Tag: Army

The Nigerian Army has dismissed reports circulating on social media alleging that two soldiers were killed and a military patrol vehicle set ablaze during the Amasiri/Oso Edda communal crisis in Ebonyi State.

The clarification came amid recent violence linked to the crisis, which reportedly claimed the lives of five indigenes of Idima Okporojo Village in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of the state.

The Cantonment Commander of Nkwagu Military Barracks, Lt. Col. Emmanuel Chielo, made the clarification while briefing journalists on ongoing efforts by security agencies to restore peace and order in the affected communities.

It will be recalled that some social media commentators had alleged that residents of Oso Edda killed two soldiers and set a military patrol van on fire, claims that heightened tension and panic in the area. Another report also alleged that two soldiers were killed in Amasiri.

Reacting to the claims, Lt. Col. Chielo described the reports as false and misleading.

“None of my men have been killed. The operation in Amasiri is a joint one involving the police, the DSS, and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps,” he said.

“What happened was that on the first day of our deployment, they probably assumed that the number of soldiers on the ground was small, and they attacked us. We responded, but because the area is built up, we had to be very cautious to avoid shooting innocent people in their homes.

“If we had acted out of anger or emotion that night, it would have been bloody. We acted professionally. Aside from the attack on us, none of my soldiers was killed during the operation,” he emphasised.

Lt. Col. Chielo also assured that security agencies would ensure the recovery of the severed heads of those beheaded by suspected warlords during the attack on Okporojo Village.

“One of the key issues we want to address is the recovery of the heads of those beheaded. It is not enough that they killed these people; they also cut off their heads as if they were animals. What are they doing with the heads of fellow human beings?

“What is even more painful is that these are our brothers and sisters, people of the same ancestry. It is really saddening. While growing up, I never imagined that something like this could happen in Nigeria,” he lamented.

The cantonment commander further expressed concern over the rising cases of drug abuse among youths and the increasing movement of illegal small arms in the South-East.

“There are many causes of insecurity. What we often see is just the physical manifestation. When you look deeper, there are always underlying factors.

Read Also: COAS: Army adopts multi-domain strategy to combat insecurity

“Communal clashes over ancestral land, chieftaincy titles, and related issues remain major triggers. That said, a lot of effort has been made over the years, which is why Ebonyi State enjoys a relatively high level of peace. In fact, Ebonyi State is currently the most peaceful state in the South-East,” he stated.

He commended the decision of the State Security Council, approved by the Ebonyi State Government, describing it as a necessary step toward restoring peace in both Okporojo Village and Amasiri community.

“I heard some people blaming the governor for the decision he took. Honestly, even if you visited the area, you would say the governor was being too lenient. An elderly woman, walking with a stick, was beheaded. What exactly did she do to deserve such a death?

“If the affected people decide to carry out a reprisal attack, would anyone blame them? That is what we are trying to prevent. It is not that they lack the capacity,” he said.

Lt. Col. Chielo also identified the proliferation and movement of small arms as another major security threat.

“Every state is gradually becoming a transit point for small arms. It is a serious problem. You may not notice it immediately, but it is there. You see people riding tricycles as if they are going to the farm, but they are transporting weapons to deliver to someone.

“In my view, both the federal and state governments are making genuine efforts, but much more still needs to be done. Security should not be left to the government alone,” he added.

Troops of Sector 7, Operation Safe Haven (OPEP), in collaboration with the Zango Kataf Police Area Command, Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), Forest Guards and local hunters, have rescued eight kidnapped victims at Badurum Kasa Forest in Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A security source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the operation followed actionable intelligence on the kidnappers’ hideout.

The source said the combined team mobilised to the area at about 4:23 p.m. on Wednesday and made contact with the criminals at about 5:59 p.m., forcing them to abandon the victims and flee into the surrounding bushes.

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“All eight victims were rescued unharmed and have been reunited with their families,” the source said.

Those rescued include Mrs Rashida Musa (19), Mrs Hafsat Nuhu (18), Mr Zakari Saleh (52), Miss Hasiya Yahaya (13), Mr Ahmed Yahaya (14), Mr Ibrahim Saiba (11), Miss Salma Yahaya (14) and Mr Sophan Idris (18).

The source added that follow-up exploitation and pursuit of the fleeing suspects were ongoing to apprehend those responsible and dismantle the criminal network.

(NAN) 

The Nigerian Army has sustained coordinated offensive operations nationwide in the last 24 hours, neutralising terrorists, destroying camps and rescuing kidnapped victims across several operational theatres.

A credible military source disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday in Abuja.

He said the troops of 1 Brigade under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, responded to intelligence at Gidan Baushe village, Maradun area of Zamfara where a civilian with gunshot wounds was evacuated.

He added that troops of 8 Division Garrison Strike Team carried out a dawn offensive into terrorist hideouts in Sububu Forest, destroying several camps and logistics structures after tracking active motorcycle routes.

According to him, troops fought through an ambush, dominated the general area and recovered military items, including a ballistic helmet, combat boots, woodland camouflage and two Baofeng radios.

Under Operation MESA in Kogi, the source said that troops of 12 Brigade rescued six kidnapped victims in separate operations across Yagba East and Yagba West Local Government Areas.

He said that one terrorist was neutralised during a firefight, while injured victims are responding to treatment, as sustained military pressure, including air operations, forced terrorists to abandon some captives.

Read Also: Army troops neutralise six terrorists in Zamfara

In Kwara, he said the troops of 22 Brigade, working with DSS and ONSA teams, raided a notorious terrorist enclave in Ifelodun Local Government Area, uncovering and destroying camps, a motorcycle and large quantities of food.

“Meanwhile, troops of 32 Brigade responded to terrorist attacks around Eleyowo and Ilu Abo communities in Akure North LGA of Ondo State, where two houses were attacked and three civilians killed.

“Troops pursued the attackers, while injured victims were evacuated by community members and local support groups as security forces continued dominance operations in the affected areas.

“In Benue, under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops laid an ambush along the Naka–Ahume–Makurdi road in Gwer West Local Government Area, neutralising two terrorists and recovering an AK-47 rifle.

“Items recovered during the Benue operation included an AK-47 magazine and ammunition, which are currently in military custody for further investigation and follow-up actions,” he said.

The source said the troops of the Nigerians army would be relentless to deny terrorists freedom of action and ensure safety of lives and property nationwide.

(NAN)

The Nigerian Army has dismissed as false and misleading an online report alleging threats of mutiny by soldiers over salaries and allowances, describing the claim as sensational and detrimental to national security.

In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Appolonia Anele, said there had been no threat of mutiny within the Nigerian Army.

Anele said that such conduct was alien to its ethos, discipline and professionalism.

She said mutiny was a grave offence under military law and incompatible with the loyalty of Nigerian Army personnel to the Constitution and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.

Anele explained that the report relied on anonymous and unverifiable claims circulated through non-official channels, which did not reflect the views or disposition of officers and soldiers who were trained to address grievances through established military procedures.

Anele clarified that promotion increments were only one component of military pay and should not be misrepresented as total earnings.

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According to her, military remuneration includes consolidated salaries, rank-based allowances, operational, field and hardship allowances, as well as other entitlements that vary based on deployment, qualifications and responsibilities.

She said the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the Armed Forces of Nigeria and relevant government authorities, was implementing structured welfare reforms, including periodic reviews of salaries and allowances, enhanced operational incentives, improved accommodation, medical care and insurance packages for troops and their families.

The army spokesperson added that the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, had, since assuming office, initiated constructive engagements with relevant authorities on troop welfare, with positive outcomes already emerging.

Anele reaffirmed that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, remained committed to the welfare and operational effectiveness of the Armed Forces amid evolving security challenges.

She urged the public to disregard unfounded reports and rely on official communication channels for accurate information on the Nigerian Army.
(NAN) 

Major General Ibikunle Ademola Ajose, the 10th General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, on Friday formally handed over leadership to his successor, Major General Bemgha Paul Koughna, who becomes the 11th GOC and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (Northwest) Operation Hadarin Daji.

In his maiden address, Major General Koughna reaffirmed his commitment to consolidating the achievements of his predecessor and advancing the Division’s mission to reinforce security and stability across the North West. He highlighted his readiness to apply his experience, strategic insight, and resolve to strengthen operations and inspire public confidence amid ongoing security challenges in the region.

He also expressed appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for the trust and responsibility placed on him.

Before his appointment, Major General Koughna served as Director of Civil-Military Affairs at the Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs, and earlier as Deputy Chief of Operations at the Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations.

The handover ceremony at the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto featured the traditional decoration and presentation of the Division’s flag to the incoming GOC. It also provided Major General Ajose an opportunity to outline the operational gains and achievements recorded during his 18-month tenure leading the Division and Sector 2 Joint Task Force (Northwest) Operation Hadarin Daji.

In his valedictory remarks , the outgoing GOC who expressed confidence that his successor would elevate the Division’s efforts at combating terrorism and banditry , given his profound understanding of the region’s security dynamics disclosed that the division had neutralised bandits leaders, destroyed their enclaves and captured over 200 weapons, thousands of ammunition and  recovered thousands of livestocks and rescued over 1000 kidnap victims in series of operations.

He noted that the division came a long way in it’s commitment and demonstration of operational resilience against the activities of bandits and sundry crimes.

According to Ajose the strategic impact of troops operations in the division have restored the confidence of locals especially those threatened by bandits.

” I make proud to say that the locals were able to return to their communities, their farmers in the last farming season and were able to harvest their crops due to  the presence of the military and other security agencies”

He said ” So if I have achieved anything  as GOC 8 division ,  it is as a result of competent and good men following me behind “, he attributed  while appreciating all ranks from Private to the most senior Brigadier Generals in 8 Division Sector 2 OPFY .

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While expressing the wonderful operational moments , Ajose recalled ” when I arrived with excitement to take the challenge as a NA personnel and first addressed the division as the 10th GOC, I could sense their apprehension as to what will this GOC bring on board and today I am equally saddened that I am living behind a good crop of officers and their families, disciplined and motivated soldiers”, just as he gave God the glory for the grace and favour done him to successfully served as he appreciated the CDS and COAS for their support.

The outgoing GOC further chronicled his administrative achievements including the resuscitation of over 20 years I worked upon borehole, remodelling and renovation of medical facilities for improved heal are delivery services with power running 24/7, schools upgrade equipped with quality and standard adjourning facilities as well as the upgrade of D3 training centre enhance the training of troops in addition to  improved security around the barracks and most importantly upgraded worship centres.

” Today , pregnant women , injured personnel in action access hospital facilities in the division freely without collecting a dime from them”, he said , describing the Giginya Cantonment barracks as one of the places he served with the least cases of indiscipline as he appreciated the military -civil relationship that has helped to drive cordial professional medical understanding with UDUTH personnel for the benefit of the Cantonment and barracks families.

” I sincerely appreciate civilian workers especially our medical practitioners from UDUTH who selflessly accepted to provide quality medical services to the barracks community”, Ajose said as barracks women and children of different ethnic and religious backgrounds in their hundreds with tears running down thier cheeks amidst sounds of drums bidding bye to what most them say” our half is gone , we are missing a humble person with concern for all. 

” Oga Ajose, you will continue to remain a supportive model in the history of my stay in the barracks. You touched my heart and those of my kids with kindness “, a widow in the barracks voiced in tears .

The new GOC was before his appointment, a Director of Civil-Military Affairs at Army Headquarters Department of Civil-Military Affairs and Deputy Chief of Operations at Army Headquarters Department of Army Operations.

The Nigerian Army has commenced the construction of an additional training depot at Amasiri-Edda in Afikpo and Edda Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State.

The construction of the training institutions was in line with the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Tinubu had in December 2025, approved the establishment of a new Nigerian Army depot in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The approval raises the number of army depots in Nigeria to three, joining the pioneer facility in Zaria, which was established in 1924 and has served the country for decades, and the Osogbo depot, established in 2025.

According to a statement by the Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, construction of additional training institutions is aimed at strengthening the national security architecture and expanding training capacity across the country.

The statement said that the Governor of Ebonyi, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who performed the groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, thanked Tinubu for approving the establishment of the training institution in the state.

Nwifuru noted that the facility would enhance recruitment opportunities and promote increased participation of youths from the South-East region in serving their fatherland through the Nigerian Army.

He highlighted the institution’s meaningful contributions to peace, security, and the socio-economic development of the state.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the establishment of the additional training depot aligns with the vision of the President and Commander-in-Chief to ensure equitable distribution of military infrastructure and inclusive national representation within the Armed Forces.

The COAS, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 82 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Joint Task Force South-East, Operation UDO KA, Major General Oluremi Fadairo, emphasized that the depot would provide increased opportunities for youths in the South-East to enlist in the Nigerian Army and serve the nation with pride.

He urged the people of the South-East region to leverage the opportunity by actively filling their recruitment quota in the Nigerian Army, stressing that equal opportunities are available to all states of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory.

The COAS reiterated that contemporary security challenges require sustained collaboration between the military and host communities, assuring that the Nigerian Army Training Depot, Amasiri-Edda, “will serve as a catalyst for stability, development, and strengthened civil-military relations in the region.”

Colonel Anele said the establishment of new training depots underscores the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding lives and property, while expanding its training infrastructure to meet manpower requirements in response to evolving national security demands.