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Tag: Troops

  • Troops eliminate 42 terrorists, bandits, rescue 93 victims –DHQ

    Troops eliminate 42 terrorists, bandits, rescue 93 victims –DHQ

    The Nigerian troops have eliminated 42 terrorists and bandits, arrested 41 and rescued 93 kidnapped victims in the Northeast, Northwest and North Central theatres of operation in the last two weeks, Defence Headquarters says.

    The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, announced this while giving updates on the military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

    Onyeuko said that the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, had eliminated 16 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and arrested 29 as well as rescued 40 civilians in the Northeast within the period.

    He said the successes were achieved through several land and air operations which include robust clearance, ambush and road piquet operations as well as comprehensive air patrol within the theatre.

    “Cumulatively, the operations led to the neutralisation of 16 BHT/ISWAPs as well as arrest of 29 of them, while 40 civilians were rescued.

    “BHT and their families, five female adults and 12 children were arrested at FOB Mayanti and Darajamel on July 15.

    “Troops also recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, four AK-47 rifles, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one belt containing 296 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, accessories for making IED among other items,’’ he said.

    Onyeuko also disclosed that the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West, neutralised no fewer than 14 bandits, arrested 24 and rescued 36 victims in different locations within the theatre.

    He added that troops also assisted one of the victims to deliver a baby safely during one of the encounters.

    According to him, a total of seven AK-47 rifles, six motorcycles, assorted military and police uniforms, six vehicles and four machetes among other items were recovered within the period.

    “Also, a total of 24 criminal elements were intercepted and arrested, including 16 bandits’ informants/collaborators and an impostor by name Faisal Saidu who paraded himself as Lance Corporal Saidu Abubakar.

    “Furthermore, a total of 223 rustled livestock were recovered during the period,’’ he added.

    The defence spokesperson further disclosed that troops Operation Safe Haven, successfully conducted several kinetic and non-kinetic operations in various locations in Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna State within the period.

    He said that the troops eliminated seven bandits and five armed robbers with several others escaping with gunshot wounds, while 12 were arrested within the period.

    He added that a total 12 assorted rifles, a truck load of stolen railway tracks and sleepers were also recovered and 17 kidnap victims rescued in the course of the operations.

    According to him, all arrested criminals and recovered items have been handed-over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further necessary action, while rescued victims have been reunited with their families.

    “Peace and security meetings were also held in various parts of the state with community heads, youth leaders and relevant stake holders.

    “Troops have continued to dominate the theatre of operations with aggressive fighting and air patrols to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the theatre of operations,’’ he said.

    Onyeuko said that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, Whirl Punch and Thunder Strike, have continued to exert dominance in Benue, Nasarawa State, Kaduna State and along Abuja-Kaduna Highway to deny bandits freedom of action.

    He said the troops had on July 18, tracked and arrested a notorious criminal named Mr Simon Unande, who allegedly supplied military uniforms and accoutrements to militia gangs in parts of Benue and Taraba.(

  • Eid-el-Kabir: IGP, COAS celebrate with policemen, troops in Northeast

    Eid-el-Kabir: IGP, COAS celebrate with policemen, troops in Northeast

    Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr Usman Alkali-Baba, on Tuesday hosted a special feast with officers and men of the Command in Borno, to mark the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the maiden IGP feast is designed to enable the police hierarchy celebrate the festive season with personnel of the Command in the frontline.

    The Spokesman of the Borno Police Command, SP Edet Okon, stated this in a statement on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

    Okon said the IGP was at the Command to eat and dine with the men in the spirit of sallah celebration, to boost their morale and show them that the high command of the force and Federal Government have them in mind.

    He said the IGP commended the officers and men including Special Forces deployed to the state for their resilience, gallantry and dedication to duty.

    Okon said that the IGP also promised to make the welfare of personnel a priority.

    This, he said, was evident in the efforts of the IGP which resulted in the settlement of outstanding arrears and allowances to personnel on special duty in the state.

    According to him, the IGP is showing greater commitment to restore the primacy of the Nigeria Police Force in the security architecture of the country.

    The statement also quoted the out-going Commissioner of Police, Mr Bello Makwashi, as reiterating the commitment of the Command to fight crimes in the state.

    Makwashi called for more logistic support to the Command to enhance its operations.

    Meanwhile, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Farouk Yahaya, hosted similar feast with troops deployed to Borno and Yobe States.

    Yahaya, represented by Brig.-Gen. Adamu Nura, Commander, Sector 2, Operation Hadin Kai, felicitated officers, soldiers, their families and civilian staff of the Nigerian Army on the occasion of the Ed-el-Kabir celebration.

    “I wish to first of all, express my sincere gratitude to the Almighty God for His mercies, protection and guidance over us while discharging our obligations to Nigeria.

    “The Eid-el-Kabir festival brings a special reminder for us as it highlights the virtues of loyalty, obedience and sacrifice which are also the hallmark of professional soldiering,” he said.

    He said the Eid festival had provided a unique opportunity to reflect and redouble efforts towards fulfilling constitutional roles of defeating adversaries and defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    The COAS said the Nigerian Army had lived up to expectations and would continue to remained focuss in tackling security challenges in the country.

    “I, therefore, wish to specifically recognise and appreciate the immense sacrifices of our troops in Operations Hadin Kai; Hadarin Daji, Thunder Strike, Whirl Stroke and other operations.

    “Let me use this opportunity to once again pay special tributes to our colleagues who have paid the supreme price in the defence of our fatherland. May their gentle souls rest in peace, ameen,” he said.

    Yahaya reiterated his commitment to promote officers based on merit, to encourage gallantry, celebrate excellence and honour heroes.

    The Army, in that spirit conferred the COAS Commendation Award to some deserving officers and soldiers on Tuesday July 6, during the NADCEL 2021.

    “I shall continue to appreciate and applaud competence, diligence and dedicated service.

    “As I will reward excellence and achievements, I will not hesitate to punish indiscipline, indolence, negligence and all untoward acts.

    “In line with my vision to have a Professional Nigerian Army ready to accomplish assigned mission within a Joint Environment in Defence of Nigeria.”

    According to him, the Army authorities will continue to accord premium to the welfare of officers, soldiers and their families.

    Yahaya said that hospital facilities and medical services were being improved to ensure quality healthcare service delivery to personnel and members of their families within and outside the country.

    He said those wounded in action would be adequately treated and their requirements such as wheelchairs, prothesis and other special vocational training would be provided.

    “To our colleagues who have paid the supreme price, we shall continue to do our best to ensure the comfort of their families, through prompt payment of all their entitlements, including medical bills and school sponsorship of their children,” he said.

    According to him, the overall aim is to develop the individual soldier, provide him with relevant skills, competences and good leadership by his NCOs and SNCOs who he will aspire to emulate.

    While commending officers and soldiers for their gallantry, Yahaya pledged to collaborate with other security agencies and stakeholders to fight crimes in the country.

    He further commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army.

    “I want to once again pledge the unalloyed loyalty of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army to the President, Commander-On-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” he said.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that normal vehicular movement had resumed in Maiduguri, following the restriction imposed by the Police to guarantee safety during the Eid prayer period.

    The police had earlier announced rsstriction of vehicular movement in Maiduguri and its environs between 6:00 am and 12:00 pm, as part of security measures to ensure hitch free Eid celebration.

    NAN also reports that Gov. Babagana Zulum, IGP, Usman Alkaki-Baba, Senators Kashim Shettima and Ali Ndume joined the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar-Garbai, and observed the Eid prayer at the Ramat Square prayer ground under tight security.

    In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Maiduguri, Shettima Ibn Saleh, urged Muslim faithful to pray for peace and stability in the country.

    In Bauchi State, Muslim faithful had observed the Eid celebrations in peaceful atmosphere, as Islamic clerics urged wealthy individuals to support the needy.

    Malam Abdulazeez Ibrahim, the Chief Imam of Gwallaga Mosque in Bauchi metropolis, urged wealthy individuals to assist the less privileged with what to eat, to enable them to celebrate the Eid in a happy mood..

    “By assisting them with food, drinks and other necessities of life, it will make them happy and sustain their life.

    “I advise Muslims to imbibe the spirit of sacrifice and good behavior as exemplified by Prophet Mohammed in their daily lives,’’ he said.

    At the Shadawanka Barrack Eid ground, Imam Hashimu Mohammmed also stressed the need for helping one another to sustain the livelihood of the deserving households.

    He admonished the Muslim faithful to support and uplift one another so that the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir is spread among all.

    Mohammmed also urged Muslims to use the opportunity of the celebration to rededicate themselves to live up to the ideals of honesty, selflessness and tolerance.

    Also, Alhaji Bala Babainna, the Chief Imam, Bauchi Central Mosque, enjoined Muslim to promote religious tolerance to ensure unity and development in the country.

    He cautioned Muslims on the need to show love to fellow human, saying that with the current hardship in the society, we have to overcome it by love.

    “If we practice in our lives what God really says about being our neighbours’ keepers, our fortunes as a people will change for the better.

    “Eid-el-Kabir is not about slaughtering ram alone but should be aimed at showing love and tolerance among ourselves as well as seeking Allah’s intervention on the challenges facing the country,’’ Babainna said.

    The chief imam decried acts of terrorism in the country, calling for prayers from all and sundry for divine intervention.

    NAN also reports that the Eid celebrations were generally peaceful across the state.

    Speaking on the celebration, Mr Garkuwa Adamu, the Spokesman of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC), said the celebration was peaceful across the state.

    He said that reports received from divisional offices and some units of the Corps, indicated that the Eid prayers were observed in various locations peacefully.

    “That shows and explains that there is peace across the state,” he said.

    In his comment, SP Ahmed Wakil, the Police Public Relation Officer (PPRO) in Bauchi, added that the Sallah celebration was peaceful in the state.

    “Reports reaching us from divisions confirmed that the state is calm and quiet. There is nothing contrary to the peaceful conduct of the Sallah celebration across the state,” he said.

  • Troops capture 2 terrorists, intercept supplies in Borno

    Troops capture 2 terrorists, intercept supplies in Borno

    Troops of 195 Battalion, Sector 1 Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), on July 3 captured two Boko Haram terrorists around Muna general area of Borno.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement on Tuesday said the troops also intercepted supplies meant for the terrorists during the operation.

    Nwachukwu said one hand grenade, one axe, one vehicle, five bicycles, two mobile phones (Techno and Infinix), petrol, oil and lubricants were recovered.

    He said the troops also recovered psychedelic and sex enhancement drugs, pesticides and insecticides, food stuff, amongst others.

    According to him, the vigilant troops, who left no stone unturned during the clearance operation, combed the entire area, destroying several identified camps of the terrorists.

    “During the operation, troops, however, came in contact with terrorists at Labe Village, who attempted fleeing but were swiftly intercepted.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has commended the alertness of the troops, urging them to sustain the aggressive posture of the operation, to ensure they clear terrorists’ enclaves and dominate the general area,” he said.

  • Troops eliminate 11 terrorists, recover arms, fuel

    Troops eliminate 11 terrorists, recover arms, fuel

    Troops of the Joint Task Force in the North-East have eliminated 11 terrorists and recovered a cache of arms, ammunition and a truck laden with petroleum products during fierce encounters in Borno.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed in a statement he issued on Sunday in Abuja that the troops belonged to “Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK)“

    Nwachukwu said that the toops of 82 Task Force Battalion who were on patrol along Ngoshe –Ashigashiya Road, about 12km from the unit’s location, had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at Daushe.

    He said the fierce encounter led to the killing of five terrorists, compelling the remaining terrorists to retreat in disarray into Mandara mountains with several gun shot wounds.

    According to him, during further exploitation after the gun battle, the gallant troops recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one Magazine containing 13 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm (Special), a bandolier of 44 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) and a bag containing 52 rounds of 7.62mm (Special).

    The army spokesperson also disclosed that troops of 212 Battalion had on July 1 launched an offensive against some terrorists along Gadayi-Kareto-Gubio axis, Magumeri, Tungushe villages and areas around Kerenoa.

    He said that the troops recovered one AK 47 Rifle and one Baufeng communication radio set abandoned by the fleeing terrorists.

    Nwachukwu further disclosed that troops had on July 2 intercepted terrorists belonging to Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West African Province while they (terrorists) were crossing through an identified supply route along Auno – Jakana axis with a truck laden with petroleum products..

    According to him, vigilant troops deployed at Garin Kuturu checkpoint swiftly engaged the terrorists in a fierce battle forcing them to flee abandoning the truck and the petroleum products.

    “Following the attack on the terrorists, reinforcement by troops of Sectors 1 and 2 gave the fleeing terrorists a hot pursuit with close air support from the Nigerian Air Force component of OPHK.

    “During the encounter, six terrorists were neutralised, three AK 47 rifles and one rocket propelled grenade were captured, while one gun truck was destroyed.

    “Two other gun trucks abandoned by the terrorists were also recovered,” he said.

    According to Nwachukwu, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has commended the tremendous efforts made by the land troops and the air component of OPHK.

    “He charged them to deny the terrorists freedom of action by conducting regular patrols and projecting aggressive offensives to completely flush out the terrorists from their hideouts.

    “He further called on members of the public to collaborate with the military and other security agencies in the fight against the enemies of the nation,” Nwachukwu said.

  • Troops eliminate 12 terrorists in Borno

    Troops eliminate 12 terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army says the land and air components of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK), have eliminated 12 terrorists of Boko Haram/Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Bula Yobe area of Borno.

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

    Nwachukwu said that troops of 152 Task Force Battalion in conjunction with Air Component, eliminated the terrorists on Sunday while attempting to infiltrate the Forward Operational Base at Bula Yobe.

    He said the terrorists, who came mounted on gun trucks and several motorcycles attacked the location through an unsuspected crossing point, but were met with heavy fire from the vigilant troops.

    According to him, the land troops, in their usual dexterity, swiftly and decisively engaged the terrorists, subsequently forcing them to retreat, having lost initiative.

    “The troops sustained the fire fight and successfully neutralised 12 terrorists, with several others fleeing with gun shot wounds.

    “The troops gallantly captured one gun truck, one Self Propelled Gun-9, one Dushika gun and one mounted QJC machine gun.

    “Other items captured are one light machine gun and five AK 47 rifles,” he said.

    Nwachukwu disclosed that two soldiers paid the supreme sacrifice, while five others sustained varying degrees of injury during the encounter.

    He said the wounded solders were evacuated to a medical facility for medical attention.

    He added that the general area within FOB Bula Yobe were currently under the control of troops while further exploitation by the resilient troops was ongoing.

    According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has lauded the Land troops and the Air Component for their collaboration and quick response, which is in tandem with the ongoing rejigging of the counter terrorism counter insurgency operations in the North East.

    “He charged the troops to maintain the tempo and vehemently hold their ground, to deny the terrorists freedom of action,” Nwachukwu said.

  • Troops neutralise scores of bandits in Zamfara – Army

    Troops neutralise scores of bandits in Zamfara – Army

    The Nigerian Army says its troops of 8 Division have eliminated an unspecified number of bandits in fierce encounters in Talata Marafa Local Government Areas of Zamfara.

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

    Nwachukwu said that troops, while on a fighting patrol, came under fire from bandits operating along Mayanchi-Dogo Karfe and Fagantama villages in the area.

    He said the bandits were overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops in the fierce encounter that ensued where scores of bandits were neutralised.

    According to him, troops also recovered one PKT riffle, large cache of ammunition, and a motorcycle.

    Nwachukwu also disclosed that the troops neutralised five bandits in another encounter at Bingi village in Bungudu Local Government Area of the state.

    He said that the bandits withdrew in disarray having sustained severe gun shot wounds during the gun duel while one AK47 riffle, one Motorcycle and three mobile phones were recovered.

    According to him, the Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, commended the troops for their combat resilience and renewed vigour.

    “He also urged them to sustain the aggressive posture in order to defeat all criminal elements operating in the North West and other parts of the country.

    “He urged communities in the North West to support the troops with useful information at all times to enhance anti- banditry operations,” he said.

  • Troops arrest suspected bandit in possession of military kits – Army

    Troops arrest suspected bandit in possession of military kits – Army

    The Nigerian Army says its troops operating along Mokwa-Jebba road, intercepted and arrested a fleeing bandit in a vehicle traveling from Zuru to Ibadan during a stop and search operation on Sunday.

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

    Nwachukwu said the vigilant troops spotted an occupant of the vehicle, who claimed to be Sgt. Aminu Sule.

    He said the suspect was found to be in possession of a pair of camouflage, military boots, knife and substance suspected to be charms.

    He said on further interrogation, the suspect confessed to be traveling to Ogbomosho in Oyo State, and further claimed that the uniform and boots belonged to his brother who was a soldier.

    He added that the suspect was discovered to be fleeing from the ongoing operations in Niger State to a safe haven.

    According to him, the suspect was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police at Mokwa for further investigation.

    “The heat on bandits and other criminal elements in Niger State has caused them to start fleeing to supposed safe havens.

    “Members of the public, particularly around Niger and contiguous states are, therefore, enjoined to be vigilant and report any suspected movement of fleeing bandits to security agencies,” he said.

    According to him, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has assured law abiding citizens of Niger State and, indeed, all Nigerians of the safety of their lives and property.

    “He further enjoined them to be wary of such sinister movements by fleeing bandits and continue to support the security agencies with useful information to enable them maintain peace and security of the country,”Nwachukwu said.

  • Troops engage abductors of Kebbi students, rescue five, one killed

    Troops engage abductors of Kebbi students, rescue five, one killed

    One of the abducted students of Federal Government College Birnin Yauri in Kebbi State has died.

    However, five others, comprising four students and a teacher have been rescued by the Joint Taskforce Component of Operation Hadari Daji.

    The Deputy Force Commander of the Joint Taskforce in the North-West Zone, Air Commodore Abubakar AbdulKadir, confirmed this on Friday to reporters in Zamfara State.

    He explained that the troops came in contact with the bandits in the early hours and engaged them in a gun duel, which forced them to abandon five of the students and a teacher.

    One of the students whose identity was not revealed later died, although the military officer did not specifically state how it happened.

    “In the early hours of this morning, we have come across the kidnappers. They came to our blocking point, and we engaged them,” Abdulkadir said.

    He added, “At that point, they abandoned five of the students and one of the teachers. Unfortunately, I think we have lost one of the students.”

    The Deputy Force Commander also disclosed that the troops recovered 155 rustled animals at the Jageme area in Magami District of Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    He said they got credible intelligence about the rustled animals and troops were instructed to lay an ambush which led to their recovery.

    AbdulKadir said the animals in about 12 trucks were sold to some persons at Yartasha Market in Magami District while the troops have been trailing the rustled animals for about five days before they were recovered on Thursday night.

    According to him, investigations are ongoing to apprehend other buyers and sellers of the rustled animals.

  • Troops kill over 50 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

    Troops kill over 50 ISWAP terrorists in Borno

    Over 50 members of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorist group have been killed in Borno State, the military authorities confirmed on Wednesday.

    The Army spokesman, Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, who confirmed this via a statement said the terrorists were killed while launching a futile attack on Damboa Local Government Area of the northeastern state.

    Troops involved in today’s exercise were part of Operation Hadin Kai in conjunction with Air Component of the Operation

    “The terrorists attacked the town in multiple waves with Armoured Personnel Carriers and 12 Gun Trucks all mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns, as well as Locally Fabricated Armoured-plated Vehicles loaded with explosives and motorcycles,” the statement partly read.

    “The gallant troops successfully defeated the attack, destroyed the locally fabricated armoured-plated vehicles and neutralised over 50 ISWAP terrorists forcing the survivors to run in disarray under heavy gunfire from the resilient troops and Nigerian Air Force attack platforms.

    “The so-called suicide bombers had to abandon their vehicles primed with explosives as they could not withstand the overwhelming firepower from the highly motivated troops. Several weapons and ammunition were recovered from the depleted terrorists.”

    Reacting, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Major General Faruk Yahaya congratulated the troops including the Air Component for this great achievement.

    He also restated the commitment of the Nigerian Army under his leadership to ending terrorism and other violent crimes in the North East and the rest of the country, charging the troops to sustain the ongoing offensive under Operation Tura Takaibango the goal is attained.

  • Troops kill nine Boko Haram terrorist, repel fresh attacks on Maiduguri

    Troops kill nine Boko Haram terrorist, repel fresh attacks on Maiduguri

    Nine of the Boko Haram fighters who attempted to carry out terror attack at the outskirts of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital on Tuesday were killed by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (formerly Lafiya Dole).

    According to a statement by the Director Army Public Relations Brigadier General Mohammed Yerima, troops recovered one Buffalo Gun Truck, three motorcycles, three Browning Machine Guns, a Rocket Propelled Gun and four AK 47 rifles from the insurgents.

    The statement added further that, “troops of Operation HADIN KAI on Tuesday, 11 May, 2021, foiled attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to attack an outskirt of Maiduguri, Borno State.

    “The terrorists who tried to advance from Aldawari axis attempted to attack soft targets along Jiddari Polo, were countered by combined gallant troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Police, Youth Vigilante and hunters leading to terrorists’ withdrawal in disarray.”

    It continued that, “following a hot pursuit by troops, heavy casualty was inflicted on the terrorists as nine of them were neutralized while many escaped with gunshot wounds. One Buffalo Gun Truck, three motorcycles, three Browning Machine Guns, a Rocket Propelled Gun and four AK 47 rifles were recovered from the terrorists. Other items recovered include one Improvised Explosive Device, sixteen 12V batteries among other items.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Ibrahim Attahiru has commended the gallantry of troops and urged them to keep up the tempo of the operation.

    “Members of the public are requested to remain calm and are assured of security during the festive period and beyond.”