The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army Public Relations

  • Cultism: 4 Brigade denies report of arrest of officer in Edo

    The 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Benin has denied some media reports on the arrest of an officer of the Brigade for suspected cultism in Edo.

    This was contained in a statement issued by Capt. Mohammed Maidawa, an Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, and made available to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Benin on Sunday.

    According to Maidawa, “the attention of the Headquarters 4 Brigade Nigerian Army has been drawn to a media publication dated 23 March, 2019.

    “In the said publication, it was alleged that Private Igbavboa Lucky and not Private Opiri Stephen as erroneously published was alleged to have been arrested and paraded by the State Police Command for cultism activities.

    “For emphasis, Nigerian Army (NA) is a professional organisation with extant policies that regulates the conduct of its personnel. It does not allow any of its personnel to belong to any confraternity such as cult groups and related associations.

    “Consequently, any of its personnel who cross the red line in this regard will face the full rigours of military discipline.”

    He further said that the alleged case of Private Igbavboa Lucky who was arrested was an isolated case.

    Read also: Ondo violence: Group seeks compensation for victims

    He also said that preliminary investigation had revealed that the suspect was not personnel of 4 Brigade Nigerian Army but a deserter from 101 Special Force, Borno since January.

    “Thus, his conduct is a complete negation of the minimum behavioural conduct expected from personnel of the Nigerian Army.

    “I also wish to use this medium to appeal to journalists to verify their stories before publication in order to avoid negative reportage capable of bringing the image of the Brigade or the NA into disrepute.

    “The public should be rest assured that the case will be thoroughly investigated and the military justice system will take its course,” Maidawa said. (NAN)

  • 100 houses razed, many feared killed in Kaduna

    •El-Rufai condemns attack, visits President

    Barely two weeks after a violent crisis that claimed lives of many citizens in Kajuru Local Government area of Kaduna State, there were reports of fresh attacks in some villages in the Kajuru and Kachia local government areas.

    Kaduna State Governor Nasir El Rufai was at the State House yesterday. He held talks with President Muhammadu Buhari.

    El-Rufai declined to state his mission at the Presidential Villa but it was believed that the governor may have used the opportunity to brief the president on the fresh violent attacks in his domain.

    The attacks, The Nation learnt, occurred in the early hours of yesterday. Bandits were said to have stormed Karamai village in Maro District of the council area, leaving in their trail more than 100 houses and vehicles razed.

    An eye witness said: “The renewed attacks on the villages came as armed bandits, numbering about 100, stormed our village, Karamai community with dangerous weapons, including guns and machetes. As at now, we have counted many dead bodies.

    “As I am speaking with you now, many people have fled the villages, many people have entered bush, running for their lives. There are no security agents in sight to stop the attackers.”

    The military said that troops have already been deployed to restore peace to the affected communities.

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Muhammed Dole, told reporter that, security agents, have been dispatched Kasuwan Magani to restore peace.

    The Army spokesman, however, warned communities to desist from giving wrong statistics to avoid misconception and distortion of facts and figure before investigation.

    The Kaduna State government condemned the renewed attacks, urging residents to support the security agencies in their efforts to protect the communities.

    In a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, Governor Nasir El-Rufai expressed sadness over the renewed attacks at a time efforts were being intensified to restore security in areas where scores reportedly killed a few days ago.

    The statement reads: “Kaduna State Government has today received the sad news of renewed attacks in Kajuru and Kachia local government areas. The government condemns this recourse to violence, and calls on all communities to support the efforts to restore calm in the area.

    “Today, the Kaduna State Government was briefed by security agencies of renewed attacks in Kajuru local government area, and in parts of neighboring Kachia Local Government Area.

    “The Kaduna State government has been assured that the security agencies are working assiduously to contain the situation.

    “The government is saddened by these attacks, condemns the perpetrators and urges all residents of the area to support the security agencies in their efforts to protect communities.”

  • Artillery Officers comb Ekiti forests,discover decayed body

    Men of the 32 Artillery Brigade,Owena Cantonment, Akure in Ondo at the weekend invaded forests on Efon-Alaye-Itawure axis to flush out criminals operating in the area.

    There had been incessant robbery and kidnapping incidents in Ekiti State particularly between Aramoko- Ekiti and Efon Alaaye.

    The troop according to the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Major Ojo Adenegan,was led by the Commander 32 Artillery Brigade Brig. Gen.James Ataguba for clearance operation.

    The military operation,according to the statement commenced early Friday morning where thick forest areas of Arifa community along Iwaraja road were combed .

    While the operation lasted,it was learnt that a decomposed body of a man suspected to be a victim of kidnap was fiscovered with his GSM phone ringing repeatedly.

    The Nigerian Police and the State Government were informed by the Brigade for quick evacuation of the decomposed body.

    The statement also urged the public and travellers within the area not to panic on sighting movement of troops as the operation lasted.

    This development,the Brigade said was to make those black spots crime free,urging the public to cooperate in achieving more success in cause of the clearance operation in the area through information sharing on the activities of the criminals using the brigade call centre hotlines on 09030002151 and 09030002161.

    It would be recalled that suspected armed bandits struck around 5pm last Saturday near Efon-Alaaye and reportedly killed three passengers who were travelling in a commercial  bus from Ado-Ekiti to Ibadan.

    Similar criminal acts have been more pronounced in the area,where the culprits operate with impunity.

  • Army launches operation in Kaduna, Niger

    Army launches operation in Kaduna, Niger

    The 1 Division in Kaduna State has launched a special operation in parts of Kaduna and Niger states to tackle kidnapping, robbery and cattle rustling.

    The operation, code named ‘Karamin Goro’, will  cover Minna-Birnin, Gwari-Pandogari and Minna-Sarkin Pawa general area, a statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Muhammad Dole, said yesterday.

    Dole said the operation involved the Air Force, Police, Department of State Services (DSS) and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

    His words: “These criminals use the thick forests as hideouts and major highways as staging areas to perpetuate their nefarious activities.

    “As a result of their dastardly acts, some remote villages were completely deserted, as residents abandoned their ancestral domains for safety.

    “In response to these re-emerging security concerns, the Division launched Operation Karamin Goro to clear the remnants of the criminals from their bases and ensure the safety of life, properties and safe movement of the people.”

    Dole said arrangements and measures have been put in place to ensure safe passage of persons, motorists and their property along the areas of operation.

    He solicited the understanding, cooperation and support of the public to ensure a successful operation.

  • ‘Operation crocodile smile curbs criminal activities’

    ‘Operation crocodile smile curbs criminal activities’

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, has disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Operation Crocodile Smile 2 is denying criminals in the Niger Delta freedom of action.

    He made the disclosure on Monday in an online statement, while insisting that the criminal elements such as kidnappers, armed robbers, sea pirates, cultists, illegal oil bunkers, crude oil thieves and other hoodlums were now finding it extremely difficult to operate in the crude oil and gas-rich region.

    Iliyasu said: “Following the official flag-off of Operation Crocodile Smile II by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday, 13th October 2017, the tempo of operational activities within 6 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) has since been stepped up, with high morale among troops of the division.

    “It is evident that the increased presence of troops both on land and in the waterways dominating the entire 6 Division AOR has started yielding fruits.

    “In 2 Brigade AOR, which covers Akwa Ibom State, vigilant troops, based on a tip-off by some patriotic Nigerians, on 9th October 2017, arrested one Mr. Udeme Dick Nnah, a notorious cultist, who has been terrorising the community. In a similar operation on 12th October, 2017, troops of 2 Brigade Garrison, after careful surveillance, arrested the duo of Mr. Saviour Friday Markus and Mr. Nsika Okon Udoh, on cult-related activities.

    “On 10th October, 2017, troops of 2 Brigade Garrison on patrol, accosted a group of vandals at Itu Paper Mill in Uruan Local Government Area (of Akwa Ibom State), cutting armoured cables belonging to the company. 2 suspects: Mr. Ekom and Mr. Ndefrike, were arrested with 3 rolls of vandalised cables and 2 motorcycles. Additionally, on the same day, troops raided the residence of a suspected arms supplier, one Mr. Friday Silas Udoh at Ikot Odiong of Ukanafun LGA,(of Akwa Ibom State), where he was arrested. Items recovered from the residence include live cartridges, locally-made guns, gunpowder, damaged single barrel guns and gun-making accessories.

    “On 14th October, 2017, troops tracked and arrested 3 suspects, Mr. Akan Monday Amos, Mr. Abak Obong and Mr. Oyobong Frank Udoh, terrorising law-abiding citizens of Abak Obong, Oruk Atai II and Ikot Udo Obong villages respectively in Etim Ekpo LGA. (of Akwa Ibom State). In the same vein, one Bishop Uwah Mfon Akpan believed to be the financier of wanted criminals was arrested at Ikot Ibekwe community of Ukanafun LGA. The suspect is volunteering information about gangs of kidnappers and cultists linked to him.”

    Spokesman of 6 division also stated that on October 15 this year, troops on a robust patrol to Ikpe community of Etim Ekpo LGA of Akwa Ibom state, encountered and arrested three suspected cult members, while items recovered from them include a locally-made long barrel gun and one locally-made short gun, with the troops also carrying out raids/destruction of an identified criminal hideout/shrine at Ikpe, where one suspect was arrested.

    In a cordon-and-search operation conducted by the troops of 6 divisions on 17th October 2017 in the house of one Mr. Ikom Monday at Ikot Ibekwe in Ukanafun LGA, he revealed that one locally made pistol, 11 expended cartridges and one live cartridge were discovered buried in a toilet, stressing that a night patrol the same day, between Ikot Apetach and Ikot Ituen, arrested three suspected criminals in possession of a locally-made jackknife and wraps of Indian hemp.

    Iliyasu said: “Suspected cultist, Mr. Nnamso Thompson Akpan, was nabbed by troops at Nkek village of Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State. There was also arrest of two suspected kidnappers at Nkek and Oyoyo villages of Ukanafun LGA, who were found to be in possession of threats letters meant for their potential victims.

    “The same success story is unfolding in the neighbouring Rivers State, where troops of 6 Brigade are also tightening the noose on criminal elements and economic saboteurs in the entire state. On 10th October, 2017, at 2:00 am, troops of 29 Battalion intercepted a MARK truck, loaded with suspected stolen crude oil at Rukpokwu area of Obio-Akpor LGA of the state. Suspects fled and abandoned the truck on sighting the troops. On the same day, troops of 146 Battalion, in conjunction with elements of 130 Battalion, discovered and destroyed an illegal refinery with six large cooking pots, a large metal container, filled with stolen crude oil and a large reservoir containing illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) at Kurughene general area.

    “The troops arrested six suspected illegal oil bunkers/welders at the site and recovered one generating set, two gas cylinders and other welding accessories. Another illegal refinery was also discovered and destroyed same day along Patrick Waterside-Bodo axis by troops of 146 Battalion.

    “On 11th October, at about 8:30 am, troops of 29 Battalion, in conjunction with elements of 130 and 146 Battalions, also identified and destroyed reactivated illegal refinery at Bolo, with three large active cooking pots, four large reservoirs containing stolen crude oil and three speedboats, loaded with illegally-refined AGO. On 12th October, 2017, around 3:30 am, troops discovered and destroyed 110 drums of illegally refined AGO at Okrika. Continued efforts by the troops on the same day also saw to the destruction of many other illegal refineries and militant camps at Akpara, Ayoisi, Idama and Km 45, while one Mr. Gogo Babson was arrested with fifteen drums of illegally-refined kerosene in an unregistered Fiat bus.

    “On 13th October, 2017, one metal barge and a wooden Cotonou boat, loaded with stolen crude oil, were intercepted along Patrick Waterside. Same day at Uzuaku along NNPC pipeline, one white unregistered Mark truck, containing 55,000 litres of illegally-refined AGO and one yellow Man Diesel truck, with registration number: XA 508 DKU, Gombe, loaded with about 30,000 litre of illegally refined AGO in a constructed tank and concealed with poultry feed bags, were intercepted.”

    Spokesman of 6 division also stated that between Borikiri, Ibeto and Petro log (in Port Harcourt) on October 14, troops discovered 100 pieces of 25-litre jerry cans, four 250-litre drums containing illegally-refined AGO and another two 250-litre drums, filled with illegally-refined kerosene.

    In a similar operation on October 15 October, between Slaughter market and Onne in Rivers state, he revealed that troops discovered 112 25-litre jerry cans, 32 250-litre drums, containing illegally-refined AGO and also arrested was an Iveco truck, with registration number FST 554 XM Lagos and two 14-seater buses, continuing various quantities of illegally-refined products, while on October 16, the resilient troops, based on credible intelligence, apprehended a notorious illegal oil bunkering kingpin, Mr. Emomotime Ayaba Sese, aka Dada, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

    Iliyasu said: “A patrol team discovered a reactivated illegal refinery with three active pots at Doroko in KE, with metal containers filled with illegal products on 17th October, 2017. The site was destroyed by the troops. They did same to the discovered 53 25-litre jerry cans, twenty 250-litre drums and 40 sacks, all containing illegally-refined products at Akinima and Okrika (Rivers State) respectively.

    “The gallant troops, based on credible information from patriotic Nigerians, tracked and apprehended two suspected notorious kidnappers/cultists; Mr. Justice Sigah and Mr. Godknows, who have been terrorising Odemisama and Odemude communities in Ahoada, Rivers State. Troops also continued with their robust patrols, where they identified and destroyed an illegal refinery with five cooking pots and several large metal containers at Tuma general area.

    “At Mbiama,  Rivers State, troops discovered and destroyed 86 25-litre jerry cans, four 200-litre drums and 16 sacks containing illegal products. Same day, the hardworking troops, in conjunction with SPDC local pipeline surveillance team, traced and destroyed a massive illegal bunkering dump along Ogbobolo Andoni, consisting of five illegal refining points. Items recovered from the site include four long rubber connecting hoses, two generating sets, one gas cylinder and one deep freezer. Other items include a speedboat, three wooden Cotonou boats and three large storage tanks, all containing stolen crude oil.

    “Acting on intelligence, troops conducted a cordon-and-search operation at Elebrada and Oduoha communities of Emuoha LGA of Rivers State, where it was revealed that members of Icelander’s cult group hold meetings. No arrest was made, as the suspects have all taken refuge in the forests. However, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special, 27 rounds of 9mm para, one clearing rod, one jungle hat, 6 cutlasses and one Canon camera were recovered.”

    Spokesman of 6 division also stated that on the same day that Elebrada and Oduoha were searched, the troops also arrested one notorious kidnapper/armed robber, popularly known as Aposi in Ihugbogo, disclosing that all the apprehended suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the relevant security agencies for possible prosecution, with the operation continuing.

  • Maiduguri: Front line troops get commendation

    Maiduguri: Front line troops get commendation

    Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji, the Acting-General Officer Commanding, 8 Task Force Division of the Nigerian Army, has commended the front line troops for expelling Boko Haram terrorists from Kareto, Damasak and Malam Fatori, Maiduguri.

    Col. Timothy Antigha, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said in a statement in Maiduguri on Saturday that he gave the commendation when he made an assessment tour of the front line troops in the area.

    Antigha explained that the visit was aimed at having an on-the-spot -assessment of the enormous task of freeing the northern Borno and the fringes of Lake Chad of Boko Haram terrorists.

    Olabanji acknowledged their sacrifices and called for the relentless efforts at eliminating the terrorists from the area.

    He warned the troops to hold on firmly to all equipment issued as the loss of any equipment would attract severe sanctions.

    Olabanji urged them, particularly, junior commanders, to view their participation in Operation Lafiya Dole as an opportunity to learn the rudiments of the military profession.

    “You are the future of the Nigerian Army, therefore, you should view this operation as a unique opportunity to learn and also provide quality and effective leadership to troops,’’ he said.

    He commended the troops for their dedication and steadfastness in holding Malam Fatori in spite of the repeated attempts by Boko Haram terrorists to overrun the location.

  • Troops rescue 88 hostages in Borno

    Troops rescue 88 hostages in Borno

    ...Kill three insurgents

    Troops on clearance operations in the Northeast have rescued 88 people in Bama Local Government Area of Borno and killed three during an encounter.

    A statement signed by Col. Sani Usman, Acting Director, Army Public Relations, in Abuja on Tuesday, said 28 people of those rescued, claimed they escaped from Bula Musa village.

    Usman said the 28 people comprised two men, nine women and 17 children, adding that the troops killed three terrorists during separate encounter.

    “They have been taken to Bama town for screening, profiling and possible handover to emergency management and humanitarian agencies,” Usman said.

    He said that another 23, comprising a man, five women and 17 children were intercepted by troops deployed at Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Bama.

    Usman said this was after they escaped from terrorists in Bula Musa general area on Sunday.

    “In Dikwa, the troops also recorded influx of 37 IDPs, comprising two men, 12 women, 12 boys and 11 girls from Gulumba Gana village which is about 45km astride Gulumba-Kumshe Road axis, Bama Local Government Area.

    “They were screened by the troops and the Civilian JTF who, later handed them over to the Dikwa IDPs camp management for further registration and rehabilitation,’’ Usman said.

    He said those deployed at Nigeria-Cameroon border in conjunction with Civilian JTF also arrested two escaping Boko Haram terrorists named Mohammed Mundilga and Ahmed Ali.

    “The terrorists, who hail from Gamboru Ngala Local Government Area on preliminary investigation confessed that they were Boko Haram fighters, and added that they sneaked into Gamboru from Abbaganaram village, Marte Local Government Area after being tired of staying in the bush.

    ‪”They, terrorists, attempted to disguise and pass on as IDPs but ran out of luck as they were found out. Both of them have been handed over to the Joint Investigation centre for further interrogation,’’ he said.

    ‪The army spokesman said troops also carried out clearance operation and fighting patrol at Wadama, Izakah, Gelemari and Kalizaram villages.

    ‪He said following information that terrorists were extorting residents of Zankari village, troops stationed in Monguno, responded and killed two of them, while one sustained gunshot wounds.

    ‪Usman said the troops recovered one AK-45 rifle and three rounds of 7.62mm ammunition from the insurgents.

    In a related development, Usman said the United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR) team led by Adam Zanna Karamma had visited Bama IDPs camp.

    He said the team registered internally displaced persons below 17 of age for distribution of non-food items, adding that they would be trained on skills acquisition and construction of temporary shelter.

  • Army arrests 17 suspected cultists, others in Rivers

    Army arrests 17 suspected cultists, others in Rivers

    The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that it arrested 17 suspected cultists and armed robbers alleged to have carried out several killings and theft in Rivers.

    Capt. Eli Lazarus, the Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, presented the suspects, arms and ammunition to newsmen in Port Harcourt.

    He said that several arms and live ammunition were seized during raids aimed at stopping the current wave of killings and armed robbery in the state.

    “Following heightened criminal activities, the 2 Brigade conducted several raid operations on criminals and cultists’ hideouts in the state.

    “These operations led to the recovery of several weapons including 16 AK 47 rifles, five General Purpose Machine guns and two Fabrique National rifles.

    “Others are six Pump Action rifles, three G-3 rifles, 11 Short Dane guns, six locally made pistols, two Beretta pistols, two Revolver pistols and nine pieces of dynamite,” he said.

    Lazarus said that live ammunition seized from the suspects were three G-3 magazines, 11 Fabrique National magazines, 15 AK 47 rifle magazines and 508 rounds of 7.62mm  (NATO) ammunition.

    He listed other ammunition to include 313 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 14 rounds of 0.9mm ammunition and three cartridges.

    The army spokesman said that troops also recovered from the suspects, military boots, belts, three lanyards and one fragmental jacket.

    “The operations were conducted at Ahoada East, Ogbogoro community in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area; Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni and Isiokpo in Ikwerre LGA,” he said.

    Lazarus said the operation would continue until other cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers were either arrested or chased out from the state.

    He called on members of the public to provide security agencies with timely information that would lead to arrest of criminals in the state and in its environs.

  • Army troops repel Boko Haram

    Army troops repel Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said that the Troops 26 and 28 Task Force Brigades repelled a dawn attack by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists on the military locations at Pulka and Bitta on the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

    According to the Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Usman Kukasheka, the troops of 114 Task Force Battalion came under three-pronged attack by Boko Haram terrorists fanning out of the Sambisa forest from Damboa, Tokumbere and Pulka axis.

    “At the end of the debacle, 2 Boko Haram insurgents paid for their atrocities with their lives while several others sustained gun shot injuries. The fate that befell those that attacked Pulka was more dreadful.

    “The ever ready and vigilant troops rose to the occasion by repelling the attacks and killing all the 16 attackers and captured one of them alive during the exploitation.

    “The gallant troops also recovered 11 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 1 Browning Machine Gun (BMG) and 2 Toyota Hilux vehicles. Others are a 60mm Mortar tube, 7 boxes of 12.7mm ammunition and 1 belt of 12.7mm ammunition.

    “It is gratifying to state that there were no casualties on our own troops except for 3 soldiers that sustained minor injuries.

    “The troops remained on maximum alert and are equally busy consolidating and continuing with their clearance operations with high morale,” Kukasheka said.

  • Troops intercept fleeing Boko Haram members

    Troops intercept fleeing Boko Haram members

    Fleeing members of the Boko Haram sect were on Tuesday intercepted at Pulka while attempting to escape the ongoing military onslaught in Sambisa forest.

    This is contained in a statement by Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, when he disclosed that troops arrested one of the insurgents during the encounter, while many others were killed.

    According to the Colonel, the troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 47 rifle magazines, 36 hand grenades, several rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunitions and quite a number of Shilka gun empty shells.

    Similarly, the troops recovered 2 boxes of 7.62mm ammunitions, a Toyota Hilux, and some Improvised Explosive making Devices cords, during another encounter with the sect at Buni Yadi general area.