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Tag: Troops

  • Troops arrest 2 over alleged gunrunning in Plateau

    Troops arrest 2 over alleged gunrunning in Plateau

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), maintaining the peace in Plateau and environs, have detained two persons over alleged gunrunning in the state and recovered some weapons from them.

    The Media and Information Officer of OPSH, Maj. Samson Zhakom, disclosed this to newsmen in Jos on Saturday.

    Zhakom said that the suspected criminals were caught in Bokkos Local Government Area (LGA) of the state.

    Recall that troops of OPSH had some days ago caught and detained five alleged gunrunners in Bayameni Community of Jos North LGA.

    ”Barely 72 hours ago, troops caught five notorious gunrunners and recovered some automatic weapons with about 6,000 rounds of assorted rounds of ammunition at Bayameni on Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA.

    ”We conducted follow up operations in Bokkos Town on September 18 and troops busted another criminal syndicate while they were finalising transactions for the sale of arms and ammunition worth N5 million.

    ”The suspects, Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict, were apprehended at Banana Island Hotel, Bokkos,” he said.

    He further said that two AK-47 Rifles, one automatic pistol and three AK-47 magazines were recovered from them.

    Zhakom, who identified the proliferation of firearms as one of the major enablers of criminal activities in the state, said that OPSH had initiated stringent measures to deal with the situation.

    He appealed to residents to support the military and other security agencies in tackling all forms of criminality in the state.

  • Troops eliminate 152 terrorists, apprehend 109 in 1 week

    Troops eliminate 152 terrorists, apprehend 109 in 1 week

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday, said  that troops have eliminated 152 terrorists, and apprehended 109 others, with 91 rescued kidnapped hostages in the last one week across the country.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in an update on the operations of the armed forces in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops had during the week, carried out surgical operations against two prominent terrorist commanders known as Sadiku and Alhaji Yusuf and decimated their strongholds.

    According to him, Sadiku’s enclave is located at Tsora Hill in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, while Alhaji Yusuf’s enclave is located at Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    He said that troops also apprehended two female terrorist collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom.

    Buba said the troops also recovered 183 weapons, 4,443 ammunitions comprising 95 AK47 rifles, 35 locally fabricated guns, 76 dane guns, One GPMG and two PKT guns.

    Others, according to him, are 4,131 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 115 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 28 cartridges, 53 assorted arms and 197 assorted ammunitions.

    “On the whole, the gallant men and women of the armed forces continued to take pride in putting themselves in harms way to ensure the safety and security of citizens.

    “Citizens on the other hand, must constantly see the need to show support for troops to win the war,”he said.

    In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 63 terrorists, apprehended 38 suspects and rescued 35 kidnappers hostages, as well as recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition.

    He said that a total of 196 terrorists comprising 19 adult males 70 adult females and 107 children, surrendered to troops between Aug. 28 and Sept. 4, within the theatre of operations.

    Buba added that the air component conducted a successful air interdiction on Aug. 31 killing an ISWAP spiritual leader identified as Goni Sanda and several other terrorists in Borno.

    In the North Central, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised three violent extremists, apprehended 40 and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages within the week.

    In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 105 terrorists, apprehended 21 terrorists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages as well as recovery of cache of arms during the week.

    Under Operation Whirl Punch, Buba said neutralised 16 terrorists, apprehended nine suspects and rescued two kidnapped hostages.

    In the Niger Delta, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 58 illegal refining sites, 36 dugout pits, 40 boats, 22 drums and 27 storage tanks.

    According to him,  32 cooking ovens, six speedboats, three vehicles, three motorcycles, one pumping machine and one generator were also destroyed.

    He said that the troops recovered 725,920 litres of stolen crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO as well as apprehended 36 suspected oil thieves and recovered vehicles.

    According to him, the air component conducted air interdiction mission to Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama, destroyingor than 17 illegal refining sites and several canoes.

    In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended two violent extremists and rescued two kidnapped hostages.

    According to him, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

  • Troops kill Boko Haram commander, others in Borno

    Troops kill Boko Haram commander, others in Borno

    The Nigerian Army announced on Sunday that its troops had neutralised a notorious Boko Haram commander, Abu Rijab, and other terrorist fighters in an offensive operation on Saturday.

    This was made known in a post on the Nigerian army’s official X Handle, saying the operation took place in Bula Daloye, Bama Local Government Area of Borno.

    It said the successful operation was in addition to the surrender of numerous terrorists and their families to the troops as a result of sustained pressure against their enclaves.

    Army said the troops also apprehended several criminal suspects and recovered arms and ammunition.

    “Following an intense firefight, the troops overpowered the terrorists, neutralising three, including a wanted Boko Haram commander Abu Rijab.

    “The operation led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and mobile phones.

    “Additionally, eight terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in Gwoza Local Government Area.

    “The same troops also apprehended two suspects in Konduga Local Government Area with 52 bags of illicit drugs intended for supply to terrorists,”it said.

    The post also revealed that troops operating in Taraba, apprehended the chairman of the Gassol Local Government Area Hunters’ Association, Alhaji Adamu Tanko, for selling an AK-47 rifle to a suspected terrorist.

    It said that investigation had revealed that the weapon had been recovered during a joint operation against terrorists in Boki Lamba, a border town with Plateau State.

    In Plateau, the service said its troops apprehended two suspected criminal elements in the Rikkos area of Jos North Local Government Area.

    According to the post, troops recovered a fabricated rifle and mobile phones containing images of various calibers of arms and ammunition.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended the troops for their resilience and commitment.

    “He also expressed gratitude to the public for their continued support of the Nigerian army, sister services, and other security agencies through credible and actionable information about criminal activities,” it added.

  • Troops arrest suspected bandits, gunrunners in Plateau, Kaduna

    Troops arrest suspected bandits, gunrunners in Plateau, Kaduna

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) and 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, have arrested some suspected bandits and gunrunners in Plateau and Kaduna State.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of OPSH disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Jos.

    According to Zhakom, the suspects were arrested following the joint operation conducted by the men of OPSH and 3 divisions.

    He explained that various types of arms and ammunition were equally recovered during the raid that lasted one week.

    “On June 21, troops conducted an operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in a suspected bandits’ hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau.

    “During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

    “Also, in a combined operation with a sister security agency on June 21, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Jos-Abuja road, around Riyom local government area of Plateau.

    “The suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, has been tracked and arrested in Kano state on June 20.

    “Information obtained from the arrested suspect led to the immediate arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok, Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna state.

    “This is while he was making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara State,” he said.

    Zhakom said that the troops conducted further search operation at the home of the major gunrunner and recovered the 35 AK-47 magazines, 60 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special), three Bajaj motorcycles, three mobile phones and items suspected to be local charms.

    The media officer called on the residents of the two states to support and cooperate with the security agencies in their bid toward ending all forms of security challenges confronting them.

  • Mastermind of attack on Taraba community arrested

    Mastermind of attack on Taraba community arrested

    Troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has arrested  the  alleged mastermind of  the  deadly attack on Mararaban Azagwa village,  in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba.

    Scores were killed last week, including a 92-year-old man at  Mararaban Azagawa village of Bali.

    This is contained in a statement by Lt. Olubondunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of Information of the brigade in Jalingo on Thursday.

    He said the troops acted swiftly following the attack on June 16, which resulted in the tragic loss of five lives and numerous injuries.

    Oni said that the troops of 20 Model Battalion Sub-Sector 3A OPWS, stationed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Bali Local Government Area, launched a special operation to arrest the suspects.

    He said that based on credible intelligence, the troops were able to arrest the ringleader, Hassan Ibrahim, also known as Godu, 39 years old.

    Oni said that during the arrest, a Dane gun, cartridges and a motorcycle belonging to one of the victims were recovered from him.

    “Ibrahim has admitted his involvement in the heinous act and has provided valuable information to the troops.

    “He is currently in custody, cooperating with authorities to help arrest his collaborators.

    “The commander of 6 Brigade Sector 3 OPWS, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, has applauded the public for providing useful information leading to the arrest of the suspect.

    “He urged the public to continue to support the Brigade’s efforts to eliminate criminal activities in Taraba.

    “The successful arrest of the terrorist mastermind is a significant achievement for the troops and a step towards restoring peace and security in the affected community.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting the lives and property of the citizens and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of Taraba ,” he  said.

  • Military eliminates another notorious bandit kingpin

    Military eliminates another notorious bandit kingpin

    Two Days after a notorious bandit kingpin, Buharin Yadi, was killed by the military in Kaduna, troops of Sector 6, of Operation Whirl Punch, have neutralised a bandit confirmed to be an associate of eliminated Buharin Yadi during a special fighting patrol in the Giwa Local Government Area of the state.

    In a statement on Sunday, the Kaduna State Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said the bandit met his waterloo after the troops encountered him around Sabon Layi village while fleeing on a motorcycle.

    According to Aruwan, the troops were pulled to Sabon Layi from various locations in Giwa LGA for commencement of the special patrol and as they then projected their force from there to Kidandan, the troops sighted a bandit fleeing on a motorcycle.

    The troops gave the bandit a chase, and neutralised him in the engagement which followed around the outskirts of the community.

    The commissioner disclosed that the verification of the bandit’s identity revealed to be one Daushe, an associate of the recently neutralised kingpin Buharin Yadi.

    It would be recalled that the infamous bandit leader Buhari Alhaji Halidu (known as Buharin Yadi) was eliminated along with dozens of his associates by security forces in Giwa LGA two days ago.

    The Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, expressed gratitude to the troops for their relentless hard work, and congratulated the General Officer Commanding, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mairiyenso Saraso, for the latest breakthrough.

    The governor encouraged the troops to keep up the tempo towards the complete degradation of terrorist elements in the general area.

  • Nigeria deploys troops for peace keeping in Gambia

    Nigeria deploys troops for peace keeping in Gambia

    The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Friday, announced the deployment of 197 personnel for the peace keeping mission in the Gambia.

    The Chief of Operations Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen. Boniface Sinjen made the announcement in Jaji, Kaduna State, at the graduation of troops of Nigerian Company 9 Economic Community of West African States Mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG).

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), report that the 197 troops began Pre-Deployment Training (PDT) on May 4, at Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre (MLAILPKC) Jaji Kaduna State.

    According to him, the PDT is in line with the commitment of the Chief of Army Staff , Lt -Gen Taoreed Lagbaja and the Armed Forces of Nigeria in deploying quality peacekeepers in support of international peace and security.

    He said that the training had equipped them with the necessary tactical skills and knowledge required for peace support operations.

    “It  has prepared you for the protection of civilians and the accomplishment of assigned tasks under the ECOMIG mandate.

    “You have learned the importance of teamwork, leadership and cultural sensitivity as well as other factors that would ensure your success in the mission area.

    “You have been trained in the latest techniques and procedures for maintaining peace and stability in a complex environment and instilled with the values of discipline, respect for human rights and compassion for the people you are going out there to protect.

    “Your mission comes at a critical time, as The Gambia faces a period of
    uncertainty and instability, “he said.

    According to him, the country’s political crisis has affected the lives of many innocent civilians and their presence will sustain the existing peace and stability to the region.

    “Your role is crucial in maintaining peace, protecting lives and promoting sustainable development.”

    Sinjen  charged  the troops to uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for human rights.

    He advised them to adhere strictly to the ECOWAS’ mandate, which guides your mission and ensure that your actions align with the principles of peace, stability and human rights.

    ”Remember that your conduct will not only reflect on yourselves but also on your country, the ECOWAS region and the international community.

    ”Additionally, your training has exposed you to the culture and religious diversity of The Gambia.

    “You are, therefore, expected to approach all interactions with sensibility and respect. Be mindful of the local customs, traditions and socio-political dynamics of the mission area.

    ”You must remain vigilant in the face of potential security threats and   avoid any actions that may be perceived as insensitive,” he said.

    He said that as peacekeepers in a sovereign nation, they must adhere strictly to the UN principles and guidelines for peacekeeping operations.

    “Respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of The Gambia and avoid any actions that may be perceived as interference in the country’s internal affairs.”

    He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had zero-tolerance on sexual exploitation and abuse in line with United Nations’ policies.

    ”Therefore, any form of sexual exploitation and abuse will be met with severe consequences.

    “As ambassadors of the armed Forces of Nigeria and our great nation, you must uphold the esteemed values and enviable image of this country, “Sinjen said.

    Earlier, the Commandant of MLAILPKC, Maj-Gen. Ademola Adedoja, said the six weeks training had been intense, comprehensive, and was conducted in line with the Standard UN Core Pre-Deployment Training Modules.

    Adedoja said the PDT was to equip the earmarked unit with the requisite skills and knowledge to function effectively and efficiently in their deployment to the Gambia.

    He said as  part of their training, the troops were taken through crosscutting issues like Sexual Exploitation and Abuse, Conflict Related Sexual Violence, Conduct and Discipline as well as Protection of Civilians amongst others.

    “This graduation is a testament to the capacity and capability of the MLAILPKC as a United Nations accredited Centre to conduct quality training of prospective peacekeepers for deployment to multidimensional Peace Support Operations in fulfillment of her mandate.

    “The Centre has within the last six weeks been able to train, retrain and refresh the troops on requisite knowledge and expertise to succeed in a Peace Support Operation environment.

    ” It is my fervent belief that these men are better informed and equipped to perform their roles in the Gambia, “Adedoja said.

    He said the graduation ceremony once more showed the commitment of Nigeria and the Nigerian Armed Forces to global peace and security.

  • Troops foil kidnap attempt in Delta, rescue passengers

    Troops foil kidnap attempt in Delta, rescue passengers

    Troops of the Nigerian Army, successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt by suspected terrorist group on the  46 Km Ughelli-Patani Road in Delta on Sunday.

    A post on its official X Handle on Sunday, the Nigerian army said its troops’ swift response to a distress call resulted in the rescue of passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling in a commercial bus.

    It said the troops upon receiving the distress call, rapidly mobilised and confronted the terrorists, who were armed with assorted weapons.

    According to the post, a fierce firefight ensued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the scene.

    “The rescued passengers have been taken into safe custody, where they are receiving necessary care and support.

    “Meanwhile, the troops are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists,” it said.

  • Notorious terrorists’ commander surrenders in Kaduna

    Notorious terrorists’ commander surrenders in Kaduna

    A notorious terrorist commander,  Lawal Kwalba has surrendered to troops of the Nigerian Army, following intensified military operations targeting terrorists’ enclaves in Kaduna State.

    Army authorities made this known in a post on its official X Handle on Wednesday.

    It said the surrender of the notorious terrorist commander on Tuesday, was a significant victory for the counter-terrorism efforts of the troops.

    Army said the troops’ relentless operational  activities had been pivotal in pressuring terrorist factions, leading to Kwalba’s decision to surrender with his fighters .

    According to the post, this development marks a crucial step in the ongoing fight against terrorism in Kaduna state and the broader region.

    “During the surrender, troops recovered two AK-47 rifles, a motorbike, and two magazines loaded with 7.62 mm Special ammunition from the surrendered terrorist.

    “Kwalba is currently undergoing thorough profiling at a military facility.

    “This process is expected to provide valuable insights that can  aid in dismantling remaining terrorist networks.

    “The Nigerian Army will continue to demonstrate its commitment to restoring  peace and security in the region.

    “The surrender of a high-profile terrorist commander like Lawal Kwalba underscores effectiveness of the ongoing counter-terrorism operations,” it said.

  • Illegal refinery operators arrested in Rivers

    Illegal refinery operators arrested in Rivers

    Troops of  the  Nigerian Army have   arrested 5 suspects for  allegedly  involved  in  illegal refining of crude oil stolen from pipelines in Odagwa community in Etche area of Rivers.

    Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigeria Army, Port Harcourt, told journalists  on Wednesday in Port Harcourt.

    Abdussalam was represented by  Lt-Col. Ishaya Manga,Commanding Officer of 29 Battalion under the division.

    He said that the  suspects were arrested  engaging in illegal bunkering of petroleum product at the refinery site.

    “The arrest  followed credible intelligence on the activities of illegal bunkerers  in the area, who are bent  on sabotaging the nation’s economy.

    “In response, troops were deployed to identify, locate and destroy all illegal refineries within the division’s area of responsibility.

    “Upon arriving at  the site, our troops uncovered hand dug reservoirs used for storing of stolen crude oil.

    “It is regrettable that this economic sabotage against the Federal Government is having negative impact on socio-economic activities and the health of citizens,” he said.

    Abdussalam said that troops also seized about 225,000 litres of crude oil from the site.

    “About 45,000 litres of stolen crude oil were found in five different reservoirs, while many others were empty.

    “Troops also discovered several metallic pots used for cooking and refining crude oil into petroleum products at various locations in the area.

    “The operation is ongoing and we are optimistic of making further discoveries,” he added.

    He expressed concern about the destruction of vegetation and environmental degradation in the community.

    The army chief pledged that those responsible for these heinous crimes would be brought to justice.

    “We commend the local population for providing credible intelligence that aided us in discovering this illegal refinery in the deep Etche forest.

    “It’s hard to believe that something like this is taking place here. Even drones would struggle to capture everything that is happening here due to the tense vegetation.

    “The  suspects will face prosecution for their crimes against the country,” he said.