TheNewsGuru

Tag: Troops

  • Troops kill three Boko Haram suspects, rescue 149 people – Official

    The Nigerian Army on Sunday said its troops rescued 149 persons in the ongoing clearance operation against remnants of Boko Haram insurgents at Yerimari-Kura community in Sambisa axis.

    Onyeama Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement that the troops killed five insurgents and captured five others in the encounter.

    “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued to make progress in clearance operations to smoke out Boko Haram insurgents who escaped from their previous stronghold in the Sambisa Forest.

    “On Saturday, the troops made further operational exploit into Boko Haram’s hideout at Yerimari-Kura, in a deliberate operation to extricate and rescue hostages held by the insurgents in their hideout.

    “In the encounter, troops killed three Boko Haram insurgents and captured five,” he said, adding that the troops also destroyed insurgents’ logistics in the operation.

    Nwachukwu, a colonel, explained that the rescued persons included 54 women and 95 children, noting that they were being profiled and receiving medical attention at the 21 Brigade Medical Centre.

    According to him, the troops also killed two suicide bombers at Mandanari community in Konduga, Borno, when they attempted to infiltrate the community on April 7.

    Nwachukwu disclosed that the suicide bombers strapped with Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) vests, attempted to sneak into the community at about 8:00 pm on Saturday.

    “The suicide bombers were sighted by vigilant troops who challenged them from a safe distance. The patrol engaged them as they refused to halt and ran towards the community, detonating their IEDs.

    “Only the suicide bombers were killed in the incident, while three persons who sustained minor injuries were receiving medical attention.”

     

  • Troops reveal killing number of bandits in Zamfara

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said its troops killed 21 armed bandits in the ongoing clearance operation at Tunga Daji in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    Brig. – Gen. Texas Chukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement that many bandits escaped with gunshot wounds in battle with soldiers on April 4.

    He disclosed that an army officer and a soldier lost their lives in the fierce battle with the bandits.

    Chukwu said the troops recovered five AK 47; one Light Machine Gun, five AK 47 magazines and 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    “Troops of 232 Battalion Zuru, on clearance patrols on Wednesday, April 4, neutralized 21 armed bandits in encounter at Tunga Daji in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “During the fierce battle many bandits escaped with gunshot wounds to the top of high ground close to the area.

    “Unfortunately, we lost an officer and a soldier during the encounter. The remains of the gallant troops have been evacuated to the Federal Medical Centre, Gusau.”

    Meanwhile, troops deployed in Bena, acting on intelligence, have raided a bandits’ camp at Laka village in Kebbi.

    Chukwu explained in a statement that the troops killed one of the bandits and recovered an AK 47 rifle with a magazine.

    According to him, the troops were mobilised on a special operation to comb the general area and arrest any fleeing bandit.

     

  • Easter: CAS fetes frontline troops in northeast [Photos]

    Easter: CAS fetes frontline troops in northeast [Photos]

    Frontline personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) currently serving in the Northeast and visiting members of their families have been treated to a special lunch by the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, on 1 April 2018, in celebration of the Easter festivities.

    The CAS, who was represented at the occasion by the Commander Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Idi Lubo, commended the contributions of personnel towards prosecuting the fight against insurgency in the country and urged them not to rest on their oars.

    He said that although a lot of success had been recorded in the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists, the personnel needed to put more effort towards completely eradicating the menace.

    The representative of the CAS later had lunch with the other NAF frontline personnel serving in Yola.

    At Yola, AVM Lubo thanked Air Marshal Abubakar for the kind gesture of facilitating the lunch. Addressing the troops after the lunch, the representative of the CAS commended the troops for their relentless efforts and sacrifices, which had greatly degraded the capability of the insurgents.

    He equally tasked the troops to redouble their efforts to ensure that the entire country, and the Northeast Region in particular, become a safer place for Nigerians.

    AVM Lubo later presented the award of the Best Officer of the Quarter to Group Captain Samuel Eyoma, who is the Head of the Data Collection and Analysis Team in the Tactical Operation Centre.

    He then encouraged the Senior Officer to remain focused and diligent in the discharge of his duties. Likewise, he charged other personnel to emulate those qualities that won Group Captain Eyoma the award.

    The representative of the CAS also seized the opportunity to commission some projects at 103 Strike Group, aimed at enhancing the protection of NAF critical assets in NAF Base Yola.

    The idea behind the special lunch with NAF frontline personnel, which has become a tradition since Air Marshal Abubakar became the CAS, is to sustain their morale towards enhancing operational effectiveness.

  • Troops kill 11 Boko Haram insurgents in Maiduguri

    The Nigerian Army on Monday said its troops killed six Boko Haram insurgents and seven suicide bombers in an attack at Bale Shuwa and Alkaramti communities of Maiduguri.

    The army also confirmed that 15 persons including a soldier lost their lives and 83 others wounded when the insurgents attacked the communities on Sunday.

    Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, said in a statement in Maiduguri that gallant troops repelled the insurgents’ attack.

    “Troops deployed in the Cashew Plantation around Bale Shuwa and Alikaramti villages have quashed an attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to penetrate Maiduguri metropolis on sunday at about 8:10 p.m.

    “The insurgents met with stiff resistance of troops who killed six of the insurgents and neutralised seven suicide bombers in the encounter.

    “The troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles and two magazines; the Nigerian Police Explosive Ordnance Disposal team have detonated two Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vests recovered from the killed suicide bombers.

    “They were beaten by the troops and unable to force their way into the metropolis, the insurgents retreated and callously resorted to attacking locals, who were fleeing in confusion from Bale Shuwa and Alkaramti villages.

    “Sadly, 15 persons including a soldier have so far been confirmed dead in the encounter, while 83 persons who suffered varying degrees of injuries are receiving due medical attention; troops are still on the trail of the insurgents,’’ he said.

    Meanwhile, a 14 year-old Boko Haram insurgent, Rawa Babagana, has surrendered to troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    Nwachukwu disclosed that the insurgent escaped from the Boko Haram enclave at Kekeno in the northern fringes of the Lake Chad Islands, adding that the suspect was being profiled.

    The army spokesman noted that remnants of the terrorists were targeting soft targets in their beat to remain relevant and called for collective vigilance by all security stakeholders and the public.

    He also called on the people to be vigilant and report suspicious and activities in their communities to security agencies.

  • Troops kill four Boko Haram insurgents in Sambisa

    …neutralise four other suicide bombers

    Nigerian Army on Saturday said its troops killed four Boko Haram insurgents at Malumti village in the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

    Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, made the disclosure in a statement in Maiduguri.

    Nwachukwu stated that the insurgents were killed by troops in an ambush while trying to escape ongoing clearance exercise under “Operation Deep Punch II” on March 30.

    He said the troops recovered a Toyota Land Cruiser, one AK 47 Rifle , 15 Rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, one magazine and 47 Jerry cans of petrol from the insurgents.

    He added that “the insurgents were routed out of the Sambisa Forest by troops under Operation Deep Punch II, rummaging for food and logistics when they met their Waterloo.”

    Nwachukwu disclosed that gallant troops deployed at a checkpoint in Muna Garage in the outskirts of Maiduguri also neutralised four suicide bombers on Friday.

    He explained that the bombers, comprising a male and three females were killed while attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri metropolis.

    He noted that “the insurgents, attempting to infiltrate Maiduguri metropolis through Muna Zawiya area at about 9.30 p.m., were spotted by vigilance troops who fired shots, hitting one of them, thereby triggering simultaneous explosions which killed all of them.

    “Regrettably, 18 persons were injured in the incident and have been evacuated for medical attention.”

    According to him, troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were conducting cordon and search operation in the area for any other suicide bomber lurking around.

    Nwachukwu urged the public to be vigilant and report suspicious persons and activities to security agencies.

     

  • JUST IN: Troops arrest 3 Boko Haram terrorists at Civilian JTF tip off

    Troops of 23 Brigade Nigerian Army under Operation Lafiya Dole on 28th March 2018, acting on a tip off arrested 3 suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Ngurore.

    TheNewsGuru reports the suspects, Adam Yagga, Musa Kamsulum and Abba Djidoum, are all from Darajimal in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    According to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, one of the suspects, Abba Djidoum, with series of gunshot wounds on his thigh, confessed to have operated with the Boko Haram terrorists at fringes of Izza, Wudula and Blakule in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The suspect is undergoing preliminary investigation with 23 Brigade Provost Company, the Army said.

    “We commend patriotic members of civilian vigilante (Civilian JTF) for their resilience and continued cooperation with troops, and urge members of the public to emulate their vigilance and security consciousness by reporting any suspicious persons or objects to the nearest military location.

    “We wish to remind repentant Boko Haram fighters that the window of opportunity to embrace the Federal Government Amnesty program is still open for them to surrender and lay down their weapons.

    “It is also gratifying to report that the troops’ morale remains high as they dominate the general area with a robust fighting patrol in continuation with the clearance operations, the Defence Headquarters said in a statement.

     

  • How troops avert break down of law, order in Benue state

    Troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade on Sunday, March 18, prevented the breakdown of law and order in Agasha town in Guma local government area of Benue state.

    This is contained in a statement by the director, army public relations, Brigadier-General Texas Chukwu, who said a protest by some youths in the area almost degenerated into chaos.

    “Sequel to the arrest of 4 youths suspected to be members of a syndicate which rustled 20 cattle, youths numbering about 500 staged a protest demanding the release of the suspects from the custody of a sister security agency.

    “Timely response of own troops prevented the situation from degenerating beyond control. The situation is closely being monitored as patrols continue to dominate the general area,” the statement read.

    Recently, the troops arrested 18 herdsmen in the Kwata Sule, Mbayer, Yandev and Kaambee areas of the State.

    They were caught grazing their cows on farmlands, an act which is against the state’s anti-open grazing law.

    TheNewsGuru learnt that the troops, while on patrol on Saturday in the area, nabbed six herdsmen in Kwata Sule, while 12 others were arrested in Mbayer, Yandev and Kaambee areas for “destructive activities”.

    The herdsmen were reportedly handed over to the police for prosecution.

    According to the army, the troops, also in Chembe, Tse-Gundu, Tse-Iordye and Sbaor areas of the state, recovered two motorcycles, and 7.62mm special ammunition from two fleeing herdsmen.

    Meanwhile, in Bauchi State, troops of the 33 Artillery Brigade, in the ongoing Operation Lafiya Dole on Saturday also encountered some members of a militia group at the Burra Junction in the Ningi Local Government Area of the state.

    The militiamen reportedly opened fire on the troops and at the end of the gun battle, four militiamen were killed, while the troops recovered five dane guns, 38 motorcycles and nine bicycles.

    Also, nine militiamen were arrested, while a soldier, who sustained gunshot injuries, had been evacuated to a hospital and receiving treatment.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen. Texas Chukwu, who confirmed the arrest of the herdsmen, said the troops were in pursuit of the fleeing herdsmen and militiamen.

    Chukwu said, “Troops have arrested six herdsmen in Kwata Sule, caught in the act of farmland destruction. Also, the troops apprehended 12 herdsmen in Mbayer and Yandev areas during the Presidential Assessment Team’s visit to the area. Two motorcycles were recovered from the herdsmen.

    “After the initial interrogation, the suspects were handed over to the police for further action.

    “Similarly, troops on patrol in the general areas of Chembe, Tse-Gundu, Tse-Iordye and Sbaor settlements sighted two herdsmen. They abandoned their motorcycle and fled. During the search of the general area, one round of 7.62mm special was discovered. We will continue to dominate the general area with patrols.”

     

  • Troops kill 4, arrest 9 militiamen in Bauchi State

    The Nigerian Army said its troops killed four armed militiamen in Ningi Local Government Council of Bauchi State.

    Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, the Director, Army Public Relations, via a statement issued on Sunday, said that nine militiamen were also arrested.

    Chukwu said that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade of Operation “Lafiya Dole”, on patrol on March 17, were attacked by the militia group at Burra Junction in Ningi.

    He stated that the militiamen fired at the troops on patrol.

    Ckukwu added that the troops, thereafter, engaged the militias, killing four of them.

    He explained that the troops also recovered five dane guns, 38 motorcycles and nine bicycles.

    The army spokesman said that one soldier was wounded in the attack and referred to a medical facility for treatment.

    “Troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, in the ongoing operation Lafia Dole, on March 17 at about 12:30 p.m. encountered members of a militia group, massing up at Burra Junction in Ningi Local Government Area of Bauchi State.

    “The militiamen on sighting the troops, opened fire on them while the troops reacted immediately by engaging them.

    “At the end of the encounter, four militias were killed, troops recovered five dane guns; 38 motorcycles, nine bicycles and nine militiamen arrested.

    “One soldier, who sustained gunshot wounds is stable, having been evacuated to the hospital and receiving treatment,’’ Chukwu said.

     

  • Again, troops nab seven herdsmen in Benue destroying farmlands

    Troops again have arrested seven herdsmen in Benue while they were reportedly destroying farmlands with their cattle on Wednesday.

    This brings the number of herdsmen arrested for such crime to 17 in the last four days.

    Earlier, 10 herdsmen were nabbed on Monday while destroying farmland at Tse-Tigir and Tse-Ndugh villages of the state.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Texas Chukwu, said in a statement on Thursday that troops arrested four of the suspects at Gbajimba-Kaseyo-Awe and picked three along Buruku-Uba-Abeda-Ameh and Fadama Kuturu on Wednesday.

    Chukwu said that a large number of weapons were recovered from the arrested herdsmen.

    In another development, the army spokesman said Special Forces responded to a distress call on Wednesday along Okene-Lokoja road engaged a gang of suspected kidnappers.

    He said that based on information, the kidnappers had abducted one Alhaji Momoh on Feb. 18.

    Chukwu said that during the fire fight, the kidnappers abandoned their location and fled into bush but added that the troops would trail and arrest them.

    The army launched “Exercise Ayem Akpatuma – Cat Race’’ on February 15, to address recurring herdsmen/farmers clashes and other forms of criminality in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, Kaduna, Niger and Kogi states.

  • Troops kill 5 Boko Haram insurgents, cleared more enclaves in Sambisa Forest

    The Nigerian Army on Wednesday said its troops killed five Boko Haram insurgents in the ongoing clearance operation in Sambisa Forest.

    Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, said in a statement issued in Maiduguri, that the troops also cleared various enclaves of the insurgents.

    Nwachukwu disclosed that the troops under Operation DEEP PUNCH II had cleared insurgents’ hideouts at Agapulawa; Amuda, Nyawa and Attagara in Sambisa Forest.

    He said troops killed the five insurgents at Tchikide and Chinene in the Lake Chad region.

    Nwachukwu said that two soldiers were killed and two others wounded when an insurgents’ Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) vehicle hit their military vehicle.

    He said that the wounded soldiers were evacuated to a military medical facility for treatment.

    “In continuation of the “On Tuesday 28, February, 2018; troops successfully cleared and dismantled insurgents’ camps at Agapulawa, Amuda, Nyawa and Attagara in the remaining parts of Sambisa Forest.

    “The clearance operations progressed further into other identified insurgents’ camps around Tchikide and Chinene, where the troops ferociously engaged and cleared pockets of resistance by the insurgents and killed five of them,” he said.

    According to him, the gallant troops had reorganized and resumed operation and assured Nigerians of the military’s commitments to the successful completion of counter-insurgency operation in the region.