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Tag: DHQ

  • Troops kill 6 terrorists as Lieutenant dies in ambush

    Troops kill 6 terrorists as Lieutenant dies in ambush

    The Defence Headquarters has said that the Troops of  Operation Hadin Kai, on Friday, killed six terrorists, after an ambush, along  Buratai-Buni Gari road, Borno.

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

    Buba said that while an army Lieutenant  died in the ambush, four other personnel,  who sustained injuries in action, were receiving treatment.

    He, however, said the troops’ reinforcement pursued the terrorist to their hideout within the  Timbuktu Triangle and neutralised six of them.

    According to him, troops recovered five AK 47 rifles and 103 rounds of the 7.62mm special ammunition.

    “The remaining terrorist ran in disarray and the troops are in hunt of the remnant terrorist that fled the firefigt,” he said.

  • Okuama killing: Falana faults DHQ for declaring monarch, community PG, others wanted

    Okuama killing: Falana faults DHQ for declaring monarch, community PG, others wanted

    Human rights lawyer and activist, Femi Falana has faulted the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) for declaring eight (8) persons wanted in connection with the killing of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Falana to have said it is “completely illegal” for the DHQ to have declared the 8 persons wanted and that if the federal government fails to call the military to order, the case concerning the tragic murder of the soldiers will be completely bungled.

    Recall that the DHQ had declared 8 murder suspects wanted to include HRM Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, the traditional ruler of Ewu kingdom in Ughelli South Local Government Area of the State, who has surrendered himself to the police, and President General (PG) of Ewu, Prof Ekpekpo Arthur.

    Reacting, Falana, in a report by Vanguard, asserted that “the decision of the defence headquarters to declare the murder suspects wanted is completely illegal” while warning the military not to bungle the case of the slain soldiers.

    He said: “The authorities of the armed forces should be made to realise that the military cannot arrest, detain, investigate and charge civilian suspects with any offence whatsoever.

    “In Dr Issa Perry Brimah v Nigerian Army, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu held that “It must be stated here without equivocation that the defendant [Nigerian Army] has no right to declare the plaintiff wanted without following the appropriate procedure.

    “The Judge further said that the defendant cannot arrest the plaintiff arbitrarily without making a formal report to law enforcement agency with the mandate to enforce law and order. Otherwise, it would transmute to self-help. The duty of the defendant is to make a formal report to the appropriate authority like the police and await the outcome.

    “In Miss Grace Anita Paul v. The Chief of Army Staff, the Army, Inspector General of Police & the Nigerian Police Force the Federal High Court where held that the Nigerian Army lacks the power to arrest, investigate and hold in custody, anyone who is not subject to the Armed Forces Act or any other military law. Justice Taiwo Taiwo, on Wednesday, warned the military not to usurp the powers of the Nigerian Police under Sections 4 and 84 of the Police Act which empowers the police to detect and investigate crime.

    “We have also read the 8 people alleged to be involved in the cruel murder of the soldiers have been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters it is trite law that the police and security agencies lack the power to declare any suspect wanted without a court order.

    “In Benedit Peters v Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, a high court in Abuja ruled that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission lacks (EFCC) the powers to declare anyone wanted without obtaining a court order or charging the suspect with an offence.

    “The presiding judge, Justice Othman Musa ruled that though the EFCC could declare as wanted persons who fail to honour its invitation for investigation, it could only do so if it obtains a court order for that purpose. So, the decision of the defence headquarters to declare the murder suspects wanted is completely illegal.

    “Let the federal government direct the defence headquarters to hand over the investigation of the suspects involved in the gruesome murder of the 17 officers and soldiers. It ought to be pointed out that murder is not a military offence to warrant investigation by the defence headquarters. If the federal government fails to call the defence headquarters to order, the case concerning the tragic murder of the soldiers will be completely bungled”.

  • Okuama killing: Delta monarch reports to Police

    Okuama killing: Delta monarch reports to Police

    The Ovie (King) of Ewu Kingdom in Ughelli South local government area of Delta State, His Royal Majesty, Clement Oghenerukevwe Ikolo, Urhukpe 1, has surrendered himself to the police in the State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the Ewu King surrendered himself to the Police after the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared him wanted along with 7 others over the killing of military personnel in his kingdom.

    Ovie Ikolo reported to the Delta State Police Command in Asaba at about 6:57 pm on Thursday and was received by the State Commissioner of Police, CP Abaniwonda Olufemi.

    Briefing journalists before surrendering to the police, the monarch denied any involvement in the killing of the slain soldiers.

    He called on the Federal and Delta State Governments to constitute independent panel of inquiry to investigate the killing of the military police within the Okuama community of his kingdom.

    He further stated that he decided to present himself to the authority to prove to the Nigerian Government and the international community that he had no hand or connection with those murdered the soldiers.

    “I am very surprised that my name as the monarch of the kingdom will appear in the list of wanted persons.

    “I have no hand in the killings. I have no hand in encouraging anybody to kill anybody. It is against my philosophy as a human being and my faith as a Catholic.

    “It is a serious crime against humanity and they need to look at the appropriate places and do thorough investigation to know all those who committed this and bring them to book let justice prevail.

    “I am not a party to this and like I have said earlier, the State Government is aware of the turbulence I have been going through and as I speak, an arrangement was made by the government to invite the opponents recently just before this happenings.

    “To invite those who are fighting me in the kingdom to reconcile the differences and allow me to go into the kingdom and start to rule as the monarch of the place.

    “I have not been able to set up anything. I have not been able to set up my traditional council. I have done nothing in the kingdom.

    “So, I barely know anything right now. I have no information. I know nothing. I am only just in the process of setting up a structure to enable me rule in the kingdom,” he said.

  • REVEALED: Kidnapped Kuriga students played crucial role in their release – DHQ

    REVEALED: Kidnapped Kuriga students played crucial role in their release – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that the level of distress created by the abducted Kuriga school children provided sufficient grounds for the troops to exploit and rescue them.

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

    Buba said pressure from military operations also created a significant level of distress for the terrorists, making it more convenient for troops to rescue the 137 school children on March 24.

    ”The armed force is bent on sustaining the winning ways of our operational engagements as demonstrated with the recent rescue of 16 and 137 hostages in Sokoto and Kaduna States, respectively.

    “The success demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the armed forces to secure and protect the citizens against harm and acts of terror.

    “The level of distress created by the children was sufficient enough for troops to exploit in their rescue,” he added.

  • Real reason we released 313 terrorism suspects to Borno govt – DHQ

    Real reason we released 313 terrorism suspects to Borno govt – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has said the release of 313 terrorism suspects to the Borno State Government was on the orders of the Federal High Court sitting in Maiduguri.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, who made the clarification on Thursday in Abuja, said the suspects were detained on suspicion, but no evidence was found against them at the conclusion of investigation.

    According to him, the cases were prosecuted by the Federal Ministry of Justice, wherein the court ordered for their release.

    “Accordingly they were handed over to the Borno State Government for further action,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recorded massive successes against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, killing scores and arresting their collaborators during the week.

    Buba said that terrorists’ commanders and combatants also surrendered to troops in Jere, Chibok, Monguno, Gwoza and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno, and in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    According to him, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted multiple air interdiction on terrorists in Arina Woje and Tumbum Shitu near Lake Chad on March 22 and March 24, respectively.

    “The locations were observed to be active with terrorists’ activities and logistics.

    “Consequently, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs and Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and their logistics destroyed.

    “Overall, troops neutralised 52 terrorists, arrested 137 and rescued 78 kidnapped hostages in the Northeast during the week under review.

    “Troops recovered three M56 rifles, 40 AK47 rifles, three PKT guns, 13 fabricated rifles, two hand grenades, one locally made explosive, 889 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

    “Others are 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, six AK47 rifles magazines, two M56 rifle magazines, two magazine carriers, one motorcycle, six mobile phones, one HH radio, three bicycles and the sum of N340,500.00 amongst others,’’ he said.

  • BREAKING: 8 persons declared wanted over soldiers killed in Delta [SEE PHOTOS]

    BREAKING: 8 persons declared wanted over soldiers killed in Delta [SEE PHOTOS]

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared eight (8) persons wanted in connection to the murder of 17 military personnel in Okuama, Ughelli South local government area of Delta State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports remains of the 17 military personnel, comprising one Lieutenant Colonel, two Majors, one Captain and 13 soldiers, were laid to rest on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

    The 17 military personnel killed included Lt.-Col. Ali, Maj. D.E Obi, Maj. S.D. Ashafa, Capt. U. Zakari, Staff Sgt. Yahaya Saidu, Corporal Danbaba Yahaya, Corporal Kabir Bashir, Lance Corporal Abdullahi Ibrahim, Lance Corporal Bulus Haruna, and Lance Corporal Sole Opeyemi.

    The rest are Lance Corporal Bello Anas, Private Alhaji Isah, Private Clement Francis, Private Abubakar Ali, Private Adamu Ibrahim, Private Hamman Peter, and Private Ibrahim Adamu.

    Following the funeral, the DHQ declared Akevwru Daniel Omotegbono (A.K.A Amagbem), Prof. Ekpekpo Arthur, Andaowei Dennis Bakriri, Igoli Ebi, Akata Malawa David, Sinclear Oliki, Clement Ikolo Oghenerukevwe, and Reuben Baru wanted.

    See photos below:

    Defence Headquarters declares 8 persons wanted over murder of 17 military personnel in Delta

    We will hunt down those who killed soldiers in Delta – CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa had vowed that the military will hunt down those involved in the death of the officers and soldiers.

    Musa made this known at the funeral of the 17 military personnel on Wednesday at the National Cemetery in Abuja.

    The Defence Chief stressee that the military would honour their memory by continuing the fight against those who sought to undermine the peace and security of the nation.

    He said the fallen heroes exemplified the very best of service to nation and love for country.

    Musa said they were the vanguards of peace, the guardians of freedom, and the sentinels of security, adding that their selflessness and unwavering dedication to duty would forever be etched in their hearts and memories.

    He assured the families of the deceased officers of the support of the nation and the armed forces in every way possible, urging them to find solace in the knowledge that their loved ones made an indelible mark on the nation’s history.

    “We will remain steadfast in our resolve to build a nation worthy of your sacrifice. The loss we feel today is immeasurable, but we must not allow it to dim the light of hope within us.

    “Instead, let us use this moment as a rallying cry to come together as a nation, to support our armed forces, and to work tirelessly towards a Nigeria free from the grip of violence and insecurity.

    “We owe it to these fallen heroes to honour their memory by redoubling our efforts to create a safer and more prosperous nation for all.

    “Let us build a nation where every citizen can live without fear, where communities can thrive, and where our children can grow up knowing the true meaning of security and stability.

    “To the men and women who continue to serve in the armed forces, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your dedication to duty. Your commitment to defending our nation, even in the face of great peril, is truly commendable.

    “To the perpetrators of violence who seek to sow division and fear among our people, know this: our resolve will not waver.

    “We will hunt you down, we will bring you to justice, and we will restore peace and security to every nook and cranny of our dear nation,” Musa said.

  • Real reason DHQ declared Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    Real reason DHQ declared Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Saturday declared Finland-based Simon Ekpa, a self-styled Biafra agitator wanted.

    Also declared wanted alongside Ekpa was Chika Edoziem, another Biafra agitator, both of them disciples of leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    They are among the 21 violent criminals declared wanted in the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    Ekpa and Edoziem were among 97 other persons the DHQ declared wanted for terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes.

    Director of Defence, Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, displayed the names and photographs of the wanted persons in a poster he released on Saturday in Abuja.

    The poster showed names and photographs of the wanted persons in various geopolitical zones and they were designated either as terrorists, kidnappers or persons behind violent crimes.

    No bounty was placed on the 97 persons declared wanted.

    Recall that in 2022, the military declared 19 bandits wanted in the Northwest and placed a N5 million bounty on their heads.

    It is not clear whether those declared wanted in 2022 have been captured or killed but names like Bello Turji and Halilu Babubu still featured on the list released on Saturday.

    The DHQ declared 43 persons wanted in the Northwest in connection with banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

    Among them are Alhaji Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, Boka, Dogo Gide, Halilu Sububu, Ado Aliero, Bello Turji, Dan Bokkolo, Labi Yadi, Nagala, Saidu Idris, Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.

    It declared 33 Boko Haram and Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists wanted in the Northeast.

    Among them are Abu Zaida, Modu Sulum, Baba Data, Ahmad, Sani Teacher, Baa Sadiq, Abdul Saad, Kaka Abi, Mohammad Khalifa, Umar Tella, Abu Mutahid, Malam Mohammad, Malam Tahiru Baga, Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.

    Others declared wanted in the southeast included people known as Egede, Zuma, ThankGod, Gentle, Flavour, Mathew; High Chief Williams Agbor, Ebuka Nwaka, Obiemesi Chukwudi, aka Dan Chuk, David Chidiebube and Amobi Okafor, aka Temple.

    The DHQ urged members of the public to report information about the wanted person via phone numbers: 090488450750, 09071230344, 08167291448, 09135783469, 09127140930 and 08146691704.

  • Defense Headquarters declare IPOB’s Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    Defense Headquarters declare IPOB’s Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    One of the leaders of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa has been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Nigeria Capital.

    Ekpa’s name was among other 96 wanted persons on the list published on the Military’s website.

    In a banner displaying the pictures of the suspects, the Defence Headquarters said it declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the state.

    However, among the 97 wanted persons, Finland based  Ekpa has been declared prominent among them all.

    He’s known for his notorious Monday sit-at-home in the South-East zone.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba, Director, confirmed the names and pictures of the people declared wanted.

    The wanted persons, terrorists/ bandits and insurgents commanders are from the North East, North West, North Central and South-East zones.

    A breakdown of the wanted persons shows that 43 were declared wanted in North West Zone plagued by banditry, and kidnapping among others and they include bandits/terrorists leaders such as Alhaji Shingi; Malindi Yakubu; Boka ; Dogo Gide; Halilu Sububu; Ado Aliero ; Bello Turji; Dan Bokkolo; Labi Yadi ; Nagala; Saidu Idris; Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.

    In the North East, 33 persons were declared wanted and they include terrorists commanders: Abu Zaida; Modu Sulum; Baba Data; Ahmad; Sani Teacher; Baa Sadiq; Abdul Saad; Kaka Abi; Mohammad Khalifa; Umar Tella; Abu Mutahid; Mallam Mohammad; Mallam Tahiru Baga; Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.

    In the North Central and South East 21 Insurgents/militants and violent criminals were equally declared wanted.

    They include factional IPOB leader, Simon Ekpa; Chika Edoziem; Egede; Zuma, ThankGod Gentle; Flavour; Mathew; David Ndubuisi ; High Chief Williams Agbor; Ebuka Nwaka; Friday Ojimka.

    Others in the South East are Obiemesi Chukwudi aka Dan Chuk; David Ezekwem Chidiebube and Amobi Chinonso Okafor aka Temple.

    In February 2023 days before the presidential and national assembly election, Ekpa was arrested in Finland where he resides after threatening that the elections would not hold in the South-East.

    Ekpa was arrested by the police in his residence in the Lahti area of the country, a Finnish paper Helsingin Sanomat had reported.

    The separatist repeatedly declared that there will be no elections in the South-East region of the country and insisted on the observance of a sit-at-home every Monday in the area to protest the detention of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

    IPOB, however, distanced itself from the Finland-based Ekpa who was reportedly billed for an interview before his arrest.

    He was later released and has since been very active on social media where he posts his pro-Biafran messages.

  • Ukuama killings: Troops continue manhunt for killers – DHQ

    Ukuama killings: Troops continue manhunt for killers – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters, says troops have continued manhunt for perpetrators of the barbaric killing of officers and soldiers that occurred on Mar 14, in Ukuama community in Delta.

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

    Buba said that clearance operations,  as well as  cordon and search were conducted to among other things, recover the weapons of the deceased soldiers.

    He listed some of the communities in which troops had carried out operations to include: Akugbene, Ukuama and Okoloba in Ugheli and Ugheli South of Delta.

    Others he listed are; Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien, Pirigbene and Igbomatoro communities all in Delta.

    According to him, the decomposing hearts of some of the killed soldiers were recovered during search, while the manhunt continues with no significant arrest made yet.

    “Significantly, there is a viral video of a person admitting to have perpetrated the killings.

    “The video among other things helps to narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts.

    “Accordingly, the state governments and host communities of these personalities are required to assist investigation in flushing them out.

    “There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly act against our nation.

    “This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state government,” he said.

  • Abducted IDPs in Borno went beyond permissible distance – DHQ

    Abducted IDPs in Borno went beyond permissible distance – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the 112 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), who were abducted by terrorists in Borno recently, reportedly went beyond the permissible distance from their camp without informing the camp officials.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while giving update on the operations of the Nigerian Armed Forces across the country  on Thursday in Abuja.

    Buba said that troops, on March 3, received information from the Coordinator of Borno State Emergency Management Agency  about suspected abduction of an unknown number of IDPs in Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area of Borno.

    He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the IDPs left camp to an undisclosed location to fetch  firewood.

    He said that the IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance.

    According to him, the IDPs reportedly did not notify the camp authorities of their movement.

    “It was later,  at about 2030hrs at  night, when the IDPs did not return to camp, that alarm was raised as to their possible abduction by terrorists.

    “It was at that stage that troops were notified of the incident.

    “The standard practice was for troops to be notified prior to any movement of IDPs beyond the permissible distance of 5-7km from their camp.

    “The IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance to get firewood as a result of deforestation around their camp.

    The terrorist abducted 112 IDPs in the process,” he said.

    Buba said that efforts were ongoing to rescue them and  others  abducted in other locations including Kaduna and Sokoto states.

    He said that search-and-rescue efforts were affected by the late notification of troops about the abduction.

    He gave the assurance that the military would  do its best to get back the abducted people.

    “Because of the sensitivity of the matter, I cannot go into further details as to signs of life, location and the different options that we have in order to get these hostages back.

    “I can further assure that getting these hostages back is very clearly on the top of our priorities.

    “It is for this reason we have leveraged on our international partners for support,” he said.