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Tag: Troops

  • Troops eliminate 70 terrorists in Borno

    Troops eliminate 70 terrorists in Borno

    The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Hadin Kai have eliminated 70 terrorists and their commanders in a clearance operation at a terrorist enclave known as Timbuktu Triangle in Borno.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Sunday, said the troops had launched a three-prong operation on Jan. 16 aimed at dismantling the terrorist within the triangle.

    Buba said the troops recorded several encounters with terrorists during the course of the clearance operations which resulted in the killing of over 70 of them including three notable commanders.

    According to him, the terrorist commanders neutralised include Talha, a Terrorist Special Forces Commander; Malam Umar, a Terrorist Operations commander and ⁠Abu Yazeed, a Terrorist Brigade Commander.

    “Meanwhile during the operations, the terrorist deployed Improvised Explosive Devices( IEDs), Person Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers) as well as Vehicle Bourne Improvised Explosive Devices (suicide bombers in explosive vehicles) to ward off troops advance and attacks.

    “Troops already familiar with the terrorist tactics thwarted the several terrorist attempts, including shooting down the amateur drones used by the terrorists,” he said.

    Buba, however, announced that 22 soldiers paid the supreme price in the cause of the operations with several others wounded in action.

    “On this account, the media is enjoined to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin.

    “On the whole, the operation is ongoing and the public will be updated on further developments in due course,” he added.

  • Notorious terrorists surrender to troops – DHQ

    Notorious terrorists surrender to troops – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says that two notorious terrorists, Abu Radde and Umar Black, operating in the North West theatre of operation, have on Jan. 19, surrendered to troops of Operation Fansan Yamma.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement on Tuesday, said the surrendered terrorists had been operating in Batsari and Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    Buba said the surrender was occasioned by ongoing synchronised offensive operations by the ground troops and the air component which resulted in several terrorists being dislodged from their enclaves with high casualties.

    He said the troops recovered assorted weapons, ammunition as well as secured the release of 15 hostages held by the terrorist during the operation.

    According to him, troops are nevertheless sustaining the momentum as they continue the hunt for notorious terrorist leader, Bello Turji, among others.

    “On the whole, troops will continue to eliminate threats posed by terrorists and destroy them on the battlefield. The terrorists either surrender or be buried on the battlefield.

    “Additionally, troops continue with their operations to create conditions whereby terrorists are denied the ability to carry out acts of terror against citizens,” he said.

  • Go after criminals wherever they enter – CDS charges troops

    Go after criminals wherever they enter – CDS charges troops

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged troops to intensify their efforts in combating criminal activities across the nation, stressing the importance of pursuing and neutralising threats wherever they may hide.

    He made the call during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Social and Award Evening for Soldiers, Ratings, and Airmen in Abuja on Sunday.

    Musa emphasised the need for a more proactive approach in addressing security challenges, adding that the military must make a significant impact in operations against insecurity in 2025.

    “We are not where we want to be, but we’re heading there, and I can assure you that by working together, we shall overcome all acts of evil.

    “Our task is to look for the bad guys and take them down. I have encouraged all our commanders this year that we must make a great difference in all our operations.

    “We must step out of the temple, look for the criminals wherever they enter, and go after them,” said Musa.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, reinforced the military’s crucial role in ensuring peace and stability and reminded the troops of their oath to serve the nation with loyalty and resolve.

    “We must go wherever lawfully sent by land, sea, or air. We must remain resolute in our fight against terrorism, insurgency, secessionism, and other threats to our collective peace as Nigerians,” said Oluyede.

    Oluyede also emphasised the importance of supporting the government’s efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians, noting that the military’s commitment was crucial in achieving national aspirations.

    The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Adm. Emmanuel Ogalla, reassured Navy personnel of the military leadership’s commitment to their welfare and operational readiness.

    He revealed plans to introduce new assets and enhance surveillance capabilities to improve operational efficiency and boost troop morale.

    “We will continue to rejig our operations, introducing new assets and improving surveillance capabilities to support our personnel in overcoming the enemy,” Ogalla said.

    The Chief of the Air Force (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, represented by the Chief of Administration, AVM Idi Sani, lauded the troops for their resilience and loyalty to the armed forces and the nation.

    He emphasised that the military’s responsibilities went beyond defending territorial integrity to include maintaining stability, fostering unity, and driving the nation’s progress.

    “In spite of the dynamic nature of our security challenges, your unwavering commitment ensures that our nation remains secure and strong,” said Abubakar.

    He also highlighted the success of collaborative efforts among the services, which have led to significant achievements in counterinsurgency operations, disaster response, and other national missions.

    Abubakar reaffirmed that the Nigerian Air Force was committed to the welfare, training, and operational readiness of its personnel, recognising that a highly motivated and well-trained force was the backbone of military success.

  • WAR against terrorism: Troops silence notorious terrorist kingpin in Zamfara

    WAR against terrorism: Troops silence notorious terrorist kingpin in Zamfara

    Troops of the 1 Brigade in Sector 2 Joint Task Force, North-West, Operation Fansan Yamma, have silenced a “notorious” terrorist kingpin in Zamfara State.

    Alhaji Ma’oli was killed alongside other suspected terrorists on Thursday.

    The Coordinator Joint Media Coordination Centre, Operation Fansan Yamma, Lieutenant Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, said the operation leading to Alhaji Ma’oli’s death and that of others took place in Mai Sheka village close to Kunchin Kalgo town “which is one of the local communities that had suffered under Ma’oli’s reign of terror”.

    “Ma’oli is renowned for always imposing illegal levies on residents of Unguwan Rogo, Mai Sheka, Magazawa, and other surrounding areas of Bilbis in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State,” Abdullahi said in a statement on Friday.

    According to him, Ma’ Oli’s death has “brought relief and excitement to locals in Bilbis general area”.

    He said the operation followed an intelligence report about the activities of terrorists on motorcycles operating in the Bilbis axis of Bilbis District, Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    “Swift response by troops of Operation Fansan Yamma not only thwarted the terrorists’ plan to attack the locals but also reinforced the commitment to securing the area from further acts of violence,” he said.

    In the wake of the development, Abdullahi said Operation Fansan Yamma “remains resolute in its mandate to pursue and neutralise all remaining terrorists and their collaborators across the Joint Task Force Theatre of Operation”.

    The Joint Task Force will also continue to work diligently alongside local communities towards achieving lasting peace and security in Zamfara State and beyond,” he added.

    Zamfara is one of the states in the country battling terrorism and banditry, leading to scores of deaths and the abduction of several others.

    Security agencies have in the past years battled to contain the criminals. The federal and state governments have also repeatedly vowed to flush out the criminals whose activities have increased over the years.

  • Plateau killings: Troops arrest 20 suspects

    Plateau killings: Troops arrest 20 suspects

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), have arrested 20 suspects in connection with the killings in Tingbwa Gidan Ado community of Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau.

    Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Commander of OPSH disclosed this at the Christmas luncheon organised for troops of OPSH and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, on Thursday in Jos.

    Recall that gunmen on Dec. 22, attacked the community and killed 15 persons.

    Abdulsalam, who is also the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 division, said its troops had also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.

    “Following hours of sustained night operations, we have apprehended 20 suspects directly and indirectly involved in the last attack on Tingbwa Gidan Ado village in Riyom LGA on Dec. 22.

    “We have also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition which has greatly starved criminal elements of the freedom of action to carry out their nefarious activities.

    “Let the spirit of Christmas renew our commitment to the values we hold dear; let it inspire us to serve with even greater passion and determination,”he said.

    The commander thanked troops of OPSH and 3 division for their sacrifices toward ensuring the peace currently being enjoyed in the state.

    “On this special day, I acknowledge and applaud the sacrifices you have made; many of you are far away from home unable to celebrate Christmas and the yuletide season with family and loved ones.

    “While others enjoy the warmth of family and comfort of home, you endure the realities of duty. Your courage and resilience would never go unnoticed as they embody the highest form of sacrifice.

    “However, I charge you all to remain disciplined, loyal, vigilant and professional in your conduct this season and always,” he urged.

    Abdulsalam thanked Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and Lt.-Gen. Olufumi Oloyede, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), for their leadership and strategic guidance which have helped troops to record numerous operational successes using both kinetic and non-kinetic measures.

  • Troops arrest 4 Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

    Troops arrest 4 Ambazonian rebels in Taraba

    Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of the Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have arrested four suspected members of Ambazonian rebels in Taraba.

    NAN reports that Ambazonia is a rebel group operating in neighbouring Cameroon Republic.

    A statement on Saturday in Jalingo by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations, said the suspects were arrested at a hotel in Takum town.

    The statement said that acting on credible intelligence, the suspects were tracked and apprehended.

    According to the statement, during initial interrogation, the suspects confessed to being part of the rebel group involved in arms proliferation in exchange for cocoa with their Nigerian collaborators.

    It said that four mobile handsets were recovered from the suspects now in detention undergoing further investigation.

    The statement also said that in another operation following actionable intelligence, troops deployed at Natilde community in Bantaji District of Wukari Local Government Area intercepted a truck with registration number WKR 66 BB, transporting 19 pieces of stolen pipelines belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL).

    It said that further collaborative efforts with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Wukari Division led to the recovery of an additional 11 pipes, bringing the total to 30.

    “The recovered items have been handed over to the NSCDC Wukari Division for further investigation and necessary action.

    “The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army will remain resolute in its commitment to safeguarding lives and property while ensuring the security of critical national infrastructure.

    “We urge members of the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies to enhance our collective efforts in maintaining peace and security,” the statement added.

  • JUST IN: Troops capture notorious bandit alive, neutralized 96

    JUST IN: Troops capture notorious bandit alive, neutralized 96

    Troops of the Nigerian military, have finally seized Usman Maisaje, a dreaded bandit kingpin, said to be one of the lieutenants of Kachalla Boka, a bandit leader said to be terrorising the North West part of the country, reportedly killed recently.

    Maisaje, was reportedly captured alive alongside other 226 suspects by troops, who also neutralised 96 terrorists as the Nigerian Army continues to ramp up their activities with major inroads into the enemy territory to eliminate the insurgents troubling the country.

    Edward Buba, Defence spokesman, who made the disclosure, said in a statement on Friday: “Maisaje, a close associate of high-profile terrorist Kachalla Boka, is providing invaluable intelligence, aiding troops in further operations.”

    Buba, a Major General and Director of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters (DHQ), who said the Nigerian troops eliminated 96 terrorists in total during the operations, also gave details of successes in other areas of operations.

    He said the DHQ also reported significant gains in the battle against oil theft, revealing the arrest of 45 suspected oil thieves, while 60 illegal refining sites were destroyed and over 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, valued at approximately N712 million, recovered.

    “During this period, we rescued 157 kidnap victims and confiscated 71 weapons, including 50 AK-47 rifles and various types of ammunition,” he said, adding that the troops also dismantled 60 illegal refining sites and seized an array of items, including boats, drums, and vehicles.

    “The operations underscore the Nigerian military’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and oil theft and ensuring the safety and security of the nation. With these latest developments, the DHQ remains optimistic about the continued success of its operations against criminal activities across the country,” the statement, said.

  • Troops foil ISWAP insurgents’ attack, recover weapons in Borno

    Troops foil ISWAP insurgents’ attack, recover weapons in Borno

    Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), Operation Hadin Kai, Sector 3, have foiled an attempted attack by the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists along Magumeri – Maiduguri axis, in Borno.

    The troops also recovered catche of ammunitions from the insurgents in a tactical operation in the area.

    Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osaba, Chief Military Information Officer, MNJTF, N’djamena, Chad, said this in a statement on Sunday in Maiduguri.

    He said the troops executed a tactical ambush, neutralising the threat before the terrorists could wreak havoc on innocent civilians.

    Osaba said the troops positioned themselves tactically along the terrorists’ path of movement, and engaged them as they emerged from a forested area on motorcycles.

    “On sighting the troops, the terrorists attempted to flee but were met with a heavy barrage of gunfire.

    “This decisive engagement forced them to abandon their weapons and motorcycles, disrupting their plan to unleash violence in the region,” he said.

    He listed the weapons recovered to include two AK-47 Rifles, 51 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two magazines, 61 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, parcels of marijuana, Tramadol, among others.

  • Boko Haram terrorist surrenders to troops

    Boko Haram terrorist surrenders to troops

    The Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) has said that a notorious Boko Haram terrorist, Bochu Abacha, has surrendered to troops deployed in Kukawa Local Government of Borno State.

    Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osaba, Chief Military Information  officer of the MNJTF, Ndjamena, disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri on Saturday.

    Osaba said that Abacha, a key figure in several terrorist operations, admitted to participating in multiple operations along the Mongunu-Baga axis.

    He said that Abacha attributed his surrender to the intense operations of the MNJTF and his dwindling interest in the cause.

    Osaba said that on surrender, Abacha handed over one AK 47 Rifle, a magazine loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, a mobile phone, an Airtel Sim card, and N32,500.

    He explained that the suspect is currently providing valuable intelligence to the authorities.

    In a separate operation, MNJTF troops, in conjunction with intelligence operatives, ambushed Boko Haram terrorists conveying large logistics supplies in three Toyota vehicles under the cover of darkness.

    According to him, the troops engaged the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, killing one and forcing others to flee, abandoning their supplies.

    Osaba said that recovered items included three Toyota vehicles loaded with assorted foodstuffs, sundry items, and N2,000.

  • Troops kill 8 notorious terrorists, rescue 16 victims

    Troops kill 8 notorious terrorists, rescue 16 victims

    Nigerian troops have killed  eight notorious terrorist fighters and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages in sweeping operations against terrorists and insurgents in different parts of the country.

    The Nigerian Army, in a post on its official X-Handle on Monday, said the troops recovered a haul of firearms during the operations.

    The post said that troops had on Sept. 22, thwarted an attempt by terrorists to raid some villages in Borno for supplies and logistics and eliminated three assailants.

    According to the army, troops recovered one light machine gun, one  AK-47 rifle, two hand grenades, five AK-47 rifle magazines, 200 linked Rounds of light Machine Gun and other materials, including money and phones.

    The army also revealed that in another clash, while  acting on credible information, troops cornered terrorists escorting abducted victims through Uvaha village in Gwoza Local Government Area.

    “In spite of heavy rain fall, the troops went after the  terrorists and eliminated one of them, forcing the others to flee, leaving behind 16 hostages.

    “Among the freed victims were 10 men and 6 women. A follow-up search of the area uncovered two grenades, a bag of fish and sundry items.

    “Meanwhile, in Yobe, troops set up a well-planned ambush while acting  on intelligence about a group of terrorists receiving supplies from their collaborators.

    “This led to the neutralization of 4 terrorists in Madza and Azare villages of Gujba Local Government Area.

    “The soldiers captured two AK-47 rifles and two empty Ak-47 rifle magazines, as well as other sundry items,” it said.

    The post revealed that troops deployed in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT)  also troops in synergy with other security agencies activated a stop and search operation on suspected vehicles and apprehended suspects at Kugbo, Abuja.

    According to the post, a search conducted on the suspect led to the recovery of 178 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition concealed in a bag of flour.

    “Also recovered from the suspect is a mobile phone and the sum of ₦29,000.

    “All these efforts underscore the Nigerian Army’s unflinching dedication to wiping out terrorism, insurgency, and sundry crimes.

    “The public is encouraged to keep sharing tips and useful information with security forces for prompt action,” he said