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Tag: Troops

  • How Naira redesign affecting troops at battle field – Ndume

    How Naira redesign affecting troops at battle field – Ndume

    Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, Senator Muhammadu Ndume, has said that the Naira redesign by the Central Bank of Nigeria is affecting the military operation of troops on the frontline.

    Addressing newsmen on Saturday, January 4, Ndume noted that soldiers access daily stipends easily from ATMs and Points of Sales to enable them to provide for their daily basic needs to sustain their fighting spirit because the terrains of their operations are inaccessible for their daily rations to be delivered to them.

    The Borno senator who also countered claim of the Naira redesign aiding the fight against terror financing and other security breaches, stated that terrorists have said that they are already in possession of the new notes.

    Ndume further appealed to the Federal Government and the CBN to make arrangements for the troops to access their cash easily in view of the critical nature of their duties, and also make the new notes available everywhere at every time.

    He said; “Naira redesign and the CBN?s cashless policy are actually gravely affecting the strategic operations of troops at all front lines of insecurity across the country.

    “Troops find it difficult to survive at the front lines due to the fact that they lack the cash to buy their daily basic needs at the remote communities across terrains of insecurity in the country where they cannot access cash due to the challenges posed by the currency redesign and cashless policy.

    “Now a soldier stays for hours on the ATM queue or PoS when he should discharging his duties at the front line, just to access the stipend, this situation has dampened the morale of the troops at the front line.”

  • Troops rescue 16 citizens, kill 3 bandits in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 16 citizens, kill 3 bandits in Kaduna

    Troops of Operation Forest Sanity have rescued 16 citizens in operations spanning Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road and a location in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    Aruwan also confirmed that three suspected bandits have been neutralised and three firearms, one explosive, and 11 motorcycles recovered.

    “According to operational feedback, the troops responded to a distress call along the Udawa-Manini axis of the Birnin Gwari-Kaduna Road.

    “The troops arrived to foil the attack, rescuing 15 persons in the process.

    “Some of the rescued persons who sustained injuries were rushed to hospital for treatment.

    “Similarly, troops of Operation Forest Sanity responded to a distress call from Gonan Doctor village, Igabi LGA, and laid ambush at a likely crossing point in Maraban Huda village.

    “Contact was made with the bandits, and following a firefight, one bandit was neutralised,” he said.

    He said a kidnapped victim was rescued, though injured by the bandits, and was rushed to the Jaji Cantonment Hospital for treatment, one motorcycle was recovered.

    Aruwan further disclosed that in response to credible intelligence of bandits’ movement around an interstate boundary area, troops of Operation Forest Sanity set up ambush positions around Mangoro general area around Chikun-Birnin Gwari LGA, on the boundary with Shiroro LGA of neighbouring Niger State.

    “The troops engaged the approaching bandits and neutralised two.

    “The troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one pump action gun, one Improvised Explosive Device, one Baofeng Radio, and 10 motorcycles,” he said.

    The commissioner said Gov. Nasir El-Rufai received the reports with gratitude, and expressed satisfaction at the breakthroughs recorded by the security forces.

    “The Governor commended the troops for the successful rescues, and prayed for the quick recovery of injured victims,” Aruwan said.

  • Troops neutralise over 50 terrorists in North East

    Troops neutralise over 50 terrorists in North East

    The Defence Headquarters says troops of the armed forces eliminated more than 50 terrorists in various operations in North-East and North-West theatres of operation in three weeks.

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

    Danmadami said the troop of Operation Hadin Kai had between Dec. 30 and Jan. 12, eliminated no fewer than 25 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists in the North East.

    He said that the troops also apprehended 18 terrorists and 21 logistics suppliers, two foreign informants and five kidnappers across the theatre during the period.

    Danmadami said the troops also rescued 47 abducted civilians while a total of 377 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and members of their families, comprising 52 adult males, 126 adult females and 199 children surrendered to troops.

    He said all recovered items, apprehended criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

    “The captured terrorists and those surrendered with members of their families are being profiled for further action.

    “Cumulatively, within the last three weeks, troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, four FN rifles, three locally pump made action guns, five locally made pistols and three PKT machine guns.

    “Other items recovered are 124 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 139 rounds of 7.62mm special, 29 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 140mm bomb.

    “Also recovered are, 1 UXO 81mm mortar bomb, three RPG tubes and bombs, 36 hand grenades, five dane guns and five FN magazines, 19 drums of Automotive Gas Oil and five drums of Premium Motor Spirit.

    “10 bags of assorted grains, 10 crates of soft drinks, 150 pieces of used clothing, 50 pieces women fabrics, 50 children’s wear and 30 pairs of women foot wears, were also recovered.

    “Other items include, textiles materials, medical supplies, 21 motorcycles, 16 bicycles, two grinding machines, one tanker loaded with PMS, 30 rustle cattle, the sum of N938, 580.00 and other sundry items,” he said.

    Danmadami said the series of air interdiction operations at terrorists’ hideouts, enclaves and camps also eliminated scores of the terrorists and destroyed their enclaves in Borno and Lake Chad area.

    He said the battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised with their structures destroyed in the strikes.

    In North-West, Danmadami said the land and air component of Operation Hadin Daji had sustained offensive operations on terrorists enclaves, camps and hideouts within the zone.

    He said the troops had within the period neutralised 25 terrorists, apprehended 19 and rescued 68 civilians while scores of other terrorists were killed in air interdiction operations.

    Danmadami said the troops had between Jan. 7 and Jan. 8 conducted a dawn attack at terrorist crossing points in Sunke and Gado forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara, killing 10 terrorists, recovered a cache of arms and others items.

    The defence spokesman said the troops also apprehended a terrorist collaborator at Madachi in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State at a checkpoint with the sum of N1.5 million.

    According to him, the suspect revealed that he was sent by one Nasiru, a notorious terrorist on the wanted list of security agents.

    “Nasiru was responsible for the killing of several locals in Birni Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    “Also, between Dec. 27 and Dec 31, the air component conducted a series of air interdiction operations at terrorists hide out in Kaduna and Zamfara that inflated casualties on the terrorists.

    “Notably, on Dec. 31, a well-planned and coordinated air interdiction operation was carried out at identified notorious and wanted terrorist kingpin, Dankarami hideout along Kaura Namoda road in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    “Following the airstrike, feedback revealed that several of his foot soldiers were eliminated while Dankarami himself escaped with serious injuries,” he said.

  • Troops neutralise 4 terrorists, recover arms in Kaduna

    Troops neutralise 4 terrorists, recover arms in Kaduna

    Troops of Operation Forest Sanity have eliminated four terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition as well as other items in two encounters in Kaduna State.

    Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Danmadami said the troops had on Sunday and Monday responded to distress calls of bandits’ attacks at Rafin Sarki village in Giwa Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

    He said the troops engaged the terrorists in a gunfight and neutralised two , recovering one AK 47 rifle.

    He added that troops had also on Tuesday, carried out an ambush operation at Rafin Taba village, in the same local government area and neutralised two terrorists.

    According to him, troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles, four AK 47 magazines, 51 (7.62mm) special ammunition, five mobile phones, one cutlass, two motorcycles, and the sum of N206,000.

    “The military high command commends troops of Operation Forest Sanity and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities,” he said.

  • Troops eliminate 103 Boko Haram members in Northeast

    Troops eliminate 103 Boko Haram members in Northeast

     

    …nab four commanders

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have eliminated 103 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa State Province (ISWAP) in the past three weeks in the Northeast.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami stated this while reviewing progress of military operations on Thursday in Abuja.

     

    He said the troops also apprehended 22 terrorists including four commanders and 18 collaborators within the theatre during the period.

    He disclosed that the troops rescued 30 abducted civilians while 280 terrorists and their families comprising 29 males, 73 females and 148 children surrendered to the military across the theatre of operation.

    According to him, the land and air components of the OPHK have continued to dominate the general area as operational activities were being conducted in villages, towns and mountains.

    “Cumulatively, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 20 AK47 rifles, two G3 rifles, five FN rifles, two QJC guns, one gun truck, 2,411 rounds of 7.62mm special, 143 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one barreta pistol, 26 AK47 magazines, four bandoliers, four 36 hand grenades, among others.

    “Other items recovered are 33 motorcycles, 33 bicycles, medical suppliers, 50 pieces of males and females fabrics, bags of grains, jerrycans of groundnut oil, cartons of detergents, the sum of N291,060 and other sundry items.

    “All recovered items, rescued civilians and arrested terrorists have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action,” he said.

  • Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Ebonyi, Enugu

    Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps in Ebonyi, Enugu

    Troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Army have raided the camps of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in Ebonyi and Enugu State.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the raid was carried out in a joint operation with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police and Department of State Services in the conduct of Exercise Golden Dawn II.

    He said troops had on Monday, raided an IPOB/ESN camp located at Amagu village Nkalaha community, Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi and neutralised some of the criminals.

    He said that while others took to their heels in the fire fight, troops recovered some cache of arms ammunition as well as explosive devices.

    “Weapons recovered are 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, two Pump Action guns, five locally made rifles, 1 roll of Detonator 27, quantity 24 Detonators, 33 electrical cables, quantity 12 of type 36 Hand Grenades and 12 bags of substances suspected to be Marijuana.

    “Other items recovered include, three motorcycles, two generators, one water pumping machine, military woodland camouflage and police uniform,” he said.

    The army spokesman said the troops had in a another encounter at Agubeji community in Enugu state, apprehended one Mr Martins Abogwu, for conniving with IPOB/ESN elements to unleash attacks on innocent citizens.

    He said the suspect, who claimed to be Chief Security Officer of the community had been assisting in the preliminary investigations that followed.

    According to him, he has led troops to IPOB/ESN camp, where a shallow grave containing two decomposing bodies were uncovered.

    “One of the corpses has been identified as a member of the local vigilante, who was kidnapped about a month ago.

    “The Nigerian army reassures law abiding citizens of its unwavering resolve, in synergy with other services and security agencies to deny criminal elements the freedom of action and progressively rid the nation of identified threats to national security.

    “It will continue to execute its constitutional responsibilities in conformity with extant rules of engagement.

    “The Nigerian army also encourages members of the public to work harmoniously with the security agencies to collectively make the South East and the entire nation secured and peaceful,” he said.

  • Troops kill notorious bandit commander ‘Dogo Maikasuwa’

    Troops kill notorious bandit commander ‘Dogo Maikasuwa’

    A notorious bandit commander, popularly called Dogo Maikasuwa has been killed by security forces during a clearance operation in Chikun local government area of Kaduna State.

    The Commissioner of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Friday in Kaduna.

    “After an era of terror and evading security forces, the Kaduna State Government can authoritatively report that the notorious bandit commander known as Dogo Maikasuwa has met his end.

    “This action was made known in operational feedback from security agencies.

    “Painstaking investigations revealed the atrocities he carried out with impunity in hard-to-reach locations.

    “Dogo Maikasuwa, also known as ‘Dogo Maimillion led series of attacks and kidnappings of citizens on the Kaduna-Kachia Road, and in communities within Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas,” he said.

    The commissioner said the bandit
    was one of the deadliest bandits who led other elements in terrorising citizens.

    The commissioner said Maikasuwa always dresses in green camouflage military fatigues and wielded an AK47 rifle.

    “Such was his appearance during the duel with security forces which ultimately consumed him.

    “Maikasuwa led his bandits to engage in operations with cruelty, often killing kidnapped victims when ransoms are delayed or considered meager.

    “In  his final stand, the notorious bandit in the company of his foot soldiers ran into an ambush laid by operatives in a forest in the Gengere-Kaso general area, around the Chikun and Kajuru boundaries, “he said.

    Aruwan said the security forces after the fierce battle successfully neutralized the bandit leader and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, five rounds of ammunition, two motorcycles and one set of camouflage military fatigues.

    “The other bandits escaped with gun wounds. It was further gathered that one of them died from injuries sustained in the fierce battle, with his remains carried away by other fleeing elements, “Aruwan said.

    The commissioner said Gov. Nasir El-Rufai, received the feedback with gratitude and commended the personnel for their bravery in the fierce battle against the bandits.

  • Nigerian troops recover N2billion worth of stolen petroleum products in 14days

    Nigerian troops recover N2billion worth of stolen petroleum products in 14days

     

    Troops of operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO have recovered over two billion naira from stolen petroleum products in Southern Nigeria within two weeks.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami disclosed this during the Bi-weekly briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital saying that the briefing covered the period from 20th October to 3rd November, 2022.

    General Danmadami said that “troops in the sustained fight against oil theft and maritime illegalities also discovered and destroyed 11 illegal refineries and 107 metal storage tanks, 5 wooden boats, 58 dugout pits, 38 ovens, 6 fibre boats, 28 reservoirs, 15 jerrycans, 2 pumping machines, 20,000 barrels of crude oil and 167,900 litres of Automotive Gas Oil”.

    Cumulatively, within the weeks under review, oil thieves were denied a total of 54,547 barrels of crude oil, 817, 900 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit and 10,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine amounting to the sum of Two Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Twenty-One Thousand, Three Hundred Forty-Three Naira and Ninety-Four Kobo (N2,435,021,343.94)

    In a related development, troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation DELTA SAFE sustained pressure towards denying criminal elements freedom of action, essential to sustain a conducive environment for economic activities to thrive while ensuring relative peaceful environment and protection of oil and gas infrastructure in the general area all in the Southern part of the country.

    According to him, the maritime and land component of Operation DELTA SAFE in the conduct of operation OCTOPUS GRIP, conducted operational activities at creeks, waterways, communities, villages, towns and cities within Delta, Bayelsa, Cross River and Rivers States between 20 October – 2 November 2022.

    He said“during the operations, troops discovered and destroyed 57 illegal refining sites, 35 wooden boats, 304 storage tanks, 172 cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 5 drums, 2 reservoirs, 2 illegal bunkering camp and 6 illegal bunkering boats”.

    He added that troops also recovered 34,547barrels of crude oil, 650,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 10,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine, 7 pumping machines, 7 vehicles, 5 motorcycles, 1 double barrel gun, 2 live cartridges and arrested 5 pipeline vandals.

    General Danmadami noted that troops in conjunction with operatives of the office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) tracked and raided the criminals location and arrested 2 Eastern Security Network criminals kingpins at Oyigbo in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.

    He said “troops recovered 2 Ak47 rifles, 285 rounds of 7.62mm special, 84 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 1 empty magazine, 2 mobile phones, 3 sim packs, a file containing documents, 3 ATM cards, NIN certificate, voters’ cards and charms.

    According to him, in a continuous effort to eliminate criminal elements in the South Eastern part of the Country, troops and other security agencies have not relented on their constitutional mandate in tackling insecurity in the state.

    Notably, on 20 October 2022, troops while on duty at Isuofia in Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State were attacked by suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals.

    He said the troops however, repelled the attack and arrested 1 of the criminals, recovered 2 pistols and 4 rounds of 9mm ammo.

    Also on the same day, following a tip-off, troops arrested a known armed robber at Ibagwa community in Igbo-Eze Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    He said troops recovered 1 locally made revolver pistol, 2 mobile phones and 1 motorcycle. Suspect is in troops custody for further action.

    Also, on 24 October 2022, troops and Nigerian Police personnel on fighting patrol around Nkwere forest in Oji-River Local Government Area of Enugu State came in contact with suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals mounted on SUVs and motorcycles, who fled on sighting troops.

    According to him, troops pursued the criminals and engaged with superior fire, forcing them to abandon their vehicles and motorcycles adding that troops exploited the area and recovered 2 SUV vehicles, 3 motorcycles, cooking utensils amongst others.

    All recovered items are in troop’s custody for further necessary action.

    In another development between 21 October to 2 November 2022, troops conducted anti-illegal bunkering operation to Ama-Hausa Arugu and Umuokabia Ugodo villages in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State. During the operation, troops discovered and destroyed illegal bunkered oil in 79 sacks of 50 litres Automotive Gas Oil each, 8 gallons of 25 litres, 3 nylons with 3 drum containing refined products, arrested a bus and 2 suspects conveying illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1 Toyota Avalon containing 1,200 litres of Automotive Gas Oil.

    He added that troops also discovered a loading point in an abandoned filling station with 3 vehicles containing 1,400 litres each of diesel and 2 tanks containing 1,000 litres each of diesel.

    Furthermore, troops conducted a clearance operation at the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network Camp at Amu Agba community in Ishielu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State and made contact with the criminals who fled following a fire fight. Troops exploited the area and recovered 4 motorcycles, 32 rounds of 5.56mm, 1 round of 7.62mm NATO, 1 locally fabricated pistol, 1 dane gun and 4 IEDs amongst others.

    Also on 27 October 2022, troops in conjunction with Nigeria Police and Department of State Service conducted clearance operation on the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network camp at Orsumoghu village in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

     

    According him, troops made contact with criminals and in a fire fight neutralized 5 criminals, arrested 2 and recovered 1 Ak47 rifle, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 dane gun, 4 locally fabricated composite IED, 1 single barrel rifle, 15 locally fabricated mortar tubes, 1 pistol hoister, military uniforms, 1 motorcycles, 1 power generating set among others.

     

    Meanwhile, the Military High Command has commended the troops on their efforts in the various theatres of operation across the nation while the entire populace is appreciated, for the support given to the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the conduct of their operations.

  • Troops gun down several bandits in Kaduna

    Troops gun down several bandits in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State Government, says Troops of the Nigerian Army have gunned down several bandits at Tollgate general area of Chikun Local Government in the state.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr. Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday in Kaduna.

    Aruwan also disclosed that notorious bandit Boderi Isiya narrowly escaped being neutralized, but his deadly second in command and several other fighters were gunned down by the troops.

    According to him, security agencies informed the Kaduna state government of this development in operational feedback.

    He explained that a painstaking check with credible human intelligence sources further confirmed that Boderi and his terror group had a bad day at the hands of the combat-ready troops.

    According to the reports, the troops engaged the bandits around the Tollgate general area of Chikun LGA.

    “The bandits scrambled in retreat, only to run into another ambush laid by the troops in Sabon Gida general area.

    “The troops engaged the bandits ferociously and ultimately subdued them.

    “Corpses and weapons were recovered at the scene, while some of the terrorists eventually died from bullet wounds.

    “Boderi’s deadly second in command, one Musti, was among those identified to have been eliminated, alongside one Yellow Mai-Madrid and one Dan-Katsinawa, with others yet to be identified,” he said.

    The commissioner also said some of the terrorists are battling life-threatening wounds.

    Aruwan disclosed that Musti and Boderi were responsible for the security breach at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna.

    He added that they were also responsible for the kidnapping of students of the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, the Emir of Bungudu and several other citizens in 2021.

    The commissioner said Gov. Nasir El-Rufai praised the troops for the commendable feat under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Maj.-Gen. Taoreed  Lagbaja.

    He noted that it was the latest of notable breakthrough recorded since the GOC took command of the Division.

    “The Kaduna state government will keep the public updated on further developments.

    “Citizens with useful information regarding the bandits reported to be seeking medical attention in the general area and elsewhere, are encouraged to bring such information forward via the following numbers: 09034000060, 08170189999,” Aruwan said.

  • Troops eliminates 30 terrorists who attacked soldiers in Abuja

    Troops eliminates 30 terrorists who attacked soldiers in Abuja

    The Defence Headquarters says the military troops have eliminated 30 of the terrorists who attacked troops of the Guards Brigade in Bwari area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on Sunday.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, made this known at the Bi-Weekly news conference on military operations on Thursday in Abuja.

    Onyeuko said the operation was conducted by troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 167 Special Force Battalion in conjunction with the air component of “Operation Whirl Punch” between Sunday and Tuesday.

    He said the troops successfully cleared Kawu and Ido villages neutralising the terrorists and destroyed their enclave and hide out.

    According to him, the ground troops also recovered six motorcycles, two AK47 rifles, one fully loaded LMG magazine amongst others during mob up.

    “The hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wishes to re-assured Nigerians of its commitment and pact with all Nigerians.

    “With the recent operations carried out between from July 23, we wish to assure residents of FCT in particular that we are undaunted and unrelenting in our efforts to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

    “People should go about their normal business as their safety is guaranteed.

    “The support and cooperation of all Nigerians is hereby solicited as security is everybody’s business. Citizens are encouraged to report any unusual persons in your community to security agencies. If you see something say something,’’ he said.

    On his part, the Director Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Jimmy Akpor, urged media to continue to support the military in ensuring that the enemies of the nation were defeated.

    On the voice note being circulated on social media purportedly belonging to a soldier involved in the attack, Akpor said that enquiries to know its authenticity was unnecessary.