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Tag: Terrorists

  • Terrorists waging war against Nigeria, not armed forces – Theatre Commander

    Terrorists waging war against Nigeria, not armed forces – Theatre Commander

    The Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, says the Boko Haram/Islamic States West African Province Terrorists are not waging war against the armed forces but against Nigeria.

    Abubakar stated this while speaking with Defence Correspondents who are on media tour to the theatre of operation on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

    He said the war against insurgency was an asymmetric warfare that was difficult to fight, urging the media to treat terrorism as war against the nation.

    The theatre commander said that troops had continued to make sacrifices to ensure that communities affected by the activities of Boko Haram/ISWAP were stabilised.

    He said the military had also ensured that human rights were upheld in all the lines of operation they needed to face to carry out military action.

    “We have our troops here in the field spreading different locations during these harsh weather conditions, which can rapidly become also very cold at night.

    “So there are heroes, and I tell you, we will do them well to appreciate them occasionally and the only way to do that is through the media.

    “These are also Nigerians and it is not the terrorists against the armed forces. It is the terrorists against Nigeria as a nation.

    “So once we begin to understand this and have a common front, we will be able to make a very tangible progress,’’ he said.

    The Chief of Staff, Operation Hadin Kai, Brig.-Gen. Adamu Ibrahim, explaining why female terrorists were not being killed or prosecuted, said that Nigeria was signatory to international law of armed conflict.

    Ibrahim said that the law explicitly protects combatants who are no longer actively participating in the fighting as well as women and children.

    According to him, Boko Haram are Nigerian citizens and they are fully eligible to have wives and children.

    “As long as their wife and children do not take off arms and engage in direct combat operations in this, then they are not Boko Haram combatants.

    “The Nigerian military fully enforces and upholds human rights laws, and as such, we would not violate the laws against the Boko Haram, by engaging their families,’’ he said.

    Giving overview of the activities of OPHK, Maj. Ademola Owolana, said the Joint Tax Force Northeast operation was organised to effectively curtail the activities of the insurgents across the entire territory.

    Owolana said the operations were being hampered by a number of factors such as drone attacks by terrorists, activities of fifth columnists and planting of IEDs.

    He said the troops had continued to show resilient in defeating the terrorists across the theatre of operation with several successes so far recorded.

    According to him, in recent attack on Kukawa, own troops with support of air components defeated the terrorist onslaught; the covering was two motorcycles and neutralising 28 terrorists.

    “Furthermore, the terrorists have continued to attack isolated communities in search of logistics, equipment of fighters, close-ledger, and outdoor high-value targets.

    “This threat profile suggests desperation of JAS and ISWAP leaders to reassess themselves, demonstrate strength, recruit more fighters, and amass logistics interpolation for future offensive across the theatre,’’ he said.

  • Mr President, do you really know the terrorists you are fighting? – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    Mr President, do you really know the terrorists you are fighting? – By Godwin Etakibuebu

    The topic, as captured above, may not resonate in many minds – President Bola Tinubu’s mind inclusive, most probably. It is for this reason that I might have to start by decoding some factual assumption that shall be characterising delivery of today’s subject matter.

    I must warn that this is going to be a very long project, but I can also assure that it shall never be moribund because I shall break it into segment to remove the of continuity in reading.

    Let us start by saying that the President of Nigeria does not know, in actual reality, those terrorists that have destroyed – and still destroying, peace and tranquillity of this great country. He probably may not have known them really. 

    Yet, it is this Group of hardened criminals that he has vowed to crunch to return Nigeria to the land of peace and tranquillity – a land where the citizens would know and have peace once again. And most importantly, where the President would be able to stand tall and tell the whole world that he has fulfilled his constitutional obligation of protecting/securing lives and properties of Nigerian citizens, as this is the enshrined obligation of Government in Nigeria, according to the Nigerian 1999 Constitution [as amended].

    There shall remain, yet a nagging gulf of understanding between the preamble given above and the reality of speculating that the President of the Federal Republic – albeit the very astutely knowledgeable president Bola Tinubu; who has traversed all segments of the Nigerian landscape, would not know the criminal gang of terrorists terrorising Nigeria?

    For ease of understanding, and decoding of this intricate discussion, permit me to go back to the beginning. “Whenever you find it difficult to start a story”, instructed the erudite Professor Jinadu, of the London School of Journalism, many years ago, “go back to the beginning and start from there”, he instructed.

    In total obedience to Professor Jinadu, one of the best teachers that shall remain evergreen in my memory, let us construct the navigational channel of sailing into this subject before heaving anchor, as Master Mariners would always say.

    WHO ARE THE TERRORISTS IN THIS NARRATION?

    Mr President, please, take it that the terrorists I am discussing with you today goes beyond the those that we narrowly define as terrorists in today’s Nigeria. What we have in todays’ dictionary of terrorism does not include Banditry, Kidnapping, Insurgency, Ritualism, and the Unknown Gunmen, most attributed to the criminal upheavals in the Southeast of Nigeria.  

    Every persona dramatis in these mentioned Groups have same characteristic at the points of their operation. They all kill, they maim, they loot and destroy. They abduct – which is the same language for kidnap, for ransom payment. They even kill their victims sometimes after collecting ransom. 

    Oh, lest l forget, the list of the Groups of these notorious Terrorists mandatorily include the Fulani Jihadist – once acknowledged by the World Terror Index as the Fourth most dangerous Terrorist Organisation in the whole world, the Fulani Herdsmen that go about with AK 47, and maybe, the Indigenous People of Biafra [IPOB]. The list can also be extended to include some money bags, sponsoring criminality, bigotry religious leaders that encourage secularism of religion in their sermons, and many others. The list is endless, Mr President. But for sure, all of them in the lists above share the same characteristic, as all of them are baptized in the same water of iniquity, holistically.

    Sir, in this endeavour, I chose to put all the above in just one basket and call of them Terrorists. At least, the groupage language I have chosen would help in concentrative endeavours – both for your humble-self and for the reading public. In addition, Sir, this little endeavour of grouping them together would build your mind and efforts for a much more co-ordinated approach, geared towards winning the battle. 

    That is only if you have the capacity to, or determination to fight this vital war for the survival of Nigeria. Because if the truth must be told, most members of the Terrorist Group I am discussing with you, belong to the class of high, noble, affluent, stupendously rich and controllers of unlimited political power. 

    And your humble-self, Mr President, is First Amongst Equals, or Senior Dramatis Personae in this Club, with all due respects.

    NEED FOR YOU TO ASSURE ME TO CONTINUE WITH THE DISCUSSION, PLEASE.

    I am asking for this just to assure that what both of us [your humble-self and myself] are engaging on is dialogue and not monologue. This is one time that silence from your end cannot stand for golden, ipso facto, because I am now delving into the most delicate area of this discussion. 

    I had to do this, strictly on my understanding, that you are not lacking in capacity of receiving bad news or the temerity of acting against whatsoever you confirmed to be both true and factual. I hope you are taking judicious note of the differentiation between the two words used – True and Factual?

    Now, that you are ready Sir, Mr President, l seek your permission to suspend continuation of this very long voyage’s chat till tomorrow, and this is for a tangible reason. If the message is too long, you might be losing interest in reading everything Sir, and once you are scared away from continuous reading, I doubt if you might want to return to continue. 

    After all Mr President you are not getting younger, as I am not too.

  • Borno, FG review strategy to tackle resurgence of terrorist attacks

    Borno, FG review strategy to tackle resurgence of terrorist attacks

    Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno says his administration, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is reviewing strategies to confront the recent resurgence of attacks in parts of the state.

    Zulum announced this on Saturday during a statewide broadcast, where he reaffirmed his commitment to strengthen local security architecture, enhance intelligence gathering, and support frontline security personnel with necessary tools.

    “In recent months, I have held extensive consultations with our federal partners and the leadership of various security agencies.

    “I am pleased to inform you that the collaboration between Borno State and the Federal Government is stronger than ever.

    “Together, we are working on comprehensive strategies to strengthen our security architecture, enhance intelligence sharing, and equip our security agents with the necessary tools to confront the threats before us,” he said.

    The governor said that President Bola Tinubu and the Service Chiefs had given firm assurances to support Borno in addressing its security challenges.

    He reiterated the state’s resolve to reinforce volunteer forces, including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), vigilantes, and hunters, as well as to improve community-based intelligence and early warning systems.

    “Let me warn against colluding with these armed groups, either individually or as a community, as they are our collective enemy,” he said.

    The governor also addressed the ongoing water scarcity in Maiduguri and its environs, attributing it to the destruction of key infrastructure caused by last year’s catastrophic flood.

    “I appeal for your patience and understanding as we finalise efforts to fully re-establish the water supply system,” he said.

    On rising criminal activities within Maiduguri metropolis, he announced the reconstitution of the Anti-Social Vices Committee, tasked with tackling all forms of violent crimes and maintaining public order.

    He called for unity among citizens, traditional institutions, religious leaders, and civil society groups to support peacebuilding initiatives in the state.

    “We are fully aware that the road to lasting peace is not an easy one. But with unity, perseverance and faith, we shall all overcome it, insha Allah,” he assured.

    Meanwhile, the governor called on residents of the state to observe a voluntary fast on Monday, May 19, to seek divine intervention for lasting peace and stability.

    “In light of our current security challenges, I am calling on all residents of Borno State to unite in a collective act of faith and solidarity,” he said.

    “Fasting is more than a personal spiritual act; it is a communal expression of our shared hope.

    “Through prayer and reflection, we can strengthen our unity, renew our resilience, and restore our collective purpose,” he added.

    The governor commiserated with the families of military personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty and prayed for them  to bear the irreparable losses.

  • NAF eliminates scores of terrorists in massive airstrikes

    NAF eliminates scores of terrorists in massive airstrikes

     

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) says it has in a milti- wave airstrikes eliminated scores of suspected terrorists at Warawara, near Wajiroko, and Chinene in the Mandara Mountains area of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Deputy Director of Public Relations and Information, NAF, Group Capt. Kabiru Ali, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Ali said the NAF had sustained its counterterrorism operations tempo in the North-East, executing decisive airstrikes in multiple waves on Wednesday and dealing a severe blow to insurgent activities.

    He said that the NAF, guided by painstaking Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, identified a number of terrorists stockpiling logistics and planting Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) around Wajiroko.

    According to him, surveillance later tracked their movement to a concealed location housing a gun truck, ammunition stockpiles, and fuel reserves.

    In response, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) executed multiple waves of air interdiction missions.

    The first wave struck the terrorists’ logistics hub, destroying gun trucks and critical supplies.

    ”The other followed with sustained rocket and cannon attacks, ensuring the complete annihilation of terrorist’s assets.

    Later that day, NAF aircraft targeted another terrorist enclave at Chinene in the Mandara Mountains.

    Intelligence reports indicated that insurgents had relocated there following a previous air raid on Degbewa on March 16.

    ”Overhead reconnaissance confirmed the presence of active structures, prompting the execution of strikes that set terrorist hideouts ablaze.”

  • Police eliminate 11 terrorists, rescue 85 victims in Katsina

    Police eliminate 11 terrorists, rescue 85 victims in Katsina

    The Police Command in Katsina State has eliminated 11 suspected bandits and saved 85 kidnapped victims in January 2025.

    The Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the command, DSP Abubakar Aliyu, revealed this to newsmen while reviewing the achievements of the command.

    He said that the police also recovered 213 suspected rustled animals during the period under review.

    According to him, the command apprehended 45 suspects in connection with 52 reported major crimes.

    He said that those apprehended included four suspected kidnappers, six culpable homicide suspects, seven suspected armed robbers and three suspected informants to bandits.

    Aliyu added that the other 32 suspects were apprehended in connection with other offenses.

    The crimes they allegedly committed, according to him, included armed robbery, culpable homicide, kidnapping, and rape, among others.

    The PPRO revealed that the items recovered included four rounds of AK 47 live ammunition, three motorcycles, five vandalized street solar lights, two machetes and two sharp knives.

    Our achievements in the month are a testament to our tireless efforts in ensuring a safer Katsina state.

    “I want to commend our officers and men for their hard work and dedication to duty.

    “I would like to express our sincere appreciation to the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, Katsina state government, members of the press for their objective reporting,” he said.

  • The walls are closing in on terrorists, says CDS

    The walls are closing in on terrorists, says CDS

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has said that the walls are closing in on those terrorising Nigerians.

    Musa made this known at the closing of the 2025 CDS Joint Task Force Commanders Conference with the theme, “Enhancing Jointness Across all Theatres of Operation” on Friday in Abuja.

    He said that a notorious bandit leader, Kachana Nafaresh, along several of his fighters were killed during a “crushing” raid in Zamfara forest on Thursday night.

    He said that Sani Black’s hideout that had served as a strategic base for banditry was also raided.

    According to him, security operations backed by the air component stormed the camp and burned down Sani Black’s house, forcing him to flee.

    “In a follow-up operation, troops advanced into Tufan and Mashima villages, further dislodging armed groups and pushing them deeper into the forest.

    “In a symbolic strike against banditry, the security forces also returned to the once-cleared area of Bello Turji.

    “The remaining portions of his camp, previously targeted in past offensives, were obliterated in a final suit to erase his presence from the region.

    “Reports indicate that both Turji and Sani Black are now in this area desperately seeking escape routes as the pressure mounts,” he said.

    The defence chief said the ongoing offensives had shown no signal of a shift in the government’s approach to tackling banditry in Zamfara and wider Northwest.

    He said that the security forces had sent a strong message to all armed groups in the country that the era of impunity was over.

    “For years, bandits, terrorists, criminals have exploded the difficult terrain within our country, creating well-fortified hideouts and lodging deadly raids on communities.

    “However, with the current operations gaining momentum, the tide appears to be turning as troops starting their drip and air assaults continue precision strikes.

    “Special forces from the land, the maritime and the air, are working assiduously to ensure that we secure the entire nation,” he added.

    Musa said the conference provided opportunity to generate ideas on how to ensure effectiveness and success of all joint operations.

    Some of the key takeaways, according to him, are the importance of effort, resourcefulness, and the need for the political class to show more commitment to addressing the security challenges.

    “Nevertheless, as an armed force, we must foster a culture of cooperation, collaboration, and synergy among our troops.

    “By breaking down barriers, sharing our resources, and leveraging on each other’s strengths, we can maximize our collective impact and achieve our shared objectives.

    “Let us therefore bring the spirit of jointness back to our respective task forces and integrate it into our daily operations,” he added.

    The CDS charged commanders to remain committed, dedicated, and focused in all their activities and to understand the enormity of the task ahead.

    According to him, President Bola Tinubu has given them a mandate to secure Nigeria and urged them to be innovative and adapt to the changing environment.

    He said the ever evolving security landscape, requires them to continuously assess and improve their strategies, tactics, and capabilities to effectively counter the emerging threats.

    NAN reports that the event had in attendance some past defence and service chiefs, serving service chiefs and all operational commanders of the armed forces.

    The event also featured presentation of medals to deserving serving and former operational commanders who recorded unblemished records for the first 180 days in the saddle.

  • 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.

  • Troops eliminate 70 terrorists in Borno

    Troops eliminate 70 terrorists in Borno

    The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated 70 terrorists and their commanders in a clearance operation at a terrorist enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle in Borno.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Sunday, said the troops had launched a three-prong operation on Jan. 16 aimed at dismantling the terrorist within the triangle.

    Buba said the troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which resulted in the killing of over 70 of them including three notable commanders.

    According to him, the terrorist commanders neutralised include Talha, a Terrorist Special Forces Commander; Malam Umar, a Terrorist Operations commander and ⁠Abu Yazeed, a Terrorist Brigade Commander.

    “Meanwhile during the operations, the terrorist deployed Improvised Explosive Devices( IEDs), Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks.

    “Troops already familiar with the terrorist tactics thwarted the several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorists,” he said.

    Buba, however, announced that 22 soldiers paid the supreme price in the cause of the operations with several others wounded in action.

    “On this account, the media is enjoined to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.

    “On the whole, the operation is ongoing and the public will be updated on further developments in due course,” 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.

  • Military kills Bello Turji’s son, several other terrorists

    Military kills Bello Turji’s son, several other terrorists

    The Military High Command has confirmed the killing of the son of Bello Turji, a notorious terrorist leader in a recent clearance operation on his stronghold on Fakai high ground in Zamfara.

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

    Buba said the terrorist leader’s son was killed alongside scores of other terrorists during a coordinated operation between troops of Operation Fansan Yamma and the air component.

    Buba added that the operation was conducted on Jan. 17,  along Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai , Moriki, Maiwa and Chindo axis.

    According to him, the intensity of troops’ fire power resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed.

    “The operations also resulted in the rescue of several kidnapped hostages held captive by Bello Turji.

    “The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act escaped abandoning his son and combatants,” he said.

    Buba said the troops also destroyed another terrorist kingpin camp known as Idi Mallam along Zango Kagara Forest, killing three terrorists and apprehen three suspected collaborators.

    He noted that troops recovered two machine guns, one AK47 Rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition.

    “Other things the troops recovered were 61 rustled cattle and 44 sheep among other sundry items.

    “Troops are sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist.

    “Overall, the troops continued to demonstrate commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens across the country,” he said.