TheNewsGuru

Tag: Troops

  • Two female suicide bombers killed in failed attack on troops

    Troops have successfully averted what could have been a deadly attack in Gwoza, Gwoza Council Area of Borno State when two female suicide bombers that attempted to infiltrate the Defence Company of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison were killed before they could detonate their suicide vests.

    Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, in a statement, disclosed that the suicide bombers were detected by “eagle-eyed” soldiers on sentry duty.

    Iliyasu also informed that troops also rescued twelve women and four children held captive by the insurgents.

    According to the statement, “in what has now become a recurring decimal for the Boko Haram criminal elements across Operation LAFIYA DOLE Theatre, owing to the growing effectiveness of the Nigerian Army Super Camp Concept, some criminal Boko Haram elements mounted on five Gun Trucks and motorcycles attempted to infiltrate 112 Task Force Battalion troops’ location at Mafa in Mafa LGA of Borno State on 1 December 2019. In a shameless display of poor training and tactics, the marauding criminals made themselves easy target, as they fell prey to the superior firepower power of the resilient and highly professional troops of the said Battalion.

    “At the end of the encounter which lasted for about 40 minutes, the criminals once again suffered heavy casualties in both men and equipment as they were seen retreating in dissaray with some of their dead and wounded. However, the dogged troops of the Unit embarked on a hot pursuit of the scampering insurgents and exploited their withdrawal route”.

    It added that “during the exploitation, troops recovered three Boko Haram bodies ( 2 of them strapped with suicide vests). Additionally, one Boko Haram criminals’ Gun Truck, one motorcycle, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, one PKT Gun, one Rocket Propelled Gun Tube were captured by the troops. Other items that were equally captured by the troops include 2 Rocket Propelled Gun bombs, 2 AK 47 Rifles, 25 Rounds of Anti-Aircraft Gun, 723 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 51 Rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 52 Rounds of 7.62 X 54mmR (PKT) ammunition, surgical kits, Boko Haram terrorist uniforms and warm clothing were also captured by the gallant troops.

    “In a similar development, 2 female suicide bombers attempted to infiltrate the Defence Company of 26 Task Force Brigade Garrison location at Gwoza in Gwoza LGA of Borno State on 1 December 2019. Consequently, the eagle eyed soldiers deployed on sentry duty identified the criminal intruders and neutralized them before they could detonate their suicide vests.

    “In yet another development, based on credible intelligence, troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade in conjunction with elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force conducted a robust Clearance Operation to suspected Boko Haram enclaves at Zua and Kotembe Villages in Bama LGA of Borno State in the early hours of 2 December 2019. Incidentally, the cowardly remnant Boko Haram criminals hibernating in the general area opened fire on the advancing troops from an ineffective range and fled in disarray towards Kerawa along the Nigeria- Cameroon boarder. Nevertheless, the gallant troops continued with their advance and bravely searched the area. It is gratifying to note that, 12 women and 4 children held captives by the insurgents were rescued and evacuated to safety.

    “Elsewhere, other ongoing Nigerian Army Operations and Exercises conducted across the country continue to yield positive results as our gallant troops continue to decimate the criminal gangs and deny them freedom of action.
    Relatedly, troops of 9 Brigade Garrison on Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV, while acting on credible intelligence from some law-abiding citizens, conducted a successful Cordon and Search Operation in a resident of one notorious drug peddler in Ipaja area of Lagos State. During the Operation, troops busted and discovered a large underground makeshift bunker used for the storage of large quantities of different kinds of illicit drugs”.

    “In a related development, troops of 146 Battalion on Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV also neutralized one bandit while others are believed to have escaped with various degrees of gunshot wounds during an encounter at Lafarge Company general area in Akamkpa LGA of Cross Rivers State. Also, troops of 16 Brigade Garrison on Exercise CROCODILE SMILE IV arrested one armed robbery suspect and recovered one locally fabricated pistol at Tombia Roundabout in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    “Similarly, on 1 December 2019, acting on credible information, troops of 343 Artillery Regiment, Quick Response Force on Operation CROCODILE SMILE IV raided a cultists’ staging area along Ahoada Road, Elele in Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State. After a brief gun battle, the criminals retreated into the nearby forest. However, the troops neutralized 2 of the cultists and recovered one AK 47 Rifle, one locally made pistol and 30 Rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition”.

  • Troops liberate farmers in Kaduna, kill bandit

    Troops liberate farmers in Kaduna, kill bandit

    Troops of Operation Thunder Strike have rescued three villagers abducted from their farms on Wednesday in Maro Village along Kaduna-Abuja Highway.

    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Col. Ezindu Idimah told the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Kaduna State that one of the kidnappers was killed in the operation.

    “Acting on credible information, troops raided the hideout of the bandits where they held the farmers and engaged them in a firefight.

    “Following, the firefight, one bandit was neutralized and others escaped with gunshot wounds leaving behind the victims.

    “The rescued farmers had since been handed over to their families,” he said.

    Idimah said an AK 47 rifle with two 7.62 special ammunition were recovered at the scene.

    “The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has again called on the general public to report any person with gunshot wounds to the nearest security post for prompt action.”

     

  • Troops rescue 3 farmers in Kaduna, kill bandit

    Troops rescue 3 farmers in Kaduna, kill bandit

    Troops of Operation Thunder Strike have rescued three villagers abducted from their farms on Wednesday in Maro village along Kaduna-Abuja highway.
    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Col. Ezindu Idimah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Kaduna that one of the kidnappers was killed in the operation.
    “Acting on a credible information, troops raided the hideout of the bandits where they held the farmers and engaged them in a firefight.
    “Following, the firefight, one bandit was neutralized and others escaped with gun shot wounds leaving behind the victims.
    “The rescued farmers had since been handed over to their families.” he said.
    Idimah said an AK 47 rifle with two 7.62 special ammunition were recovered at the scene.
    “The General Officer Commanding, 1 Division , Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has again called on the general public to report any person with gun shot wounds to the nearest security post for prompt action.”
  • Troops rescue 4 more abducted students in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 4 more abducted students in Kaduna

    Troops of Operation Thunder Strike have rescued the remaining four students of Government Day Secondary School Gwagwada in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, who were abducted on their way to school on Oct. 10.
    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations Officer,1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Col Ezindu Idimah told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday night that the students have been handed over to their joyful parents at Gurmi village.
    NAN recalls that bandits terrorizing Kaduna/Abuja highway on October 10, abducted 10 students of the school while on their way to school.
    However, the quick intervention of troops led to the immediate rescue of six out of the 10 students while the bandits escaped into the forest with the four.
    “On Monday October 14, at about 6 am, following a tip off from a reliable source, troops raided the hideout of the bandits and successfully rescued the remaining 4 students without any injury,” Idima said.
    According to him, during the rescue operation, the bandits ran into the bush with gunshot wounds while abandoning the students after they had engaged the troops in a gun duel.
    Idimah explained that Operation Thunder Strike was a Defence Headquarters operation with troops drawn from the Army, Air Force, Police, State Services and Civil Defence Corps.
    The spokesman said the General Officer Commanding 1Division, Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya has hailed the performance of troops and reiterated the commitment of the Division in bringing about peace and tranquility to its area of responsibility.
    He assured that despite the toughness of the tasks, the nation should count on the loyalty and commitment of officers and soldiers to deliver.
  • JUST IN: Troops capture wanted Boko Haram commander, Nine others

    JUST IN: Troops capture wanted Boko Haram commander, Nine others

    Gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have captured a wanted Boko Haram commander and nine others as artillery bombardments of the terrorists enclaves and hideouts intensified.

    The wanted commander who had been on army watchlist for several years was identified as Bukar Modu, No 89 on the wanted poster.

    Spokesman of Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Aminu Iliyasu, issued a statement on Saturday in which he broke news of the capture:

    “During a successful sting operation conducted on 9 October 2019 by troops of the 26Task Force Brigade, 10 suspected key Boko Haram members were reportedly captured while attempting to sneak into some communities around Bitta in Gwoza LGA of Borno State in a bid to escape the troops’ sustained onslaught against them.

    “Preliminary investigation reveals that the arrested criminals are ranked higher than the Amir in the criminals’ hierarchy.

    Many of them have been identified to have operated combat vehicles during the infamous Boko Haram attack on Gwoza in 2014.

    The arrested suspects include Shettima Mustapha Umar, Abba Buji, Alhaji Bukar Madu-(KAHID – a Boko Haram Terrorists’ equivalent of a Brigadier General), Ali Hassan (Boko Haram Terrorist Imam), Alkali Laminu, Bukur Mustapha, Buba Umaru (Alias Black Uhuru) also a KAHID, Madu Nosobe, Mustapha Hussaine and Umar Jeddum all from Bama LGA of Borno State.

    “It is gratifying to note that one of the arrested suspects, Alhaji Bukar Modu is Serial 89 on the high profile Boko Haram leaders wanted list published by the authorities of the Nigerian Army”

    Iliyasu urther revealed that troops have equally stepped up the effective blockade of Boko Haram’s logistics supply routes and the arrest of some of their key logistics suppliers with devastating outcomes on the criminal insurgent group

     

     

  • Insurgents surrender to troops in Borno – Army

    Insurgents surrender to troops in Borno – Army

    The Nigerian Army has announced the surrender of five Boko Haram terrorists to troops of 3 Battalion stationed in Gamboru Ngala and Dikwa Local Government Areas of Borno.

    The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

    Iliyasu said that during preliminary interrogation, the surrendered insurgents revealed that hunger and unending bombardments of their hideouts left them with no choice than to escape from their group.

    He added that they also disclosed that they belonged to the Al-Barnawi faction.

    Iliyasu gave the names of the surrendered insurgents as Ramat Mohammed, Alhaji Brazil, Bukar Gambo, Waziri Bukar and Bashuna Musa, adding that they were currently undergoing further interrogation.

    “In the NE Theatre, as troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE intensify the bombardment of identified Boko Haram criminals locations and blockade of the criminals’ crossing points and escape routes, more criminal insurgents are giving up their indignant acts of criminality and surrendering to troops.

    “This sobriety is further exacerbated by hunger resulting from the blockade of their supply routes, arrest of their logistics suppliers and collaborators as well as incessant artillery bombardments of their criminal hideouts,” he stated.

  • Troops kill three terrorists in night ambush

    The Army has stated that it neutralised terrorists and fatally wounded others following an ambush by troops of Special Special Response Area (SRA) in the Gwoza axis.

    Arms and ammunition were also recovered from the terrorists.

    According to a statement signed by Colonel Ado Isa Deputy Director Army Public Relations 7 Division, the troops acted on credible intelligence.

    The statement reads: “Following credible information from some patriotic Nigerians about terrorists movement along Banki Road Junction, Pulka in Gwoza general area, troops of Special Response Area (SRA) Pulka under the Nigerian Army Super Camp Gwoza, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force conducted a successful night ambush on Thursday 3rd October 2019, which resulted in the neutralization of 3 terrorists, recovery of 2 AK 47 Rifles and 2 motor cycles.

    “Unconfirmed number of terrorists were reportedly wounded during the ambush. There is no casualty on the Nigerian Army or Civilian JTF. Items recovered by troops include 2 X AK 47 rifles and 2 X bicycles”.

    It added that, “similarly, at about 2250 hours on 3rd October 2019, in what seems like a repraisal attack to avenge the lost of their members in the ambush conducted by the troops, some marauders/criminals woefully attacked the Delta Company Location of the SRA at Pulka. Consequently, troops swiftly responded by effectively repelling the attack, one bandit lost his life and one Ak 47 rifle was recovered. No casualty was recorded by the Civilian JTF or the troops”.

  • Troops slaughter 78 bandits, recover 16 rifles in Zamfara

    Troops of the Nigerian military under the Operation Hadarin Daji have reportedly shot and killed 78 bandits in various operations carried out in Zamfara State forests in the last two months.
    The operations also led to the liberation of over 50 kidnap victims as well as the recovery of 16 AK-47 rifles, one machine gun, 14 Dane guns, two pump action rifles, three pistols and 2,437 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
    The acting Director, Defence Information, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, revealed these at a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
    He noted that the arrested bandits were currently undergoing preliminary investigation, after which they would be handed over to the proper prosecuting agencies.
    Nwachukwu said, “The Operation Hadarin Daji was launched to effectively tackle the spate of security challenges confronting some states in the north-western part of the country.
    “In the last two months, since the commencement of the joint operation, the troops have in series of encounters rescued over 50 kidnapped victims and neutralised about 78 bandits from various fortified enclaves in Zamfara and contiguous states.
    “Over 25 suspected bandits have been arrested and 14 motorcycles used by them were also recovered. The bandits are currently undergoing preliminary investigation, after which they will be handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agencies.
    “On the realisation that bandits were generating financial resources through cattle rustling, the troops also embarked on anti-cattle rustling operations, which led to the interception and stalling of cattle rustling activities. This culminated in the recovery of 2,278 cows, which had been duly returned to their respective owners.”
    Speaking on the Operation Thunder Strike, which was launched to tackle kidnappings along the Kaduna-Abuja Expressway, the defence spokesman said six kidnappers were killed by the troops, while 14 others were arrested.
    Nwachukwu said, “Troops were able to identify a number of black spots along the Abuja-Kaduna highway, such as Jere, Katare, Rijana, Kurmi-Karshi, Gidan-Mamman Black-gold and Gidan-Guza, where criminals unleash attacks on unsuspecting road users.
    “This operation led to the interception and arrest of 14 suspected kidnappers, while six bandits were neutralised.
    “The troops also discovered a group of bandits dressed in military camouflage. The troops engaged them in a fire fight and neutralised the bandits. The troops have so far recovered a total of 38 firearms comprising 11 AK-47 rifles, one semi-automatic rifle and two locally-made pistols, among others.”
     

  • Banditry: Troops kill 8 bandits, arrest 17 collaborators in Sokoto

    Banditry: Troops kill 8 bandits, arrest 17 collaborators in Sokoto

    No fewer than eight bandits have been killed and 17 other collaborators arrested by troops of Operation HARBIN KUNAMA III under the 8 Division Nigerian Army, Sokoto.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) the Division, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, told the newsmen in Sokoto on Saturday that those apprehended were bandits’ informants and logistics suppliers.

    Otiki said five bandits’ camps and 25 motorcycles were destroyed in the operation.

    He commended members of the various vigilante groups and local hunters for their support to troops operating in their villages and communities.

    Otiki explained that the operation which was flagged off on April 1, 2019 in Zamfara, involved military activities in Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

    According to him, the exercise has instilled confidence in the locals to remain in their villages and continue with their normal lives as well as facilitated the return of refugees and Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to their homes.

    He added that troops and logistics were deployed from various divisions of the Nigerian Army to checkmate bandits activities and those fleeing from Zamfara into neighbouring states.

    He said the efforts of the Nigerian Army and their Niger Republic counterparts as well as other security agencies in the country, especially in the areas of joint border patrols and the dynamics of the operation, has been yielding positive impacts.

    According to him, the collaboration had culminated into several encounters and defeat of bandits in Isa, Rabah and Burkusuma general area around Sububu Forest in Sokoto State.

    “In Katsina State, troops operating super camp in Batsari, Safana and Kankara also made contact with bandit gangs and denied them freedom of action in Dumburum Forest.

    “In Kebbi State troops deployed in super camp in Bena, Jega and Danko Wasagu also encountered and defeated bandits in Gando Forest,” Otiki said.

    He further explained that the military operations have facilitate the return of refugees and IDPs to their homes
    and created enabling environment for farming activities in villages.

    The GOC added that within the short period of the operation, eight AK 47 Rifles, two G3 Rifles, two GPMGs, three Dane Guns, nine AK 47 Magazine and 48 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition were apprehended from the bandits.

    Otiki added that the 8 Division was also effectively collaborating with troops of Operation Hadarin Daji as a blocking force against fleeing bandits from Zamfara.

    He noted that improved synergy with other security agencies and greater understanding enjoyed from traditional institutions and state authorities had facilitated enhanced security of the civil populace in the affected areas.

  • Troops’ Commitment: I was quoted out of context – Buratai

    Troops’ Commitment: I was quoted out of context – Buratai

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday denied indicting commanders and soldiers of lack of commitment to ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the North-East.

    He claimed that he was quoted out of context.

    Buratai had at a leadership transformational workshop for middle cadre officers and soldiers in Abuja on June 18 said that some setbacks in operations in recent times stemmed from “insufficient commitment’’ by those at the frontlines.

    “It is unfortunate, but the truth is that almost every setback the Nigeria army has had in our operations in recent times can be traced to insufficient willingness to perform assigned tasks.

    “Or simply, insufficient commitment to a common national/military course by those at the frontlines.

    “Many of those on whom the responsibility for physical actions against the adversary squarely falls are yet to fully take ownership of our common national or Service course,’’ he had said.

    But, responding to a question when he visited Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno in Maiduguri on Monday, Buratai said: “Let me categorically say that I never said in my remarks that the troops lack commitment.

    “It was completely wrong and I want to believe that somehow, I was quoted out of context and probably with element of mischief.

    “If you read that remark which was published on our website, you will see that there is nothing like lack of commitment.

    “Some have even gone beyond that and quoted me as saying that the troops are cowards. This is far, far from the truth,’’ he said.

    The army chief said it was unfortunate that some journalists and indeed, newspaper houses went to the extent of distorting fact.

    He recalled that the statement was made at a training workshop to re-assess operations and find solutions to the challenges being faced in order to do better.

    “Counter-insurgency is a complex operation; it is quite fluid,’’ he said, adding that in such operation, “you deal with enemy that you cannot easily identify.’’