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Tag: Army

  • Army inaugurates housing units, reserves five percent for wounded soldiers

    Army inaugurates housing units, reserves five percent for wounded soldiers

    The Nigerian Army has inaugurated 60 housing units comprising two- and three-bedroom flats, at Akobo in Ibadan, Oyo State, and allocated five percent of the houses free of charge to soldiers who sustained disabilities in the line of duty.

    Seventy percent of the housing units were also reserved for soldiers at highly subsidized rates, as part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of its personnel.

    According to a statement by the Army’s spokesperson, Colonel Apollonia Anele, on Friday, the housing units are part of the Nigerian Army’s ongoing Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers (AHOOAS) Housing Scheme.

    A shopping complex was also inaugurated under the Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL).

    According to the statement, the projects were inaugurated by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, who said that affordable housing remains a critical pillar of the Nigerian Army’s transformation agenda, in line with the vision of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The COAS said the project is a practical demonstration of the Nigerian Army’s “Soldier First” philosophy, noting that access to decent and affordable housing is central to troop morale, operational effectiveness, and post-service stability.

    “The AHOOAS scheme is designed to ensure that soldiers retire in dignity, with secure home ownership in locations of their choice,” he said.

    The Army Chief said the expansion of the scheme to Ibadan, Benin, Jos, Akwa Ibom, and other locations was informed by the successes of the pilot phase in Idu, Abuja, which, he said, delivered over 400 housing units.

    He said plans are also underway to fast-track home ownership for Army Warrant Officers.

    While commending the Oyo State Government for its sustained support to military formations and traditional institutions for promoting peace and cooperation, General Shaibu urged other state governments to support the scheme by allocating land for future phases.

    He praised Post Service Housing Development Limited (PHDL) for its professionalism and acknowledged Family Homes Funds Limited for partnering with the Nigerian Army to build 50 housing units for widows of fallen heroes.

    The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of PHDL, Major General Isiah Alison, said the 60 housing units comprise 30 two-bedroom houses for Non-Commissioned Officers and 30 three-bedroom houses for Senior Non-Commissioned Officers.

    He added that five percent of the houses were allocated free of charge to soldiers who sustained disabilities in the line of duty, while 70 percent of the units were reserved for soldiers at highly subsidized rates.

    “Houses constructed at costs of up to ₦30 million were sold to soldiers for as low as ₦7.5 million,” Alison explained, describing the initiative as a deliberate welfare intervention rather than a commercial venture.

    “Similar housing projects are ongoing in other locations, alongside service shopping complexes designed to support small businesses and stimulate the local economic activities of troops’ families,” he said.

  • Army neutralises five bandits, recovers motorcycles in Sokoto, Zamfara

    Army neutralises five bandits, recovers motorcycles in Sokoto, Zamfara

    Troops of 8 Division Garrison Nigerian Army Sokoto have neutralised five armed criminals, recovered weapons and motorcycles during a coordinated operations conducted in parts of Sokoto and Zamfara states.

    A credible source from army told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Sokoto that the planned operation kicked off on Wednesday.

    ”It is struck of a major blow against banditry, during a sweeping offensive that targeted notorious hideouts spanning Sokoto and Zamfara  States.

    ”The coordinated assaults targeted known bandits enclaves in Gangara, Makawana, Satiru, Baici, and Kurkusu villages within Isa Local Government

    area of Sokoto state.

    “The swift advance disrupted the criminal networks, forcing many to flee as the military asserted control over the troubled terrain,” the source said.

    According to the source, the operation also intensified in Batamna village of Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara state where soldiers encountered heavy resistance.

    Read Also: Insecurity: Army to overhaul training schools, curricula

    ”In a fierce exchange of fire, the troops’ neutralised 5 bandits and recovered weapons, motorcycles and baofeng radios used by the bandits to carry out nefarious activities, ” source added.

    NAN recalled that troops of 8 Division of Nigerian Army had in December neutralised notorious bandits’ kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu and Kachalla Na’Allah, in Sabon Birnin and Isa local government areas Sokoto state.

    NAN reports that the Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmad Usman and other citizens had commended the Nigerian Army and other security operatives for the significant success recorded against banditry in the state.

    (NAN)

  • Insecurity: Army to overhaul training schools, curricula

    Insecurity: Army to overhaul training schools, curricula

    • COAS admits environment becoming more complex

    The Nigerian Army is set to overhaul its training systems and school curricula.

    These are parts of efforts to build a more professional, adaptable and combat-ready force, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen Waidi Shaibu, said yesterday.

    The Army chef spoke at the closing ceremony of this year’s COAS annual conference in Lagos.

    He said the reforms, which will take off next year, would be mission-focused and aligned with the service’s evolving operational environment.

    Shaibu announced that special attention would be given to the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation.

    The COAS said the Army would undertake what he called deliberate interventions to strengthen the Special Forces School.

    He stressed that the Army’s intelligence briefings during the conference showed that the country’s security environment was becoming more complex, requiring enhanced capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and cyber operations.

    Shaibu said the overhaul would be holistic and driven by the Army Headquarters through the Department of Training.

    According to him, realistic and targeted training remains critical to improved operational outcomes.

    Read Also: Foreign bodies aid banditry in Nigeria, says ex-US Army officer

    “As part of this effort, we will make informed but radical changes to our training and operational activities in the coming year. Special attention will be given to the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation, including deliberate interventions to strengthen the Special Forces School,” Shaibu said.

    The COAS explained that regional instability and global changes in warfare demanded continuous learning, adaptation and innovation, adding that the Army would continue to promote technological integration while leveraging government support for critical military equipment.

    Beyond training and operations, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare, particularly addressing accommodation shortages across barracks nationwide.

    The COAS directed that all ongoing residential projects be completed and allocated promptly, while new housing projects would be initiated across Army divisions.

    As an interim measure, he said extensive renovation works would be carried out in barracks to ease current housing pressures.

    Shaibu also reiterated the Army’s focus on post-service housing, describing it as a key welfare priority.

    The COAS said the outcomes of the annual conference would be compiled and circulated shortly to guide implementation in the coming year.

    He stressed that the deliberations would shape the Army’s policies and strategies going forward.

  • Insecurity: Army to overhaul training schools, curricula

    Insecurity: Army to overhaul training schools, curricula

    The Nigerian Army will begin a comprehensive overhaul of its training systems and school curricula as part of efforts to build a more professional, adaptable, and combat-ready force, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen Waidi Shaibu, said yesterday. 

    He disclosed this at the closing ceremony of this year’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS) annual conference in Lagos, saying the reforms, which will commence next year, would be mission-focused and aligned with the service’s evolving operational environment.

    The Army chief also said that special attention would be given to the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation, adding that deliberate interventions to strengthen the Special Forces School would be undertaken. 

    According to the COAS, the Army’s intelligence briefings during the conference showed that the country’s security environment was becoming more complex, requiring enhanced capabilities in intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, reconnaissance, and cyber operations.

    He said the overhaul would be holistic and driven by Army Headquarters through the Department of Training, noting that realistic and targeted training remained critical to improved operational outcomes.

    “As part of this effort, we will make informed but radical changes to our training and operational activities in the coming year. Special attention will be given to the training and employment of Special Forces and Army Aviation, including deliberate interventions to strengthen the Special Forces School,” Shaibu said.

    He noted that regional instability and global changes in warfare demanded continuous learning, adaptation, and innovation, adding that the Army would continue to promote technological integration while leveraging government support for critical military equipment.

    Beyond training and operations, Shaibu reaffirmed his commitment to personnel welfare, particularly addressing accommodation shortages across barracks nationwide. 

    He directed that all ongoing residential projects be completed and allocated promptly, while new housing projects would be initiated across Army divisions.

    As an interim measure, he said extensive renovation works would be carried out in barracks to ease current housing pressures. 

    He also reiterated the Army’s focus on post-service housing, describing it as a key welfare priority.

    Shaibu said the outcomes of the annual conference would be compiled and circulated shortly to guide implementation in the coming year, stressing that the deliberations would shape Army policies and strategies going forward.

  • Army boosts operations with 3,439 new recruits as COAS emphasises loyalty, discipline

    Army boosts operations with 3,439 new recruits as COAS emphasises loyalty, discipline

    The Nigerian Army has strengthened its operational capacity by injecting 3,439 new recruits into ongoing operations nationwide.

    The recruits were members of the Nigerian Army’s 89 Regular Intake and had successfully completed six months of intensive training at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria on Saturday.

    Speaking at the Passing Out Parade (POP), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Waidi Shaibu, charged them to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism as they formally join the service.

    READ ALSO: Benin Republic demons

    The COAS, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, described the parade as a testament to the recruits’ dedication and perseverance, showcasing the skills, discipline, and esprit de corps instilled in them during their training.

    General Shaibu added that their successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline.

    The COAS also urged the recruits to maintain integrity and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values are the cornerstone of professional soldiering.

    He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, stressing that, “By that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws. Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”

    He noted that as the Army continued to confront emerging domestic and transnational threats, the new recruits are vital to sustaining operational readiness across the country.

  • Army boosts operations with 3,439 new recruits as COAS emphasises loyalty, discipline

    Army boosts operations with 3,439 new recruits as COAS emphasises loyalty, discipline

    The Nigerian Army has strengthened its operational capacity by injecting 3,439 new recruits into ongoing operations nationwide.

    The recruits were members of the Nigerian Army’s 89 Regular Intake and had successfully completed six months of intensive training at the Depot Nigerian Army in Zaria on Saturday.

    Speaking at the Passing Out Parade (POP), the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-General Waidi Shaibu, charged them to uphold the highest standards of loyalty, discipline, and professionalism as they formally join the service.

    The COAS, who was the Special Guest of Honour and Reviewing Officer, described the parade as “a testament to your dedication and perseverance,” showcasing the skills, discipline, and esprit de corps instilled in the recruits over the course of their training.

    General Shaibu added that their successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline. 

    The COAS also urged the recruits to maintain integrity and respect for human rights in all operations, stressing that these values are the cornerstone of professional soldiering. 

    He reminded them of the Oath of Allegiance they took, sresing that :”By that oath, you are now bound to uphold both civil and military laws. Avoid any act that may tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army or the nation. Serve with honour, dignity, and unwavering loyalty to constituted authority.”

    He noted that as the Army continued to confront emerging domestic and transnational threats, the new recruits are vital to sustaining operational readiness across the country.

    “Your successful training reflects hard work, dedication, and discipline. You have been moulded to meet the highest standards of soldiering and are now entrusted with the sacred duty of safeguarding the territorial integrity of our nation. 

    “I have no doubt that you will rise to the challenges ahead and serve with honour, courage, and professionalism,” the COAS said. 

    He commended Depot Nigerian Army for its historic role in producing professional soldiers since its establishment in 1924, adding that the premier institution remains the backbone of the Nigerian Army’s training capabilities. 

    “I assure you that it will continue to receive unwavering support in terms of logistics, training infrastructure, and personnel welfare to maintain its high standards,” the COAS said.

  • Army promotes A’Ibom’s Ime Bassey to Major General

    Army promotes A’Ibom’s Ime Bassey to Major General

    The Nigerian Army has announced the promotion of an Akwa Ibom son, Brigadier General Ime O. Bassey to the rank of Major General.

    The elevation was confirmed in Abuja by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Appolonia Anele, who described Bassey as an accomplished infantry officer with extensive field experience and exceptional academic credentials.

    Commissioned into the Infantry Corps in 1999, Major General Bassey has participated in multiple national and international operations.

    His combat and peacekeeping record spans ECOMOG and UN missions in Sierra Leone and Liberia, as well as major Nigerian operations including Op Hakuri (Cameroon–Nigeria border, Gembu), Op Pulo Shield (Niger Delta), Op Lafiya Dole and Op Hadin Kai (North-East), and Op Sweep/Mesa (North-West).

    He has held several key command and instructional appointments, among them Platoon Commander, Company Commander, Chief Instructor at the Amphibious Training School, Adjutant of the Nigerian Defence Academy, Battalion Commander, Brigade Commander, and most recently Director, Nigerian Army Operations Centre at Army Headquarters, a central role responsible for coordinating and monitoring operations nationwide.

    Major General Bassey’s academic profile is also distinguished. He holds four Master’s Degrees across various fields, including advanced studies from the Nigerian Defence Academy (Kaduna), the National Open University of Nigeria and King’s College London. He also earned a Ph.D in Public Leadership and Governance from the Leadership Centre, University of Abuja.

    His educational journey began at Central Primary School, Okopedi Okobo, Zion Primary School Oron, Central Primary School Ikono, Christ the King Primary School Uyo, and Central Primary School Itak, before attending Lutheran High School, Ikot Obong Edong and Lutheran High School, Obot Idim, Uyo.

    He later began his Bachelor’s degree in English at the University of Uyo and left three months after to be trained as a regular combatant with a B. Sc in Political Science and Defence Studies at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna.

    The newly promoted Major General hails from Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. He is known to enjoy golf, long-distance trekking, photography, and nature exploration. A devoted Christian, he is married and blessed with four children.

    Bassey’s elevation comes as part of the Army Council’s 2025 promotion cycle, which saw over 50 senior officers rise to new ranks across AFN in a broad restructuring of operational, intelligence, and administrative commands.

    His promotion underscores the Army’s drive to reinforce its central operations architecture amid evolving national security challenges.

    Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, congratulated the newly promoted officers and urged them to justify the confidence reposed in them by demonstrating exceptional leadership, innovation, and unwavering loyalty to the Constitution.

     He emphasised the need for renewed commitment to tackling evolving security challenges and safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity.

    The promotions are expected to bolster the Army’s operational leadership and enhance ongoing efforts to strengthen national security.

  • Army neutralises notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Kallamu in Sokoto

    Army neutralises notorious bandit kingpin Kachalla Kallamu in Sokoto

    Troops of the Nigerian Army’s 8 Division in Sokoto have neutralised a notorious bandit kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area.

    A reliable military source disclosed the major operational breakthrough to newsmen on Tuesday in Sokoto.

    The source, who requested anonymity, said Kallamu, a close associate and senior lieutenant of notorious bandit leader Bello Turji, was eliminated in a joint operation involving local vigilantes.

    He confirmed that Kallamu was killed alongside one of Turji’s key logistics suppliers in the early hours of Monday near Kurawa village during a major offensive by troops of the 8 Division.

    Kallamu, who hailed from Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni LGA, was known for terrorising communities in the area. 

    He had reportedly returned to the region after fleeing a military onslaught in June 2025, during which he was believed to have taken refuge in Kogi State.

    The source commended the strong intelligence support provided by residents, as citizens, including the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmad Usman, continue to celebrate the success of the operation.

  • Army neutralises Bello Turji’s ally, Kallamu in Sokoto

    Army neutralises Bello Turji’s ally, Kallamu in Sokoto

    The troops of 8 Division of Nigerian Army have neutralised a notorious bandits’ kingpin, Kachalla Kallamu, in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

    A reliable source from the security operatives disclosed the major operational success to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Sokoto.

    The source, who pleaded for anonymity said Kallamu, a close associate and senior lieutenant of the notorious bandits’ leader, Bello Turji was killed in collaboration with local vigilantes in the area.

    The credible source confirmed that Kallamu was neutralised alongside one of the Turji’s major logistics supplier in the early hours of Monday, around Karawa village, during the major offensive operation by gallant troops of 8 Division Nigerian Army.

    Kallamu hailed from Garin-Idi in Sabon Birni LGA, known to be operating within the area causing significant distress to local communities in the state.

    It was gathered that Kallamu had recently returned to the area after fleeing a previous military onslaught in June 2025, during which he was believed to have sought refuge in Kogi.

    NAN recalls that the Special Adviser to Gov. Ahmad Aliyu on Security Matters, retired Col. Ahmad Usman and other citizens had commended the Nigerian Army for the significant success recorded against banditry in the state.

    Usman said the troops had successfully neutralised several bandits in Sabon Birni Local Government Area who attempted to ambush traders travelling from Tarah village to the weekly market.

    ”The swift response, professionalism, and courage displayed by our military personnel averted what could have been a tragic incident and once again reaffirmed their commitment to protecting the lives and property of our people.

    ”The state government deeply appreciates this effort and acknowledges the consistent sacrifices being made by our security forces, ” Usman said.

    NAN further reports that the Nigerian Army had neutralised 13 suspected bandits and recovered their weapons in Tarah and Karawa communities in Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

    According to the residents, soldiers stationed in Kurawa near Kwanan Kimbo had engaged the terrorists in a gun battle that lasted for hours on Monday.

    A source from the community, who pleaded for anonymity told NAN on Tuesday that the soldiers ambushed the terrorists and later followed them to their enclave.

    Read Also: Our soldiers didn’t kill any protesting women, says Army

    “The army engaged them in a fierce battle. The bandits later retreated and fled to their enclave across the stream.

    “We counted nine bodies of the terrorists in our area, and another four were found in the nearby the bush along the stream.

    ”Soldiers also recovered several weapons and took them to Karawa,” the source said.

    A reliable source from the army had earlier confirmed the encounter and told NAN that it was a fierce gun battle by the gallant troops where they neutralised several terrorists.

    The source said that there was no casualty on the side of the army, adding that eight AK 47 rifles and large number of ammunition were recovered from the bandits.

    The source though not authorised to speak on the matter, however, revealed the terrorists suffered heavy defeat and the operation was conducted by the Operation Fansan Yamma.

    The source confirmed that bandits had also attacked Gatawa community, faced by local vigilance group members and a team of military men engaged them and overpowered the terrorists.

    Some residents of Karawa and neighbouring villages celebrated the military’s successes and appealed for the continuation of the operation to salvage the communities from all forms of attacks.

    Also, the member representing Sabon Birni Local Government in the Sokoto State House of Assembly, Alhaji Aminu Boza, said at least nine bodies believed to be those of the terrorists had been seen.

    Boza said that more searches were ongoing.

    NAN further recalls that Gatawa village and some nearby communities of Sabon Birni Local Government Area had suffered attacks from bandit.

    (NAN)

  • Troops neutralise 18 terrorists, rescue 14 victims, apprehend 47 suspects nationwide – Army

    Troops neutralise 18 terrorists, rescue 14 victims, apprehend 47 suspects nationwide – Army

    The Nigerian Army troops deployed across various Theatres of operation have in the last 48 hours, neutralised about 18 terrorists, rescued 14 kidnapped victims and apprehended 47 suspects in intensified offensives.

    A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operations also led to the recovery of arms, ammunition, livestock, vehicles, motorcycles and other logistics.

    The source said the troops of 135 Special Forces Battalion in the North-East, repelled an ISWAP/JAS attack around Dutsen Nonu in Biu Local Government Area in the morning of Saturday.

    He said the troops engaged the terrorists and neutralised 15 terrorists through ground and air interdiction as well as destroyed two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs) in the encounter.

    The source said the troops also apprehended two ISWAP/JAS logistics suppliers at Customs General area in Maiduguri, with nails suspected for IED fabrication, terrorists’ clothing materials, nets, insecticides and shovels.

    He said that preliminary investigation confirmed their links to the terror network, and they were handed over to 7 Military Intelligence Brigade.

    In the North-West, the source said the troops of Operation FANSAN Yamma, intervened in a communal clash in Guri Local Government Area of Jigawa within the period.

    He added that troops also intercepted terrorists in Zamfara and Kebbi, rescuing injured civilians and recovered a motorcycle.

    “In Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, troops and hunters apprehended a suspected kidnapper at Godogodo village.

    “Under Operation Peace Shield, troops recovered 110 cows and 46 sheep after dislodging violent extremists in Wase LGA, Plateau, with efforts ongoing to identify the rightful owners.

    “Troops also intercepted 11 migrants from Niger Republic travelling without valid documents in Yakurr Local Government Area of Cross River and were handed over to the Nigeria Immigration Service.

    “Meanwhile, in Edo, troops of 195 Battalion on Operation WABAIZIGAN arrested 33 suspected Aiye cult members during a snap check along Avielle Road in Etsako West Local Government Area.

    “They were intercepted in two Toyota Sienna buses and a Lexus RX350 at about 6:50 am on Saturday.

    “Items recovered included three pump-action guns, nine cartridges, cutlasses, 35 mobile phones, power banks, a WiFi device, two motorcycles and face masks.

    “The suspects reportedly confessed to returning from an initiation ceremony in Agbede Forest,” he said.

    In Taraba, the source said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued two victims after a kidnap incident in Amadu town, Kurmi Local Government Area,adding that two victims escaped from their abductors, while efforts were on to rescue the remaining two.

    The military source reiterated the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian army to sustain the tempo of operation across the country to continue to safeguard the citizens.

    (NAN)