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Tag: Troops

  • Troops capture eight suspects over kidnap of Plateau monarch

    Troops capture eight suspects over kidnap of Plateau monarch

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven have detained eight suspects in connection with the kidnap of a traditional ruler in Plateau State, Charles Mato Dakat.

    TheNewsGuru reported that Dakat, a Paramount ruler in Gindiri LGA, was kidnapped by gunmen who attacked his palace last Sunday around 1am.

    He was, however, released in the early hours of Friday.

    Confirming the arrest of the eight suspects in a statement on Friday shortly after the monarch regained his freedom, the Military Information Officer of Operation Safe Haven said, “While the Paramount ruler of Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, Chief Charles Mato, has been with his abductors, the commander Operation SAFE HAVEN, Major General Ibrahim Ali, placed the troops deployed at Gyanbus on red alert and the hot trail of the perpetrators.

    “Consequently, Eight suspects were arrested in connection with the kidnap incidence and are being interrogated. Following this development, the paramount ruler, early this morning of Friday 31 December 2021, was released by his abductors.”

    The statement added that “Operations SAFE HAVEN is still very much on the ground to ensure all those involved in the kidnap of the traditional ruler are arrested and made to face the full wrath of the law.”

     

  • Heavy casualty as troops pound Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Yobe

    Heavy casualty as troops pound Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Yobe

    The Nigerian Army says the troops of of Sector 2 Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have again inflicted heavy casualty on Boko Haram and Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in a fierce battle at Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a a statement on Wednesday, said the feat was achieved on Tuesday.

    Nwachukwu said the terrorists, who frantically attempted to gain access into Buni Yadi, met stiff resistance from troops of 27 Task Force Brigade and Nigerian Army Special Forces School, supported by the Nigerian Air Component.

    He added that personnel of the Nigerian Police also supported the troops who gallantly fought and overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower.

    According to him, the ferocious battle forced the criminals to withdraw in different directions having suffered heavy losses.

    “Several gun trucks with their occupants were taken out by the troops. Preliminary battle damage assessment revealed the precision with which Air and Land troops engaged the terrorists destroying their gun trucks.

    “Exploitation is still ongoing by troops to take out fleeing remnants of the terrorists,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, had commended the troops for the operational exploit.

    “He also charged them to sustain the current operational tempo to deny the criminals freedom of action,” he said.

  • Troops thwart attempt to attack military base in Borno

    Troops thwart attempt to attack military base in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Friday repelled an attack by the Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.

    Brig.-Gen. Abdulwahab Eyitayo, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, disclosed this in Maiduguri.

    Eyitayo said that a number of the terrorists on 10 guntrucks and one phantom MRAP attempted to attack Damboa Super Camp of the Nigerian Army.

    He said that as they approached, the troops swiftly repelled the attack and forced the terrorists to withdraw in dissaray through Sandia village.

    The GOC said total normalcy has been restored in the town, as people were going about their normal activities, while exploitation was still ongoing by the Air Task Force to mop up the fleeing terrorists.

    “Troops are right now driving around Damboa town for show of force to boost the confidence of the locals,” he added.

  • Troops nab 48 bandits, kill 15 in North West, North Central

    Troops nab 48 bandits, kill 15 in North West, North Central

    The Defence Headquarters says troops operating in North West and North Central have arrested no fewer than 48 bandits and eliminated 15 in two weeks.

    Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja.

    He spoke briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria between October 29 and November 11.

    Onyeuko also disclosed that 42 kidnapped victims were rescued in different operations across the zones during the period under review.

    He said: “Under Operation Hadarin Daji, troops carried out extensive land and air operations across the theatre leading to the arrest, of 16 criminal elements, killing of 13 bandits and rescuing six kidnapped civilians in the North West.”

    He added that 12 assorted arms and 77 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered within the period.

    Under Operation Safe Haven, Onyeuko said that troops maintained continuous vigilance with constant land and air patrols to deny criminal elements freedom of action.

    He said the general security situation in the Plateau had been relatively calm within the period in spite of some pockets of incidents recorded in some locations.

    He added that troops rescued 33 kidnapped victims from bandits and arrested 23 criminal elements within the period.

    Under Operation Whirl Stroke, Onyeuko said that troops continued to carry out clearance and raid operations in parts of Benue and Nasarawa States, leading to arrest of nine bandits, killing of two and rescuing of three victims.

    According to him, troops recovered 19 arms, including AK-47 rifles, Machine Guns, two locally-made pistols and six extra rifle magazines as well as 79 rounds of ammunition.

    He added: “Other weapons recovered were 36 hand grenades, pump action as well as locally-made rifles and ammunition.

    “There is no gainsaying that the efforts of armed forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, both kinetic and non-kinetic, are yielding significant results.

    “We will not relent nor rest on our oars in the fight against criminalities in all parts of the country.

    “As always, the military high command commends the continued sacrifices of its troops and continues to salute their courage and resilience toward achieving sustainable peace in the country.”

  • Kaduna attack: Troops discover 2 more dead bodies

    Kaduna attack: Troops discover 2 more dead bodies

    The military has discovered two more dead bodies in Kacecere village, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna state, which was attacked on Sept.27.

    The state Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs,Mr Samuel Aruwan, said in a statement on Sunday that discovery of remains of the additional victims was reported to State Government.

    Aruwan said the remains were discovered by troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) as they continued with search-and-rescue operations in the area.

    He recalled that Kacecere village was attacked in reprisal to earlier attacks in Jankasa village, Zangon Kataf LGA, and Madamai, Kaura LGA, as reported to the government by the security agencies.

    “The latest discovery of two corpses brings the death toll from the Kacecere attack to 12, while that of Madamai stands at 38.

    “Search-and-rescue efforts are ongoing in both locations, straddling the two local government areas. “he said.

  • Troops rescue abducted NDA officer

    Troops rescue abducted NDA officer

    Troops of the Nigerian Army, Airforce and other security agencies have rescued Maj. Christopher Datong, the officer abducted at the permanent site of Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Kaduna, on Aug. 24.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Col Ezindu Idimah, said in a statement issued in Kaduna that the officer was rescued in the late hours of Friday, Sept.17.

    He said the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs had earlier issued a directive after the abduction of the officer, that he be rescued and his abductors, fished out.

    The spokesperson said sequel to the directive, the 1 Division, in conjunction with the Air Task Force, Department of State Services and other security agencies, swung into action by conducting operations in the Afaka general area of Kaduna, to locate and rescue the officer.

    He explained that the operations were conducted based on several leads received from various sources regarding the abductors, and likely locations the officer was held.

    Idimah stated that the operations were sustained since the abduction of the officer, resulting in the destruction of several identified bandits’ camps in the Afaka- Birnin Gwari general area, and the neutralization of scores of bandits, particularly in the late hours of Sept 17.

    He said upon arrival at a camp suspected to be the location where Datong was being held, the troops exchanged fire with the bandits and in the process, the abducted officer was rescued.

    However, he said the officer sustained a minor injury, but had been treated in a medical facility and handed over to NDA for further action.

    “The Division wishes to commend the efforts of the NAF, DSS , Nigerian Police and patriotic Nigerians for their invaluable support, which contributed to the success of this operation.

    “Our operations will continue until we capture or neutralize the assailants that killed two officers in the NDA on 24 August 2021,” Idimah said.

    The Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Defence Academy, Maj. Bashir Jajira, also confirmed the rescue of the officer.

    Recalled that on Aug 24 NDA confirmed an attack at the academy, where two officers where killed and one other, abducted.

  • Photo: Troops arrest wanted Boko Haram member in Borno

    Photo: Troops arrest wanted Boko Haram member in Borno

    The Nigerian Army says it has arrested a high-profile member of the Boko Haram terrorist group, Yawi Modu, in Damboa Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno State.

    Troops also raided a Boko Haram Improvised Explosive Device (IED) materials hub in Gashua LGA of Yobe.

    Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, who disclosed this in a statement on Thursday noted that the feats were recorded by soldiers attached to Sector 2 Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai following robust operations conducted in the North East.

    “Following a tip-off, a wanted BH/ISWAP terrorist, one Yawi Modu, who has been on the wanted list was nabbed along Damboa-Wajiroko Road,” he said.

    “Relatedly, troops have successfully busted a urea fertilizer syndicate known for supplying terrorists with IED materials. The market is believed to be the notorious hub for IED materials for BHT/ISWAP.

    “These ISWAP criminals facing the reality of obvious depletion are desperately acquiring IED materials to make explosive devices with which to unleash terror on innocent civilians, in a bid to remain relevant and present a posture of potency.”

    In the sting operation conducted, according to the army spokesman, a total of 281 (50kg) bags of urea were recovered from the warehouses in the market and two notorious Boko Haram distributors were arrested.

    He explained that the Federal Government had banned urea fertiliser because of its use as a major component for manufacturing IEDs by terrorists.

    Nwachukwu said, “The suspects and materials recovered are currently undergoing preliminary investigation.”

    In his reaction, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, commended the vigilance and resilience of the troops and reassured them of his support in decisively tackling the terrorists.

  • Troops rescue 15 kidnapped commuters in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 15 kidnapped commuters in Kaduna

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven says it has rescued 15 commuters in Jagindi, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

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

    He said that the 15 commuters were kidnapped from two vehicles in the area while on transit and the troops responded to a distress call and mobiliised swiftly to the location to rescue.

    Aruwan said that the Acting Gov. Hadiza Balarabe received the report on the rescue with satisfaction and thanked the troops for their swift response which resulted in the rescue of the commuters.

    “The troops are sustaining search and rescue operations in the area,” Aruwan said.

  • Troops foil terrorists’ attack on Borno town

    Troops foil terrorists’ attack on Borno town

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have thwarted an attempted attack by the Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists on Damboa town in Borno, Nigerian Army says.

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

    Nwachukwu said the troops of 25 Task Force Brigade successfully quelled a dawn attack attempt on the town in the early hours of Sunday by terrorists.

    He said the criminals made a futile effort to infiltrate the town, but were met with heavy fire from the vigilant troops.

    He said the terrorists attempted to infiltrate the town with unconfirmed numbers of foot soldiers and some mounted on motorcycles.

    He added that the terrorists suffered debilitating gunshot wounds from troops’ fire, forcing them to beat a retreat in disarray.

    The Army spokesperson said the troops were currently on the trail of the fleeing terrorists.

    He disclosed that two vehicles belonging to the Civilian Joint Task Force were razed by fire in the exchange of fire that ensued.

    “They are also encouraged not to allow any form of distraction from the marauding terrorists, whose ranks have suffered enormous depletion in manpower as a result of ongoing air and artillery bombardments.

    “Law abiding people of North East Nigeria are assured of the Chief of Army Staff’s determination to finally rout the Boko Haram/ISWAP criminals from their hideouts.

    “The good people of the North East are also encouraged to continue to avail the troops with actionable information that will enhance the execution of the ongoing Counter Terrorism Counter Insurgency operations in the region,” he said.

  • Intensify operations against bandits- COAS to troops

    Intensify operations against bandits- COAS to troops

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya has charged troops of 8 Division and Operation Hadarin Daji to intensify their operations against bandits.

    This was contained in a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, issued on Wednesday night.

    According to the statement, General Yahaya gave the charge on Wednesday in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, while addressing troops during his operational tour of 8 Division and its formations and units.

    He applauded the troops for their operational exploits in curtailing the activities of the criminals, urging them to promote synergy among the military and other security agencies.

    He described the Army’s, operational exploits as a strategy that would speed up the end of banditry in the region.

    The COAS urged the officers and soldiers to be proactive and resilient in order to crush the bandits and expedite the restoration of normalcy to the affected states.

    He assured the troops that their welfare is uppermost in the agenda of his command.

    Gen Yahaya chided them to ensure they conduct their operations in compliance with extant operational codes of conduct and regulations.

    He added, that troops must always show respect for the fundamental human rights of law abiding citizens in the conduct of their operations.

    Meanwhile, in his brief to the COAS, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Usman Yusuf informed that troops’ anti banditry operations have been reinvigorated to expeditiously bring about peace and stability in the region.

    The COAS also paid a courtesy call on the Executive Governor of Zamfara State, Dr. Bello Muhammad, where discussions were held on the security situation of the state and the North West in general.