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Tag: Col. Aminu Iliyasu

  • How he was gunned down, by Army

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said

    Agulegbu was planning to attack security agencies’ locations, churches and schools in Rivers, before he was gunned down by a combined team of soldiers and operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    Iliyasu said: “In compliance with the Presidential directive to fish out and bring to justice the perpetrators of the heinous killings of 23 innocent residents of Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (ONELGA) of Rivers State on January 1, 2018 by the notorious Don Waney criminal cult group, troops of 222 Battalion, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with operatives of the DSS, Rivers State Command, tracked one of the members of the killer criminal gang, Augustine Agulegbu, the CSO to the late Don Waney, and the 6th in command of the criminal gang.

    “After painstaking efforts by the security agencies, Agulegbu was traced to his hideout at a location along New Sapele Road, Obiaruku in Ukwani Local Government Area of Delta State in the early hours of February 14, 2018. He was among the killer squad that killed 23 worshippers returning from the crossover service on January 1, 2018 at Omoku, Rivers State.

    “Reliable information also has it that he (Agulegbu) and other gang members, still at large. were already making plans to attack security agencies’ locations, churches and schools within Rivers State, as a reprisal to the clampdown on their remnants now at large. Agulegbu was, however, shot in an encounter with the security operatives and died before reaching the hospital.”

    Deputy director, army public relations also revealed that Agulegbu’s body had been brought to Port Harcourt and handed over to the Rivers police command.

  • Army’s 6 Division gets new GOC

    Army’s 6 Division gets new GOC

    Maj.-Gen. Musa Yusuf has taken over as new General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt.

    The division’s Spokesman, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, disclosed this known in a statement in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

    He said Yusuf would command army formations and units in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers States.

    The new GOC replaced Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, who was redeployed to Lagos as GOC, 81 Division.

    Before his new appointment, Yusuf was the Commander of the Guards Brigade, Nigerian Army.

    He was a member of the 37 Regular Course of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) Infantry Corps.

    NAN

  • Army destroy 46 oil bunker sites in Niger Delta

    Army destroy 46 oil bunker sites in Niger Delta

    The Nigerian Army said it had destroyed 46 illegal bunker sites in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Rivers at the just-concluded Exercise Crocodile Smile II.

    Col. Aminu Iliyasu, Spokesman of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, said in a statement that several wooden boats and barges loaded with huge quantity of crude oil were seized.

    Iliyasu said that several suspects were arrested and handed over to relevant security agencies for possible prosecution.

    “Troops also destroyed illegal oil dump sites; seized vehicles transporting illegal products and arrested perpetrators of the illegal activities.

    “A total of 13 cases were recorded across 6 Division’s Area of Responsibility, while firearms and other dangerous weapons were recovered in our anti-cultism operations.

    “Also, our reinvigorated Anti-Kidnapping Squad busted nine kidnap syndicates who provided useful information about criminals’ hideouts, their mode of operation and sources of weapons,” he said.

    The spokesman attributed the success of exercise to cooperation and support of residents in the three states.

    He said troops had also carried out free medical and education outreaches in communities in Rivers and Bayelsa.

  • ‘Operation crocodile smile curbs criminal activities’

    ‘Operation crocodile smile curbs criminal activities’

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, has disclosed that the Nigerian Army’s Operation Crocodile Smile 2 is denying criminals in the Niger Delta freedom of action.

    He made the disclosure on Monday in an online statement, while insisting that the criminal elements such as kidnappers, armed robbers, sea pirates, cultists, illegal oil bunkers, crude oil thieves and other hoodlums were now finding it extremely difficult to operate in the crude oil and gas-rich region.

    Iliyasu said: “Following the official flag-off of Operation Crocodile Smile II by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai on Friday, 13th October 2017, the tempo of operational activities within 6 Division Area of Responsibility (AOR) has since been stepped up, with high morale among troops of the division.

    “It is evident that the increased presence of troops both on land and in the waterways dominating the entire 6 Division AOR has started yielding fruits.

    “In 2 Brigade AOR, which covers Akwa Ibom State, vigilant troops, based on a tip-off by some patriotic Nigerians, on 9th October 2017, arrested one Mr. Udeme Dick Nnah, a notorious cultist, who has been terrorising the community. In a similar operation on 12th October, 2017, troops of 2 Brigade Garrison, after careful surveillance, arrested the duo of Mr. Saviour Friday Markus and Mr. Nsika Okon Udoh, on cult-related activities.

    “On 10th October, 2017, troops of 2 Brigade Garrison on patrol, accosted a group of vandals at Itu Paper Mill in Uruan Local Government Area (of Akwa Ibom State), cutting armoured cables belonging to the company. 2 suspects: Mr. Ekom and Mr. Ndefrike, were arrested with 3 rolls of vandalised cables and 2 motorcycles. Additionally, on the same day, troops raided the residence of a suspected arms supplier, one Mr. Friday Silas Udoh at Ikot Odiong of Ukanafun LGA,(of Akwa Ibom State), where he was arrested. Items recovered from the residence include live cartridges, locally-made guns, gunpowder, damaged single barrel guns and gun-making accessories.

    “On 14th October, 2017, troops tracked and arrested 3 suspects, Mr. Akan Monday Amos, Mr. Abak Obong and Mr. Oyobong Frank Udoh, terrorising law-abiding citizens of Abak Obong, Oruk Atai II and Ikot Udo Obong villages respectively in Etim Ekpo LGA. (of Akwa Ibom State). In the same vein, one Bishop Uwah Mfon Akpan believed to be the financier of wanted criminals was arrested at Ikot Ibekwe community of Ukanafun LGA. The suspect is volunteering information about gangs of kidnappers and cultists linked to him.”

    Spokesman of 6 division also stated that on October 15 this year, troops on a robust patrol to Ikpe community of Etim Ekpo LGA of Akwa Ibom state, encountered and arrested three suspected cult members, while items recovered from them include a locally-made long barrel gun and one locally-made short gun, with the troops also carrying out raids/destruction of an identified criminal hideout/shrine at Ikpe, where one suspect was arrested.

    In a cordon-and-search operation conducted by the troops of 6 divisions on 17th October 2017 in the house of one Mr. Ikom Monday at Ikot Ibekwe in Ukanafun LGA, he revealed that one locally made pistol, 11 expended cartridges and one live cartridge were discovered buried in a toilet, stressing that a night patrol the same day, between Ikot Apetach and Ikot Ituen, arrested three suspected criminals in possession of a locally-made jackknife and wraps of Indian hemp.

    Iliyasu said: “Suspected cultist, Mr. Nnamso Thompson Akpan, was nabbed by troops at Nkek village of Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State. There was also arrest of two suspected kidnappers at Nkek and Oyoyo villages of Ukanafun LGA, who were found to be in possession of threats letters meant for their potential victims.

    “The same success story is unfolding in the neighbouring Rivers State, where troops of 6 Brigade are also tightening the noose on criminal elements and economic saboteurs in the entire state. On 10th October, 2017, at 2:00 am, troops of 29 Battalion intercepted a MARK truck, loaded with suspected stolen crude oil at Rukpokwu area of Obio-Akpor LGA of the state. Suspects fled and abandoned the truck on sighting the troops. On the same day, troops of 146 Battalion, in conjunction with elements of 130 Battalion, discovered and destroyed an illegal refinery with six large cooking pots, a large metal container, filled with stolen crude oil and a large reservoir containing illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) at Kurughene general area.

    “The troops arrested six suspected illegal oil bunkers/welders at the site and recovered one generating set, two gas cylinders and other welding accessories. Another illegal refinery was also discovered and destroyed same day along Patrick Waterside-Bodo axis by troops of 146 Battalion.

    “On 11th October, at about 8:30 am, troops of 29 Battalion, in conjunction with elements of 130 and 146 Battalions, also identified and destroyed reactivated illegal refinery at Bolo, with three large active cooking pots, four large reservoirs containing stolen crude oil and three speedboats, loaded with illegally-refined AGO. On 12th October, 2017, around 3:30 am, troops discovered and destroyed 110 drums of illegally refined AGO at Okrika. Continued efforts by the troops on the same day also saw to the destruction of many other illegal refineries and militant camps at Akpara, Ayoisi, Idama and Km 45, while one Mr. Gogo Babson was arrested with fifteen drums of illegally-refined kerosene in an unregistered Fiat bus.

    “On 13th October, 2017, one metal barge and a wooden Cotonou boat, loaded with stolen crude oil, were intercepted along Patrick Waterside. Same day at Uzuaku along NNPC pipeline, one white unregistered Mark truck, containing 55,000 litres of illegally-refined AGO and one yellow Man Diesel truck, with registration number: XA 508 DKU, Gombe, loaded with about 30,000 litre of illegally refined AGO in a constructed tank and concealed with poultry feed bags, were intercepted.”

    Spokesman of 6 division also stated that between Borikiri, Ibeto and Petro log (in Port Harcourt) on October 14, troops discovered 100 pieces of 25-litre jerry cans, four 250-litre drums containing illegally-refined AGO and another two 250-litre drums, filled with illegally-refined kerosene.

    In a similar operation on October 15 October, between Slaughter market and Onne in Rivers state, he revealed that troops discovered 112 25-litre jerry cans, 32 250-litre drums, containing illegally-refined AGO and also arrested was an Iveco truck, with registration number FST 554 XM Lagos and two 14-seater buses, continuing various quantities of illegally-refined products, while on October 16, the resilient troops, based on credible intelligence, apprehended a notorious illegal oil bunkering kingpin, Mr. Emomotime Ayaba Sese, aka Dada, in Yenagoa, Bayelsa state.

    Iliyasu said: “A patrol team discovered a reactivated illegal refinery with three active pots at Doroko in KE, with metal containers filled with illegal products on 17th October, 2017. The site was destroyed by the troops. They did same to the discovered 53 25-litre jerry cans, twenty 250-litre drums and 40 sacks, all containing illegally-refined products at Akinima and Okrika (Rivers State) respectively.

    “The gallant troops, based on credible information from patriotic Nigerians, tracked and apprehended two suspected notorious kidnappers/cultists; Mr. Justice Sigah and Mr. Godknows, who have been terrorising Odemisama and Odemude communities in Ahoada, Rivers State. Troops also continued with their robust patrols, where they identified and destroyed an illegal refinery with five cooking pots and several large metal containers at Tuma general area.

    “At Mbiama,  Rivers State, troops discovered and destroyed 86 25-litre jerry cans, four 200-litre drums and 16 sacks containing illegal products. Same day, the hardworking troops, in conjunction with SPDC local pipeline surveillance team, traced and destroyed a massive illegal bunkering dump along Ogbobolo Andoni, consisting of five illegal refining points. Items recovered from the site include four long rubber connecting hoses, two generating sets, one gas cylinder and one deep freezer. Other items include a speedboat, three wooden Cotonou boats and three large storage tanks, all containing stolen crude oil.

    “Acting on intelligence, troops conducted a cordon-and-search operation at Elebrada and Oduoha communities of Emuoha LGA of Rivers State, where it was revealed that members of Icelander’s cult group hold meetings. No arrest was made, as the suspects have all taken refuge in the forests. However, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special, 27 rounds of 9mm para, one clearing rod, one jungle hat, 6 cutlasses and one Canon camera were recovered.”

    Spokesman of 6 division also stated that on the same day that Elebrada and Oduoha were searched, the troops also arrested one notorious kidnapper/armed robber, popularly known as Aposi in Ihugbogo, disclosing that all the apprehended suspects and recovered items had been handed over to the relevant security agencies for possible prosecution, with the operation continuing.

  • Army begins Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in Niger Delta

    Army begins Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in Niger Delta

    Troops of the Nigerian Army, 6 Division in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, are expected to commence Operation Crocodile Smile 2 in the Niger Delta.

    The division’s Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said on Monday the exercise would be conducted between October 7 and 28.

    Iliyasu said: “In line with the Nigerian Army’s Training Directive for the Year 2017, troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, including its affiliated formations and units, located within its entire Area of Responsibility (AOR), which covers the core Niger Delta States of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers, will be participating in this year’s Exercise Crocodile Smile II, within the entire Niger Delta region.

    “The exercise is intended to  equip troops with skills in administration, operational, logistics and civil-military cooperation aspects in a military operation, such as the provision of free medical care to host communities, Quick Impact Projects (QIP) and the conduct of sanitation exercises to be undertaken by the troops for the benefit of their host communities and distribution of educational materials to schools.  These are parts of  army’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    “It will also avail troops the opportunity to sharpen their combat skills in the conduct of land based and joint riverine operations.

    “The exercise will also aim at imparting to the troops the importance of equipment maintenance, reconnaissance, inter-service and inter-agency cooperation, effective application of the Nigerian Army code of conduct, as well as strict adherence to Rules of Engagement (ROE), proper handling of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and captured or surrendered hostile elements, in line with international best practices.”

     

  • Army begins troops’ rotation in North East

    Army begins troops’ rotation in North East

    Soldiers from 29 Battalion of the 6 Division, who had served in various units of the Operation Lafiya Dole in the North East, have returned to their main unit Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 6 Division, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday.

    He said troops were returned to their unit in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. -Gen.Tukur Buratai’s promise to rotate soldiers who had overstayed in the Operation Lafiya Dole.

    Lafiya Dole is the code name of troops prosecuting the counter -insurgency  operations in the North East.

    Iliyasu said the soldiers had contributed immensely to the degrading and decimation of the terrorists in the region.

    He said the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Maj.-Gen. E.O Udoh, who received the soldiers, applauded them for their selfless services to the nation.

    NAN

     

  • Rivers rerun: Army, Police warn troublemakers

    Rivers rerun: Army, Police warn troublemakers

    • APC, PDP disagree on rigging plot
    The 6 Division of the Nigerian Army, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has warned thugs and troublemakers to steer clear of Etche and Omuma Local Government Areas during the rerun election, on Saturday.
    It also assured of peaceful elections in the two LGAs, while urging leaders of political parties fielding candidates in the polls to call their supporters to order, thereby refusing involvement in violence and thuggery.
    The 6 division, through its Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, in an interview on Friday in Port Harcourt, disclosed that enough soldiers were on Thursday deployed in Etche and Omuma LGAs to give the necessary support to the police and other security agencies, declaring that the Nigerian army was very prepared for the elections.
    Acting Rivers Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Magaji, who is the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) in charge of Operations, promised adequate security during today’s polls, to ensure free,  fair and credible rerun.
    The leaders of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) also disagreed on a plot to rig the polls.
    The PDP, through its Publicity Secretary, Samuel Nwanosike, accused the members and leaders of the APC of conniving with security agencies and officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to massively rig the crucial elections.
    The Publicity Secretary of the APC in Rivers, Chris Finebone, on Friday evening in Port Harcourt, however, declared that Governor Nyesom Wike, his allies and members of the PDP had perfected plans to rig the elections again through violence, thuggery and bribery while urging security agents to be vigilant and avoid a double standard.
    Finebone stressed that candidates of APC for the elections and members of the party in Etche and Omuma LGAs vigorously campaigned, which he said would make them to record landslide victories, provided the polls were free, fair and devoid of violence/thuggery.
    The rerun in over 200 voting units across 8 registration areas will be for House of Representatives’ Etche/Omuma federal constituency, which will hold in 147 units in Etche LGA & one unit in Omuma LGA, while the election for Rivers House of Assembly’s Etche constituency 2 will hold in 74 units.
    The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) of INEC in Rivers state, Aniedi Ikoiwak, stated that the polls would hold in areas where access to polling units is blocked by suspected thugs during the December 10 last year’s rerun, where election materials got to, but for violence and disruption, elections were not collated and results not declared at the appropriate venue and where elections were held, but the results were rejected and cancelled by the Electoral Officers at the ward level, because of certain malpractices.
    Ikoiwak noted that with all the adequate arrangements made by INEC and assurances given by security agencies, he expressed optimism that the elections would be free, fair and credible.
    APC’s Ogbonna Nwuke is for Etche/Omuma federal constituency in the House of Representatives, while Golden Chioma is the main opposition party’s candidate for Rivers House of Assembly’s Etche constituency 2.
    PDP’s Chief Jerome Eke is for House of Representatives, while Mr Tony Ejiogu is the ruling party’s candidate for Etche constituency 2 in the House of Assembly.
    INEC’s National Commissioner supervising Rivers, Edo and Bayelsa states, May Agbamuche-Mbu, had earlier revealed that over 700 staff of the commission, within and outside Rivers state, would be deployed for the elections.
    It will be recalled that the Rivers Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Mr Omotayo Adewoye, stated that the 300 invited youth corps members would not be participating in today’s elections, to avoid being killed, since a youth corps member was earlier killed by hoodlums during a previous rerun in the state.
    Adewoye noted that the approval for the youth corps members not to take part in the polls was given by the Direcror-General of NYSC, Brig. Gen. Sule Zakari, since nobody would be able to guarantee the security of lives of the youth corps members.