Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed scores of bandits after an attack on Bangi community in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State.
Bandits, had on Tuesday June 24, launched an attack on the community, prompting a swift military response, utilizing land and air components to eliminate the bandits.
Army spokeperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, said in a statement on Wednesday, that the operation against the bandits was based on credible intelligence, which led to troops engaging about 300 armed bandits in Kwanar Dutse Forest.
Lt.-Col Anele, however, said that 17 soldiers paid the supreme price during the operation.
She said: “The criminals had attempted a night-time transit towards Kwatankoro Forest, where they were reportedly planning coordinated attacks on surrounding communities or looking for a safe haven to evade the pressure from our operations in Zamfara State.
“However, their movement and actions were effectively disrupted by troops who engaged them in a fierce firefight that lasted over three hours.
“Sequel to the ground engagement by the Nigerian Army troops, the Nigerian Air Force conducted precision airstrikes on the terrorists’ withdrawal routes, delivering accurate heavy bombardments on identified terrorists’ locations. Although the exact number of casualties could not be ascertained, multiple blood trails along their escape routes presumably indicate significant enemy losses.
“Regrettably, seventeen brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the encounter, while ten others sustained varying degrees of injury.
“The wounded personnel have been evacuated to a military medical facility, where they are receiving treatment and are in stable condition.”
The army spokeperson said further operation is ongoing to ascertain the full extent of the damage inflicted on the terrorists.
She urged the public to continue to support the ongoing counter-terrorism efforts by providing timely information to security agencies “by any means possible.”
The Nigerian Army has inducted 6,195 newly recruited soldiers into its ranks, as part of renewed efforts to enhance national security and combat insurgency, banditry, and other emerging threats across the country.
This follows the Passing Out Parade (PoP) of the 88 Regular Recruits Intake (RRI) held at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria, Kaduna State, where the new recruits were formally admitted into the service after completing six months of rigorous basic military training.
Speaking during the colourful parade, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, charged the new soldiers to uphold the core values of the Nigerian Army—discipline, loyalty, integrity, selfless service, courage, and respect for others.
“This is not just another parade; it is a rite of passage for every soldier. Today marks the beginning of your service to Nigeria. You are joining a professional force that stands on the frontline of defending our territorial integrity, restoring peace in troubled areas, and representing the country on international peacekeeping missions,” he said.
Oluyede noted that the recruits, who commenced training on January 13, 2025, would be deployed immediately to various theatres of operation across the country, stressing that the injection of the fresh boots into the system is critical given the current security realities.
“Obviously, we need more boots on the ground, based on the challenges we are facing today. With their deployment, we are confident of a more secure nation and better performance in our various operational theatres,” he said.
The Army Chief acknowledged the harsh realities and sacrifices involved in military service, but assured the recruits that they had been adequately prepared for the tasks ahead. He emphasized that professionalism, resilience and teamwork would be crucial to their success in the field.
“To win on the battlefield, you must draw on everything you have learnt. Your courage and professionalism will be tested. But you are not alone—you stand with your comrades, and the entire Army leadership stands with you,” he added.
General Oluyede commended the Commandant and instructors of Depot Nigerian Army for their hard work and commitment to shaping the recruits into professional soldiers. He also expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support to the military, as well as the Minister of Defence, Chief of Defence Staff, and the Kaduna State Government.
He however lauded the Emir of Zazzau, His Royal Highness, Ambassador Ahmad Nuhu Bamalli, for his hospitality and cooperation with the Army, stressing that the Nigerian Army would remain a dependable partner in the peace and development of Zaria and the wider Kaduna State.
In a daring and surprise raid, tactical teams of the Department of State Services (DSS) with back up from the Nigerian Military, have degraded about 45 bandits around Kuchi town, Munya LGA, Niger State, The Nation gathered on Wednesday.
The operation, which was carried out in a stealth manner, marks yet another victory in the sustained offensives against bandits in the area.
Security sources revealed the DSS had with clear precision followed the trail of the bandits and prevented an invasion on the villages to orchestrate massive attacks, planned by kingpin Dogo Gide, and other bandits loyal to him.
According to the sources, intelligence diligently acquired from the agency’s renewed covert efforts revealed that the terrorists who were from Bilbis forest, Maru LGA of Zamfara State and some parts of Kaduna State were invited by Gide to attack villages in the Kuchi area.
“In the early hours of Monday, 2nd June 2025, bandits from Kaduna and Zamfara States, numbering about 100, heavily armed with sophisticated weapons, advanced towards Kuchi town in Munya LGA.
“However, operatives launched a surprise attack and waylaid the bandits in the outskirts of Kuchi town. The operatives engaged the fleeing dissidents in a gun duel, which saw the elimination of the bandits, with several injured and motorcycles and ammunition recovered.
“Meanwhile, the reports also indicate that five of the DSS operatives sustained severe injuries and are currently hospitalised.
“This ambush which is a part of sustained offensives against the bandits, followed the earlier decimation of over 50 bandits, has dealt a heavy blow on Dogo Gide who in the past months has been losing huge territories to the superior firepower and covert disruptions by operatives deployed to these troubled spots.
“Serious heat has been turned on them, and we hope they will be sustained. We pray that these efforts, by the SSS that appear quite new and aimed at saving our communities from the bandits, will continue,” a source said.
This success, which comes just after the dislodgement of several bandits by operatives of the agency, in the same LGA, will bring relief to the local communities.
The Oluwu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Hammed Makama Oyelude, CON, Tegbosun III, has once again called on Nigerians to rally behind the Nigerian Army as the nation confronts persistent and emerging security threats.
In a statement released by his media office on Friday, in Kuta, Oba Makama expressed concern over the increasing infiltration of the country by militias and mercenaries, describing it as a fresh and dangerous dimension to the national security crisis.
He specifically called on traditional rulers and community leaders to take proactive measures in safeguarding their territories, urging them to remain vigilant against the menace of terrorism and ensure the protection of lives and property within their domains.
“As we all know that the Nigerian Army is responsible for the promotion and securing of our territorial integrity which is the symbol of our sovereignty, we must all rally round them to ensure they succeed in this onerous task.”
Waxing philosophical, Oba Makama said, “To keep Nigeria as a one is a task that must be achieved” failure of which it will remain an ill wind that blows nobody any good.
“It’s unthinkable that Pakistan nationals will be caught training the Boko Haram insurgency on how to attack the symbol of our sovereignty, which is the Nigerian Army.
“They’ve also gone ahead to acquire weapons such as UAV ( drones) and latest military hardware to confront our army. We must ensure that all hands are on deck to defeat this deadly ‘monster’ before it’s too late,” the monarch added.
Oba Makama also commended the Chief of army staff, COAS Lt General Olufemi Oluyede for prioritising troops welfare and leading from the front.”
In what appears to be a fresh effort in ridding Kastina of terrorists, the Nigerian Army, on Friday, carried out an attack on a terrorist enclave in Shawu Forest, Ruwan Godiya Ward, Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State.
The operation which was successful, saw terrorists suffering heavy casualties, including the decimation of their operational capacity.
According to a statement by the Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Katsina State, Dr. Nasiru Mu’azu, at approximately 08:50am on Friday, the troops attacked the terrorists in their enclave, where they were engaged in a fierce gun duel.
The fire power of the Nigerian Army, according to Mu’azu, forced the terrorists to abandon their camps and flee into the dense bushes and rocky terrain, using their livestock as shields for their escape.
The troops also pursued the fleeing terrorists, engaging them relentlessly, including those attempting to escape by crossing a river.
Part of the statement reads, “Recorded Success: In the course of the operation, 21 terrorists were killed, including those swept away by the river while trying to escape. However, there were no casualties among the military team.
“Also recovered were about 40 motorcycles and a yet-to-be-ascertained number of rustled cattle from the bandits.”
The troop recovered items which included one General Purpose Machine Gun, five AK-47 rifles, a pump-action rifle, 21AK-47 magazines, and 17 motorola communication radios.
“Other items recovered were a considerable quantity of ammunition and other critical items. This included 74 rounds of 7.62mm NATO belted ammunition, 448 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, four pump-action cartridges, two RPG-7 chargers, and one RPG-7 bomb. Five CS 48mm hand grenades, a Baofeng handheld radio (HHR), six mobile phones with three extra batteries, a camouflage jungle hat, and three magazine pouches were also secured.
“Further recoveries included a motorcycle manual pump, an empty wallet, three jungle bags containing various charms, and a sum of ₦15,260.
“All the recovered items are kept in custody of the military for further necessary action. Operations are still ongoing, and the morale among the troops remains consistently high.”
Top brass of the military converged on Maiduguri, the beleaguered Borno State capital yesterday, for the First 2025 Bi-Annual Conference of the Army.
This crucial meeting which was held at the Maimalari Cantonment comes at a time when certain areas of the North East, particularly Borno State, are experiencing a resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks and other criminal activities.
Borno State Governor Babagan Zulum on Wednesday again, cried out over the intensity of the Boko Haram attacks on some parts of the state.
He called for more action from the military.
One of the key highlight of the conference was the unveiling of new “Vanquish Armoured Tankers” by Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
They were handed over to the Theatre Commander North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
According to Engineer Ishaku Duwa, a staff member of the manufacturing company, each new Vanquish Armoured Tanker boasts “Night Goggle Vision, can move for over 80kms on flat tyres, all suspension change and 360° (Degree) protection.”
Declaring the conference open, Lt. Gen. Oluyede emphasized that this “pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community engagements converge.”
He stated that during the three-day deliberation on topical issues, the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, aims “to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.”
General Oluyede urged the Nigerian Armed Forces not to let current setbacks “dampen their spirit,” but instead to foster “commitment, sacrifices and practical strategies to end insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other form of crimes in the country.”
He added that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to “aligning on the kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.”
Despite acknowledging the “renewed pockets of attacks in the North East, North West and other parts of the country,” General Oluyede assured that “there is no cause for alarm, as the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are fully committed in bringing lasting peace and development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).”
Top military officials, including several Major Generals, converged in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, on Thursday, May 22, for the First 2025 Bi-Annual Conference organized by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede.
This crucial meeting which was held at the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House, Maimalari Cantonment comes at a time when certain areas of the North East, particularly Borno State, are experiencing a resurgence of Boko Haram/ISWAP attacks and other criminal activities.
The Nation reports that one of the key highlights of the conference was the unveiling of new “Vanquish Armoured Tankers” by the COAS, which were subsequently handed over to the Theatre Commander North East ‘Operation Hadin Kai’, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar.
According to Ishaku Duwa, a staff member of the manufacturing company, each new Vanquish Armoured Tanker boasts “Night Goggle Vision, can move for over 80kms on flat tyres, all suspension change and 360° (Degree) protection.”
Declaring the conference open, Lt. Gen. Oluyede emphasized that this “pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community engagements converge.”
He stated that during the three-day deliberation on topical issues, the Nigerian Army, under his leadership, aims “to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.”
General Oluyede urged the Nigerian Armed Forces not to let current setbacks “dampen their spirit,” but instead to foster “commitment, sacrifices and practical strategies to end insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and other form of crimes in the country.”
He further added that the Nigerian Army is dedicated to “aligning on the kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment.”
Despite acknowledging the “renewed pockets of attacks in the North East, North West and other parts of the country,” General Oluyede assured that “there is no cause for alarm, as the Nigerian Army and other security agencies are fully committed in bringing lasting peace and development under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda (RHA).”
He expressed his appreciation, stating, “It is my pleasure to join you all here in the MSA Aliyu Hall, Command Guest House Maiduguri for the Chief of Army Staff First Bi-Annual Conference 2025. The highlights from the deliberations have been well received and will certainly assist in guiding the decisions and directives that shall stem from this Conference.
“My sincere appreciation goes to the Chief of Policy and Plans (Army) for holding the fort in my absence. I also extend a most profound gratitude to other principal staff officers, Formation Commanders, corps commanders, heads of Nigerian Army institutions or establishments and everyone here who has ensured that the activities went on without hitches.”
He continued, “Nevertheless, I encourage us all to continue in the same stead and passion, so that we can have an even more productive outing going forward. As we continue with the schedule of activities today, it is my expectation that this pivotal gathering will deliver strategic foresight, operational alignment and an insight to where military and community engagements converge.
“During the deliberation on topical issues, our goal will be to identify areas for improvement and develop practical solutions that will strengthen our effectiveness in safeguarding the nation’s peace and security.
“Recall that during the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference 2024, I acknowledged the need for the Nigerian Army to commit towards aligning our kinetic and non-kinetic operations with the dynamic nature of the operating environment, ‘ the COAS said.
Addressing the evolving threat, General Oluyede observed, “It is evident that the terrorists have adopted new strategies that are aimed at shaping the battlespace in their favour.”
He lamented however that, “We have recorded a number of incidents where our brave warriors have paid the supreme sacrifice in the performance of their legitimate duty. The loss of these brave men is deeply regrettable and serves as a painful reminder of the depth of sacrifice that the officers and men of the Nigerian Army continue to make in the defence of our great nation, Nigeria. However, we must not allow these setbacks to dampen our spirit or diminish our collective resolve to stamp out that which seeks to ridicule the sanctity of our sovereignty.”
While highlighting the importance of collaboration with sister agencies, , he said, “As the Nigerian Army continues to prioritize its efforts for the best possible results, the ability to collaborate with the Nigerian Navy, the Nigerian Air Force, other security agencies and institutions at the federal and state government levels, have aided us in fulfilling our mandate.
Therefore, as we continue our deliberations and discussions, we must not forget the opportunities that inter-agency cooperation borne from effective collaborations afford us and its multiplier effect on our operations.”
The Nigeria Army Chief concluded by expressing gratitude: “At this juncture, we are immensely grateful to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Grand Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic for his strategic guidance and support which have continued to ensure our successes in various operations.
I also extend my most sincere appreciation to the various state governors, heads of services and institutions, our royal fathers, members of the press and the great citizens of our dear country, Nigeria. In many ways than one, you have contributed to the fight against terrorism, criminality and the ill wind that accompanies them,” he said.
The General Officer Commanding GOC 8 Division of the Nigeria Army, Major General GM Ajose, has decried the slack in the execution of military directives and failure to uphold standards amongst Soldiers
The GOC expressed dismay over the persistent disregard for critical operational directives, citing poor management of troops’ welfare and lack of adherence to administrative checklists within the Division’s Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Delivering a keynote address at the opening of a two-day training conference for Commanding Officers COs, Operation Officers Ops, Adjutants ADJTs, and Administrative Officers ADs within the Division with the theme: “Enhancing staff Officers’ capabilities for operational efficiency,” aims to equip officers with the necessary knowledge to tackle evolving security and administrative challenges.
He said: ”The role of monitoring the implementation of directives lies not with the commander but with the most senior staff officer and his team.
”There is a longstanding directive on the quality management of troop rations, and despite repeated reminders, some locations under my command still serve substandard meals to personnel.
“It was personally shocking to observe that not only were troops subjected to poor quality meals but several locations were also completely unaware of the directives.”
He further highlighted non-compliance with the 8 Division’s checklist for administrative movements and patrols, describing it as “worrisome.
Ajose noted that such lapses undermine combat readiness and overall operational efficiency, reiterating the importance of the training conference in addressing these gaps.
He called on.all the participants to engage actively and avoid complacency during the sessions.
The Commander of 17 Brigade, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, described the conference as part of a broader initiative aimed at enhancing professionalism and synergy across staff and operational functions within the Division.
A General Court Martial (GCM) at the Headquarters of the 82 Division, Nigerian Army, Enugu, has sentenced Private Adamu Mohammed to death by hanging and Private Abubakar Yusuf to 10 years in prison for their involvement in murder and robbery.
The acting Deputy Director of 82 Division Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, confirmed the sentences on Tuesday, stating that they followed thorough deliberations on the soldiers’ criminal offenses.
The GCM, composed of 11 members and inaugurated by Maj.-Gen. Oluyemi Olatoye on February 18, 2025, was set up to try personnel within the Division for offenses that could not be resolved summarily.
In his ruling, the President of the GCM, Brig.-Gen. Sadisu Buhari, stated that Private Mohammed was found guilty of murdering his girlfriend, Miss Hauwa Ali.
He clarified that the offense was punishable under Section 106 (a) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.
Buhari explained that the verdict, which was unanimous, was reached after a comprehensive review of the case, including Mohammed’s service record and the mitigation plea from the accused and his legal counsel.
However, the GCM emphasized that justice for the deceased required the law to be fully enforced.
“Given this, the GCM has determined that the accused soldier, 21NA/80/6365 Private Adamu Mohammed, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging for the charge of murder”, Brig.-Gen. Buhari said.
Similarly, the General Court Martial equally sentenced another soldier, Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment for robbery at a mall within Enugu.
The President of the GCM stated that the panel found Private Yusuf guilty of robbery, punishable under Section 107(1)(b) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004.
“Although the court attentively considered the plea in mitigation presented by the accused and his counsel for leniency, the law was applied to uphold societal decorum and protect the reputation of the army.
“However, due to inability of the GCM to reach a unanimous decision required to impose maximum mandatory punishment prescribed under Section 107(2) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20 LFN 2004, the GCM, relying on provisions of Section 140 (3) of the Armed Forces Act.
“The General Court Martial, hereby, sentences the accused soldier, 23NA/85/12116 Private Abubakar Yusuf, to 10 years imprisonment,” Brig.-Gen. Buhari said.
The President of the GCM emphasised that the findings and sentences pronounced for both soldiers remain subject to confirmation by the confirming authority, marking the conclusion of their trials.
Meanwhile, the Army spokesman said that the “NIgerian Army reassures the general public of its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of ethics and professional conduct in the discharge of its duties.”
According to him, the wrong actions of a few do not reflect the values of the institution, as swift and decisive measures are always taken to ensure accountability and justice.
“The Army remains dedicated to maintaining discipline within its ranks, protecting the integrity of its operations as well as fostering trust and confidence among the people it serves,” he added.
The Nigerian Army has dismissed an advertisement in circulation purporting recruitment into the Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).
The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, in a statement on Saturday said the advertisement was fake and did not emanate from the army.
Anele said the army had not commenced recruitment or commissioning exercise for DSSC or SSC for the year.
She urged members of the public to disregard the fake advertisement.
Anele said the public would be duly informed through official channels whenever such recruitment exercises were scheduled to begin.
“The Nigerian Army warns all to be cautious and avoid falling prey to fraudsters who exploit such fake information to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.
“Anyone with information about such fraudulent activities or individuals should promptly report to the appropriate authorities for necessary action,” Anele said.
