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Tag: Troops

  • Troops rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Zamfara

    Troops rescue 10 kidnapped victims in Zamfara

    Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have thwarted an attempt to abduct 10 people in Tsafe town of Zamfara on Tuesday.

    According to the Information Officer to the Operation, Lt. Suleiman Omale, in a statement issued in Gusau on Wednesday, the troops responded to a distress call and were able to overpower the abductors.

    “Responding swiftly to a distress call on the night of March 12, 2024, OPHD troops engaged in a fierce gun duel with the bandits upon arrival in Tsafe town.

    “Through aggressive tactics and unwavering determination, the troops overpowered the bandits forcing them to flee with gunshot wounds through a rocky bush, abandoning the kidnapped victims.

    “During subsequent mop-up patrols in the area, the resilient troops intercepted and successfully rescued all the 10 victims and reunited them with their families,” Omale explained.

    He said that the General Officer Commanding 8 Division of the Nigerian Army Sokoto, Gen. Godwin Matkut, appreciated the troops for their gallant performance, doggedness, brevity, and professionalism.

    Matkut urged the troops to maintain the momentum in the pursuit of restoring peace and security in the region.

  • Troops arrest suspected killers of community leader, retired military personnel

    Troops arrest suspected killers of community leader, retired military personnel

    Troops have arrested some suspects in connection with the murder of Alhaji Saleh Umar, the Ardo of Kamuru, Dutsen Bako community in Ikulu Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The assailants abducted and killed Alhaji Umar after collecting N2 million ransom.

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the military task force maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, effected the arrests.

    Its Media Officer, Maj. Samson Zhakom, told a news conference on Saturday in Jos that the troops also arrested suspected killers of retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Hamza Musa.

    Zhakom added that troops of OPSH also arrested the killer of some residents of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau.

    They also arrested suspected vandals of rail tracks in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    “We have arrested the prime suspects in the gruesome murder of Alhaji Umar, the Ardo of Kamuru, Dutsen Bako village, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    “They abducted and killed the community leader after collecting a ransom of N2 million.

    “We have also arrested three persons who conspired and killed their father and uncle, Hamza Musa, a discharged Nigerian Air Force Master Warrant Officer.

    “We also apprehended the suspected shooter of one Istifanus Musa, 55, at Bokkos in Plateau, during which one person sadly lost his life and another was injured.

    “Similarly, we conducted joint sting operations with the DSS to the hideout of rail vandals and economic saboteurs in Plateau and made significant breakthroughs,’’ he said.

    Zhakom added that investigations showed that the killers of Alhaji Umar were behind the attempted kidnap of Mr Sidi Kukah, the paramount Chief of Ikulu.

    The media officer explained that items recovered from some of the suspects included railway slippers, two articulated trucks, five car batteries and one 12.5kg gas cylinder.

    Others were one generator, one tyre and one vehicle number plate.

    Zhakom thanked residents of its general areas of operation for their continuous support and called for more collaboration to stem insecurity in the areas.

  • Troops reject N1.5m bribe from alleged cattle rustlers in Plateau

    Troops reject N1.5m bribe from alleged cattle rustlers in Plateau

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), a military special taskforce maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna States, have rejected  N1.5 million bribe from suspected cattle rustlers in Plateau.

    Capt. James Oya,  Media Officer of the operation disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Jos.

    Oya said that the troops, attached to its Sector four, also arrested the two suspected rustlers who offered them bribe.

    He explained that the eight personnel,  who rejected the bribe were not only commended but rewarded by the commander of the operation, Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar.

    ”OPSH has rewarded eight of its personnel for rejecting a N1.5 million bribe from suspected cattle rustlers in Plateau.

    ”The eight personnel, deployed at OPSH Sector four,  intercepted 30 rustled cows at a checkpoint near Bisichi in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of the state.

    ”The cattle,  belonging to one Shehu Umar, were rustled in Mangu and being transported to an undisclosed location when intercepted by own troops on stop and search operation.

    ”The suspects, Anas Usman, 20, and Gyang Cholly, 42, immediately approached the troops in a bid to bribe them and secure security pass for the stolen cattle.

    ”The monetary plea was rejected and the suspects arrested as well as the money offered for the bribe,” he said.

    Oya said  the commander, who commended the troops for their bravery and exemplary conduct, urged personnel of other security agencies to emulate the giant move toward the safety of lives and property in the state.

  • Troops destroy bandits’ hideouts, rescue kidnap victims in Taraba

    Troops destroy bandits’ hideouts, rescue kidnap victims in Taraba

    Troops of 114 Battalion (Rear) of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security forces, on Saturday destroyed multiple bandits’ hideouts and  rescued 4 kidnap victims in Yorro Local Government Area of Taraba.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Lt Olabodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director, 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, and made available to newsmen in Jalingo on Sunday.

    It stated that the swift and decisive operation to flush out bandits and kidnappers disturbing the peace in Yorro and its environs commenced on Feb. 2

    It said that troops came in contact with bandits at Gampu hills and Ban Yorro area and exerted superior fire power which made the bandits to flee the location, leaving behind their four abducted victims.

    “The operation is still ongoing to ensure that other kidnapped victims who fled the area during the exchange of fire are found and reunited with their loved ones.

    “The rescued victims are Genesis  Samuel, 24, from Ganku village; Benard Denis, 28, from Fulfualgon village; Esther Titus, 35, from Kosanai village and the Emir of Pupulle’s son, Isma’il Umar, 25, who was abducted at his residence on Jan. 18.

    “The Brigade is committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and dismantling all criminal infrastructure in the state.

    “Members of the public are urged to continue to support the military by giving credible and timely information on suspicious movements, to aid in improving security within the state.

  • Troops rescue 35 kidnapped victims in Katsina

    Troops rescue 35 kidnapped victims in Katsina

    The Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force in the North West,  Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) have rescued 35 kidnapped victims in Katsina state.

    The Information officer to the operation, Capt. Yahaya Ibrahim stated this in a statement issued in Gusau on Monday.

    According to him, the troops also in search and rescue clearance operations neutralised two terrorists.

    “The success was achieved on Jan. 27, during clearance operation to some identified terrorist camps at Dumburum forest.

    “During the operation troops had an encounter with the armed terrorists, neutralising two of them while others escaped with severe gunshot wounds.

    “Among the 35 rescued victims include 19 males, 12 females as well as Four children.

    “All the rescued victims were handed over to the Katsina State Government by the Nigerian Army,” he said.

  • Troops arrest bandit’s kingpin, neutralised 10 others in N/West

    Troops arrest bandit’s kingpin, neutralised 10 others in N/West

    The Nigerian Army said its troops have neutralised 10 terrorists and arrested a bandit’s kingpin in clearance operations in North-West region.

    The troops also apprehended arms smugglers and recovered ammunitions during the raids in Zamfara, Kebbi, Sokoto and Katsina States.

    Capt. Yagata Ibrahim, the Information Officer, Joint Task Force, Operation Hadarin Daji, said this in a statement on Saturday in Gusau.

    Ibrahim said the troops recorded tremendous successes in coordinated dry season clearance operations in the affected states.

    “In a recent clearance operation conducted on Jan. 26, the troops cleared and destroyed terrorists’ enclaves at Pada, Matso-Matso and Yurlumu villages in Batsari Local  Government Area of Katsina State.

    “During the operation, seven terrorists were neutralised while others escaped with severe gunshot wounds.

    “In the same day, OPHD troops in Zamfara on fighting patrol neutralised two terrorists at Getso and Ubaka villages under Maru LGA.

    “The troops recovered one AK47 Fifle, one magazine and 7.62mm special ammunition and two motorcycles,” he said.

    The spokesman said the troops also responded to intelligence report on sighting terrorists movement along Sheme – Dandume road in Katsina State. The troops engaged the terrorists, killed one and forced them to flee.

    Meanwhile, the troops arrested one Usman Abubakar also called (Harinde), a notorious bandits’ leader in Zamfara.

    The army spokesman said the troops arrested the suspect on Jan. 26, following an intelligence report.

    “Abubakar, 35, has been terrorising Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs, and other villages in Sokoto state.

    “The troops also acted on credible intelligence on a group of notorious gunrunners with intentions to smuggle weapons in to the state which led to the arrest of three suspects in Shinkafi.

    “The sum of N2.5 million, one Volkswagen wagon car, three mobile phones were recovered from the suspects”.

    He said that a combined troops and personnel of Department of State Security Service (DSS), arrested a terrorists’ collaborator, one Ibrahim Atiku at Amawara village in Danmusa LGA of Katsina state.

    According to him, all suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation before handing over to the appropriate security agencies for further actions.

  • Troops attack bandits in Taraba, recover weapons

    Troops attack bandits in Taraba, recover weapons

    The troops of 6 Brigade, Jalingo, Friday night engaged in a fierce battle with bandits in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba, and recoverd some weapons in the process.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Jalingo by Lt. Olabodunde Oni, Public Relations Officer of the brigade.

    It stated that the attack occurred following the sound of gunshots near a disputed land along Tsukundi Road.

    “Upon receiving the information, the troops of 93 Battalion, under 6 Brigade, swiftly mobilised to the scene.

    “They discovered two individuals dead, presumably shot by unknown persons. Additionally, one person sustained a gunshot wound and was immediately given medical attention by the soldiers.

    “In a display of bravery and professionalism, the gallant troops combed the surrounding bushes near the incident area.

    “And  upon encountering the armed groups, the troops effectively deployed their superior firepower, compelling the militias to abandon their positions and flee“, he said.

    He said the troops exploited the area and recovered a cache of weapons.

    “They include 2 AK 47 Rifles with 36 Rounds of 7.62 MM Special ammunition, 10 empty cases of 7.62 MM, 1 Double Barrel Rifle and 1 Single Barrel Rifle with 14 live cartridges,” he stated.

    He also said the encounter served as a testament to the unwavering commitment of the military in maintaining peace and security in the state.

     

  • Troops destroy IED factory in Okigwe, neutralise kidnapper

    Troops destroy IED factory in Okigwe, neutralise kidnapper

    Troops have destroyed an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) factory in Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo, in an operation jointly carried out by the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police and civil defence corps.

    Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, Acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, said this in a statement on Friday in Enugu.

    He said that the troops destroyed the hideouts of the terrorists despite encountering several IEDs.

    The spokesman added that several camps of the Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network members along Umulolo-Umukele-Amousu and Agbobu in Imo were destroyed.

    Unuakhalu said that the troops also cordoned-off and searched several buildings used by the terrorists, where they discovered signs of occultism and cannibalism.

    “The troops also destroyed the IED making factory of the terrorist; recovered rank badges of two policemen that were kidnapped along Enugu-Port Harcourt Road.

    “Other items discovered include Biafran currencies, fake US Dollar bills, Biafran Liberation Army T-shirts, and other Biafran insignia.

    “Military kit bags, cables used for IED detonation and axes.

    “Two suspects were arrested and also burnt policemen corpses were discovered for proper burial.”

    Meanwhile, troops on night patrol have thwarted a kidnapping attempt by some suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists in Owerri.

    The army spokesman said that the troops engaged the criminals in a gun duel forcing them to abandon the victim, one AK 47 rifle and magazine, a G-3 rifle with mounted magazines and a vehicle.

    In another development, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) the division, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, has visited Isiuzo-Amufu community in Enugu State to deepen civil-military relations and create a peaceful society.

    “The GOC, who addressed the people of Isiuzo-Amufu community at their village square, advised the community on the need to cooperate and assist the military to put an end to the insecurity of the community and the region at large.

    “He assured the people of his commitment to end the herders and farmers clash and youth restiveness within the region.”

    According to the command spokesman, the GOC also met with personnel of other security agencies in the council area and urged them to collaborate in improving the security of the area.

    Unuakhalu said that the GOC appreciated the incredible cooperation of other security agencies, which led to the successes achieved so far.

    “The GOC wishes to enjoin the good people of the South-East to support and continuously provide timely, reliable and credible information through Emergency Line 193.

    “The Nigerian Army will continue to protect lives and property of the good people of the South-East as it carries out its constitutional roles within the ambit of the law,” he added.

  • Troops neutralise three bandits, seize weapons in Taraba

    Troops neutralise three bandits, seize weapons in Taraba

    The troops of 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, deployed to Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba have neutralised three notorious bandits.

    This is contained  in a statement signed by Lt. Olabodunde Oni, Public Relations Officer of the brigade, in Jalingo on Thursday.

    He said that the successful mission also resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, a motorcycle used by the criminals, and a cache of 40 rounds of 7.62 MM Special ammunition.

    The public relations officer explained that the operation took place in Chibi, where the troops acting on actionable intelligence, conducted a precision strike against the criminals.

    According to him, the engagement demonstrates the troops’ unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security in Taraba.

    The statement also said that the Commander 6 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Kingsley Uwa, commended the troops for show of bravery and efficiency in executing the operation.

    Oni also said that the Brigade Commander emphasised the military’s determination to rid the state of criminals and ensure the safety and well-being of the local population.

  • UK to send 20,000 troops to largest NATO exercise

    UK to send 20,000 troops to largest NATO exercise

    Britain will send 20,000 service personnel to one of NATO’s largest military exercises since the Cold War, as the alliance practices repelling an invasion by Russian President Vladimir Putin’s forces.

    Defence Secretary Grant Shapps will announce the deployment of Army, Navy and RAF members to the 31-nation drill across Europe during a speech in London on Monday.

    He said that the contribution to the Steadfast Defender exercise will provide “vital reassurance against the Putin menace” as he warns the West stands at a “crossroads.”

    The war games came after the ministers announced a further £2.5 billion ($3.2 billion) support package to Ukraine and the RAF airstrikes, with the United States, on the Houthis in Yemen.

    Shapps will set out his vision for how the UK will deter threats, as allies remain concerned about the threat posed by Putin as his war approaches its second year.

    In the Lancaster House speech, Shapps is expected to say: “We are in a new era and we must be prepared to deter our enemies, prepared to lead our allies and prepared to defend our nation whenever the call comes.

    “Today our adversaries are busily rebuilding their barriers, old enemies are reanimated, battle lines are being redrawn, the tanks are literally on Ukraine’s lawn and the foundations of the world order are being shaken to their core.

    “We stand at a crossroads.”

    Some 16,000 troops with tanks, artillery and helicopters will be deployed from the British Army across Eastern Europe starting from next month as part of the exercise.

    The Royal Navy will deploy more than 2,000 sailors across eight warships and submarines, while more than 400 Royal Marines Commandos will be sent to the Arctic Circle.

    The RAF will use F-35B Lightning attack aircraft and Poseidon P-8 surveillance aircraft.

    Defence sources said that the exercise will prepare for the invasion of a member state by any aggressor, with the main threats being considered to be from Russia and from terrorism