TheNewsGuru

Tag: Troops

  • ESN/IPOB loses Anambra, Enugu camps to Troops

    Camps belonging to Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Anambra and Enugu states have been cleared by the troops of 302 Regiment- Nigerian Army and security agencies.

     

    Army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said the raids were carried out in conjunction with operatives of the Nigerian Navy, Department of State Services and Nigeria Police Force.

     

    Nwachukwu said the IPOB/ESN criminals were dislodged on Saturday at Idara Nnebo, Ihe Mbosi villages and Ukpor in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra.

     

    He said the troops cleared IPOB fire positions and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to dislodge the criminals from their hideouts.

     

    According to him, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, three magazines with five rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition, two pump action rifles and one locally fabricated gun during the operations.

     

    “Other items include three power generators, among others,” he said.

     

    Nwachukwu also said the troops of 103 Battalion conducted a raid operation on IPOB/ ESN camp at Nkwere Inyi Forest in Oji River Local Government of Enugu state.

    ESN

     

    He said the encounter forced the criminals to flee in disarray, while troops recovered one Lexus and a Toyota Highlander SUV suspected to have been snatched by the criminals.

     

    “Other items recovered include two motorcycles, one double barrel gun and seven live cartridges. Members of the public are enjoined to continue to support troops with credible information on the activities of the criminal elements in the region,” he added.

     

    ESN is the paramilitary organization of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a pro-Biafra separatist movement.

     

    IPOB was founded by Nnamdi Kanu and is a currently active separatist movement.

     

    Since August 2020, violence has been escalating between the IPOB and the Nigerian government.

     

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that in August 2020, Nigerian police forces executed 21 IPOB members at a meeting, with two police officers dead and both siding accused each other of firing the first shot.

     

    Violence escalated during the following months, leading to a region-wide insurgency.

  • PHOTO: Troops find Chibok girl kidnapped in 2014 during patrol

    The Nigerian Army has said troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade have found Mrs Mary Ngoshe, who is believed to be one of the girls kidnapped in 2014 from Government Girls’ Secondary School (GGSS), Chibok, Borno State.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that Boko Haram insurgents attacked the GGSS in the middle of the night on the fateful day in 2014 and abducted 276 schoolgirls while they were preparing for their terminal examination.

    The incident was followed by a global outcry that birthed the #BringBackOurGirls movement, and despite continued efforts to secure the freedom of the girls, only 103 had been rescued before Ngoshe is now found.

    According to the Nigerian Army, she was found with her son around Ngoshe in Borno State on 14 June 2022 withe the Army saying further exploitation was ongoing.

    See photo below:

  • Biden approves redeployment of U.S. troops to Somalia

    Biden approves redeployment of U.S. troops to Somalia

    U.S. President Joe Biden has approved a plan to redeploy U.S. troops to the eastern African country of Somalia to counter the extremist group al-Shabab, according to the White House.

    Drawn from forces already deployed in Africa, less than 500 U.S. troops will be repositioned in Somalia to constitute “a small, persistent U.S. military presence” in the country, a senior administration official said during a briefing with reporters.

    The official was speaking on the condition of anonymity under ground rules set by the White House.

    The administration’s move reversed former President Donald Trump’s order made in the waning days of his administration to pull out all of the approximately 750 U.S. military personnel from Somalia.

    U.S. troops have been serving their duties in the war-torn country on a rotational basis since Biden took office, a dynamic the administration now considers insufficient in addressing terrorist threats posed to Americans in the region.

    “Al-Shabab has taken advantage of Somali instability and fractious politics to become, as I indicated, al-Qaeda’s largest and wealthiest global affiliate.

    “We have seen regrettably, clear evidence of al-Shabab’s intent and capability to target Americans in the region,” the official said on the call with reporters.

    The official said Trump’s decision to withdraw U.S. troops in Somalia had created “unnecessary and elevated risks” to U.S. troops entering or exiting the country, arguing that the redeployment is “a step that rationalises what was essentially an irrational argument.”

  • Troops neutralise IPOB/ESN gunman in Imo

    Troops neutralise IPOB/ESN gunman in Imo

    Troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade, Nigerian Army, have neutralised a notorious gunman of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo.

    Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated in Abuja on Monday that the gunman was killed in an encounter at Ihioma Community in Orlu Local Government Area of the state.

    Nwachukwu said troops encountered members of the separatist group who were firing sporadically at Banana Junction to enforce their illegal “sit- at-home’’ order on law-abiding citizens.

    According to him, on sighting the troops, the IPOB/ESN criminals withdrew in a blue Toyota Highlander towards Ihioma community for reinforcement.

    “In the fire fight that ensued, one of the criminals was taken out, while others fled in disarray.

    “Troops are combing the general area in a follow-up operation to track down the fleeing dissidents.

    “Having suffered casualty and effectively denied freedom of action by the troops, the group have resorted to cheap propaganda to whip up public sentiments.

    “This, they have done by circulating a doctored video on the social media alleging troops’ complicity in their mindless atrocities.

    “This propaganda should be disregarded in its entirety,’’ Nwachukwu stated.

  • Troops not aiding attacks in Plateau – OPSH

    Troops not aiding attacks in Plateau – OPSH

    The Special Task Force, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), which is maintaining peace in Plateau and environs, has denied the allegation that its troops were aiding attacks and other forms of insecurity in the state.

    Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer of the operation, denied the allegation in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    Takwa was reacting to allegations by a coalition of youth and women groups during a peaceful protest on Wednesday, against the continuous killings in some parts of the state.

    Takwa described the allegation as false and misleading and called on residents of the state to disregard the reports.

    ”OPSH wishes to commend and appreciate the groups for demonstrating in a peaceful manner. It is, however, worthy to note that the issues raised during the protest are largely fabrications that emanated from the writer’s imagination.

    ”They claimed that there are continuous attacks and killings going on in Jos North, Jos South, Bassa, Bokos, Riyom and Barkin Ladi Local Government Areas and added that OPSH is aiding insecurity in these areas and should be held responsible for the attacks.

    ”OPSH wishes to clearly state that these claims are totally false and should be disregarded by well-meaning Nigerians; these latest attacks on the image of the Operation is a calculated attempt to dampen the morale of our troops in the professional performance of their duties.

    ”The Operation has made concerted efforts in stemming the tide of communal clashes, reprisal attacks and other forms of criminalities on the Plateau,” he said.

    Takwa said that troops of OPSH, under the leadership of its commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, remains professional and unbiased in the discharge of their duties.

    He lamented that between January and now, the Operation had lost an officer and three soldiers to activities of bandits and other criminalities within its areas of operations.

    ”Our troops, under the command of Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, a thorough-bred professional, a detribalised Nigerian and a peace-loving military officer, is well-motivated, committed and ready to make greater sacrifices for the total restoration of peace and security on the Plateau and beyond.

    ”At the moment, the leadership of OPSH is concerned with stabilising the security situation in communities that experienced attacks recently in Bassa in Plateau, Zangon Kataf, and Jema’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.

    ”The rapid response and intervention of our troops during these attacks has curtail the attackers who could have continued their barbaric acts unchallenged.

    ”It might interest you to know that from January to date, we lost an officer and three soldiers to banditry and criminalities; it is, therefore, worrisome to note that the group claims that OPSH is aiding and abetting criminal attacks on communities and should be held responsible for lives lost,” Takwa said.

    The media officer maintained that from August 2021 till date, there were no cases of attacks on communities in Jos North, Jos South, Barikin Ladi,

    Riyom and Bokkos, adding that the allegation is mischief aimed at tarnishing the image of the military.

    Takwa assured residents of the state that the military and other security agencies would continue to work assiduously towards ensuring the safety of lives and property of every law-abiding citizen without fear or favour.

    He called on the residents to continue to support and cooperate with security agencies in their bid to stem the tides of insecurity in the state.

  • Residents prevent troops from arresting a gun-runner in Plateau

    Residents prevent troops from arresting a gun-runner in Plateau

    Residents of Vom community in Vwang District of Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau, on Saturday prevented troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) from arresting a suspected gun runner and fabricator in the community.

    Maj. Ishaku Takwa, the Media Officer of Operation Safe Haven, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Jos.
    Takwa said that the residents who came out in their numbers to prevent the soldiers from accessing the community, threw stones and other dangerous objects on the troops.

    “Troops of OPSH, acting on credible intelligence, mobilised its personnel in the early hours of Saturday to effect arrest of the suspected gun-runner and fabricator in Vom Community.

    “Sadly, on sighting security personnel, members of the community came out en mass and barricaded the road leading to the community.

    “They prevented the troops from gaining access to the community to carry out their lawful duty.

    “All efforts to calm the crowd proved futile as they resorted to throwing stones and other dangerous objects at security personnel who kept their cool in the face of unwarranted provocation,” he said.

    The media officer explained that to prevent the situation from degenerating, the OPSH Commander, Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Ali, ordered the immediate withdrawal of the troops from the community.

    “While we condemn the action of some members of the community who obstructed our troops from performing a lawful duty, we wish to remind the people about the consequences of preventing the arrest and harbouring criminal elements in their community.

    “No one should be in doubt that troops would certainly effect the arrest of any person or persons suspected to be involved in any unwholesome activity considered capable of truncating the peace and security of the state and the nation at large,” he said.

    Takwa warned residents of the state against obstructing security agencies from performing their lawful duties.

  • Army neutralises IPOB leader, 3 others in Anambra

    Army neutralises IPOB leader, 3 others in Anambra

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four gunmen of the outlawed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) at Ihiala town in Anambra.

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

    Nwachukwu said troops received a distress call that the gunmen were out enforcing the illegally imposed sit-at-home order and were firing sporadically in and around a filling station in Ihiala town.

    He said a fire-fight ensued between the dissidents and the gallant troops leading to the killing of their leader, one Ejike, and three others.

    According to Nwachukwu, items recovered from the gunmen during the encounter include one motorcycle, two pump action double-barrel guns, 12 live cartridges and substances suspected to be cannabis, amongst others.

    He, however, noted that one of the combat vehicles conveying troops was involved in an accident during the operation following a technical fault.

    “One gallant officer and a soldier paid the supreme price in the accident, while two sustained injuries. The injured are currently responding to treatment at a military hospital.

    “While we pray for the repose of the souls of deceased personnel, the general public is enjoined to continue to support the military and other security agencies through the provision of timely and accurate information,’’ he said.

  • Troops eliminate kidnappers terrorising Auchi-Benin road

    Troops eliminate kidnappers terrorising Auchi-Benin road

    The Nigerian Army says its troops of 4 Brigade, on Wednesday eliminated three kidnappers believed to be part of the notorious kidnap and robbery gang terrorising motorists along Auchi-Benin road in Edo.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement in Abuja, said the kidnappers met their waterloo while carrying out their nefarious operation along the axis.

    He said the kidnapers, however, ran out of luck as the vigilant troops swooped on them, engaging them in a gun duel that led to the elimination of three members of the gang, while others fled in different directions.

    Nwachukwu said the gallant troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one pump action shotgun and other dangerous weapons.

    He said efforts were ongoing to track the fleeing criminals and free that corridor from all forms of violent crime.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to enjoin the general public, particularly the good people of Edo to continue to expose criminal elements in their localities to law enforcement agencies.

    “They are also urged to go about their normal activities as efforts are in place to ensure seamless security,” he said.

  • Army denies allegation of attacks by troops on Igbo communities

    Army denies allegation of attacks by troops on Igbo communities

    The Nigerian Army has described the allegation by International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law, otherwise known as InterSociety, that troops had attacked Igbo communities as false and spurious.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, dismissed the allegation in a statement on Thursday, in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said that InterSociety had an antecedent of making bogus and unsubstantiated claims, aimed at supporting the activities of outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network(ESN).

    According to him, the latest in their propaganda effort is the baseless report, where it alleged that in 14 months, troops razed not less than 100 Igbo Communities, attacked not less than 1000 dwelling houses belonging to unarmed civilians and destroyed property valued at not less than 40 Billions Naira.

    He said the report also alleged that security operatives killed 1150 innocent and defenceless Ndigbos within the said period.

    “This organisation’s latest report is an attempt to incite the public against the Nigerian army and has tacitly encouraged anarchy in the region through spurious allegations,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the Nigerian army would remain a cherished national institution that had fought at different fronts for the defence of the sovereignty and unity of Nigeria.

    He warned that the army would not permit dissidents and their cohorts to undermine national security.

    According to him, it is sacrosanct to reaffirm that the Nigerian army is a professional force that conducts its operations in line with global best practices.

    “Nigerian army will not under any guise be involved in the suggestive extra judicial killings and such wanton abuse of the fundamental human rights of the citizenry, as alleged by InterSociety.

    “More worrisome is the fact that organizations such as InterSociety turn their eyes the other way, when outlawed groups like IPOB/ESN forcefully deny law abiding citizens their inalienable rights to freedom of movement through their illegal sit-at-home order.

    “These organisations and their likes are advised to re-channel their concerns to the crimes committed by these criminals, who abduct, torture, maim kill and cannibalize their traditional rulers, fellow Ndigbos and other innocent Nigerians under the guise of struggle for ’emancipation’.

    “For emphasis, the Nigeria Army remains a professional force that adheres to extant rules of engagement and code of conduct for operations.

    “The general public and indeed the good people of South East Nigeria are urged to please disregard these unfounded allegations emanating from the propaganda arm of dissident groups in the toga of civil society organisation,” he said.

  • Troops kill 3 terrorists , rescue 8 citizens in Kaduna

    Troops kill 3 terrorists , rescue 8 citizens in Kaduna

    Kaduna State Government on Tuesday said troops engaged some bandits in Chikun, Igabi and Giwa Local Government Areas, killing three of them.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Mr Samuel Aruwan, made the disclosure on behalf of the government in a statement he issued in Kaduna.

    Aruwan, who did not give details of the encounter and the date of the incident, also said eight kidnapped victims where rescued in Chikun Local Government Area.

    According to him, military authorities had reported the incident to the state government, adding that troops engaged and repelled the terrorists during an operation.

    The Commissioner quoted Gov. Nasir El-Rufa’i as expressing gratitude to the troops for their brave efforts during the encounter.

    “The Governor extended his prayers and warm regards to the eight rescued persons, and wished them all the best.

    “The Kaduna state government urges citizens to report individuals found seeking treatment for suspicious injuries, by calling the Security Operations Room on the numbers 09034000060 and 08170189999,” he said.