Tag: Army

A Nigerian Army officer, Major MD Josiah, who was abducted by gunmen in Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State, has been rescued through the combined efforts of soldiers and community members. 

The officer was reportedly kidnapped from his lodge in Bomadi on Sunday, September 7, and taken into the creeks of Burutu Local Government Area of the state. 

However, the spokesman of 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Captain Iliyasu Bawa Rijau, said the military officer regained freedom on Monday, September 9, as a result of “meticulous planning, intelligence gathering, and collaboration” with community leaders and members of Bomadi.

“This synergy enabled the troops to track down the abductors and rescue the senior officer at Tuomor Waterside in Bomadi Local Government Area, Delta State, on September 9, 2025,” he said.

According to Captain Rijau, Major Josiah sustained gunshot wounds during the rescue operation; he had been evacuated to a medical facility for treatment and receiving adequate care.  

Read Also: Army kills terrorists, arrests 71 suspects in nationwide onslaught

He said the Commander, 63 Brigade, Nigerian Army/Sector 1, Joint Task Force, South South, Operation DELTA SAFE, Brigadier General MA Shonibare, had commended the troops for their bravery and tactical prowess. 

“He assured the public that the Nigerian Army remains committed to maintaining peace and security in Delta State and its environs. 

“Brigadier General Shonibare also expressed his profound appreciation to the communities in Bomadi Local Government Area for their cooperation and support,” Rijau said.

The Nigerian Army has arrested one of its personnel for alleged gunrunning, even as troops rescued eight kidnap victims and recovered arms and ammunition in recent operations across the country.

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

He said the soldier, identified as Lance Cpl. Saifullahi Garba (14NA/72/15972), was arrested in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State with 711 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

According to the source, preliminary findings showed that the soldier had been accumulating the ammunition from clearance operations with the intent of supplying terrorists.

“He has since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

The source also confirmed that troops in Bama intercepted terrorists’ logistics movement and recovered 379 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Read Also: Army charges soldiers on discipline, combat readiness

He added ambush operations by troops in Borno and Yobe led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, 11 rounds of ammunition and other items, with one terrorist neutralised.

In the North-Central, the source said troops rescued three more kidnap victims in Nassarawa, in addition to five earlier rescued.

He said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke recovered 579 rustled cattle and two AK-47 rifles from armed herdsmen responsible for earlier attacks in Taraba.

In the South-South, the source said the troops of Operation Delta Safe arrested 10 armed suspects in Rivers disguised in OSPAC uniforms.

According to him, troops seized five pump-action rifles, locally made guns, charms, mobile phones and ₦1.7 million cash, while a separate raid in Ahoada East neutralised two cult leaders.

“These operations demonstrate both the army’s resolve to deny terrorists and criminals freedom of action and its vigilance to deal decisively with any betrayal within the ranks,” he said.

(NAN)

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. -Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has said operations would be stepped up in Katsina and other parts of the country to improve security. 

He gave the assurance when he visited the acting Governor of Katsina State, Alhaji Faruk Lawal Jobe. 

The Army Chief was in the state to commiserate with the government and people of the state over recent banditry attacks.

According to Oluyede, immediate and improved measures would be put in place to avert such unfortunate incidents that claimed lives and property. 

A statement yesterday by the acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR), Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, Oluyede urged the people to with security agencies in the collective effort to defeat bandits and make the Nigerian space safer for all citizens.

In his response, the acting Governor the army of continuous support, noting the huge investment the state government had made towards bettering security. 

Jobe commended the army for its efforts in mitigating security challenges in the state, noting with satisfaction troops’ commitment to duty and timely response to distress calls. 

Anele said the COAS was briefed by the Commander 17 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. BO Omopariola, at Natsinta Barracks, on their activities, challenges and projections, during his operational visit to 8 Division/Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA.

Read Also: Army trains personnel against drug abuse in the northeast 

The Brigade Commander assured the COAS of the continued dedication of his troops to intensify operations that will better secure the state. 

“The COAS commended the Brigade for their efforts and urged them to make further sacrifices in securing the state and by extension, the nation. He assured them of enhanced logistics support to enable the troops carry out their tasks seamlessly,” said Anele. 

Continuing his three-day operational tour of Katsina State, Anele said the Army Chief visited troops at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Federal University Dutsinma, and urged them to remain steadfast in securing the institution as well as its environs. 

Oluyede also visited troops at the FOB Safana, where he charged the soldiers to intensify operations and deal decisively with bandits, other criminal elements within their area of responsibility.

At FOB, Malumfashi, the COAS further reiterated his earlier directive for troops to go all out to clear bandits and rid the state of all forms of criminality, reassuring them of his commitment to improved welfare, provision of logistics for operations to enable them perform effectively. 

The Nigerian Army has launched a proactive campaign to combat drug and substance abuse among frontline troops in the Northeast. 

The Nation reports that the abuse of substances has become one of the major growing threat to its operational effectiveness in the region.

The concern was expressed by the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olufemi Oluyede, at a one-day joint security seminar held at the Theatre Command Officers’ Mess in Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri. 

Represented by the Theatre Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, Major General Abdulsalam Abubakar, the COAS highlighted the timeliness of the seminar, themed “Transformational Leadership and Nigerian Army Operational Effectiveness in a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment for Junior and Mid Cadre.” 

The event was organized by the Chief of Transformation and Innovation, Major General Sinyinah Nicodemus, and was specifically targeted at junior and mid-cadre personnel who serve as tactical commanders on the ground.

In his address, General Oluyede emphasised that leadership is a “critical component of combat power” and stressed the need for officers to learn and lead effectively. 

He noted that while these frontline commanders have been “creditably discharging their duties,” the dynamic nature of today’s security threats requires a holistic approach, including confronting the issue of substance abuse. 

The COAS commended the seminar’s focus on this topic, calling it one of the major impediments to combat readiness.

His words, “It is indeed gratifying to note that the target audience for this seminar are the junior and middle cadre personnel of the Nigerian Army who comprise the tactical level of our operations. 

“At this critical level, you serve as frontline commanders, responsible for leading men, sustaining their morale and motivation as well as preserving their fighting spirit.

“To the participants, most of your respective units are currently deployed in the North East theatre of operations and I am glad to note that as leaders, you have been creditably discharging your duties as is expected from you. Nonetheless, there is still more work ahead. 

Read Also: Army relocates to Malumfashi in renewed onslaught against banditry

“As you all know, leadership is a critical component of combat power and remains central to

the success of every military operation. Therefore, opportunities to learn and lead better, just as this seminar offers, must be maximized and put to judicious use. 

“I have also been informed that the issue of drug/substance abuse, one of the impediments to our combat readiness will be addressed during this seminar and I commend this initiative. The Nigerian Army has been at the forefront of the fight against terrorism and insurgency, making immense sacrifices to safeguard the peace and security of our beloved

nation. 

“However, the dynamic and evolving nature of today’s threat environment demands a holistic approach to leadership and the conduct of our operations. To this end, we must keep our minds open to learning, not only from forums such as this, but from real life experiences.

” I want to commend the efforts of the Chief of Transformation and Innovation (Army) for organizing this important engagement. Let me also express my immense gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his steadfast support and strategic guidance to the Nigerian Army”. Oluyede stated.

Major General Sinyinah Nicodemus, represented by the Director of Lessons Learnt, Major General Olusegun Abai, underscored that the seminar was designed to reposition the Nigerian Army through enhanced leadership and discipline. 

He explained that two lectures were scheduled: “Building the Leadership Capacity of Junior and Mid-Cadre Comds: The Role of Operational Level Commanders in the Nigerian Army” and “Effects of Drug/Substance Abuse on Combat Readiness.”

The seminar also highlighted the importance of inter-agency cooperation, with General Abai stressing the need for collaboration with other services and agencies such as the Nigeria Police Force and the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

 The initiative reflects the Nigerian Army’s commitment to adapting to evolving challenges and building a force that is not only well-equipped but also mentally and physically resilient.

The event, which was attended by numerous officers, serves as a testament to the Army’s resolve to safeguard the nation and ensure the well-being of its personnel in the face of persistent security challenges.

The National Centre for the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons (NCCSALW) has destroyed 1,316 illicit arms as part of the federal government’s efforts to control the proliferation of illegal firearms in the country.

The illicit arms were destroyed at the Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri in Abuja, on Thursday.

The event marked the fifth in the series of destruction by the NCCSALW since its establishment in 2021.

Speaking at the venue, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s determination to stamp out the illicit arms proliferation.

Ribadu described the arms proliferation as a “monstrous challenge” to national peace and stability.

He noted that the federal government was resolved to take firm measures, not only by strengthening domestic controls but also by working with international partners to curb illicit arms flows.

He said, “It has become a major source of vulnerability in our society and stands out as a key driver of violent conflict, crimes and terrorism within and beyond our borders.

“This event today is a reminder to all Nigerians of our collective responsibility to support the government and, by extension, the security agencies in our fight to defeat criminality, terrorism, banditry and all other forms of behaviours that threaten our national interest.”

Ribadu noted that the signing of the Control of Small Arms and Light Weapons Act 2024 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had provided the necessary legal framework for a robust response to the menace. We, as patriotic citizens, must stand up to be counted at this time.

Read Also: Police arrest six robbery, cultism suspects, recover firearms in Enugu

“Let us trust the government, provide information to our security agencies, and work together to restore our country to the path of peace, security and development,” Ribadu said.

The Director-General of NCCSALW, retired Deputy Inspector-General of Police Johnson Babatunde Kokumo, disclosed that 1,316 assorted weapons were destroyed during the exercise.

He said,” With today’s exercise, NCCSALW has successfully destroyed over 13,230 illicit, obsolete and unserviceable weapons in just four years.”

Kokomo emphasised that the exercise was in line with Nigeria’s commitment to regional and international conventions, noting that illicit arms destruction was not just about destroying weapons, but “demonstrating our transparency and accountability in ensuring that illicit arms never return to circulation. “

“This aligns with Article 17 of the ECOWAS Convention on SALW and the United Nations Programme of Action on illicit arms.

“Beyond ECOWAS, we are engaging Chad and Cameroon to stem the tide of cross-border arms trafficking. These engagements are already yielding results,” he said.

The DG expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces and other security agencies for their cooperation.

The Nigerian Army has neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested 42 criminal suspects, and rescued 30 kidnapped victims in a series of recent operations across various regions of the country.

A reliable source at Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, that the coordinated operations were carried out in the North East, North West, North Central, South West, and South South zones.

He revealed that troops foiled planned attacks by ISWAP and Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe States, specifically in the Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Banki, and Gujba areas.

According to him, 15 terrorists were killed, while others fled, leaving behind rifles, ammunition, grenades, explosives, motorcycles, and communication equipment.

The source further disclosed that in Kaduna State, joint operations with the police and other security agencies led to the arrest of 15 suspects involved in illicit drug activities.

He said 25 suspects were also apprehended in Bayelsa and two in Delta in connection with oil theft.

He said in Benue State, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 27 kidnapped passengers at Amoda in Ohimini LGA, while three other victims were freed in separate operations in Borno and Sokoto following intense gun battles with terrorists.

Additionally, the source said troops uncovered and destroyed illegal crude oil bunkering sites in Imo, Rivers, and Delta States, recovering thousands of litres of stolen petroleum products.

According to him, in Ogun, a drug syndicate was intercepted with a large quantity of cannabis.

The source reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining national security and noted the vital role of inter-agency collaboration in tackling terrorism and criminal activities.

He added that those operations were also intended to create safer environments that would support agricultural productivity in line with the Federal Government’s food security agenda. (NAN)