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Tag: Defence Headquarters

  • Nigeria-U.S. security alliance transparent, policy-driven, says DHQ

    Nigeria-U.S. security alliance transparent, policy-driven, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed concerns raised by some citizens over the United States’ deployment of troops in Nigeria.

    It described the deployment as part of longstanding military cooperation between the two countries.

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said in a statement yesterday that the partnership is structured, policy-driven and aligned with Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.

    The clarification followed confirmation by the U.S. that it had deployed a small number of troops to Nigeria to support efforts against terrorism and violent extremism.

    During a virtual briefing on Tuesday, the U.S. Africa Command described Nigeria as a “willing partner”.

    The development generated mixed reactions, with some Nigerians questioning the basis of the deployment.

    Responding, Uba said all engagements under the partnership are conducted with full respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty and within existing bilateral frameworks.

    He added that the cooperation focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue.

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    The director explained that a recent two-day high-level Working Group meeting between senior U.S. officials and Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) formed a part of ongoing engagements, following earlier meetings in the United States.

    According to him, the discussions were aimed at strengthening cooperation, improving coordination and enhancing accountability in joint counterterrorism operations and other transnational threats, while prioritising civilian protection and community safety.

    Uba said proposals from the meeting are still under review by relevant Nigerian authorities, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity without compromising national independence.

  • DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    ..says deployment respects Nigeria’s sovereignty

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that all engagements involving United States troops are being conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with established bilateral agreements.

    This follows viral media reports suggesting that United States troops are on the ground in Nigeria to fight terrorists.

    The military high command which through Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, in a statement on Thursday, said Nigeria maintains a long-standing and structured security partnership with the United States.

    According to the DHQ, the military cooperation between Nigeria and the United States is “rooted in mutual respect and focuses on capacity building, professional military education, intelligence sharing, logistics support and strategic dialogue aimed at addressing shared security concerns, including terrorism and transnational threats.

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    ”All engagements are conducted in full respect of Nigeria’s sovereignty and in accordance with existing bilateral frameworks,” it said.

    The military high command explained that as part of this ongoing partnership, a recent two-day high-level Working Group engagement brought together senior U.S. government officials and the Nigerian counterparts at the Office of the National Security Adviser.

    This meeting followed earlier engagements in the United States reflecting a mature, trust-based relationship focused on practical outcomes.

    It said discussions during these engagements included proposals designed to strengthen existing cooperation mechanisms, improve coordination and enhance accountability in joint efforts to counter violent threats while upholding the protection of civilians and community safety.

    “The proposals remain under study by the appropriate Nigerian authorities,” the DHQ said.

    It reiterated that engagements with international partners are guided strictly by national interest, measurable outcomes and the protection of Nigeria’s sovereignty.

    The military high command reassured citizens that Nigeria’s defence partnerships are transparent, policy-driven and aligned with constitutional provisions.

    It said, “Armed Forces of Nigeria remain fully committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity while working with credible partners in ways that strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture without compromising national independence.”

  • DHQ: Kwara attackers aimed to enforce extremist ideology 

    DHQ: Kwara attackers aimed to enforce extremist ideology 

    The Defence Headquarters said terrorists that attacked Woro and neighbouring communities in Kaiama local government area of Kwara State are seeking to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation.

    In a statement by the Director Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, the military high command expressed shock over the incident and mourned with the families of those who have lost loved ones in the brutal attack, and other similar ones across the country.

    It commended the indomitable Nigerian spirit exhibited by various Nigerian communities that have been targeted by terrorists, noting that this “remarkable spirit was again exhibited by the resilient people of Woro and neighbouring communities who stood firm against violent coercion and refused to abandon their way of life and constitutional loyalty despite threats.”

    The DHQ stated that the terrorists entered Woro village of Kaiama local government of Kwara state with a request to conduct a preaching and indoctrination session in the village which was outrightly rejected by the villagers.

    It said the military was informed and promptly troops were dispatched to dominate the general areas with robust patrols and surveillance among other security measures for about two weeks.

    “The cowardly terrorists however, returned weeks later to kill innocent citizens in protest and in a bid to terrorise inhabitants and others.

    READ ALSO; Only six new products added to Nigeria’s export list – Adedeji

    “These groups seek to impose their twisted beliefs through terror and intimidation,” the DHQ said. 

    The military high command urged citizens to remain steadfast in their faith in the Nigerian Constitution, their individual beliefs and to uphold the shared values that bind our nation together.

    It stressed that the unity and resilience of the Nigerian people are our greatest defence against those who seek to destroy our peace and stability.

    While reaffirming its commitment to safeguarding all Nigerians and called for enhanced cooperation between citizens and security agencies to protect our communities, our individual freedom and our nation’s democratic ideals, the military high command urged all citizens of the country, irrespective of ethnic, religious or regional identity, to resist any form of ideological indoctrination by violent extremist groups. 

    “Efforts will continue to be intensified by the military in conjunction with other security agencies towards finding and bringing to account those responsible for the dastardly attack and indeed all terrorists in the country,” the DHQ assured.

  • Claims over neglect of wounded soldiers untrue, says DHQ

    Claims over neglect of wounded soldiers untrue, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has dismissed claims circulating in a viral video alleging neglect and poor welfare for military personnel wounded in action.

    It described the assertions as misleading and unfair.

    The Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen. Samaila Uba, said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja.

    The clarification followed a video circulated by Lucky Udu Studio on social media that insinuated institutional indifference toward the welfare of injured military personnel.

    Uba said the welfare of wounded soldiers remained a top moral and operational priority of the Armed Forces, with comprehensive medical and welfare structures firmly in place.

    “All personnel injured in the course of operations are entitled to full medical care in line with established Armed Forces medical policies,” he said.

    Uba explained that wounded personnel receive treatment across the network of military hospitals and medical centres nationwide, with referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense where required.

    He added that critically wounded personnel are routinely evacuated abroad for advanced medical treatment when such care is unavailable locally, noting that medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral components of the military welfare framework.

    The defence spokesman further clarified that personnel whose injuries prevent further service were granted favourable medical boarding and discharge conditions, including access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits in line with extant regulations.

    He added that families of personnel killed in action are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions and educational support initiatives for dependents.

    Uba described as inaccurate the claim that injured or fallen soldiers are abandoned, stressing that wounded personnel benefit from rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support and sustained command oversight.

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    “The very soldiers featured in the video are living evidence of the efforts of the Armed Forces in rehabilitating personnel wounded in action,” he said.

    He also highlighted Nigeria’s participation in the Invictus Games as further proof of its commitment to the recovery, resilience and reintegration of wounded and injured service personnel.

    Uba said while constructive feedback was welcome, he warned that sweeping and unsubstantiated generalisations could undermine public confidence and discourage young Nigerians willing to serve the nation.

    He reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to transparency, accountability and the welfare and dignity of its personnel.

  • Troops arrest 74 terrorists, rescue 318 kidnap victims In November

    Troops arrest 74 terrorists, rescue 318 kidnap victims In November

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops on internal security operations across the country arrested 74 terrorists and their collaborators, and rescued 318 kidnap victims.  

    It said troops also arrested 25 oil thieves in the South-South region, while 69 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in the North East in the past month.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, said this during a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters, on Thursday. 

    General Onoja said troops destroyed 16 illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products worth N217,664,618.00

    He said troops also recovered 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of diesel within the month.

    Onoja said, “For the month of November, several terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminal elements were arrested, scores were neutralised and over 69 of them and their family members surrendered, while 318 kidnapped victims were also rescued.

    “Troops foiled oil theft worth Two Hundred and Seventeen Million, Six Hundred and Sixty Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Eighteen Naira (N217,664,618.00) representing quantity 201,700 litres of crude oil and 88,177 litres of AGO, while 16 illegal refining sites were deactivated,”

    The Defence spokesperson said the military high command had commended the troops for their bravery and urged them to maintain the momentum.

    Onoja emphasised the media’s role to educate the citizens on military successes in the battle against terrorists and other non-state actors, and other activities. He solicited continued sharing of credible information to enhance military operations.

    He said: “We continue to solicit the support of all Nigerians in this regard. We also call for support for the veterans by supporting the Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem that was launched by Mr President on the 2 December 25 at the Presidential Villa. 

    ‘The Armed Forces of Nigeria is dedicated to continuing to operate within the ambit of the law.’ 

    He assured Nigerians that the military high command was enhancing operational tempo in the light of the renewed security threats until peace is returned to all troubled areas of the country.

    “The AFN also wishes to inform all Nigerians that we are employing all necessary measures, systems and activities humanly possible to ensure that the remaining students recently abducted are rescued and returned to their families unhurt,” Onoja said. 

  • DHQ: 147 terrorists arrested, dozens killed

    DHQ: 147 terrorists arrested, dozens killed

    • 41 kidnapped victims rescued 

    Security agents arrested more than 147 suspected terrorists and other criminals in the last one week, said the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday.   

    The DHQ added that 39  kidnapped victims were rescued within the period.

     Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye,   told reporters in Abuja that troops also foiled theft of crude worth N19.8 million in the Southsouth.

    Maj-Gen Kangye explained that between September 15 and Monday,   troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the Northeast arrested 26 suspected terrorists’ collaborators and rescued three kidnapped victims.

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    He said that vehicles, motorcycles,  Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and large quantities of fabrics were recovered from terrorists.

    Kangye added that troops nabbed 80 suspected terrorists as well as two of the leaders– Abubakar Ahmadu and Saawuan Wuaiyolna.  He described  Wuaiyolna as a member of a notorious syndicate on the military’s wanted list.

    In the Southsouth, the director said troops arrested 19 suspected oil thieves,  nine other criminals, and rescued nine kidnap victims.

    “Troops also discovered and destroyed 16 illegal refining sites, 14 crude oil cooking ovens, seven dugout pits, 11 boats and eight storage tanks,”  said Maj.-Gen Kangye.

  • How military killed terrorist leader, Kachala, 38 others – DHQ

    How military killed terrorist leader, Kachala, 38 others – DHQ

    • Four IPOB commanders arrested

    The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the death of a wanted terrorist leader, Ali Kachala Kawaje, a terrorist bomb expert Machika, Dan Muhammad, and 38 other terrorist commanders in Niger State airstrikes.

    This was as the DHQ said it was closing in on other wanted terrorists, according to a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, on Friday.

    The statement partly read: “During the week in focus, air assets conducted aggressive air flights on confirmed locations active with the movement of terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers. Strikes carried out resulted in over 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers, while 159 of them were arrested.

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    “Recently, the military conducted two major air strikes on terrorists’ enclave. One of the strikes, on December 6, neutralised several top terrorist commanders, namely, one Machika, a top terrorist bomb expert and younger brother of a notorious terrorist (Dogo Gide).

    “Other prominent terrorist leaders neutralised include Haro and Dan Muhammadu, both of whom are specialists in kidnapping and assault operations, respectively. A terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau, Zamfara State, Ali Alhaji Alheri, popularly called Kachalla Ali Kawaje, was neutralised in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State along with many of his foot soldiers.

    “The military is fast closing in on others and they will equally suffer the same fate. The armed forces are hunting down prominent terrorist leadership and engaging them wherever they are hiding.”

    Buba also said troops arrested a prominent commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network, Uchechukwu Akpa.

    He said the commander was arrested together with three other sub-commanders, namely Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere.

    Buba said: “The trio was arrested after a raid on their hideout at Christ the King Catholic Church Ameta Mgbowo in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State. They gathered to plot a takeover of the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command Enugu State Chapter from the apprehended former commander known as ‘Chocho’. They also planned to attack troop locations.

    “During the raid, Uchechukwu Akpa sustained a gunshot wound while trying to escape. It could be recalled that Akpa was the Second-in-Command to Chocho, a notorious IPOB/ESN leader currently in custody.”

    He further said troops arrested 66 suspected oil thieves and rescued 89 kidnapped hostages.

    Troops also recovered 67 assorted weapons, 1,194 assorted ammunition, and confiscated stolen products worth N161,232,500.

    In a breakdown, he said troops recovered  20 AK47 rifles, four pump action guns, five locally fabricated rifles, two locally fabricated double barrel guns, one Beretta pistol, four locally made pistols, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1,152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, one round of 5.56mm ammo, and 15 live cartridges.

    Others include one magazine loaded with eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one LMG magazine, one CZ pistol magazine, seven empty magazines, one locally made pistol magazine, one damaged magazine, one Dane gun butt, five vehicles, 14 mobile phones, 32 motorcycles, one laptop and the sum of N1,123,800.00 among other items.

  • DHQ empowers 35 ex-servicemen

    DHQ empowers 35 ex-servicemen

    • By Halimah Balogun

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), through its Veteran Affairs Division (VAD), has launched a three-day skills acquisition training for Armed Forces veterans in the Southwest to support ex-servicemen.

    The training held at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Oshodi, Lagos, on Wednesday.

    Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was represented by the Director of Coordination, NAFRC, Commodore Innocent Udoudoh, said:

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    “These are people who have served for over 35 years. We don’t want them to become dependent or burdens to society, especially if their pensions are delayed. Even small-scale farming or production can provide a meaningful source of income.’’

    Gen. Musa added: “By investing in these programmes, we are equally investing in the future of our nation because the knowledge, discipline, and leadership abilities of our veterans are assets that can benefit any industry.’’

  • BREAKING: DHQ declares nine wanted for terrorism in North East

    BREAKING: DHQ declares nine wanted for terrorism in North East

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine persons wanted over  terrorism and violent extremism in the North East.

    They are:  Abu Khadijah, Abur Rahman, Dadi Gumba, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Usman Kanin Shehu, Ibrahim Suyeka, Ba Sulhu, and Idris Taklakse. 

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    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, announced this during a  briefing at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    He said the wanted persons are from the North East region.

  • Military foils terrorists’ plans to destroy national assets

    Military foils terrorists’ plans to destroy national assets

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops have thwarted plans by terrorists to destroy critical infrastructure in the country.

    It said that troops also placed measures to forestall further plans, and placed security agencies responsible for securing critical infrastructure and facilities on alert.

    Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, during a news conference at the Defence Headquarters, said: “Troops are confronted by a vicious enemy that is constantly trying to kill citizens or have killed citizens. Indeed, these terror groups are responsible for perpetrating insecurity across the country and will not stop doing what they are doing, until they are stopped.

    “We are aware of some of the plans to target some critical infrastructure in the country. Accordingly, we have placed measures to forestall such plans. Security agencies responsible for securing critical infrastructure and facilities have also been placed on alert. Accordingly, some of such plans have been frustrated.

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    “In this fight, citizens must understand that we must never compromise on security; otherwise everyone’s security will be compromised. This is a situation that cannot be over-emphasized for us to live in safety and security.

    “Meanwhile, the military is doing what is needed at this time. We force the terrorist to pay a price for every act of aggression against Nigerians. We recognise and have included this as part of our strategy to win the war.

    “Overall, we have no choice but to fight for the safety and security of our people. We also fight to safeguard our country and preserve our way of life as a people. Defence is the essence of what we do as Armed Forces. Accordingly, we would defeat the terrorists on the battlefield and help our country flourish again.”