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  • SAD! DHQ confirms ISWAP k!lled 6 soldiers during Borno invasion

    SAD! DHQ confirms ISWAP k!lled 6 soldiers during Borno invasion

    The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of six soldiers during a raid by the Islamic State/ Boko Haram group on its military base in Borno State.

    According to the report, two military officers said that the fighters from Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) reportedly launched a pre-dawn attack in trucks and on motorcycles on Sunday on the base in Sabon Gari in Borno State’s Damboa district.

    The insurgents reportedly set fire to the base along with army vehicles. “We lost six soldiers in the ISWAP terrorists attack on the base after an intense gun battle,” AFP quoted one of the officers.

    Fighter jets were reportedly deployed from the regional capital Maiduguri 100 kilometres (62 miles) away, and struck the attackers as they retreated.

    In an update statement on Wednesday, the DHQ said although on the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons recovered, six of its personnel were killed in action.

    The DHQ also said its troops recovered over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    The statement said “On 4 January 2025, an unspecified number of ISWAP/BHT terrorists riding on motorcycles and Gun trucks engaged troops deployed in SABON GARI Village of DAMBOA Local Government Area of Borno State in a firefight. The terrorists had attempted to surprise troops and retaliate against the recent killing of their commander and combatants by troops.

    “The terrorists were taken unaware when troops fighting patrol returning to base foiled their planned attack as soon as the attack commenced. Additionally, the troop’s reinforcement team comprised of elements of the Civilian Joint Taskforce, vigilantes as well as hybrid forces timely arrived at the scene to overpower the terrorists.

    “Furthermore, though troops reinforcement team encountered an Improvise Explosive Device injuring the Vigilante Commander. The reinforcement team arrived in time to decimate the fleeing terrorist.

    “Furthermore, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the fleeing terrorist. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several killed terrorists and recovered weapons.

    On the whole, 34 terrorists were killed and 23 AK 47 weapons were recovered. Troops also recovered with over 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Sadly, 6 personnel were killed in action.

    “Kindly note that the names of killed in-action personnel are withheld to allow administrative procedures of notifying their next of kin to be concluded. Accordingly, the media is requested to respect the process, please.”

    The Armed Forces reiterated that it is “profoundly conscious” of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation.

    It added that troops remain committed to the course of defeating the terrorists.

    Since 2009, northern Nigeria has been plagued by various jihadist groups, including Boko Haram and a rival faction the Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), as well as armed criminal groups.

    The conflict has killed more than 40,000 people and displaced around two million from their homes in the northeast.

    In November, five Nigerian troops were killed and 10 more injured when ISWAP fighters raided a base in Kareto village near the border with Niger.

  • Civilians not killed by military strikes — DHQ

    Civilians not killed by military strikes — DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the death of 10 civilians in Gidan Bisa and Gidan Ruutuwa In Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, was as a result of secondary explosion and not direct military airstrikes.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, gave the clarification while briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops had on Dec. 25, in a coordinated joint operation conducted between the Air Component and the Land Component of Operation Fassan Yamma, to destroy Lakurawa terrorist groups in their hideouts in the area.

    He said that there was confirmed terrorist activities in the area prior to the operation through sustained intelligence, surveillance recognisance conducted for extended period of time to confirm the presence of the terrorists hibernating there.

    Pre-operational intelligence surveillance also confirmed terrorist activities within the general area, he said.

    “Thereafter, human intelligence were deployed and their reports corroborated the intelligence surveillance and recognition findings, emphasising the strategic importance of neutralising the location.

    “After confirmation, aircraft were dispatched to conduct precision air strikes on identified hideouts at about 0600 hours from that date.

    “The strike was executed with precision-guided munitions to minimise collateral damage.

    “The Land Component was tactically deployed at blocking positions around the target location to prevent the escape of the Lakurawa terrorist group, as well as to provide immediate post-strike assessment and follow-up actions.

    “Following the air strikes, ground forces confirmed that the hideout was successfully neutralised with minimal damage observed in the surrounding villages.

    “The ground forces interacted with the locals in the area and they confirmed the presence of the terrorists in that general area.

    “The ground forces also confirmed that the air strikes achieved its primary objective of neutralising the Lakurawa terrorist group’s hideouts.”

    Buba said that the neutralised Lakurawa terrorist combatants were bombed and burnt beyond recognition because they were hit directly by the strike.

    He added that the military made sure it minimised civilian casualties in the strike, noting that it was well aware of the presence of the terrorists among the locals.

    “In summary, I would say that troops targeted the terrorists and not innocent citizens.

    “Every innocent soul lost in the course of our operation is a tragedy and we do sympathise with their loved ones and their families.

    “But we must be reminded that our troops are very professional in their actions and are indeed turning the tide against the insurgents and terrorists,” he added.

  • New terrorists’ group emerges in North West – DHQ

    New terrorists’ group emerges in North West – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the emergence of a new terrorists’ group known as ‘Lukarawas’ exacerbating insecurity in the North Western part of Nigeria.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said that the new terror group emerged from the Republic of Niger after the coup that led to the breakdown of military cooperation between Nigeria and Niger.

    He said that the terrorists began incursion into northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi States from the Niger Republic and Mali axis, particularly after the coup in Niger Republic.

    According to him, prior to the coup, there were joint border operations with Nigerien security forces which kept the terrorist at bay.

    “The terrorists took advantage of the gaps in cooperation between both countries and exploited difficult terrains to make incursions in remote areas in some North Western states to spread their ideology,” he said.

    Buba said that the group was accommodated by the locals who initially thought that the group meant well for them, adding that they failed to report the movement to the military and security agencies.

    He gave assurance that toops had sustained Imtelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) to degrade the terrorists.

    He added that the terror group had continued to take advantage of the vast under-governed areas to hide and evade troops as well as harass the locals. According to him, troops are locating them and eliminating the threat.

    Terrorist leaders in North Central begging to surrender – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), says some terrorists’ leaders operating in the North Central zone have indicated interest to surrender and lay down their arms.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said the military had opened its surrendering corridors to those that had expressed interest to surrender. According to him, the terrorists knew that they cannot match the military strength.

    “The options open to them is to surrender or be killed on the battlefield. Accordingly, some terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants have indicated surrender. We are opening a surrendering corridor for that purpose,” he said.

  • Troops eliminate 152 terrorists, apprehend 109 in 1 week

    Troops eliminate 152 terrorists, apprehend 109 in 1 week

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday, said  that troops have eliminated 152 terrorists, and apprehended 109 others, with 91 rescued kidnapped hostages in the last one week across the country.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in an update on the operations of the armed forces in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops had during the week, carried out surgical operations against two prominent terrorist commanders known as Sadiku and Alhaji Yusuf and decimated their strongholds.

    According to him, Sadiku’s enclave is located at Tsora Hill in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, while Alhaji Yusuf’s enclave is located at Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    He said that troops also apprehended two female terrorist collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom.

    Buba said the troops also recovered 183 weapons, 4,443 ammunitions comprising 95 AK47 rifles, 35 locally fabricated guns, 76 dane guns, One GPMG and two PKT guns.

    Others, according to him, are 4,131 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 115 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 28 cartridges, 53 assorted arms and 197 assorted ammunitions.

    “On the whole, the gallant men and women of the armed forces continued to take pride in putting themselves in harms way to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

    “Citizens on the other hand, must constantly see the need to show support for troops to win the war,”he said.

    In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 63 terrorists, apprehended 38 suspects and rescued 35 kidnappers hostages, as well as recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition.

    He said that a total of 196 terrorists comprising 19 adult males 70 adult females and 107 children, surrendered to troops between Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, within the theatre of operations.

    Buba added that the air component conducted a successful air interdiction on Aug. 31 killing an ISWAP spiritual leader identified as Goni Sanda and several other terrorists in Borno.

    In the North Central, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised three violent extremists, apprehended 40 and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages within the week.

    In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 105 terrorists, apprehended 21 terrorists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of cache of arms during the week.

    Under Operation Whirl Punch, Buba said neutralised 16 terrorists, apprehended nine suspects and rescued two kidnapped hostages.

    In the Niger Delta, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 58 illegal refining sites, 36 dugout pits, 40 boats, 22 drums and 27 storage tanks.

    According to him,  32 cooking ovens, six speedboats, three vehicles, three motorcycles, one pumping machine and one generator were also destroyed.

    He said that the troops recovered 725,920 litres of stolen crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO as well as apprehended 36 suspected oil thieves and recovered vehicles.

    According to him, the air component conducted air interdiction mission to Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama, destroyingor than 17 illegal refining sites and several canoes.

    In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended two violent extremists and rescued two kidnapped hostages.

    According to him, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

  • Military neutralises 108 terrorists, rescues 214 hostages in 1 week – DHQ

    Military neutralises 108 terrorists, rescues 214 hostages in 1 week – DHQ

    The Nigerian military in the last one week eliminated 108 terrorists amd  rescued 214 kidnapped hostages across the country.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said  troops also apprehended 204 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, recovered 66 assorted weapons and 4,087 assorted ammunition, comprising one dushka, one MG, two GPMGs, one RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, one AK56 rifle and 37 AK47 rifles.

    He added that the troops also recovered four MRAPs, two GTs, three fabricated rifles, six dane guns, three locally made pistols, six magazines, one bandolier and two HH radios.

    Other weapons, according to him, are 313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT, 2,362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 699 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 201 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm and 503 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm.

    “Also recovered are nine live cartridges, one belted of NATO ammo, 19 vehicles, 44 motorcycles, three mobile phones and the sum of N4.9 million amongst other items,’’ he said.

    In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 47 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects and rescued 130 kidnappers hostages as well as recovery of cache of arms.

    He said that a total of 622 terrorists comprising 90 adult males 182 adult females and 350 children surrendered to troops during the week within the theatre of operations.

    Buba said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai, had on Aug. 2 conducted an air interdiction at newly uncovered BH/ISWAP terrorist’s hideout and IED factory in Mandara Mountains.

    According to him, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and the IED factory as well as their logistics destroyed.

    In the North Central, he said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke, neutralised 13 insurgents, apprehended 57 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages during the week.

    In the North West, Buba said the troops of Hadarin Daji, neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested 22 terrorists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

    He said the air component conducted successful air interdiction missions at suspected terrorists kingpin Kamilu Burazu’s enclave and newly uncovered terrorists hideout In Danmusa and Batsari Local Government Areas of Katsina State.

    According to him, battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures as well as logistics were destroyed.

    Under Operation Whirl Punch, Buba said the troops neutralised eight terrorists, arrested 22 suspects and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages in Kaduna, Niger and Kogi States.

    He added that the air component eliminated several terrorists and destroyed the camp of a terrorists’ kingpin, Buhari in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, recovered 1.13 million litres of stolen crude oil, and 228,770 litres of illegally refined AGO, as well as 100 litres of DPK and 20,000 litres of PMS.

    He added that troops discovered and destroyed 487 dugout pits, 32 boats and 12 storage tanks as well as 71 cooking ovens, two speedboats, two pumping machines, and two HH radios.

    According to him, troops also recovered 19 vehicles, 32 motorcycles, one tricycle, one wheelbarrow and destroyed 76 illegal refining sites.

    He added that troops rescued five kidnapped hostages and apprehended 32 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists and also recovered 11 assorted weapons.

    In the South East, Buba said that troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised five terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued four kidnapped hostages.

    “All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action,’’ he added.

  • Troops silence 572 terrorists, rescue 479 victims in July – DHQ

    Troops silence 572 terrorists, rescue 479 victims in July – DHQ

    The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday disclosed that its troops neutralised 572 terrorists and rescued 479 kidnapped victims across the country in July.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja.

    According to him, the troops recovered 440 weapons, 10,589 ammunition comprising 232 AK-47 rifles, 93 locally fabricated guns and 82 dane guns.

    Bubba added that the troops also recovered 32 pump action guns, 5,041 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,768 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 659 cartridges, 63 assorted arms and 2,259 assorted ammunition.

    In the North East, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 254 terrorist, apprehended 167 suspects and rescued 80 kidnapped hostages as well as surrendering of 3,976 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants and their families.

    He added that a total of 106 AK47 rifles, 36 fabricated rifles, 29 dane guns, 17 assorted arms, 1,644 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 968 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 1,379 assorted ammunition were recovered.

    In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised 50 terrorist/ violent extremist, apprehended 135 suspects and rescued 80 kidnapped hostages within the month.

    He added that the troops also recovered 32 AK47 rifles, 28 fabricated guns, 27 assorted arms, 773 rounds of 7.62mm special, 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 178 assorted ammunition.

    Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops neutralised 24 terrorist, apprehended 56 suspects and rescued 59 kidnapped hostages, as well as recovery of cache of assorted arms and ammunition.

    Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops neutralised 24 terrorist, apprehended 56 suspects and rescued 59 kidnapped hostages, as well as recovery of cache of assorted arms and ammunition.

    Under Operation Whirl Punch, Buba said the troops neutralised 66 terrorist, arrested 76 suspects and rescued 97 kidnap hostages as well as recovery of 24 AK47 rifles, 737 rounds of 7.62mm special, 281 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 45 assorted ammunition.

    In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, apprehended 137 suspected crude oil thieves, recovered 3.6 million litres of crude oil, 625,518 litres of AGO, 450 litres of DPK and 1,230 litres of PMS.

    According to him, troops also destroyed 91 wooden boats, 53 assorted ammunition and 173 illegal refining sites.

    In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA, neutralised 26 terrorist, apprehended 117 suspects and rescued 19 kidnap hostages.

    According to him, troops recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 29 pump action guns, 372 rounds of 7.62mm special, 178 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 504 live cartridges, 26 assorted arms, 475 assorted ammunition and 49 other equipment.

    On the ongoing nationwide protest, Buba said armed forces was committed to ensuring stability wherever it might be needed across the country.

  • Military making operational adjustment to protect farmers – DHQ

    Military making operational adjustment to protect farmers – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says operational adjustments have been made by the military to prioritise protection for farmers to ensure a successful rainy season farming.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known on Friday in Abuja while giving updates on the operations of the armed forces.

    Buba said the armed forces had intensified intelligence collection effort targeted at hunting terrorists and striking them where they may be hiding and hibernating.

    He said the aim was to eliminate the terrorists and the infrastructure that supports their activities.

    According to him, troops will continue to employ significant firepower to neutralise terrorists and disrupt their activities across the country.

    “Winning the war against the terrorist is non-negotiable,” he said.

    Buba said the troops had, in different operations, neutralised 220, apprehended 395 suspects and rescued 202 kidnapped hostages in the last one week.

    He added that troops recovered 432 assorted weapons and 9,004 assorted ammunition comprising three PKT guns, one G3 rifle, 83 AK47 rifles and 18 locally-fabricated guns.

    Also recovered were 16 dane guns, 14 RPG bombs, one RPG launcher, two tear gas launchers, 234 smoke grenades and one bandolier.

    Others include 5,893 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,064 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 401 rounds of 9mm ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 154 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 195 live cartridges, and 17 magazines.

    In the North-East, Buba said, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 98 suspects and rescued 61 kidnappers hostages.

    Assorted arms were also recovered, he added.

    In the North-Central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 37 insurgents, arrested 102 violent extremists and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages, he said.

    In the North-West, Buba said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 78 terrorists, arrested 103 terrorists and rescued 68 kidnapped hostages.

    Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 105 illegal refining sites with 51 dugout pits, 38 boats and 51 storage tanks.

    He said the troops also recovered 215 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 44 drums, three tug boats, three barges, four wheelbarrows, one outboard engine, 15 vehicles, three motorcycles and six mobile phones.

    According to him, troops recovered 1.09 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.1 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 27,350 litres of DPK and 150 litres of PMS.

    “Troops also arrested 55 perpetrators of oil theft and denied the oil thieves an estimated sum of N1.8 billion,” he said.

    In the South-East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 22 terrorists, arrested 37 violent extremists, rescued 15 kidnapped hostages and also recovered a large cache of arms.

  • Terrorists suffer heavy casualty in 2 ambushes on Nigerian troops

    Terrorists suffer heavy casualty in 2 ambushes on Nigerian troops

    Groups of terrorists in the North West have suffered heavy casualties when the laid ambushes for troops of Operation ”Hadarin Daji” in Zamfara.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops had on May 12, encountered two seperate ambushes at  Kuran Mota Village as well as  along Road Alikere – Yarmalimai Village in Zamfara.

    He said the troops fought fiercely to extricate themselves from the situation, leading to loss of four soldiers while three were wounded in action in the first ambush.

    According to him, five soldiers sustained minor injuries of gunshot wounds in the second ambush incident and the soldiers have been stabilised as they were evacuated to FOB Faskari for medication care.

    “During the ambush, troops received support from the air component Operation Hadarin Daji as well as reinforcement from FOB Yarmalimai.

    “The joint effort of both forces dealt severe blow to the coalition of terrorist that gathered in numerical strength to execute both ambushes.

    “Accordingly, several of the terrorist were neutralised as they suffered heavy casualties.

    “Troops have unlock the change in tactics of these terrorist and made necessary adjustments to maintain tactical superiority in the battlefield,” he said.

  • Military court martials 12 personnel over Tudun Biri bombing incident

    Military court martials 12 personnel over Tudun Biri bombing incident

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, says 12 personnel of the Nigerian Army are facing a court martial in respect of the bombing incident at Tudun Biri in Kaduna State.

    Buba made this known while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja on the operations of the Armed Forces.

    Recall that 85 civilians were on Dec. 3, 2023, mistakenly killed in military drone attacks in Tudun Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    Buba said that the military would punish personnel found culpable in the Dec. 3 incident, adding that investigation was conducted and concluded with a resolve to ensure that the personnel involved were brought to book and justice served for the victims.

    “The military has conducted a painstaking investigation into the incident and has initiated disciplinary action against those culpable.

    “Accordingly, the affected personnel are to face a court martial for acts of omission or commission with respect to the incident.

    “I am however constrained not to speak much about the incident as it would be adjudged as prejudicial being a case before court martial.

    “The military will take extra precautions in the future to ensure that non combatants are safe,” he said.

  • BREAKING: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to visit Nigeria in May

    BREAKING: Prince Harry, Meghan Markle to visit Nigeria in May

    The Duke of Sussex, His Royal Highness Prince Harry and his wife, the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle will visit Nigeria in May.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will during their stay in the country meet with service men and women.

    Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will also be hosted to arrays of cultural activities during their stay in the country, according to a statement by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

    In a statement on Sunday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information expressed DHQ’s honour and delight to host the British royals.

    Prince Harry and his wife are visiting Nigeria, following the nation’s debut Invictus Games in 2023.

    In 2023, among the 21 participating nations, Nigeria, alongside Colombia and Israel, were new entrants at the Invictus Games which welcomed 500 athletes.

    Recall Prince Harry founded the Invictus Games, an international multi-sporting event, which offers recovery pathways for international wounded, injured and sick service men and women.

    It also gives soldiers awareness and recognition in society to support their path in rehabilitation.

    The Invictus Games has about 500 participants at the last outing and 21 nations in attendance, including Nigeria which made headway with gold and silver at its first outing last year.

    The visit is to consolidate Nigeria’s stronghold at the game and the possibility of hosting the event in later years.

    The Honourable Minister of Defence, Alhaji Mohammed Abubakar Badaru who was in Germany at last year’s event, has accepted to host the games when granted to Nigeria.

    The Invictus Games Foundation will celebrate 10 years of changing lives and saving lives with a ‘Service of Thanksgiving’ at St Paul’s Cathedral on May 8th.

    Harry will attend the thanksgiving service and soon after, he will be joined by Meghan in Nigeria.