Tag: Army

The Nigerian Army says troops of Operation Peace Shield rescued 10 kidnapped women during a special operation in the early hours of Friday in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

A credible source at Army Headquarters revealed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday in Abuja.

The source said the victims were abducted from their farms at Unguwan Nungu on Nov. 29, prompting Sector 5 troops to launch sustained search-and-rescue mission.

He said the troops intercepted the kidnappers around 6.40 a.m. on Friday as they attempted to collect ransom money from relatives of the victims.

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According to him, the soldiers engaged the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to abandon the captives and flee.

“The troops recovered a fabricated AK-47 rifle, one round of 9mm ammunition and ₦1.6 million, described as part of the ransom money.

“The rescued women have since been debriefed and reunited with their families, while efforts are underway to track down the fleeing kidnappers,” he said.

The source said the Nigerian Army remained committed to restoring peace and security in different parts of the country.

He said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, commended the troops and urged them to sustain the tempo against terrorists, bandits and criminal elements.

(NAN)

The Theatre Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force, Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Idris Warrah, has reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to strengthening operational intensity to eliminate bandits and banditry across the Northwest and the country at large.

Warrah vowed that no stone would be left unturned in the military’s efforts to completely eradicate the menace in the region.

Addressing troops undergoing training at the 8 Division Headquarters in Sokoto on Wednesday, shortly after inspecting facilities at the training unit, the Theatre Commander emphasised that “professional competence, discipline, and regimentation” must be rooted in strict adherence to orders and respect for superiors.

He stressed that the Army was “not set to dance nor party with bandits,” but fully prepared to enhance its operational capacity through improved regimentation and discipline.

“You should all prepare your minds psychologically and brace for the task of sustaining the tempo to achieve the desired success,” he charged the soldiers.

Warrah, accompanied by the GOC 8 Division, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, during his routine familiarisation and inspection tour of sector and sub-sector units, reiterated that the armed forces have a duty to protect civilians and restore peace in the Northwest and the nation.

“I must point out that the burden is on us,” he said, commending the troops for clearing key bandit enclaves, neutralising several criminals, and recovering weapons.

He assured the personnel that the armed forces would continue to provide adequate support, including for those with injuries.

He also urged wounded soldiers to extend the appreciation of the Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Defence Staff, and the armed forces to their families for their resilience and support.

During a visit to the Illela 248 Recce Battalion, Warrah inspected accommodation and other facilities before urging troops to further strengthen their operational efforts.

“Your professional resilience, discipline, and respect are the foundation and bedrock upon which the military was built,” he reminded them, calling for intensified efforts as operations against banditry continue.

The Nigerian Army says its troops have recorded fresh operational successes across the country, foiling a major kidnap plot in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and disrupting terrorist activities in the North-West, North-East and North-Central within the last 24 hours.

A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday that troops under Operation FANSAN YAMMA disrupted multiple terrorist activities in Kebbi, Katsina and Sokoto States.

He said the troops of 1 Battalion (Reconnaissance) raided Sakwabe Forest on at Bachaka in Arewa Local Government Area of Kebbi State, forcing terrorists to flee and recovering ammunition, clothing and communication devices.

The source said the troops at FOB Kaoje also responded to a distress call at Bakin Ruwa where police had arrested three suspected terrorists. The source said troops increased patrols in the area following fears of reprisal attacks by the suspects’ accomplices.

In Katsina, he said the troops of 17 Brigade responded to an attack along the Kankara–Mabai Road, where terrorists killed a commercial driver.

Read Also: Ndume hails Army over teenage girls’ rescue

According to him, soldiers evacuated passengers and their vehicle to safety.

“The same brigade also rescued a kidnapped victim at Unguwan Nayaya during a fighting patrol.

“Also in Sokoto, troops of 8 Division Garrison engaged terrorists at Chacho village in Wurno Local Government Area, where one civilian injured by gunshots was evacuated to UDUTH Sokoto.

“The highlight of the 24-hour operations was in the FCT, where troops of 176 Guards Battalion, working with the Nigeria Police Anti-Kidnapping Unit, foiled a planned mass abduction in Kwali and Gwagwalada Area Councils.

“Acting on intelligence and intercepted communications, the troops ambushed the kidnap syndicate at Gada-Biu on Dec. 1, killing one of the suspects and recovering an AK-47 rifle with ammunition,” he said.

The source said the troops operating under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), conducted clearance operations in communities within Karim Lamido Local Government Area of Taraba, recovering a pump-action gun, a Dane gun and three motorcycles after insurgents fled during contact.

He added that a soldier was also arrested in Kashimbila for allegedly communicating with a wanted insurgent leader identified as “Commander Abam”.

According to the source, troops across all theatres have continued to dominate the battlespace through aggressive patrols, ambushes and fighting operations.

“The security forces remain committed to sustaining the pressure until terrorism, banditry and kidnapping are decisively defeated,” he added.

(NAN)

Nigerian Army troops have rescued 12 teenage girls abducted by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Mussa District of Askira-Uba Local Government Area, Borno State. 

The victims, aged between 15 and 20, were kidnapped on November 23 while harvesting crops on their family farmlands.

A source at the Army Headquarters told The Nation late Saturday night that the girls were rescued on Saturday, following “a swift, intelligence-led operation” by troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the southern Borno axis.

The source revealed the names of the girls as: Fatima Shaibu, age 17; Fatima Umaru, age 15; Hauwa Abubakar, age 18); Saliha Muhammed, age 15; Sadiya Umaru, age 17; Amira Babel, age 15; Zara Adamu age 17; Nana Shaibu age 15; Zainab Musa, age 18; Zainab Muhammed, age 17; Jamila Saidu, age 15; and Hauwa Hamidu, age 17.

According to the source, the rescued girls have been evacuated to a secure military facility where they are receiving comprehensive medical care, psychological support and debriefing. 

“Upon completion of these processes, they will be formally reunited with their families. 

“Their recovery has brought immense relief to the community, which had been gripped by fear following the abduction,” the source said.

He said the military high command had commended the doggedness of the troops for their swift response and acknowledged the crucial support of security stakeholders and local informants whose timely information enabled the successful rescue. 

The source assured that troops would continue to pursue ISWAP remnants across southern Borno to prevent further attacks and safeguard civilians.

The source urged communities to continue to support ongoing military operations by providing credible and timely information, emphasizing that collaborative efforts are essential to defeating terrorism and ensuring lasting security.

The Nigerian Army has promoted 28 officers to the rank of Major General and 77 officers to the Brigadier General.

Army spokesperson, Lt.Col Apollonia Anele, announced this in a statement on Friday.

According to the statement, the approval was given by the Army Council on Thursday, November 27.

Those promoted to the rank of Major General, according to the statement, are: Brig Gen O Adegbe, Brig Gen SM Uba, Brig Gen RE Hedima, Brig Gen RT Utsaha, Brig Gen AM Umar, Brig Gen S Sulaiman, Brig Gen IO Bassey, Brig Gen CA Ekeator, Brig Gen SY Yakasai, Brig Gen WL Nzidee, Brig Gen SA Emmanuel, Brig Gen SS Tilawan, Brig Gen MO Agi, Brig Gen IM Abbas, and Brig Gen ZA Saidu, who was promoted posthumously.

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The officers promoted to the rank of Brigadier General are: Colonel Y Ibrahim, Colonel NN Gambo, Colonel A Saidu, Colonel A Ali, Colonel I Waziri, Colonel MM Sani, Colonel AA Alkali, Colonel AO Ndah, Colonel IB Sheriff, Colonel KR Apata, Colonel MK Akpuogwu, Colonel PU Nnaji, Colonel MT Nagudu, Colonel KO Bukoye, Colonel O Adole, Colonel JA Ikagba, Colonel DC Ibeh, Colonel GS Chohwore, Colonel OG Okoye, and Colonel YK Audu, among others.    

The statement said the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, had felicitated with the newly promoted senior officers and their families.

“He charged them to intensify their professional drive and prove beyond doubt that their elevation is well-deserved.

“He also directed the officers to demonstrate exemplary leadership, inspire their subordinates through personal conduct while cultivating bold, innovative, and unconventional solutions capable of delivering swift and decisive responses to the nation’s evolving security threats,” the statement said.

It said the COAS further charged the officers to uphold, without compromise, their sacred oath of allegiance to defend the territorial integrity of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“He reiterated that their loyalty to the Constitution must remain absolute, unwavering, and beyond reproach,’ the statement said.

 Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded multiple operational successes across theatres in the North-East, North-West, North-Central and South-South within the last 24 hours, Army Headquarters source has said.

The source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops had sustained aggressive posture against criminal elements across the country.

Under Operation Fansan Yamma, he said the troops of 3 Brigade deployed to Tsanyawa in Kano State on Tuesday, foiled an attempted movement of terrorists from Kankia in Katsina.

The source said the troops pursued the criminals after reports of abductions, and successfully rescued one female victim, while another escaped during the operation.

The source said that troops of 1 Division at FOB Dogon Dawa traced terrorists who attacked Madobiya community in Birnin Gwari area of Kaduna State, pursued them to Damari and apprehended one suspect, recovering two motorcycles and other items.

He added that troops of 17 Brigade conducting a fighting patrol to Kaiga in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State made contact with terrorists and recovered a motorcycle, a Baofeng radio, ammunition and cash.

“In Kebbe, Sokoto State, troops intercepted three suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and seized 375 litres of petrol, soft drinks, sachet water, phones, an ATM card and ₦143,330, handing the suspects to the DSS.

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“Also in Kamba in Dandi Local Government Area of Kebbi , troops engaged terrorists rustling cattle and recovered three AK-47 rifles, five magazines, 113 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 182 rounds of PKT ammunition, radios and a mobile phone.

Under Operation MESA, the source said the troops of 177 Guards Battalion and other agencies in Keffi, Nasarawa State, apprehended 10 illicit drug peddlers and destroyed their illegal market.

He said the troops of 12 Brigade in Kogi on Tuesday, intercepted a vehicle conveying 108.8kg of cannabis and apprehended the suspect.

According to him, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke also recorded success with the arrest of a suspected member of a kidnapping gang in Wukari, Taraba State.

“In the South-South, troops of JTF Operation Delta Safe uncovered nine newly built illegal refining sites in Biseni, Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa, and destroyed several pits, ovens, crude and illegally refined products in line with standard procedures,” he said. (NAN) 

An Army General allegedly abducted by Boko Haram  has returned back to base but not without casualties, The Nation has gathered.

Reports of the abduction of the Brigade Commander of 25 Task Force in Damboa Local Government in Borno State circulated the media in the late hours of Friday and  earlier hours of Saturday.

Some online publications reported the possible abduction of the General but could not independently verify the development. 

However, some security sources informed that the General returned to the base this morning Saturday on foot.

The Military has also confirmed through a statement by Lt. Col. ANELE,  Acting Director Army Public Relations that Brig. General M. Uba did came in contact with some Boko insurgents on a routine patrol along Wajiroko in Damboa Laocal Government of Borno State.

The statement also informed that two soldiers and two Civilian JTF member were killed in the encounter.

The statement reads: “Troops of 25 Task Force  Brigade, on routine patrol to secure communities around Wajiroko in Azir Multe, Damboa LGA of Borno State, came under a sudden and heavy insurgents fire while returning from a successful patrol within the fringes of Sambisa Forest.

“The patrol team which was led by the Commander 25 Brigade Brigadier General M Uba and comprised troops of 25 Task Force Brigade and members of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) courageously fought through the   insurgents ambush with superior fire power, forcing them to withdraw in dissaray and to abandone their mission. 

“During the encounter two brave soldiers and two heroic CJTF members paid the supreme price while on active service to the nation. While commending the troops for their gallantry, the Army high command commiserates with families and associates of the deceased gallants for their heroic sacrifice to the nation. 

“The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander. The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.

“The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, Nigerian Army Medal, salutes the uncommon bravery, resilience and sacrifice of the gallant troops who have continued to operate in one of the most dangerous theatres of conflict on behalf of our dear nation.

” Their unflinching commitment, even in the face of grave danger, remains a powerful reminder of the daily sacrifices being made by our gallant service men and women to keep Nigeria safe.”

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, says the Nigerian Army under his leadership will prioritise troop welfare, sound administration and fairness in postings and appointments.

The chief says the aim is to sustain morale and enhance operational efficiency.

Shaibu stated this at an interactive session with defence correspondents during his operational tour of the North-East Theatre in Maiduguri on Thursday.

He said that the visit was aimed at appreciating troops for their resilience and sacrifices in securing the country.

The chief thanked them for the felicitations and appreciating the cordial working relationship.

“You are aware that I have been here for a very long time and I understand the challenges.

“First, I want to appreciate the troops for what they have been doing and the extent they are going in securing the entire area of operations, ” he said.

The COAS said the army would sustain and improve on the “soldier-first” concept initiated by his predecessor.

He emphasised that personnel must receive what was due to them promptly, both in the field and at home.

Read Also: Army neutralises two terrorists, arrests 20, rescues 17 kidnap victims

“As soldiers get what is due to them on time; we will see how we can extend that support to their families at home while they serve their fatherland,” he added.

On administration, Shaibu said that merit and professionalism would guide postings and appointments within the Army.

“We will ensure that the right people are placed in the right places.

“We will appoint the right commanders and staff officers to ensure fairness, justice and that every person gets what is due to him within the system,” he said.

The chief emphasised that morale, which he described as a “key component of fighting power”, would not be compromised.

Speaking on welfare, the COAS reiterated that allowances and other entitlements would be paid as and when due, noting that ration cost allowances approved for soldiers would be sustained.

“We will continue to pay their allowances on time. With all these packages for them, they will know that they are being taken care of,” Shaibu said.

(NAN)