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Tag: Troops

  • JUST IN: Troops rescue 6 kidnapped victims in Kogi

    JUST IN: Troops rescue 6 kidnapped victims in Kogi

    In a daring rescue operation, troops of 12 Brigade Nigerian Army, Lokoja, in collaboration with other security agencies, have rescued six kidnapped victims in Obajana, Kogi.

    The operation, which was conducted during the early hours of Thursday, saw the successful rescue of the victims without any casualty on the part of the troops.

    Addressing newsmen on Thursday in Obajana, Brig.-Gen. Kasim Sidi, Commander 12 Brigade Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Accord III, said the rescue operation was made possible through intelligent reporting and gathering.

    Sidi, represented by the Commanding Officer 126 Battalion, Lt Col. Francis Nwoffiah, said the troops, in collaboration with other security agencies conducted the rescue operations.

    The commander said the team was able to track down the kidnappers to a location in the forest, where they were keeping the victims.

    He said the kidnappers fled with injuries after encountering superior firepower from the troops, abandoning their victims and some of their belongings, including ammunition.

    “The rescued victims include the Seriki Fulani of Asinwe community in Okehi Local Government Area, who was abducted from his residence.

    “Four of the victims were kidnapped on August 12 in Asinwe community, while two were abducted on July 28 in Apata community, Lokoja.

    “The victims were successfully rescued unhurt and are set to be reunited with their families after receiving medical attention,” he said.

    The commander warned bandits and kidnappers in Kogi State and its environs to quit or face their waterloo, assuring them that efforts were ongoing to scale-up military operations within Kogi and its boundary states.

    He commended the troops and other security agents for their bravery and professionalism in conducting the rescue operation.

    The six victims comprised four males and two females.

    A victim, Malam Adamu Zage, the Seriki Fulani, Asinwe community, commended the troops for coming to their aid.

    He expressed gratitude to God for their rescue and praised the bravery of the troops.

    “May God Almighty continue to help and protect the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies,” Zage prayed.

  • Troops arrest fake soldier in Jos

    Troops arrest fake soldier in Jos

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) in Plateau, have arrested one Musa Ali in Jos for impersonating as its personnel.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Jos.

    Zhakom said that the suspect was arrested over attempt to defraud unsuspecting members of the public.

    He particularly said that the suspect attempted to defraud the family of a notorious gunrunner in custody to secure his release.

    “He was arrested when he fraudulently presented himself as a personnel of OPSH and deceitfully collected N400,000 from the family of a notorious gunrunner currently undergoing investigation.

    “He falsely claimed that he can stop the ongoing investigations and secure the suspect’s release from custody.

    “But his fraudulent scheme was promptly uncovered by our operatives leading to his arrest.

    “His arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to professionalism, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption,” he said.

    Zhakom promised that the suspect would be diligently prosecuted upon completion of investigations in accordance with legal procedures.

    He also called on residents of the state to be vigilant and wary of fraudsters who may attempt to exploit them through false claims.

  • Troops kill dozens of terrorists in Niger

    Troops kill dozens of terrorists in Niger

    Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) on Tuesday successfully intercepted and neutralised dozens of terrorists near Inana Village in Rijau Local Government Area of Niger.

    A statement by the Media Information Officer, OPFY, Capt. David Adewusi, on Wednesday, said the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce firefight.

    Adewusi said the terrorists were advancing from the Baban Doka axis of Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara in a large group towards Ragada and Warari communities in Niger.

    He said the troops, comprising joint teams from the Mariga and Zuru axes, swiftly launched a coordinated assault.

    According to him, the engagement of the Air Component of OPFY provided vital intelligence, surveillance, and air strikes in support of the ground troops, enabling a decisive response.

    “Several terrorists were neutralised, and numerous motorcycles and communication equipment were recovered.

    “The troops also recovered two AK-47 rifles, one magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 18 motorcycles, among other items.

    “The successful joint assault thwarted the terrorists’ plans to destabilise the area and rustle livestock. Sadly , one brave soldier was fatally injured during the fire fight,” he said.

    The statement reiterated the commitment of  OPFY to remain resolute in its mandate to defeat terrorists and criminal elements operating across the North West and parts of the North Central region.

    “We assure the public of our unwavering commitment to achieving this mandate and urge continued cooperation through the provision of credible information that will support ongoing offensive operations,” he said.

  • Army rescues 138 kidnap victims, nabs terrorists collaborators

    Army rescues 138 kidnap victims, nabs terrorists collaborators

    Troops of the Nigerian Army  have rescued 138 kidnapped victims and arrested several terrorist collaborators and informants in several operations.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the troops also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, and improvised explosive device (IED) components.

    A credible source in the Army who revealed the latest in the ongoing operations by the military to NAN,  described the rescue as another round of remarkable operational successes in the army’s ongoing aggressive efforts to combat terrorism, banditry, and criminality in the country.

    The source said the troops conducted series of highly coordinated operations across Zamfara, Borno, and Adamawa States.

    He said the troops of 1 Brigade, in conjunction with local vigilantes, had on July 20, acted on credible intelligence and rescued 106 kidnapped victims including eight women, 85 girls, and 13 boys at the outskirts of Mayanchi Village towards Bayan Ruwa axis of Zamfara.

    According to him, the terrorists fled the scene under superior firepower from the troops, leaving behind the victims who were safely handed over to the District Head of Mayanchi for proper documentation and reunification.

    “In a separate but related non-kinetic engagement on the same day in Zamfara, 32 additional kidnapped victims, comprising 27 adult females and five male minors, were released to the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) Team.

    “Also handed over were five AK-47 rifles and one DUSHKA gun.

    “The victims and weapons have since been handed over to the Sector Commander, SDS Zamfara.

    “In another operation, 1 Brigade troops arrested a terrorist collaborator in Tofa Village, Maru LGA, Zamfara State.

    “Investigations revealed that the suspect served as a ransom negotiator and logistics supplier for the terrorists,” he said.

    In North East, the source revealed that troops of 144 Battalion with support from the Hunters/Hybrid Forces ambushed fleeing ISWAP/JAS terrorists at Takaskala in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    He said the troops recovered critical IED-making materials, including detonators with cords, pressure plates, batteries, plastic explosives, and a bicycle.

    In Borno, he said the troops of 242 Recce Battalion successfully repelled an attempted infiltration by ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Monguno Local Government Area.

    According to him, exploitation led to the recovery of six rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, an RPG bomb, empty magazine, and other items.

    “Also, on 20 July, a joint intelligence operation by troops of Sector 3 and Civilian JTF led to the arrest of a suspected ISWAP informant in Abari, Monguno Local Government Area.

    “Earlier, on July 19, troops of 145 Battalion Damasak, alongside the Civilian JTF, arrested a suspected drug peddler attempting to infiltrate Damasak Town, Mobbar Local Government Area, with illicit substances including tramadol and diazepam,” he added.

    The senior officer said the successes stressed the Nigerian army’s relentless commitment to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and restoring peace across troubled regions.

    He expressed Nigerian army’s appreciation to the local communities and security stakeholders for their cooperation while assuring Nigerians of troops unwavering resolve to protect lives and property.

  • Troops eliminate 5 terrorists, rescue 11 victims – Army

    Troops eliminate 5 terrorists, rescue 11 victims – Army

    Troops of the Nigerian Army in theatres of operations have  neutralised five terrorists, rescued 11 kidnapped victims and arrested  21 criminal suspects in series of coordinated and intelligence-driven operations.

    A credible source, who made this known to NAN on Wednesday, said the troops also recovered cache of arms, ammunition, and other items.

    The source revealed that the feat was achieved in series of operations conducted between July 12 and July 14.

    According to him, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, neutralised a terrorist during an ambush at Ngoshe–Agapalwa in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

    “Similarly, troops of I Brigade on patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara also neutralised one terrorist and recovered a motorcycle.

    “In a separate operation, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two extremists and recovered arms ammunition, and a motorcycle in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau,” the source said.

    The source also revealed that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

    He added that another victim was rescued by troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Battalion and Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    “Troops of the Nigerian Army also arrested 21 suspects across various states for terrorism, kidnapping, illegal bunkering, arms dealing, and cult-related activities.

    “This includes three suspected extremists’ collaborators in Kwara, two suspected kidnappers in Edo, an arms dealer in Kaduna State, and 11 suspected cultists in Rivers.

    “Additional arrests were made in Yobe, Rivers, and Bayelsa States, linked to logistics supply, illegal oil refining, and bunkering activities.

    “Notably, troops recovered a significant quantity of arms and logistics, including three AK-47 rifles and multiple magazine; 108 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition; one Baofeng radio; several mobile phones and motorcycles, and materials linked to insurgent logistics,” the source added.

    He also revealed that troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and 197 Special Forces Battalion uncovered and destroyed several illegal refining sites in Rivers, Bayelsa, and Imo, recovering over 370,000 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products, cooking drums, reservoirs, and other tools.

    According to him, these operations highlight the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to dismantle terrorist networks, protect citizens, and defend Nigeria’s territorial integrity.

    “The Nigerian army continues to call on the public to support security agencies with credible information to sustain the momentum in the ongoing fight against criminal elements,” he said.

  • Troops gun down 24 insurgents in Borno, Adamawa clearance operations

    Troops gun down 24 insurgents in Borno, Adamawa clearance operations

    The troops from Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised 24 Boko Haram and ISWAP insurgents in a series of coordinated five days ambushes and clearance operations.

    The operations were conducted across Borno and parts of Adamawa between 4th and 9th of July.

    Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, made the confirmation to NAN on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

    Kovangiya said the operations, conducted in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force component, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), and local hunters, were part of ongoing efforts to sustain pressure on terrorist enclaves and restore normalcy in the region.

    The command’s spokesperson further said that the operations began on July 4, when troops lying in ambush at Platari, engaged insurgents on bicycles moving from Sambisa Forest toward the Timbuktu Triangle, killing three.

    He said that another terrorist was ambushed around the Komala general area by the troops who also recovered motorcycles, spare parts, pesticides and food supplies.

    “The same day, the troops executed a night ambush at Kawuri in Konduga Local Government Area, where two terrorists conveying logistics were gunned down, and others escaped with injuries. Recovered items included salt, detergents, and food condiments.

    “On July 5 troops intercepted insurgents attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga, killing one terrorist and recovering several rounds of ammunition,” Kovangiya said.

    The command’s spokesperson, however,  said further contact was made with terrorists at Leno Kura during a fighting patrol, leading to the neutralisation of three insurgents in a crossfire.

    “On July 6, troops carried out a night ambush at suspected crossing points between Ngoshe–Gava, Ngoshe–Ashigashiya, and Amuda–Gava. One terrorist was killed while others fled,” Kovangiya said.

    He also said that on July 7, troops ambushed terrorist logistics suppliers near Sabsawa village, neutralising two insurgents and recovering bicycles, torches, slippers, batteries, and other sundry items.

    On July 8, troops, in collaboration with CJTF and under close air support, carried out a clearance operation at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP and JAS stronghold, where one terrorist was killed and life-support structures destroyed.

    In another operation on the same day, troops in joint patrol with hunters and CJTF raided terrorists’ hideouts in Pambula village, Madagali LGA of Adamawa, one insurgent was neutralised, and troops recovered four motorcycles and a dane gun.

    Kovangiya added that troops continued clearance at Bula Marwa on July 8, killing another terrorist and dismantling their camp.

    “On July 9, in joint operations with the Civilian Joint Task Force, troops cleared JAS and ISWAP enclaves at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa.

    “Three insurgents were killed and six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered,” he said.

    The command’s spokesperson said further ambush operations were conducted in Ngailda, Manjim, and Wulle villages in collaboration with hybrid forces, resulting in the killing of six additional terrorists.

    According to him, the success of the operations highlights the resilience and synergy between the troops, air components, and local support forces.

    “The neutralisation of 24 terrorists underscores the determination and concerted efforts of OPHK to place insurgents on the back foot and create a secure environment for socio-economic recovery in the North East,” the spokesman added.

  • Troops recover 56 IEDs planted by ISWAP in Borno

    Troops recover 56 IEDs planted by ISWAP in Borno

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed the recovery of 56 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on the Marte–Dikwa bridge in Borno.

    The Army disclosed this on Friday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, stating that the devices were recovered during a clearance operation by troops of 24 Brigade, Operation Hadin Kai, in the Dikwa general area.

    According to the Army, the IEDs were carefully concealed on the strategic bridge, allegedly with the aim of inflicting mass casualties and obstructing the movement of troops and civilians along the vital route.

    “The swift action by the vigilant troops averted what could have been a devastating attack on both military logistics and civilian commuters,” the statement read.

    The Army assured that the explosives have been safely detonated by the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, and normal movement has resumed along the corridor.

    It added that troops have intensified clearance operations in the region to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure the safety of lives and property.

  • Troops nab 8 kidnap suspects, rescue 2 victims in Kwara

    Troops nab 8 kidnap suspects, rescue 2 victims in Kwara

    Troops of the 22 Armoured Brigade, deployed at the Forward Operation Base (FOB) Patigi, in Kwara have nabbed eight suspected kidnappers and rescued two victims.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Lt. Stephen Nwankwo, Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations of the Brigade in Ilorin on Sunday.

    “Acting on credible intelligence, troops launched a tactical operation on Saturday, targeting a hideout on the outskirts of Latandaji Village in Patigi Local Government Area.

    “During the engagement, troops encountered mild resistance, but swiftly subdued the criminals with superior firepower,” he said.

    Nwankwo said that the operation led to the rescue of two kidnap victims, identified as Amos Moses and Philip Michael, while eight suspected kidnappers were arrested.

    He, however, said that one Mohammed Mohammed sustained gunshot wounds during the exchange of fire and had been taken to hospital for medical attention.

    The brigade spokesman said that further operational exploits in the area led to the recovery of two motorcycles and two expended cartridge shells, believed to be used by the suspects.

    “All arrested individuals are currently in military custody for preliminary investigation and will be handed over to relevant authorities for prosecution,” Nwankwo said.

    He said that the operation underscores the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to ensure safety of lives and property across the country.

    “We urge members of the public to continue providing actionable intelligence to security forces in order to dismantle criminal networks.

    “The Nigerian Army remains resolute in its mission to safeguard communities and restore lasting peace in all regions of deployment,” he said.

  • Troops kill 8 terrorists in Katsina

    Troops kill 8 terrorists in Katsina

    Troops of 17 Brigade, operating under Operation Fasan Yamma at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurfi in Katsina State, have on Wednesday, eliminated eight terrorists in an encounter along Kurfi – Batsari Road.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the troops swiftly engaged the terrorists and thwarted their plans after a prolonged duel.

    He said the terrorists suffered significant casualties, with recovery of five AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    According to him, a soldier was however, wounded in action and evacuated to 17 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment.

    “The situation remains calm, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high. “The Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in the operation.

    “We reassure Nigerians of our continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” he said.

  • Troops silence terrorist kingpin in Yobe

    Troops silence terrorist kingpin in Yobe

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in a renewed offensive against Boko Haram terrorists, with close air support from the Air Component, have neutralised another Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ kingpin, Malam Jidda, in the Ngazalgana Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and several other terrorists in the Timbuktu Triangle.

    In a statement signed by the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations Headquarters Theatre Command Operation Hadin Kai, Reuben Kovangiya, said the terrorists’ commander, who is said to be the Ameer of Ngorgore and Malumti villages, met his waterloo alongside other terrorists, during a coordinated ground and air operations launched by OPHK on June 9, 2025.

    The statement added that during the operations in Ngazalgana, troops came in contact with the terrorists, subduing them with superior firepower, resulting in the killing of Malam Jidda, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “Relatedly, continued exploitation of Mallamfatori general area, in Abadam Local Government, where troops recently neutralised several terrorists, have led to the discovery of other neutralized bodies of terrorists, and recovery of assorted arms and equipment.

    “Items recovered during the coordinated offensives include; AK-47 Rifles, terrorists’ Motorcycles, large quantity of ammunition, Ak – 47 rifle magazines, Rocket Propelled Gun tubes, Hand Grenades, hand held radios and other sundry items.

    “These renewed offensives, underscore the effectiveness of the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by Operation HADIN KAI backed by an efficient Air Component, while remaining committed to its operational objectives, to ensure the complete defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP and the restoration of peace and security in the North-East region,” the statement added.