The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Army

  • Army to partner Borno hunters to fight insurgency

    The Army said it will partner the Vigilance/Hunters Association in Borno State in the counter insurgency operations in Northeast.

    According to a statement by the spokesman, Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division, Brig.-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu, spoke when he met with the association, led by its Chairman, Alhaji Maigana Maidarma.

    Biu urged the hunters to proffer solutions to checkmate Boko Haram insurgency.

    According to him, the meeting is timely and will allow them discuss ways to end insurgency in the region.

    The GOC called on the hunters to provide credible and information to help in the arrest of terrorists, saying fighting insurgency required collective effort.

    Maidarma assured Biu of their support and promised to leverage on the association’s knowledge of Sambisa forest in assisting the Army in its operations.

    He, however, enumerated some challenges confronting the association as lack of mobility and weapons.

  • Army Kill 16 Insurgents, Large Cache of Arms, Ammunition in Borno

    Sixteen  Boko Haram insurgents were on Saturday killed in an encounter with troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in the Forward Operational Base (FOB) along Mairari in Monguno at about 6.50 pm on Friday 27 July 2018, in Mairari, a village located in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno state.

    According a statement signed by the Deputy Director Public Relations, theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, the insurgents who were in three vehicles, including Gun trucks had infiltrated had attacked the community, when troops at the FOB were alerted by locals.

    According to him,the troops supported by the Air Task Force swiftly responded to the attack killing 16 insurgents and capturing 2 Gun trucks abandoned by the insurgents, as they tried escaping .

    The Army also recovered 163 Rounds of Anti Aircraft Gun Ammunition during the fierce encounter.

    He however added that 4 civilians and a soldier, sustained varying degrees of injury during the fire fight, and have been promptly evacuated to a Military Hospital, where they currently receiving medical attention.

    Meanwhile the army while assuring the people of their readiness to further combat terror has also informed that the Base has been further reinforced with additional troops, adding that fighting patrols are on the trail of the insurgents who fled the attack.

    The Army has further enjoined members of the community to remain vigilant and report any suspicious person(s) or activities as they go about their normal business as calm has since been restored and the people of Mongonu Local Government Area

  • Army: we killed terrorists, lost troops in Yobe

    The Army yesterday confirmed that there were casualties among troops of 233 Battalion who were ambushed by Boko Haram terrorists on Sarawa Road in Babbangida Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    A statement by the Director of Public Relations, Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, said the situation has been brought under control as additional troops have been deployed in the area.

    According to him, the area is now under the control of the military, while the Air Force is also watching over the area with its air assets to track down fleeing terrorists.

    The statement reads: “On July 21, troops of 233 Battalion deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole, while countering an ambush staged by Boko Haram insurgents  on Sarawa Road in Babbangida Local Government Area of Yobe State, neutralised many insurgents.

    “The troops encountered the ambush during a fighting patrol to clear the general area of fleeing terrorists who have been on rampage for food and logistics.

    “The troops overpowered and neutralised the insurgents in the fire fight and successfully extricated themselves from the ambush.

    “Information have so far confirmed that the insurgents, whose original mission was to attack and loot the Babbangida market for food and other logistics, aborted the mission to stage the ambush on getting wind of the troops’ patrol.

    “Unfortunately, the troops recorded some casualties. The situation has been brought under control by the troops and additional troops have been drafted to the area for reinforcement.

    “The Air Task Force is on aerial surveillance of the general area to track down fleeing terrorists and the people are urged not to panic.”

  • Sokoto attack: Army begins special operation

    …seeks residents support

    The Nigerian Army has launched a joint security operation to clear bandits terrorizing Gandi and Tabanni villages in Rabbah Local Government area of Sokoto State.

    A statement issued to the News Agency of Nigeria on Friday in Sokoto signed by the spokesman of 1 Division, Nigeria Army Sokoto, Major Clement Abiade, said that the operation followed the July 9 attack by bandits in which scores of villagers were killed.

    It said that the operation, consisting of the Army, Air Force, Police, NSCDC and DSS, commenced on Thursday and would be extended to parts of Zamfara.

    “The force is also expected to clear the LGA and the adjoining borders area of bandits and to a large extent, act as blocking force against fleeing bandits hibernating between borders of Zamfara and Sokoto states,” it said.

    The statement quoted the Brigade Commander, Brig. Gen. Kennedy Udeagbala as telling the troops to ensure smooth inter service cooperation, be disciplined and exhibit high level of professionalism in the conduct of the operation.

    Read Also: Sokoto Attack: FG will beef up security – Dambazau

    It added that Udeagbala assured of adequate provision of logistics and welfare to the operatives, and urged them to be focused so as to achieve total success within the shortest possible time.

    The statement said that the operation also include ensuring that all Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) currently camped in Gandi, return to their homes safely and a secured environment.

    It urged residents of the area to support security agencies with relevant information to clear the area of bandits and other bad elements.

    The event was witnessed by the Commander 119 FOB, Nigerian Air Force, Group Captain Earnest Owai.

  • Army repels attack, neutralises 22 terrorists

    The Army said on Monday it neutralised 22 suspected terrorists in Bama Local Government Area of Borno, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds after troops repelled an attack.

    The army spokesman, Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu, who disclosed this in a statement, however, denied a report that the terrorists attacked, killed soldiers and carted away some military vehicles.

    Chukwu said the report was “not only untrue but misleading and blown out of proportion”. He admitted that there was an attempted attack on troops at Kwakwa and Chingori communities in Bama area by suspected terrorists due to difficult terrain where troops “vehicles bugged down”.

    “The terrorists also attempted to cart away troops operational vehicles, but were successfully repelled by our gallant troops with the support of the Nigerian Air Force.

    “Unfortunately, one officer and a soldier sustained injuries and are currently receiving medical attention at the military medical facility,” he said. Chukwu urged residents of the North East to disregard the report as their safety was guaranteed.

  • Army inaugurates cenotaph for slain troops in Borno

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, has inaugurated a cenotaph at Gudumbali, Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno Sate, in memory of troops who died in battle.

    Buratai said the town was one of the strongholds of Boko Haram terrorists in Borno North during the heat of the insurgency.

    He also admitted that the Army suffered heavy casualty and loss of equipment in the battle to liberate the town in 2015.

    Gudumbali is about 125kms to Maiduguri and 15kms to Niger Republic.

    Gen. Buratai inaugurated the memorial arcade shortly after he kicked off a sanitation exercise as part of activities marking the 2018 Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL).

    He said: “It was very difficult from 2014, in fact from 2013 and 2014, it was difficult to come into Gudumbali from the eastern axis because Gudumbali was heavily mined and fortified.

    “Efforts were made by the 134 Battalion to enter here but it failed. Similarly, when the unit 157 attempted to move in for the first time, they had to withdraw. So many mines or IEDs were laid on the road to this place.

    “At last, when the final directive was given, they successfully entered Gudumbali and crossed over and then harbour here. It was after this that insurgents paid them a surprise visit at night and we lost some soldiers and equipment.”

    “We will continue to pray for the souls of the departed, both here and at other places; may their gentle souls rest in perfect peace.

    “This cenotaph will remain in our memories as a symbol, so anyone who comes here will associate himself and pray for the repose of the souls of the fallen heroes in this operation.

    “They will have their names inscribed here on the monument; every one of them that paid the supreme price here will be remembered.”

    Buratai also donated two tractors to the community to enhance their farming activities.

    Commander of Operation Last Hold Maj-Gen. Abba Dikko said the sanitation exercise was to clean up town of its “bad memories”.

    He added that this was necessary to enable Gudumbali thrive again in commerce, farming, fishing, administration, and to give the people a sense of belonging.

    On June 14, Gen. Buratai, represented by the Chief of Training and Operations, Maj.-Gen. David Ahmadu, visited the town to perform Sharan gona (set fire to bush) to signal the start of the 2018 bush clearing and farming for the people. He assured them that their security was guaranteed.

  • Army kills 7 Boko Haram terrorists, recovers weapons

    The Nigerian Army says its men killed seven Boko Haram terrorists and recovered weapons in Azaya Kalmari village in Mafa local government area of Borno State on Friday.

    Deputy Director Public Relations, Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, disclosed this in Maiduguri.

    Nwachukwu said that the troops encountered the insurgents at about 12.00 noon while conducting clearance operation at remote villages around Mafa town. “The gallant troops overpowered the insurgents in the ensuing firefight, killing seven of them.

    “The troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles, one Ak 56 rifle and 7 rounds of 7.62 mm (special) ammunition.

    “Troops also successfully cleared Moduhum, Njimtulur, Hayaba Gana, and Hayaba Kura, Hashime, Azaya Kura and Azaya villages. All located in the outskirts of Mafa.

    “After clearing the initial resistance posed by the insurgents, the troops proceeded to further clear other surrounding villages including Koshebe Kanuri, Buramburi Gana, Kashakasha, Ngudda, Kezamari, Kellori, koshiri  and Ngwon villages, all located in the remote parts of Mafa Local Government Area.

    “The troops remain resilient as they continue the fighting patrol and taking the battle to the insurgents in their hideouts, “said Nwachukwu.

  • Army neutralises 20 armed bandits, arrests three in Zamfara

    THE Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army in the ongoing Operation (IDON RAINI Corridor II) has neutralised 20 armed bandits and arrested three others in Jambrini Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Muhammad Dole disclosed this in a statement in Kaduna yesterday evening.

    He said, “The troops upon receiving information from residents in the area conducted a raid on the armed bandits in their hideouts in the general area of Jambrini village, made this known in a press statement.

    According to him, “During the raid operations several camps were destroyed and 20 bandits were neutralized. Three bandits were also arrested while some escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The items recovered include four AK 47 rifles, One F 99 – Pistol, One PTT HH Motorola handset, 111 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, five AK 47 rifle magazines, two Dane guns, Three mobile phones and one power bank.”

    While assuring that the troops remain determined and committed to frustrating banditry activities in the area of operation, Dole urged the public to continue to share credible information with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

  • Army kills 20 armed bandits, arrests three in Zamfara

    The Troops of 1 Division, Nigerian Army in the ongoing Operation (IDON RAINI Corridor II) has neutralized 20 armed bandits and arrested three others in Jambrini Village, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara state.
    Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division Nigerian Army, Colonel Muhammad Dole disclosed this in a statement made available to newsmen in Kaduna Saturday evening.
    Colonel Dole said, “The troops upon receiving information from residents in the area conducted a raid on the armed bandits in there hideouts in the general area of Jambrini village,made this known in a press statement.”
    According to him: “During the raid operations several camps were destroyed and 20 bandits were neutralized. Three bandits were also arrested while some escaped with gun shot wounds.
    “The items recovered includes  Four AK 47 rifles, One F 99 – Pistol, One PTT HH Motorola handset, 111 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, five AK 47 rifle magazines, two Dane guns, Three mobile phones and one power bank.”
    While assuring that the troops remain determined and committed to frustrating banditry activities in the area of operation, Dole urged the public to continue to share credible information with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies.

  • Army offers N5m for information on IED factory

    The Army has promised a N5 million reward for anyone with information leading to the discovery of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making factory in Maiduguri and the Northeast.

    Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicolas, who addressed reporters yesterday, said: “We have N5 million reward for anyone who gives information on bomb-making factories in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States, and any part of the theatre.

    “I know the factories are located within our communities. Security is not only for the military or other security agencies, but a collective one.

    “Anyone who has information on the location of IEDs factory should contact me, the police, DSS or any other security agency; there is a N5 million reward.

    “Within one month, we took off over 35 suicide bombers, arrested 25 in Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri, Tungushe, Madgali and Mubi in Borno and Adamawa States. You should assist us to secure our communities.”