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Tag: Military

  • Insecurity: Military repels attack on Benue Community

    Insecurity: Military repels attack on Benue Community

    The Troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have successfully repelled an attack by bandits on Okokolo community in Agatu Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue.

    The OPWS Force Commander, Maj.-Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia, told newsmen in Makurdi on Saturday that the troops forced the bandits to run in disarray after a three-hour battle on Thursday.

    He however said two soldiers and one personnel of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps lost their lives in the encounter while two other soldiers sustained injuries.

    The OPWS force commander said those injured were rushed to Air Force Hospital in Makurdi, and are responding to treatment.

    He said that the troops rushed to the community when they received intelligence that bandits were heading to the area.

    ”Upon inquiry, the troops discovered that suspected bandits are advancing towards the town to attack it and they immediately mobilised and proceeded to Okokolo community, about 15 km from their base at Akwu.

    “On arrival, the troops encountered the bandits carrying out attack on the community and subsequently engaged the criminals in a gun duel that lasted for three hours.

    “The attack was successfully repelled with the terrorists withdrawing in disarray while evacuating their dead and wounded.

    “The success achieved was however at a huge cost, with three of the troops paying the supreme sacrifice to prevent the killing of the inhabitants of Okokolo and the intended sacking of the community.

    “In addition to the death of the two soldiers and one Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel, two other soldiers were wounded and immediately evacuated to the Air Force Hospital in Makurdi,” he added.

    The force commander commended the troops and urged them to put the set back of the loss of their colleagues behind, and remain focused on the mission of ridding the state of all criminal elements.

    He assured the troops that the Chief of Defence Staff was strongly behind them as they battle to restore lasting peace in Benue.

    Igbinomwanhia appreciated Gov. Hyacinth Alia for his support to OPWS, and pledged that the troops would pursue the criminals to their hideouts.

    The state Deputy Gov., Mr Sam Ode, and the OPWS commander, had visited the troops of Sector 6 on Friday at their base in Akwu.

    The visit was to commiserate with them over the death of their gallant colleagues and encourage them not to give breathing space to the criminals.

    Ode who represented the governor, said that the state government would support the treatment of those injured.

  • Military vows to go after kidnappers in FCT

    Military vows to go after kidnappers in FCT

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) that the military is working with other security agencies and stakeholders to go after kidnap syndicates operating in the territory.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Baba, gave the assurance in the weekly report of the operations of the armed forces on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said the armed forces was not unaware of the impact of kidnappings on the families of those affected and also recognised the fear it had created among residents lately.

    He said the troops had prioritised areas of  kidnapping incidents with increased ground and air surveillance over the areas.

    Buba added that technology  had also been deployed to detect the hideouts and enclaves of kidnapping gangs, and that the tempo  of operations had been increased to find, degrade and destroy them.

    According to him, while troops probably do not  have all the answers as at now, citizens should be rest assured that the armed forces is working relentlessly to address the hurtful situation.

    “Additionally, troops are synergising  with other security services and stakeholders  to investigate and gather more intelligence on these kidnapping gangs, particularly around the FCT.

    “In the FCT and environs, some of the areas cleared by troops so far include Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, and Ushafa in the FCT, Garam, Jibi, and back of Zuma Rock in Niger State, as well as Gidan Dogo and Kuyeri/Kuyeri Hills in Kaduna State.

    “There have also been intensified night patrols in the  Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport Road, among others,” he said.

  • Military veterans seek review of pension

    Military veterans seek review of pension

    The National Chairman, Nigerian Legion, retired Maj.-Gen. Abdul-Malik Jibril, has called on President Bola Tinubu to consider upward review of the pension of military veterans, to reflect current economic realities.

    Jibril made the plea in an interview at the National Arcade on Monday in Abuja, during the  Wreath Laying Ceremony to mark the 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    He also called for timely payment of all their entitlements, including death benefits to reduce the pains families of fallen heroes go through

    “There should be a corresponding review of the pension of the veterans as the government embark on the review of the national minimum wage for workers.

    “The current economic realities demand holistic intervention; we should continue to enhance the wellbeing of those left behind by our heroes, including those who are serving.

    “So, the government should not get tired of looking at the welfare of veterans, especially the salaries of members of the armed forces.

    “There should be a corresponding increase also in the salaries of those who have left, and the families of the fallen heroes,’’ the legion’s national chairman added.

    Meanwhile, Mrs Veronica Aluko, President of Military Widows Association, appreciated the nation for remembering the sacrifices of their late spouses.

    Aluko however said members of the association needed urgent support to enable them have sustainable means of survival, and to give their children a sustainable future.

     

  • INSECURITY! How military halt influx of bandits to South West – DHQ

    INSECURITY! How military halt influx of bandits to South West – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has explained the prevailing peace in the South-West geo-political zone of the Nigeria in 2023.

    While acknowledging that states in the South-West region encountered pockets of kidnapping, robbery, illegal arms trafficking, and farmer-herder clashes, the DHQ has explained the overall stability in the area.

    The DHQ also states that the naira redesign introduced during the last administration and fuel scarcity sparked violence in the region.

    Major-General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operation, revealed in Abuja at the weekend that soldiers were deployed to the South-West region to prevent the influx of terrorists from Kogi and Niger states, emphasizing their role in maintaining security and preventing potential threats.

    Major-Gen Buba said, “The South-West Geo-political zone has remained largely calm. Within the year, the zone has witnessed cases of armed robbery, illegal arms trafficking, kidnappings, and farmer-herder clashes.

    “It also witnessed violent protests orchestrated by the Central Bank of Nigeria naira redesign policy and fuel scarcity. Illegal oil bunkering was also a challenge, particularly in Ikorodu, Atlas Cove, Badagry, and Ogere.”

    The Director of Defence Media Operation also said, “Cybercrimes and drug peddling contributed to the threat picture in the SW zone. However, the armed forces through joint efforts with other agencies, and local authorities, and increased public cooperation in sharing vital information, significantly doused these criminal activities in the zone.

    “Meanwhile, the conduct of Operations AWATSE and MESA significantly stabilised the SW region.”

    He added, “Additionally, (were) troops deployed to address reports of the migration of terrorists from the North-East and North-West into the South-West zone, particularly to Osun State. Accordingly, troops sustained operations in the Old Oyo National Park and Kainji Lake National Park to curb the influx of terrorists from Kogi and Niger States.”

  • Military eliminates 6880 terrorists, criminals, arrests 6970 in 2023 – DHQ

    Military eliminates 6880 terrorists, criminals, arrests 6970 in 2023 – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has revealed that the military eliminated 6,880 terrorists and other criminals and apprehended 6,970 others from January till date.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba disclosed this while giving an update on the operations of the military in 2023, on Friday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops also rescued 4,488 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 3,320 assorted weapons and 39,075 assorted ammunition during the year.

    According to him, troops recovered 100.3 million litres of crude oil, 60.3 million litres of AGO, 3.4 million litres of DPK and 3.5 million litres of PMS within the year.

    In the North East, Buba added that the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 1,759 terrorists, apprehended 953 suspects and rescued 826 hostages while 11,015 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered.

    The Defense spokesman said 259 AK47 rifles, mine FN rifles, 681 assorted arms, 7,097 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5,773 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 495,336 assorted ammunitions and 2,059 livestock were recovered.

    In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji killed 1,522 terrorists, apprehended 645 suspects and rescued 1,101 hostages.

    Items recovered, according to him, are 53 AK47 rifles, 426 assorted arms, 2,342 rounds of 7.62mm special, 6,900 assorted ammunition and 5,084 livestock.

    Buba added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch in the North West also neutralised 992 terrorists, apprehended 345 suspects and rescued 538 hostages during the year.

    He said the troops also recovered 34 AK47 rifles, 346 assorted arms, 4,792 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5,127 assorted ammunition and 830 livestock.

  • Military deactivates 68 illegal refining sites in Niger Delta

    Military deactivates 68 illegal refining sites in Niger Delta

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe, in the last one week, uncovered and destroyed 68 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta.

    The troops also apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves in the region.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Nigerian Armed  Forces.

    The troops had maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft in the region with recovery of 234,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 160,800 litres of illegally refined  automotive gas oil and 10,800 litres of premium motor spirit.

    He added that toops discovered and destroyed nine dugout pits, 14 boats, 43 storage tanks, two motorcycles and nine vehicles.

    “Other items recovered include 71 cooking ovens, three pump machines and 37 illegal refining sites.

    “Troops also apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements,” he said.

    Buba said that the troops of Operation UDO KA,  in the South East, neutralised three criminals, arrested nine suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued two kidnapped persons.

    He said that the troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, three FN rifles, one pump action gun, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special, four cartridges, and two magazines,  among other items.

    “All the recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action,” he said.

    According to him, the goal of the operations is to end terrorism and improve security.

  • Military invites every Nigerian to join in the fight against insecurity

    Military invites every Nigerian to join in the fight against insecurity

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, on Friday called on Nigerians to join in the fight against insecurity as the military could not do it alone.

    Musa made the call at his maiden interaction with newsmen in Abuja.

    “The security challenge we are facing is not only a military challenge; it is for everybody.

    “That is why it is important for us to have a good understanding of what is going on so that we can clearly sensitise the public,’’ he said.

    He said cooperation and support for the military and all other security agencies was critical to their successes or failures in the war against insecurity.

    “I appeal that when you see something not going right, please report; even if it is our troops that are not doing the right thing, don’t just keep quiet and pass by.

    “This is because whatever you see and pass by, you have approved of it.

    “If you want changes, report so that we can take action and we want to take action,’’ Musa assured.

    He noted that terrorism was always difficult to fight because it was ideology-based, but criminality had been added resulting from pressure exerted on terrorists by the military in the Northeast.

    He noted also that good governance was critical to addressing insecurity, stressing that political leaders had a role to play to ensure that issues that promoted insecurity were not allowed to fester.

    According to him, military solution is only 30 per cent of the strategy, while 70 per cent is good governance, equity, fairness and justice.

    “The issue of policing is everybody’s responsibility. We must have good policing system that ensures that everybody is everybody’s brother.

    “We must be our brother’s keepers for us to be able to assist and our correctional system should be correctional.

    Earlier, Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the media had an important role to play in nation building and the role had serious implication on national security.

    Gusau said there was the need for the military to partner closely with the media, hence the desire of the Chief of Defence Staff to interface with journalists as critical stakeholders.

    According to him, the media is a force multiplier in the efforts of the armed forces to win the hearts and minds of Nigerians.

    “Your role is critical and noble; always trying to ensure public support for the military and also boosting the moral of our troops while discharging our Constitutional responsibilities,’’ he said.

  • Tinubu demands investigation into Kaduna village bombing

    Tinubu demands investigation into Kaduna village bombing

    President Bola Tinubu has ordered for an investigation into the bombing of a village, in Kaduna State.

    This is contained in a statement by Chief Ajuri Ngelale, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity on Tuesday in Abuja.

    There was a bombing of persons alleged to be conducting religious activities in a village at Tudun Biri in Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the president directed a thorough and full-fledged investigation into the incident and calls for calm while the authorities look into the mishap.

    Ngelale said Tinubu also directed a swift and comprehensive medical attention for surviving victims while praying for the repose of the souls of the deceased.

    He added that the president sympathised with the families of victims, the people and government of Kaduna State over the mishap.

    ”President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives.

  • Triumphant military wrestlers return home, promise to make Nigeria proud

    Triumphant military wrestlers return home, promise to make Nigeria proud

    The Nigerian Military Wrestlers who won Gold and Silver medals at the just concluded 36th World Military Wrestling Championship at Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday returned home, promising to continue to make Nigeria proud.

    The wrestlers were received at the International Wing of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport Abuja at about 10.00 p.m. by the officials of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

    Addressing newsmen on arrival, the Director of Sports, DHQ, AVM Abidemi Marquis, thanked the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, for giving them the platform to project the image of the nation’s military at the world stage.

    Marquis said the motivation behind the performance of the athletes stemmed from their awareness that they were going to represent their country and knowing that the national anthem of Nigeria would be played and flag hoisted, if they won medals.

    “So the athletes understood the enormous task ahead of them and they were well motivated because all the necessary things that were required for them to compete among the best were provided.

    “So before we even left Nigeria, we were highly motivated.

    “We just need to build on what we have achieved so that we can get to the level that we are looking at because Nigeria is hosting African Military Games next year.

    “So this is a building process,” he said.

    Marquis said the CDS, having understood the strategic importance that sports played in making a country to be visible, made sure that all that was needed for sporting engagement was provided.

    He said the athlete were happy to have returned with the gold and the silver medals, saying that nobody gave them a chance at the onset of the competition, but were able to compete fairly and fiercely.

    According to him, those that don’t even know Nigeria at all because of our presence, knew Nigeria now.

    The gold medalist, a female wrestler, Cpl. Hannah Reuben, who beat her Italian contender in the 68 weight category of women’s freestyle, said mindset, preparation and hard work propelled her to glory during the competition.

    Reuben said she had been competing at different levels, which she said had helped her to build her up for the just concluded competition that earned her gold medal.

    She promised to continue to do better ahead of the military games take would be hosted by Nigeria where she except to win more gold medals.

    “I will keep doing better and I will do better next time by God’s grace,” she said.

    The Siver Medalist, Lance Cpl. Esther Ojolaide, said the secret behind her performance was the adage that says “to whom much is given, much is expected”.

    Ojolaide said the privilege and encouragement that the CDS had given, spured them to action at the world level to represent the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    “I am promising the Nigerian Armed Forces the next competition to be hosted by Nigeria that we are going to do more,” she said.

    The Coash of the team, Warrant Offcer Godswill Tiebiri, said the support of the CDS and the cooperation between the teams, both athletes and coaching crew, earned them the gold and silver medals from the tournament.

    He said it was the gold medal had broken the 50 years record in the history of wrestling in the Nigerian military at the world level.

    “We got a silver, we have gotten bronze in the world, but haven’t gotten the gold medal.

    “So myself as the coach and my Cpl. Hannah have broken the record of 50 years,” he said.

     

  • Military commander reads riot act to criminals in Plateau

    Military commander reads riot act to criminals in Plateau

    Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, military taskforce Commander of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) on Saturday in Jos warned criminals in Plateau to turn a new leaf or be prepared to face the consequences of their actions.

    Abubakar, also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, gave the warning at a meeting with stakeholders from Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

    OPSH has the responsibility to maintain peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States.

    The commander, who decried the resurgence of isolated killings, cattle rustling, wanton destruction of farmlands and other properties in the state, said no criminal would be spared.

    “In the last three months, we have achieved a lot of successes in the area of peace and security in Plateau.

    “We have arrested many criminal elements including drug peddlers, weapons manufacturers and also prevented many attacks on communities.

    “Unfortunately, some people have started taking the laws into their hands by engaging in kidnapping, cattle rustling, destruction of farmlands, and night and underage grazing, among other crimes.

    “I warn all criminal elements in Plateau that the OPSH which I command will not spare any criminal; we will pursue all criminals wherever they are and bring them to justice.

    “Any day one person is killed I have failed, so, i will not tolerate any criminal activity that will destroy our image and that of the state,’’ he told the meeting.

    The commander called on Plateau people, particularly residents of Bokkos to shun all forms of violence, reprisal attacks and other crimes.

    Abubakar also called on traditional and religious leaders to be more committed to supporting the state government and security agencies to achieve a peaceful Plateau

    He tasked residents on trust, compassion and forgiveness, insisting that peace is priceless and all residents must collaborate to achieve it.

    The commander said officers and men of OPSH would not take sides, but would continue to be fair and just to all.

    Responding, a representative of a group of stakeholders, Malam Salleh Yusuf, commended the commander for organising the meeting and assured that it would go a long way to promote peaceful coexistence.

    Another stakeholders’ representative, Mr Philip Johnson, tasked residents on sincerity and honesty, and urged them to stop hiding criminals.