operation on Friday in Jos.

    Due to the rising security challenges in Plateau and environs, the military in 2010 established the operation and named it Special Task Force (STF).

    In 2015, STF was renamed OPSH, with its mandate and areas of responsibility expanded to cover some parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states.

    According to Musa, the renaming of the operation would ensure better output in stemming the tides of insecurity within its joint operation area.

    Musa, who commended the troops of the operation for tackling the myriad of security challenges in Plateau and environs, however, acknowledged some challenges faced in recent times.

    “This is a significant and strategic transition in our ongoing commitment towards restoring sustainable peace, security and stability in Plateau and adjoining areas of Benue, Kaduna, and Nasarawa States.

    “The operation has significantly contributed to mitigating communal conflicts, curbing armed banditry and enhancing civil-military relations.

    “It has served as a stabilising force, providing the much-needed assurance of security to communities affected by decades of recurrent violence.

    According to Musa, it is therefore with great honour and sense of duty that I stand before you to formally deactivate ‘Operation Safe Haven’ and with renewed resolve, operationalise its successor, ‘Operation Ensuring Peace.

    The CDS said that the rebranding was not cosmetic, insisting that it reflects a broader mandate and renewed sense of purpose.

    He added that the move was a stronger resolve towards securing not just temporary safety, but a lasting peace that would endure for generations.

    Musa said that the new identity underscored the reality that the security challenges required more than immediate interventions and demanded sustainable solutions that integrate military, political, judicial and community efforts.

    He said that the Operation Enduring Peace, would place stronger emphasis on inter-agency collaboration, intelligence-driven operations and community engagement which encapsulate a whole-of-society approach.

    “In practical terms, we are working towards deploying additional personnel, enhancing logistics support and providing critical operational assets.

    “These enablers will significantly improve the operational effectiveness of our troops,” the CDS said.

    Musa promised to initiate good welfare package for troops of the operation, adding that such move would enable them carry out their duties with focus and resilience.

    The CDS, who thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support to the armed forces, called on residents of the joint operation area to cooperate and support the troops deployed to their communities to succeed.

  • Military kills terrorist commanders, rescue 37 victims – DHQ

    Military kills terrorist commanders, rescue 37 victims – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says troops eliminated several terrorist commanders, rescued 37 kidnapped victims, and apprehended dozens of suspects in nationwide operations between Aug. 7 and Aug. 13.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said this on Thursday in Abuja during the biweekly news briefing on military activities across all theatres of operation.

    He said the operations were carried out under the Joint Task Forces in the North-East, North-West, North-Central, South-East, and South-South, with combined air and ground assaults supported by sister security agencies and hybrid forces.

    “Our troops have continued to demonstrate courage, resilience, and determination to dismantle terrorist networks, defeat insurgency and banditry, and suppress all forms of criminality.

    “The terrorists’ will to fight has been shattered,” he said.

    In the North-East, Kangye said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised several Boko Haram and ISWAP commanders in Limankara, Pulka, Kareto, and other locations in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States.

    He said that 16 suspected terrorists were arrested, five hostages rescued, and weapons, vehicles, motorcycles, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) recovered and safely detonated.

    In the North-West, Kangye said the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma, killed scores of terrorists, arrested 11 suspects, and rescued 17 kidnapped victims in Katsina, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, and Kaduna States.

    According to him, a suspected gunrunner was intercepted in Jama’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, while concealing an AK-47 rifle and ammunition in a sack of animal feed.

    In the North-Central, he said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke engaged criminal gangs in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT, killing several, arresting 13 suspects, and rescuing nine hostages.

    According to him, two notorious arms dealers were arrested in Lokoja, while a large cache of ammunition was recovered from an abandoned extremist camp in Taraba.

    In the South-South, Kangye said the troops of Operation Delta Safe impounded 24,575 litres of stolen crude oil, 9,140 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 2,605 litres of petrol.

    He added that the troops destroyed illegal refining sites, seized boats and storage tanks, and arrested 34 suspects linked to oil theft, cultism, and kidnapping.

    In the South-East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA, nabbed six suspected IPOB/ESN members and a kidnapper in Imo, Anambra, and Ebonyi States, recovering arms, ammunition, and vehicles.

    Kangye, however, dismissed an Amnesty International report alleging extrajudicial killings in the South-East, insisting that the military operates professionally and within the law.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria are not involved in any extrajudicial killings. Such allegations are unfounded and misleading,” he said.

    Kangye urged Nigerians to appreciate the sacrifices of the troops in the field, adding that the “troops gave their today for a safer country of tomorrow’’.

  • Bandit kingpin, Bello Turji has not surrendered – DHQ

    Bandit kingpin, Bello Turji has not surrendered – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has dismissed the reports that the bandit kingpin, Bello Turji, has surrendered to the military.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known on Thursday while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces in Abuja.

    “Bello Turji has not surrendered. We are still on the trail for him,” he said.

    Turji, a wanted bandit leader operating mainly in Zamfara and Sokoto States, has been linked to several attacks on communities in the North-West.

    Recall that there were recent reports that the bandit leader had surrendered his arms and released 32 kidnap victims following a peace initiative brokered by an Islamic clerics in Zamfara.

    Kangye also dismissed allegations by Amnesty International accusing the troops of extrajudicial killings in the South-East, describing them as unfounded.

    He said the military does not engage in indiscriminate violence, adding that soldiers would not carry weapons to the street to start killing people.

    “You know what Amnesty International is doing. You know what they used to publish.

    “Like I always tell you, everybody with a phone in his hand is a potential source of information to the whole world.

    “But I can tell you that the military is not engaged in any extrajudicial killing in the southeast,” he said.

    On the recent protests by some retired military personnel, Kangye said the matter had been addressed by the Military Pensions Board (MPB) during a meeting with the affected veterans.

    He explained that only a few individuals were involved in the demonstrations, adding that MPB, alongside the Chief of Accounts and Budget at the Defence Headquarters and the Minister of Finance, had engaged with them to resolve the issues.

  • DHQ dismisses claim of Turkish terrorist group in Nigeria

    DHQ dismisses claim of Turkish terrorist group in Nigeria

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims by the Turkish Ambassador-designate to Nigeria, Mehmet Poroy, of an existing ‘FETO Terrorist Group’ in the country.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, while briefing newsmen on military operations on Thursday in Abuja said the DHQ does not recognise the claims as official or verified.

    Kangye maintained that Nigeria remains an independent nation capable of making its own decisions, particularly on security and counterterrorism matters.

    “This is in response to the recent comments by the Ambassador alleging that members of a group designated as Fethullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO) were operating in Nigeria under the guise of educational and healthcare institutions.

    Kangye said that Poroy made the claimed that FETO had an active presence in Nigeria at a dinner in Abuja on Tuesday to mark Turkey’s Democracy and National Unity Day,

    According to Poroy, the presence of such an organisation poses a threat to every country in which it operate, particularly in the fields of education and healthcare.

    Kangye also quoted Poroy saying that Turkey had continued to brief Nigeria on what it views as the group’s subversive activities and urged Nigerian authorities to remain `vigilant and cautious’.

    Responding to questions from journalists, the defence spokesman said the claim was an unofficial pronouncement.

    According to Kangye, everybody is free to say whatever they want. There is freedom of information.

    “Nigeria cannot be swayed by external commentary or claims that do not align with its own intelligence and national interest.

    “Nigeria is an independent sovereign nation that can think and act for itself,” he said.

    Kangye cautioned against accepting unverified foreign narratives, especially those that may undermine national integrity or incite suspicion, acknowledging Nigeria’s diplomatic and military relationships with several countries.

    He also pointed to the rise of global propaganda and psychological operations, suggesting that foreign assertions could be part of broader strategic maneuvers.

    “We cannot take what other people are saying about Nigeria and accept it without our own independent assessment. Nigeria knows what it is, and the Nigerian military has its own code of conduct and operational guidelines.

    “There are propagandists all over the world. Psychological oppressions go on everywhere. That’s why we must be vigilant,” he added.

    Kangye, however, reaffirmed Nigeria’s commitment to fighting terrorism on its own terms, guided by national priorities and internal intelligence.

    He reiterated that while the country values its international allies, its security decisions would always reflect its status as a sovereign state.

    Soldiers reject N13.7m bribe from terrorists – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of Operation Safe Haven rejected a bribe of N13.7 million offered by terrorists during an operation along the Jos-Sanga Road in Plateau.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this while briefing journalists on military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the troops had responded to a distress call about terrorist activities when they intercepted two terrorists who attempted to bribe them with N13.7 million.

    He added that the troops also conducted offensive operations and responded to distress calls in Bassa, Barkin Ladi, South Wase, Riyom, and Jos East Local Government Areas(LGAs) of Plateau.

    According to him, the troops similarly conducted offensive operations in Kaura and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State.

    He said during the operations, the troops engaged extremists, killed some, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued three kidnapped victims.

    “Some weapons, ammunition, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered from them.

    “Similarly, troops of Operation Safe Haven while on routine patrol arrested seven militias/criminals in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Wamba and Sanga LGAs of Nasarawa and Kaduna States respectively.

    “Items recovered from them were weapons, ammunition and motorcycles as well as illicit drugs.

    “On July 9, our gallant troops intercepted a vehicle with bullet holes along Jos, Sanga Road. Suspects attempted to induce troops with monetary gratification, which they declined.”

    He said, “Troops arrested two suspects, recovered weapons, ammunition, a vehicle and the sum of N13.7 million from them.

    “While the investigation is ongoing, the recovered items are in the custody of the troops,” he said.

    Kangye commended the troops for their resilience and professionalism in apprehending the criminals.

    “As the Nigerian military intensifies efforts to conclude these operations, I urge the public to continue cooperating with security agencies, remain vigilant, and report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

    “The support of all Nigerians, including the media, is crucial to the overall success of our mission.

    “We will continue to provide timely updates and ensure transparency throughout the operation,” he added.

  • Russia prepared to provide military assistance to Nigeria – DHQ

    Russia prepared to provide military assistance to Nigeria – DHQ

    The Minister of Defence of the Russian Federation, Andrey Belousov, has expressed the preparedness of Russia to provide the necessary military assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    Belousov gave the assurance when the Chief of Defence Staff of Nigeria (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, paid him a courtesy visit in Moscow.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.

    Gusau said the visit was aimed at reiterating Nigeria’s solidarity with the Federation on its 80th Victory Day Commemoration, in honour of Russian heroes who paid the ultimate price during World War II.

    He added that the visit was highly rewarding, as it enabled the CDS to reaffirm Nigeria’s commitment to military cooperation with the Russian Federation.

    According to him, it also provided an opportunity for the CDS to outline the operational needs of the Nigerian armed forces, which Russia could potentially support.

    “The Russian Defence Minister expressed appreciation for the visit and noted that, in line with the Military Technical cooperation, Russia was prepared to provide the necessary military assistance to the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    “He also stated the outcomes of subsequent engagements, such as the meeting of the Intergovernmental Working Group and the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” Gusau said.

  • Troops nab 49 suspected oil thieves, destroy 22 illegal refining sites – DHQ

    Troops nab 49 suspected oil thieves, destroy 22 illegal refining sites – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation Delta Safe, have in the last one week apprehended 49 perpetrators of oil theft and destroyed 22 illegal refining sites.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a weekly report of ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, on Friday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the troops had during the week foiled oil theft worth an estimated sum of N869.2m.

    The breakdown, according to him, indicates 325,990 litres of stolen crude oil, 24,645 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 19,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and 1,600 litres of engine oil were recovered.

    “Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 86 crude oil cooking ovens, 181 dugout pits, 25 boats, a speedboat, 18 storage tanks, 316 drums and 22 illegal refining sites.

    “Other items recovered include generator set, jack, galvanised pipes, pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 18 vehicles,” he said.

    Kangye said the military, in collaboration with other security agencies, had continued to demonstrate bravery, discipline, and professionalism in the face of evolving security threats.

    He said the troops neutralised several insurgents, rescued hostages, apprehended suspects, and recovered arms and ammunition during the week.

    “Our operations have continued across various theatres of operations comprising the North East, North West, North Central South-South and other regions where criminals seek to disrupt peace and stability.

    “Troops remain committed to their constitutional responsibility of safeguarding the sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity of Nigeria, as well as ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.

    “Between April 3 and April 10, troops recovered huge quantities of assorted arms including various kinds of machine guns, RPG tubes, automatic weapons as well as locally fabricated guns and Improvised Explosive Devices.

    “Additionally, a huge cache of assorted 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, as well as live cartridges were also recovered,” he said.

  • How military operation facilitated ex-NYSC DG release – DHQ

    How military operation facilitated ex-NYSC DG release – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has faulted the claims that military generals contributed money to secure the release of retired Brig.-Gen. Mahrazu Tsiga, who was held captive for 56 days.

    The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Monday said the claims by retired Brig. -Gen. Ismaila Abdullahi, had contradicted the efforts of the military.

    Gusau said the narratives clearly downplayed the efforts made by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma by embarking on Search and Rescue Operation to secure the release of Gen. Tsiga in addition to other non-kinetic efforts.

    He said the senior officer had in a message, thanked other senior officers and civilians for their contribution to the rescue of the former Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

    According to the Defence spokesman, it may seem unproductive to engage with those who constantly criticise the military, especially those that have benefited from the same military.

    He said it was essential to clarify the relentless efforts undertaken by the troops that facilitated General Tsiga’s release.

    “It is important to note that the unfortunate abduction of the former DG of NYSC occurred in the wee hours of 6 February 2025, in Tsiga, Kafur District of Bakori Local Government Area in Katsina State.

    “Immediately, troops of 17 Brigade were alerted, they responded to the situation around 0300 hours the same day and in a commendable show of professionalism, swiftly went on pursuit in conjunction with the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma.

    “These combined efforts led to troops combing the assailants/bandits hideouts within Jeka, Areda, and Zango, all in Kankara Local Government Area, in search of the former DG.

    “The operation extended to Ruwan Lafiya, Mununu, Matallawa and Bakkai in Faskari Local Government Area.

    “Although no direct contact was made with the abductors, the troops successfully pressured the criminals, who abandoned rustled animals and some captives in their hasty retreat.

    “The troops nevertheless sustained the pursuit of the terrorists with unwavering determination, despite facing difficulties due to challenging terrain,” he said.

    Gusau added that troops had on Feb. 8, intensified their manhunt for the abductors and conducted dawn attacks at Yankuzo and Gidan Dankaka in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara where terrorist kingpin Ado Aliero hibernates.

    He added that subsequent air operations at Dunya Hill, a suspected bandit stronghold where General Tsiga was held, disrupted the terrorists, leading to the escape of several captives.

    According to him, the former DG was unable to escape due to health concerns.

    “One of the captives, Barau Garba, a teacher at Government Secondary School in Tsiga and who was with General Tsiga was rescued by troops and he shared his experience via the attached video.

    “Barau has since been reunited with his family in Tsiga town.
    “In another instance, troops assaulted Pauwa Hills and Matallawa area of Kankara Local Government Area in search of Brig.-Gen. Tsiga.

    “However, they were only able to rescue 84 kidnapped victims from the area without locating him.

    “In the process, several terrorists/bandits were neutralised while three personnel sustained gunshot wounds,” he added.

    The defence Spokesman said that troops had since Tsiga’s abduction, remained relentless in their pursuit, conducting both air and ground operations, which he added, had kept pressure on the abductors.

    According to him, it is only fair to recognise the significant sacrifices made by these troops who have worked day and night, often at great risk to their own lives in their search for the senior officer.

    “The disparaging online is therefore nothing but presumably an act of mischief which is calculated to undermine the dedicated efforts of the military to eradicate terrorists/bandits and other criminal elements from the North West region.

    “It is noteworthy to add that the military operations comprising both kinetic and non-kinetic strategies facilitated the rescue of General Tsiga as his life is invaluable and anything that needed to be done to ensure he was safe was adopted in ensuring a successful Search and Rescue effort.

    “Troops will continue to support all efforts in ensuring peace and security across the country.

    “The general public is therefore encouraged to continue supporting troops by providing credible intelligence to assist in this regard,” he said.

  • Military eliminates 358 terrorists, nabs 431 others in January

    Military eliminates 358 terrorists, nabs 431 others in January

    The Defence Headquarters says troops have eliminated no fewer than 358 terrorists, apprehended 431 suspects and rescued 249 kidnapped hostages between Jan. 1 and  31.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops had continued to sustain the tempo in defeating terrorists and their cohorts in ongoing counter terrorist and insurgency operations across the country.

    He said the troops recovered 370 weapons and 4,972 ammunitions, comprising 105 AK47 rifles, 25 locally fabricated guns, and 32 dane guns.

    Buba added that 23 pump action guns, 3,066 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 758 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 980 cartridges, 72 assorted arms and 500 assorted ammunitions were also recovered.

    In the North East, Buba said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai had sustained the tempo against terrorists and their cohorts across the theatre during the month.

    He said the troops launched both ground and air offensives on terrorists, neutralising 193 terrorists, apprehended 89 suspects and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages.

    According to him, troops recorded 95 surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ combatants and their families.

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke, neutralised 22 violent extremists, nabbed 149 and rescued 73 kidnap hostages

    He said that the troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition.

    In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma, neutralised 102 terrorists, arrested 134 suspects and rescued 100 kidnapped hostages with a large cache of arms and ammunition.

    In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, apprehended 59 perpetrators of oil theft and denied them of an estimated sum of over N2 billion.

    He said the troops also recovered 2.7 million litres of stolen crude oil, 42,515 litres of illegally refined AGO, 200 litres of DPK and 2,250 litres of PMS amongst other items.

    In the South East, he said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 41 terrorists, arrested 57 suspects and rescued 37 kidnap hostages.

    “Overall, the armed forces continue to fight admirably in defeating terrorists and their cohorts across the country.

    “Troops remain focused on creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens is assured,” he added.

  • Bello Turji’s camps in disarray, second-in-command, 24 others killed – DHQ

    Bello Turji’s camps in disarray, second-in-command, 24 others killed – DHQ

    Defence Headquarters says the camp of the notorious terrorists’ leader, Bello Turji, is in disarray with the killing of his second-in-command, Aminu Kanawa and 24 others, by troops of Operation Fassan Yamma.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Buba said the operations were launched on Turji’s camps in Sokoto and Zamfara States, between Monday and Tuesday.

    He said that troops also inflicted terminal injuries on some of Turji’s close allies namely: Dosso (Bello Turji’s younger brother) and Danbokolo (one of the Turji’s closest allies).

    According to him, troops also neutralised several of Turji’s key commanders namely: Abu Dan Shehu, Jabbi Dogo, Dan Kane, Basiru Yellow, Kabiru Gebe, Bello Buba and Dan Inna Kahon-Saniya-Yafi-Bahaushe, among others.

    “Furthermore, troops neutralised over 24 fleeing terrorist from Turji’s camp around Gebe and Isa Local Government Areas of Sokoto State, as well as around Gidan Rijiya in Shinkafi Lical Government Area of Zamfara.

    “Troops also neutralised another notable terrorist during the onslaught on Turji’s enclave around Fakai high ground.

    “He is identified as Suleiman, and a loyalist of late notorious terrorists’ leader, Halilu Sububu.

    “The late, Suleiman was leading a reinforcement team to rescue Bello Turji’s camp which was in disarray, when he was eliminated during the fire fight,” he said.

    Buba said the death of Bello Turji’s second-in-command, close allies, commanders and combatants was a significant blow to the terrorists’ network in the North Western Nigeria, as well as their military and fighting capabilities.

    According to him, these group of terrorists were responsible for numerous kidnappings and terrorist attacks across the zone, particularly in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas in Zamfara and Sokoto States.

    “Overall, troops are not relenting until these terrorists are completely destroyed.

    “Troops operations are aimed at creating an atmosphere of safety and security for all citizens,” he added.

  • Notorious terrorists surrender to troops – DHQ

    Notorious terrorists surrender to troops – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says that two notorious terrorists, Abu Radde and Umar Black, operating in the North West theatre of operation, have on Jan. 19, surrendered to troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Tuesday, said the surrendered terrorists had been operating in Batsari and Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Buba said the surrender was occasioned by ongoing synchronised offensive operations by the ground troops and the air component which resulted in several terrorists being dislodged from their enclaves with high casualties.

    He said the troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunition as well as secured the release of 15 hostages held by the terrorist during the operation.

    According to him, troops are nevertheless sustaining the momentum as they continue the hunt for notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, among others.

    “On the whole, troops will continue to eliminate threats posed by terrorists and destroy them on the battlefield. The terrorists either surrender or be buried on the battlefield.

    “Additionally, troops continue with their operations to create conditions whereby terrorists are denied the ability to carry out acts of terror against citizens,” he said.