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Tag: Troops

  • [GRAPHIC PHOTOS] Troops ambush, Kill two bandits in Kaduna

    [GRAPHIC PHOTOS] Troops ambush, Kill two bandits in Kaduna

    The Kaduna State government said that Troops of the Operation Thunder Strike on Monday night neutralized two bandits in an operation along the Sabon Iche-Kagarko Road, Kagarko local government area of the state.

    The Operation also led to the Killing of two of the bandits.

    In a Press release made available to TheNewsGuru.com on Tuesday, Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan said the Troops acted in accordance to credible intelligence on the bandits’ movement in the area.

    In his words ; “While attempting to invade the road for an operation, the bandits entered the killing zone and the troops opened fire. The bandits returned fire as they beat a hasty retreat.

    After the firefight, the dead bodies of two bandits were retrieved by the troops, with the rest suspected to have escaped with gunshot wounds. The troops suffered no casualties.
    Confirmation from local sources revealed that the bandits were indeed part of the notorious group terrorizing the area.

    While expressing his elation at the report, Governor Nasir El-Rufai praised the troops’ gallantry and congratulated them for a successful expedition.
    Aggressive patrols will continue in the general area.

    Meanwhile, communities around the area are advised to report individuals seeking medical attention for suspicious injuries….”

  • Insurgency: Don’t be distracted by ICC investigation, Buratai tells troops

    Insurgency: Don’t be distracted by ICC investigation, Buratai tells troops

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has urged troops not to be distracted by the move by International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate war crimes against Nigerian forces in the north eastern part of the country.

    Buratai made the call in a statement by the Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sagir Musa, on Saturday in Abuja.

    He said that the call followed the Friday statement from ICC prosecutor, alleging that there were reasonable basis to believe that “members of the Nigerian Security Forces (NSF)” had committed acts constituting crimes against humanity and war crimes.

    According to him, the ICC statement is immediately followed by a release by the local branch of Amnesty International (AI) in Nigeria, demanding full investigation of atrocities by Nigerian forces.

    Buratai said there was no doubt that such statement and instigation could distract the Nigerian troops with its demoralising effects.

    He said it could have negative consequences on troops morale, interest in military service by Nigerians and severe setback to all Nigeria’s internal security operations.

    The COAS also enjoined troops to ignore what he described as “wicked and unnecessary distractions”, directing them to fully concentrate on the final defeat of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists groups which is in sight.

    He also charged the troops to work hard and be guided by the constitution of Nigeria, the Rules of Engagement, the Code of Conduct and the Standing Operating Procedures for all Nigerian Army Operations.

    According to him, the Nigerian army is not only protecting human rights but also sustaining human rights nationally and globally.

    “Our professional conduct over the years and most recently, during the #ENDSARS protest at Lekki village near Lagos are clear testimonies to the Nigerian army’s posture on promoting sustainable human rights policy.

    “The Nigerian army wishes to advise local or international organisations not to allow themselves be used to destabilise or destroy the troops’ morale by the sponsors of mischief in Nigeria,” he said.

    Army spokesperson, Musa, disclosed that Buratai was currently on self-isolation as part of precaution against the COVID-19 infection.

    Musa said that the COAS would soon join the troops in the north eastern part of the country at the end of the mandatory isolation period to continue giving them the desired leadership and support.

  • Troops eliminate 3 bandits, recover arms in Benue

    Troops eliminate 3 bandits, recover arms in Benue

    The Defence Headquarters says troops of Sector-1 Operation Whirl Stroke on Sunday eliminated three bandits and recovered arms and ammunition in an encounter at Tsehombe-Adaka village in Benue.

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Monday, said the troops responded to a distress call about an attack by suspected armed herdsmen in the community.

    Enenche said troops immediately mobilised to the location leading to a shootout between troops and bandits.

    According to him, the gallant troops overwhelmed the bandits by superior firepower, following which troops successfully neutralised three of the bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with one magazine containing 5 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.

    “The gallant troops have continued to dominate the area with aggressive patrols to deter further attacks, while efforts are ongoing to locate and neutralise other bandits that might still be hibernating in the area,” he said.

    Enenche, however, urged members of the public to continue to provide credible information to the troops operating within their localities.

  • Troops murder 12 bandits, arrest 26 others in Katsina

    Troops murder 12 bandits, arrest 26 others in Katsina

    Troops of the Operation Sahel Sanity based in Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State, in their various operations from 12 to 29, November 2020, killed no fewer than twelve bandits and arrested twenty-six others.

    The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier Benard Onyeuko, represented by Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, made the disclosure in Faskari at a media parley.

    He added that the troops also recovered 11 AK 47 rifles, three Dane guns, and 300 cows during the period.

    The Defence spokesperson explained the circumstances under which the achievements were recorded.

    He said, “On 15 November 2020, our gallant troops while conducting routine night patrol came in contact with armed bandits at Yar Tasha Village in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State. On sighting the troops’ advance, the criminals immediately started firing sporadically but the troops displayed tactical superiority, closed in, and overpowered the bandits with overwhelming firepower. In the process 3 of the bandits were neutralized, 3 AK-47 rifles with 3 magazines loaded with live rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition were recovered by the troops. Some of the bandits, however, managed to escape by the skin of their teeth with varying degrees of injuries.

    “On 16 November 2020, the gallant troops while acting on credible intelligence about kidnappers activities at Garin Arawa in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State, swiftly moved to the area and made contact with the criminals. During the encounter, the gallant troops neutralized one of the kidnappers as others escaped in disarray into the bushes owing to the troops’ superior fighting prowess. In the aftermath of the encounter, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle mounted with a magazine and one motorcycle.

    “On 21 November 2020, troops conducted a robust clearance Operation and assaulted bandits enclaves at Mararaban Kawaye and Gobirawa villages in Safana LGA of Katsina State respectively. The gallant troops encountered initial resistance at Gobirawa but successfully over-powered the bandits. In the aftermath of the encounter, 6 bandits were neutralized while 4 AK-47 Rifles, 3 Dane guns and 2 motorcycles were captured. Troops continue to crackdown on the nefarious activities of the bandits and other criminal elements in the general area.

    “Also, on 21 November 2020, troops acting on timely information smashed a bandit’s syndicate hideout at Galadi village in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. During the operation, 2 bandits were neutralized. A meticulous cordon and search by the troops led to the recovery of 2 AK-47 Rifles in the hideout. In the same vain, on 22 November 2020, troops conducting farm patrol along Gidan Ruwa axis of Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State, came into contact with some marauding bandits. On sighting the advancing troops, the suspects fired sporadically in an attempt to escape. Nevertheless the resilient troops pursued them with heavy volume of fire leading to the neutralization of one of the escaping bandits and recovering of one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 29 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition in the process.

    “In other operations conducted, on 12 November 2020, troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Faskari during a routine patrol arrested 2 suspected bandits’ collaborators named Lawal Madawaki and Hassan Ali at Gobirawa village in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Furthermore, on 13 November 2020, troops acting on credible Information arrested 3 suspected bandits’ collaborators named Abdulmumini Maidoka, Lawal Abdullahi, and Sanusi Abdullahi at Majafa village in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Suspects were apprehended in connection with alleged involvement in banditry activities in the general area. Additionally, troops during a raid operation at an identified bandits associates’ hideout at Maikano village in Jibia LGA of Katsina State arrested 2 suspects named Lawal Danladi and Rane Bello.

    ” Equally, on the same day, troops acting on a tip-off arrested a suspected bandits collaborator named Bello Ardo at Yargoje in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Suspect was arrested following credible Information about his unwholesome activities with suspected bandits in the area.

    “On 22 November 2020, troops raided an illegal mining site at Kadauri area in Maru LGA of Zamfara State and arrested 11 suspected illegal miners. Furthermore, on 24 November 2020, following credible information, troops busted a cattle rustlers camp at Dankori village in Mani LGA of Katsina State, leading to the arrest of 3 suspected cattle rustlers while 300 cows were also recovered at the scene. Similarly, on 28 November 2020, troops while on routine border patrol intercepted and apprehended 4 suspected armed robbers dressed in military camouflage inside a Honda vehicle at Macrine village in Yelwa LGA of Kebbi State. All arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for prosecution. ”

    The Defence spokesperson said that the Nigerian Army was resolute in bringing an end to banditry and other crimes in the Northwest zone and lauded people in the zone for their support and cooperation.

     

  • Troops apprehend makers explosives in North East

    Troops apprehend makers explosives in North East

    The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Fire Ball have overran some Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and arrested their Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) makers in the North East.

    The Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Benard Onyeuko, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

    He said that the troops operating under Operation Lafiya Dole have continued aggressive clearance operations to identified terrorists’ enclaves.

    Onyeuko said the troops on Nov. 11 embarked on an aggressive Fighting Patrol to clear Boko Haram elements in their hideout in Ladantar Village in Borno following a credible intelligence.

    He said the troops subsequently engaged the terrorists with an overwhelming fire power forcing the terrorists to withdraw in disarray.

    He said the troops also gave a hot pursuit and inflicted heavy casualties on the fleeing terrorists, killing two and captured one of their IEDs expert.

    According to him, equipment captured includes one box of service tools and one gas cylinder suspected to be for making IED.

    Onyeuko disclosed that troops of Army Super Camp 19 Bitta successfully repelled the Boko Haram terrorists who attempted to infiltrate the heavily fortified camp.

    He said that the troops forced the terrorists to withdraw in disarray due to superior fire power.

    He added that the troops of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison deployed in Gwoza on Nov. 8 observed terrorists advancing to their location in four gun trucks and unconfirmed number of foot soldiers.

    According to him, the gallant troops engaged the marauding criminals with heavy fire power neutralising one suicide bomber while others flee in confusion.

    Troops of 192 Battalion deployed in Gwoza also foiled an attempted attack on their location same day.

    “After the brief encounter, the criminals escaped with gunshot wounds as traces of blood of dragged casualties were seen during exploitation.

    “However, the valiant troops captured the following; one AK 47 Rifle, one AK 47 Rifle Cover, four rounds of Light Machine Gun, 15 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm and one AK 47 Rifle magazine

    “Others include: two Rocket Propelled Grenade bombs and 66 rounds of PKT, two rounds of Brownie Machine Gun, 7.62mm links and one Dane Gun.

    “The troops of Operation Fire Ball are hereby commended for their resilience, gallantry and professionalism exhibited since the beginning of the Operation.

    “They are equally encouraged not to rest on their oars but build on the successes recorded so far.

    “The entire populace of the North East region are hereby assured of the Nigerian military high command determination to finally rout the remnants of BHT/ISWAP criminals from their enclaves in this zone,” he said.

  • Troops take over Oyigbo as renewed mob attacks hit Rivers

    Troops take over Oyigbo as renewed mob attacks hit Rivers

    Troops of the Nigerian Army and the policemen have taken over the Oyigbo Local Government Area in Rivers State following fresh mob attacks in the zone.

     

    The State Police Command had said members of the Indigenous People of Biafra were liable for killing two of its operatives and burning of two police station s in the area on Wednesday.

     

    Gunshots were fired in the area from Thursday night till Friday morning as soldiers resist the hoodlums but there were still flashes of violence in Oyigbo.

     

    TheNewsGuru recalls that Governor Nyesom Wike had placed a 24-hour curfew on the local government but residents said they could not sleep because of the incessant shootings.

     

    Chairman of Oyigbo LGA, Gerald Aforji, while reacting to the sad incident on Friday morning, said soldiers had interfered to restore calm in the area.

  • More troops, police deployed to Kaduna Airport Road, other strategic locations

    More troops, police deployed to Kaduna Airport Road, other strategic locations

    At the instance of Governor Nasir El-Rufai, troops of the Nigerian Army and police operatives have been deployed to Kaduna Airport Road on Sunday in Kaduna.

    The deployment also covers some strategic locations, where aggressive operations by troops and police are in progress.

    The deployment was aimed at beefing up security around the Kaduna Airport Road, Kaduna-Birnin Gwari Road Roundabout and the Nigerian Defence Academy Road.

    The Nigerian Air Force will retain the duty of securing the immediate premises of the Kaduna Airport, its staff quarters and other critical aviation assets in the airport.

    A meeting was held between the state government, the Army, Police, Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and community leaders at Kutungare village, Igabi Local Government Area of the state.

    At the meeting, Gov. El-Rufai, represented by Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, challenged the community leaders to cooperate with the newly deployed troops and operatives.

    “We are here to see for ourselves the ongoing aggressive fighting patrols by the newly deployed troops and police operatives in these locations.

    “This will complement the Nigerian Air Force, who are working in the immediate airport environment, while the troops and operatives cover the general area,” the governor said.

    In his remarks, the Garrison Commander, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Brig-Gen Olusegun Abai, said communities have roles to play in enhancing security through information sharing and working harmoniously with security agencies.

    He added that the army will be open to the communities in line with the principles of civil-military relations.

    El-Rufia commended the Army for deploying troops to Juji village in Chikun LGA, following security challenges in the village and adjoining communities on the Kaduna Eastern Bypass.

    The governor also praised the community leaders for their support to security agencies and the government.

    He charged them to sustain the security information sharing mechanism in place, and also urged recourse to the law by aggrieved individuals and groups.

  • Troops eliminate top Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders, others – DHQ

    Troops eliminate top Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders, others – DHQ

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have eliminated top commanders and members of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in recent encounters in the northeast, according to Defence Headquarters.

    The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Enenche disclosed that the troops had on July 17, killed six terrorists at Kolofata, a community on Republic of Cameroon border, in an attempt to cross towards Sambisa Forest axis.

    He said that weapons and equipment recovered from the terrorists include three AK47 rifles, a Magazine with 48 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Honda car, one motorcycle and eight bicycles.

    Other items recovered include three mobile phones with multiple SIM and memory cards as well as five copies of the Holy Qur’an, among others.

    Enenche added that the troops also intercepted a letter written in Hausa Language, addressed to Abu Fatima, one of the top Boko Haram commanders, documents and other logistics.

    “Shortly after the successful operation, the enemy communication intercept confirmed killing of a top Boko Haram Commander named Sayinna and other fighters during the encounter.

    “The other slayed terrorists were suspected to be Imam and Mansur to Abu Fatima who hibernate in Sambisa Forest,” he said.

    According to him, troops continue their onslaught on the terrorists in the northeast, killing eight prominent leaders of the sect in their futile attempt to infiltrate Army Super Camp, Damasak.

    Enenche noted that with troops’ doggedness, superior fire power and manoeuvring skills, the terrorists were devastated and the rest escaped in total disarray.

    According to him, the successes of the military, since the turn of the year 2020 is causing confusion and disharmony in the insurgents’ camps.

    “This is evident by the frequent changes in ISWAP leadership within a short period of time, and this is largely due to the several losses inflicted on them by own troops in both men, weapons and equipment,” he said.

    Enenche said that top Boko Haram terrorists/ISWAP leaders were killed during the encounter at Damasak and buried by the terrorists at Goski village in the early hours of July 3.

    He listed the commanders to include: Tumbun Dabino (Ba Issoufou), Tumbun Bororo (Amir Batam), Tumbun Jaki (Almustapha), Tumbun Bagaruwa (Modou Kollo), Dogon Tchoukou (Issah), Tumbun Rakke (Mustapha Woulama) Tumbun Dila (Boukar Kowa) and Tumbun Mita (Abou Aisha).

    Enenche stressed that series of successes so far recorded had led to several of the insurgents surrendering in their numbers.

    He revealed that the insurgents voluntarily admitted that the insurgency was driven more by quest for money, power, greed and criminality, and less of any ideology.

    The spokesman said the military high command has commended the security agencies operating in the northeast for the sustained successful operations.

    “They are further urged to remain resolute and maintain the momentum of onslaught against the enemies of our country,” he said.

  • Troops raid bandits’ hideouts in Borno, Benue, Zamfara

    Troops raid bandits’ hideouts in Borno, Benue, Zamfara

    Troops have raided alleged bandits’ hideout at Ginde in Guma Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

     

    Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole also launched airstrikes on terrorists’ locations at Bula Bello and Ngoske on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno, the Defence Headquarters said yesterday.

     

    It said troops conducted precision airstrikes on bandits’ hideouts at Munhaye and Keta in Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara.

     

     

    Defence Media Operations Coordinator Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, in a statement on Sunday, said the troops, operating under Operation Accord, acted following reports of bandits activities in Ginde area.

     

    Enenche said the camp was destroyed, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

     

    According to him, troops deployed at Tunga also arrested two suspects who were linked to the kidnap of a local teacher in Foga LGA.

     

    He added that one locally made rifle was found in their possession, adding that the suspects had been handed over to the police in Awe for investigation.

     

    “The Defence Headquarters commend the troops for their offensive actions against the bandits and other criminal elements in their area of operation,” he said.

     

     

     

    On the Borno operation, Enenche said the airstrikes destroyed Boko Haram terrorists’ facilities and killed several fighters.

     

    He said the successes were as a result of subsidiary Operation Long Reach being conducted in the push to end the activities of the terrorists in the Northeast.

     

    He said the air interdiction missions were executed on June 18 and June 19 sequel to credible intelligence reports that revealed the presence of the terrorists in the area.

     

    Read Also: Military airstrikes destroy bandits’ camps in Katsina forest

    According to him, the terrorists used the closely linked settlements as staging points to launch attacks against friendly forces’ locations and surrounding civilian settlements.

     

    “The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commends the ATF for their dedication and professionalism.

     

    “The Defence Headquarters equally urges them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements threatening the peace and security of our beloved country,” he said.

     

    The Coordinator said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji recorded successes in the Northwest theatre of operations to curtail the activities of bandits in Katsina and neighbouring states.

     

    He said troops yesterday killed several of them in an encounter, and are in pursuit of the fleeing bandits.

     

    According to him, the troops destroyed five major bandits’ camps and recovered four empty magazines, five motorcycles, one bandolier and two pairs of military uniforms, among others.

     

    “Furthermore, six kidnap victims were rescued by troops while 21 suspected bandits’ collaborators were arrested during the operation.

     

    “On the same day, troops also conducted an aggressive clearance operation to identified bandits’ enclaves at Biyaka, Randa, Ruma, Garin Inu, Shekewa, Gurbin Tsauni and Garin Buda villages, all in Batsari LGA.

     

    “The gallant troops, cleared suspected bandits hideouts, neutralizing one bandit while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

     

    “Troops recovered one dane gun and four mobile phones, amongst other items,” he said.

     

    Enenche further disclosed that the Nigerian Airforce helicopter gunships on June 19, conducted precision airstrikes on bandits’ hideouts at Munhaye and Keta in Tsafe LGAs.

     

    He said the gunships recorded accurate hits on the bandits’ locations, killing scores of bandits in the process while others fled into the surrounding bush.

     

    According to him, the ground troops in blocking position equally engaged the bandits, inflicting further casualty while several suspected rustled livestock were recovered from the surrounding area.

     

    “The animals were subsequently handed over to appropriate quarters for identification and hand over to their owners.

     

    “The Military High Command congratulates the troops for this notable feat and urges them to remain committed and sustain the onslaught against the criminals,” he said.

     

    Special Adviser to Zamfara Governor Bello Matawalle on Public Enlightenment, Media and Communications, Mr Zailani Bappa, said the state would use the carrot and stick approach in tackling banditry.

     

    “Those who refuse to accept the peace process and those who renege on it are being faced with the wrath of the state’s ‘Operation Hadarin Daji’.

     

    “We must not forget the successes recorded in the last few months including the rescue of 12 abducted persons, which included the District Head of Wuya, the killing of nine bandits and arrest of 12 others.

     

    “It also included the recovery of 67 rustled cattle in separate operations in Gidan Usman, Gidan Baba Goji, Gadauna, Gidan Janari, Kekuwaje, Gidan Sarki, Gardi and Bingi, all in Bungudu LGA.

     

    “Moreover, a large number of bandits were killed in an air raid on Tungar-Duba road, where six kidnapped persons were rescued from the fleeing bandits, while over 200 bandits in Zurmi council area were also neutralised recently.”

     

    “The governor, who is under oath to protect the lives and property of the people of the state, will not relent until peace is fully achieved in Zamfara State,” he said, according to NAN.

  • How Buratai’s presence in theatre of war boosted troops morale for successes – CISS report

    A report by the Centre for International and Strategic Studies (CISS) has revealed how the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai’s presence in the Northeast for two months triggered a monumental turnaround in the fight against Boko Haram/ISWAP.

    Co-signed by its Chancellor, Prof. Ahmed Danfulani and Senior Research Fellow, Dr Samson Bello, the Centre said the COAS’ relocation to the theatre of operations provided the much-needed morale booster for the troops to edge closer to victory.

    According to CISS, the result is evident as over 250 insurgents have surrendered voluntarily due to immense offensives by the troops while no fewer than 1,200 lost their lives to the Nigerian Army’s superior firepower.

    It added that 600 women and children have been freed from Boko Haram captivity, thanks to the renewed commitment by the Army in its well coordinated onslaught led by the Chief of Army Staff himself.

    The Centre, however, urged the COAS and his troops to sustain the momentum, adding that the war against terrorism would end in no distant time.