TheNewsGuru

Tag: Troops

  • Army tasks troops on sensitivity to emerging threats, use of social media

    Army tasks troops on sensitivity to emerging threats, use of social media

    The Nigerian Army has tasked officers and troops on sensitivity to emerging threats within their operating environment and acceptable use of social media.

    Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division, Nigerian Army, gave the task while declaring open a Security Sensitisation Lecture for Officers and Soldiers at the Headquarters 82 Division, Enugu.

    Dada said the lecture was aimed at educating the troops on emergent security issues, threats and how best army personnel could respond to them.

    He said that it was expedient to brainstorm from time to time and to share updates on emerging security threats and strategies to counter such threats.

    The GOC further emphasised the Nigerian Army’s commitment to training of personnel, to improve operational effectiveness in line with international best practices.

    He added that the significant successes recorded by the division would be attributable to adequate training.

    The GOC also advised troops to be vigilant in observing and identifying security threats in their various areas of responsibility/operation and promptly responsive to such threats.

    This, he said, would proactively prevent security breaches.

    Dada commended the Chief of Military Intelligence (Army), Maj.- Gen. Thompson Ugiagbe, for dedicating time to deliver the lecture to officers and troops of the formation.

    Delivering the lecture, Maj.- Gen. Ugiagbe clarified that the sensitisation lecture became necessary, considering some significant international and national developments in contemporary security threats.

    He stressed the need for troops to be loyal, disciplined and ensure personnel, material and information security, adding: “If compromised, could jeopardise national security.”

    The chief of military intelligence charged the officers and soldiers to show a high level of discipline and professionalism in their daily operational tasks and engagements.

    He further noted that the Nigerian Army had a sacred obligation to ensure that personnel performed their duties within the ambit of the law.

    “To this end, all personnel must take security awareness seriously,” he said.

    Ugiagbe also stressed the need for compliance with extant regulations for acceptable use of Social Media in order not to run contrary to the provisions of the Armed Forces Policy on Abuse of Social Media.

    High points of the lecture were interactive session as well as questions and answer sessions between the officers and troops as well as the special lecturer, the chief of military intelligence (Army).

     

  • Troops apprehend IPOB/ESN commander in Enugu

    Troops apprehend IPOB/ESN commander in Enugu

    Troops of Sector 1 Exercise GOLDEN DAWN III, in conjunction with other security agencies, apprehended a commander of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    The IPOB/ESN Commander, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa, and three others, were apprehended on Wednesday, following a credible intelligence report.

    This is contained in a statement issued by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director, 82 Division Army Public Relations, on Thursday in Enugu.

    Unuakhalu said that the IPOB/ESN commander and his men were apprehended at their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church, Ameta, Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.

    “The arrest was made possible during a raid on their hideout while they were holding a meeting to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command, Enugu State Chapter, from apprehended former Commander populaly known as “Chocho”.

    “They were also planning to carry out attacks on our troops.

    “During the raid, Mr Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape.

    “Others arrested are Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere, while quantity 4 of live cartridge were recovered,” he said.

    The army Spokesperson recalled that Akpa was the Second-in-Command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN criminal, who earlier escaped to Benue State due to the intensity of the operations and was recently arrested.

    He noted that the arrested criminals were presently in custody for further interrogation.

    In a follow-up raid carried out at the early hours of today (Thursday) at another hideout in Nenwe community in Agwu LGA, the following were recovered – one AK 47 rifle, two AK 47 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition and one pump action rifle.

    “The General Officer Commanding 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan  Dada, wishes to appreciate the incredible cooperation of other security agencies for the success of the operation.

    “He wishes to enjoin the good people of the South-East to support and continually provide timely, reliable, and credible information that will lead to the arrest of more unscrupulous elements through the 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 nab Osama Bani Fadl suspected of k!lling Israeli father, son

    Troops nab Osama Bani Fadl suspected of k!lling Israeli father, son

    Israeli troops nabbed Osama Bani Fadl, a Palestinian wanted on suspicion of killing an Israeli father and son in a terror attack in the West Bank town of Huwara in August, the Israel Defense Forces and Shin Bet security agency said in a joint statement Sunday.

    Shay Silas Nigreker, 60, and his 28-year-old son Aviad Nir, residents of Ashdod, were gunned down at a carwash in the town, south of Nablus.

    The arrest came during 24 hours of intense clashes in the West Bank in which eight Palestinians were killed, according to Palestinian health officials.

    Bani Fadl was nabbed in the Jenin refugee camp during an hours-long operation. The IDF and Shin Bet said he was armed and hiding in an apartment used by local terror operatives.

    Troops were searching a home in Jenin when they found Bani Fadl hiding in an attic space, above a door hidden behind a double wall, footage released by the IDF showed. He was found hiding with an M-16 rifle, magazines, and a Hamas flag.

    The suspected terrorist’s home in Aqraba, near Nablus, was mapped out for demolition days after the shooting attack.

    Nigreker, a native of India, and son Nir, were shot dead by a terrorist who approached on foot and opened fire from close range with a handgun. The gunman then fled.

    Huwara has long been a flashpoint in the West Bank, with a main thoroughfare running through the town also being used regularly by Israelis to travel to and from settlements.

    In a separate statement, the IDF said other operations were carried out in Jenin. Clashes broke out between Israeli troops and rioters who threw explosive devices. There were also firefights between local gunmen and security forces.

    The Jenin raid was spearheaded by soldiers of the 646th Reserve Brigade. Reservists have been used in the West Bank rather than troops of the standing army, as many of Israel’s frontline soldiers are participating in the war that erupted last month against the terror group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

    The IDF said that in Jenin, troops killed five Palestinian gunmen, wounded others, and arrested 21 wanted Palestinians. It also said a drone strike was carried out against a group of armed Palestinians that had “endangered our forces.”

    The Palestinian Authority Health Ministry said that five Palestinians were killed in Jenin, and three others were killed in separate areas of the West Bank since Saturday morning. One of those killed, in al-Bireh in the central West Bank, was a teenager, the ministry said.

    Palestinian media reported that one person was killed in a drone strike on a house in the Damaj neighborhood of the Jenin refugee camp that also injured four other people. The Wafa news agency reported Sunday that another Palestinian man was shot dead during an IDF raid in the village of Yatma, south of Nablus.

    During the Jenin operation, an explosive laboratory was destroyed, the IDF said. Engineering troops also uncovered explosive devices hidden at the sides of and beneath roads. The troops also seized weapons, explosives, and other military and surveillance equipment, the IDF said.

    The Palestinian Authority’s Jenin Governorate called for a general strike on Sunday as a mark of mourning, local media reported.

    Tensions in the West Bank have been high since October 7, when Hamas led thousands of terrorists in a cross-border attack from Gaza on Israel that killed over 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Terrorists also abducted around 240 people of all ages as captives in the Gaza Strip. Israel responded with a military campaign aimed at destroying Hamas a removing if from power in Gaza.

    Since Hamas’s devastating attack on Israel and amid the ensuing war, troops have arrested some 2,000 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including more than 1,100 affiliated with Hamas. According to the Palestinian Authority health ministry, some 200 West Bank Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, and in some cases settlers.

    Jenin has been the focus of a previous large-scale raids by the military during the recent unrest.

    The IDF is preparing for a possible escalation of violence following the release of Palestinian prisoners in the exchange deal for abducted Israeli hostages that began over the weekend. A major concern is rioting in villages and cities leading to clashes with security forces as well as possible terror attacks on Israelis traveling on roads in the West Bank.

    Israa Jaabis, a Palestinian security prisoner released by Israel, is hugged as she arrives home in the East Jerusalem neighborhood of Jabel Mukaber, early November.

    So far, 26 Israeli hostages have been released from Hamas captivity, along with 14 foreign citizens. In exchange, Israel released Palestinian women and underage prisoners held in security cases. The deal also includes a temporary lull in fighting in the Gaza Strip. More hostages are scheduled to be released in the coming days, but the arrangement will still leave most in captivity.

    The intensified violence follows more than a year of escalating raids and arrests in the West Bank and deadly Palestinian attacks on Israelis. Before the Hamas assault, 2023 already was the deadliest year for Palestinians in the West Bank in over two decades.

  • Troops arrest suspected killer of couples, 11 others in Plateau

    Troops arrest suspected killer of couples, 11 others in Plateau

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) of the Nigerian Army have arrested a suspected killer of a couple in Kwi Community, Riyom Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau

    Lt.-Col. Ishaku Takwa, the Acting Deputy Dircetor, Army Public Relations of the 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Rukuba, near Jos, disclosed this at a news conference on Saturday in Jos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalled that on Aug. 14, suspected gunmen killed a newly married couple, one Rwang Danladi, 37 and his wife, Sandra, 28.

    The couple, both teachers of BECO Comprehensive Secondary School, Kwi, were killed when gunmen stormed the school  on the fateful day.

    Takwa explained that the suspect was arrested on Nov. 18, in Tafawa community of Barkin Ladi, following the resilience and commitment of the troops.

    ”You will recall that in August, gunmen forced themselves into BECO Comprehensive Secondary School, Kwi, and killed a couple, who are both teachers in the school.

    ”We commenced investigation and arrested one Lukman Aminu, who has been on our wanted list over numerous criminal offences.

    ”He was arrested at Tafawa village in Barkin Ladi and has since confessed to committing the crime.

    ”We are on the trail of the remaining attackers and they would be brought to justice soon,”he said.

    Takwa said that eleven other suspects were arrested for murder, illegal manufacturing of weapons, among other crimes in the state.

    He further said that the successes recorded by the taskforce followed the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and support of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) that criminals, irrespective of their status, are brought to justice.

    Takwa also commended the commitment of Maj.-Gen. Abdusalam Abubakar, the Commander of the taskforce, to ensure the safety of lives and property of all  residents in Plateau.

    He said that the troops recovered six rounds of 7.62mm ammunitions, one sub-machine gun, one rifle, one pistol and seven unfinished fabricated rifles from the suspects.

    Other items recovered include a Lister generator, fabricating materials, military kits, four mobile phones and cash.

     

  • Troops give bandits bloody nose, kill two in Kaduna

    Troops give bandits bloody nose, kill two in Kaduna

    The 1 Division, Nigerian Army, on Monday said its troops killed two bandits and recovered arms and ammunition in Kaduna.

    The Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the Division, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna.

    Yayaha said the feat followed the continuation of the sustained operation against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements in the North Western part of the country.

    “Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Operation Whirl Punch carried out a clearance operation in the general area of Juji and Telele-Kaso in ChikunLocal Government Area of Kaduna State on Nov. 13.

    “The bandits who opened fire on sighting the troops approaching their location were, however, overpowered with superior and overwhelming fire power of the troops and two of the bandits were neutralized while others fled in disarray.
    “The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, three AK 47 rifle magazines, quantity five of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, two locally-made hand grenade, four handsets, two motorcycle bearings, spanners, screw drivers and two bags,” he said.

    Yahaya quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army and Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, as urging the general public to continue to support the operation with credible information.

    Okoro said the support would enhance the fight against terrorism, banditry and other criminal activities in the Division’s Area of Responsibility.

     

  • Troops rescue 2 abducted corps members in Katsina

    Troops rescue 2 abducted corps members in Katsina

    The Nigerian Army in collaboration with the Nigeria Police have rescued two National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) members, kidnapped by bandits in Yargoje community, Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State.

    The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the courageous effort of the security forces led to the rescue and safe return of the abductees on Thursday.

    He said that the criminals abducted the corps members while they were on transit from Edo to Katsina State.

    According to him, the joint effort of the 17 Brigade Nigerian Army and the police resulted in the successful rescue of the victims from their captors.

    “The rescued corps members have been given necessary medical attention and support to ensure their physical and emotional well-being.

    “They are currently in the custody of the Nigerian Police in Kankara.

    “The Nigerian Army continues to solicit the cooperation and support of the public in providing timely and relevant information to enhance troops’ proactive operational engagement of criminal elements,” he said.

  • Troops rescue 4 Zamfara varsity students after bandit’s attack

    Troops rescue 4 Zamfara varsity students after bandit’s attack

     

    After being kidnapped by bandits, four students of the Federal University Gusau (FUGUS), have been rescued.

    The students were rescued by the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji who responded timely to a distressed call placed by the university authority.

    TheNewsGuru.com earlier reported that the students were abducted in their off-campus hostel around 9 pm on Saturday in the Sabon Garin Damba area of Gusau.

    The spokesperson of 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army Gusau, Captain Yahaya Ibrahim, confirmed the students’ rescue to Channels Television in a telephone conversation on Sunday.

    He said the troops responded swiftly to distress calls on the kidnapped students by terrorists, adding that troops immediately mobilized and formed a blocking position at a possible withdrawal route which led to a heavy gun duel with the terrorists.

    “Troops superiority forced the terrorists to abandon the victims and fled. During the encounter with the terrorists around 12 am, two of the students were able to escape while other 2 students a male and female were safely rescued by the troops.” he said.

     

  • Troops rescue 6 kidnap victims, neutralise 1 bandit in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 6 kidnap victims, neutralise 1 bandit in Kaduna

    The 1 Division Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued six kidnapped victims and one bandit neutralised in Kaduna State.

    The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, who confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna, said that the victims where rescued on Friday.

    Yahaya said that the ongoing clearance operation by the troops of the division had continued to yield positive results.

    He said, “The troop acted on credible and timely intelligence on the kidnap of 6 persons at Hayin Tsando general area of Maraban Jos, in Igabi Local Government  Area of the state.

    “The gallant troops quickly mobilized, embarked on a search and rescue operation. The troops made contact with the bandits and criminal elements and a heavy fire fight ensued.

    “During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, captured two  AK 47 rifles, and neutralized one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds.

    “The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch Maj.- Gen. Valentine Okoro, has commended the troops for their resilience.”

    Yahaya also charged them to continue the aggressive tempo until all criminal elements in the division’s ‘Area of Responsibility’ are completely eradicated.

    He also appealed to all paramedics to be on lookout for persons with gunshot wounds, report to the Nigerian Army and other sister security services for prompt action.

  • Troops eliminate 31 terrorists, apprehend 81 in 1 week – DHQ

    Troops eliminate 31 terrorists, apprehend 81 in 1 week – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says troops of the armed forces have in the last one week neutralised 31 terrorists and apprehended 81 others in various operations across North East, North Central and North West.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Buba said the troops also rescued 10 kidnapped hostages, while a total of 63 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across theaters of operation.

    In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted fighting patrols to Bama and Chibok local government areas of Borno, as well as Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

    Buba said the troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two locally fabricated rifles, three dane guns, 181 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, four magazines, and three motorcycles, among other items.

    He added that the troops neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued five kidnapped persons.

    In the North Central, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested five suspects, recovered arms and ammunition, as well as 145 rustled cows during the week.

    He said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke had On Oct. 1, arrested two IPOB/ESN criminals in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue while on patrol.

    He stated that the criminals were arrested at the residence of a top herbalist, while the herbalist fled.

    He added that “troops recovered one body armour and bulletproof vests.

    “Overall, troops arrested three suspects and recovered two locally fabricated rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five cutlasses, one body armour, one bulletproof vest and a jack-knife.”

    In North West,  Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised six terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 33 kidnapped persons.

    He said the troops also recovered four AK47 rifles, two dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, three motorcycles, five mobile phones, one cutlass and five solar panels.

    Troops of Operation Whirl Punch also eliminated one terrorist and recovered three AK47 rifles, one AK47 magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm warheads, one cutlass, amongst other items.

    He stated that the armed forces and citizens are partners in combating common enemies, which are terrorists and violent extremist groups.

    “Accordingly, the military, through its operations, continues to prevail against the effects of insurgency and terrorism with an ultimate goal of securing the country against perpetrators of insecurity for national progress,” he said.

  • Troops neutralise 31 terrorists, nab 81, rescue 10 kidnap victims

    Troops neutralise 31 terrorists, nab 81, rescue 10 kidnap victims

    Troops of the Nigeria Armed Forces had a field day in the last one week of military operation across the country as they neutralised 31 terrorists and arrested 81 in the recent battle against the insurgents.

    The Troops also arrested 11 perpetrators of oil theft, rescued 10 kidnapped hostages while a total of 63 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across theaters of operation. Troops denied oil theft of an estimate sum of Two Hundred and One Million Four Hundred and Two Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Naira (N201,420,260.00).

    The Operational Reports on the ongoing military operations as at Friday as disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed the catch.

    According to General Buba, the military troops recovered 65 assorted weapons and 391 assorted ammunition, which breakdown are as foillows: 26 AK47 rifles, 4 locally made rifles, 6 dane guns, 2 locally made pistols, 7 magazines, body armour ammo among others.

    Others are: 345 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 7 rounds of 9mm ammo, 36 live cartridges, 10 rounds 7.62 x 39mm war heads, 48 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones.

    He said the sum of N327,960.00 was also recovered.