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  • DHQ: Troops destroy 53 illegal refineries, arrest 81 oil thieves in January

    DHQ: Troops destroy 53 illegal refineries, arrest 81 oil thieves in January

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) destroyed 53 illegal refineries and arrested 81 oil thieves and other criminals in January.

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

    Onoja said the troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition, and destroyed a large-sized barge siphoning petroleum products.

    According to him, troops foiled the theft of 210,300 litres of crude oil, 66,725 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 660 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine, and 5,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit during the month.

    Giving an update on operations in the South East, the Defence spokesperson said the crime rate has “drastically reduced” in the region compared to past crime occurrences.

    Read Also: Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    According to him, in January, troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralized some terrorists, arrested 22 others, and rescued eleven 11 kidnap victims.

    “Arms and ammunition were recovered from them, and recovered weapons are in the troops’ custody for further action.

    “It is worthy to note that 80 militants recently surrendered to troops, while eight Cameroonian nationals were also rescued during cross-border patrol along Bakassi waterways,” he said. 

    The Defence spokesperson said the Armed Forces would continue to adapt, innovate, and respond decisively to evolving security threats.

    “With the continued cooperation of citizens and stakeholders, we are confident of achieving lasting peace and stability,” he said. 

  • DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that it has neglected personnel wounded in action.

    The military high command maintained that, contrary to a viral video alleging “lack of care and institutional indifference to the welfare of military personnel wounded in action,” the welfare of its personnel, especially those wounded in action, remains a top moral priority.

    According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Maj.-Gen Samaila Uba, yesterday personnel injured during operations or combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care, locally and abroad, depending on the nature and severity of injuries, under established Armed Forces medical policies.

    The statement said: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria routinely facilitates advanced treatment for critically wounded personnel in reputable medical facilities outside Nigeria where such care is required.

    Read Also: Senate orders fresh review of Electoral Act amendments, sets up 48-hour ad hoc panel

    “Within Nigeria, wounded personnel receive treatment across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, complemented where necessary by referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics and long-term care are integral parts of this framework.

    “The Armed Forces also maintain favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions for personnel whose injuries prevent further service, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities and other statutory benefits in line with extant regulations.

    “In addition, families of personnel killed in action are not abandoned. They are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support initiatives for dependants and continuous engagement by military authorities.”

    The DHQ noted that beyond medical treatment, wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare support, including rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms and sustained command oversight.

    It stated that the soldiers shown in the viral video were clear evidence of the military’s efforts to rehabilitate those wounded in action, as they were all living witnesses. This, it said, also proved that the report’s insinuation that “nobody cares” about injured or fallen soldiers was inaccurate and unfair.

  • DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    DHQ denies neglect of wounded soldiers

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has debunked reports circulating on social media alleging that it has neglected wounded in action personnel.

    The military high command maintained that, contrary to a viral video alleging “lack of care and institutional indifference to the welfare of military personnel wounded in action,” the welfare of its personnel, especially those wounded in action, remains a top moral priority.

    According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Samaila Uba, on Tuesday, all personnel injured during operations or combat are entitled to comprehensive medical care, both locally and abroad, depending on the nature and severity of injuries, under established Armed Forces medical policies.

    The statement said, “The Armed Forces of Nigeria routinely facilitates advanced treatment for critically wounded personnel in reputable medical facilities outside Nigeria where such care is required.

    “Within Nigeria, wounded personnel receive treatment across the Armed Forces’ network of military hospitals and medical centres, complemented where necessary by referrals to specialised civilian facilities at government expense. Medical evacuation, surgery, rehabilitation, prosthetics, and long-term care are integral parts of this framework.”

    “The Armed Forces also maintain favourable discharge and medical boarding conditions for personnel whose injuries prevent further service, ensuring access to pensions, gratuities, and other statutory benefits in line with extant regulations.

    “In addition, families of personnel killed in action are not abandoned. They are supported through death benefits, insurance payouts, pensions, educational support initiatives for dependants, and continuous engagement by military authorities.”

    The DHQ noted that beyond medical treatment, wounded personnel benefit from structured welfare support, including rehabilitation programmes, counselling, family support mechanisms, and sustained command oversight.

    Read Also: DHQ confirms submission of probe report on 16 officers arrested for service violations

    It stated that the soldiers shown in the viral video were clear evidence of the military’s efforts to rehabilitate those wounded in action, as they were all living witnesses. This, it said, also proved that the report’s insinuation that “nobody cares” about injured or fallen soldiers was inaccurate and unfair.

    “It suffices to mention that they serve as a courageous testimony to the great sacrifices made by personnel who continue to serve the nation in spite of the loss of many colleagues to death and injury in the course of the noble profession of arms,” the DHQ said.

    The military high command noted that Nigeria’s involvement in the Invictus Games also underscored the military’s commitment to the physical recovery, mental resilience, and social reintegration of its wounded heroes.

    “The positive impact of this initiative on morale, confidence, and public awareness has been significant and enduring.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to transparency, accountability and above all, the welfare and dignity of the men and women who risk their lives in defence of the nation,” the statement said.

  • DHQ deploys intelligence assets to rescue Kaduna kidnap victims

    DHQ deploys intelligence assets to rescue Kaduna kidnap victims

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the military, in collaboration with other agencies, is conducting sustained, intelligence-driven operations to rescue those abducted by bandits in Kurmin Wali community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The victims, reportedly about 177 in number, were abducted by armed bandits last Sunday during a church service.

    The Military High Command, in a statement by the Director Defence Media Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, reassured the affected communities and Nigerians that “the safe rescue and reintegration of all kidnapped victims remains a paramount undertaking.”

    The statement reads: “Contrary to assertions of a diminished response, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in close collaboration with other security agencies, has been executing sustained, intelligence driven operations within the vicinity and surrounding forested areas believed to harbor the perpetrators. 

    “These operations encompass a strategic amalgamation of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted initiatives meticulously designed to locate the kidnappers and secure the hostages without jeopardizing their safety.

    “These operations encompass a strategic amalgamation of ground patrols, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and targeted initiatives meticulously designed to locate the kidnappers and secure the hostages without jeopardizing their safety.”

    Read Also: DHQ clarifies January 15 as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day

    According to the statement, the military recognizes the distress and trepidation experienced by the affected families and underscores that operational restraint in certain instances is a deliberate strategy, guided by the imperative to safeguard the captives and avert unintended harm. 

    “While specific operational details must remain confidential for security considerations, substantial efforts are underway to dismantle the criminal networks responsible for the abductions,” the statement said. 

    It stated that the Armed Forces remain unwavering in its mandate to protect lives and property and are steadfastly committed to reuniting the kidnapped victims of Kurmin Wali with their families. 

    The military urged for sustained public support, patience, and cooperation as operations advanced toward a successful resolution.

  • DHQ clarifies January 15 as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day

    DHQ clarifies January 15 as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified January 15 of every year as Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

    It said the name, which was previously known as “Armed Forces Remembrance Day”, was officially changed to Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.

    The Director Defence Information (DDI), Major General Samaila Uba, clarified this in a statement on Thursday.

    The statement read, “January 15 is set aside annually by the Federal Government of Nigeria to honor the living personnel of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) while acknowledging the sacrifices of those who have paid the supreme price to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity as well as the lives and properties of its citizens.

    “Previously known as ‘Armed Forces Remembrance Day’, the name was officially changed to ‘Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day’ to better reflect the dual essence of the occasion in honouring the living while also acknowledging the fallen heroes.

    “The day is preceded by a week of various activities, culminating in a grand parade and wreath-laying ceremony on 15 January.

    General Uba urged the media to adopt “Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day” in all future coverage.

    He appreciated the media’s unwavering support in the fight against insecurity, and “looks forward to even stronger collaboration ahead.”

  • DHQ: 16 GPS-guided precision munitions deployed in Sokoto strikes 

    DHQ: 16 GPS-guided precision munitions deployed in Sokoto strikes 

    • …over 24 top terrorist leaders killed in 2025 
    • …4,375 suspected, 2,336 kidnap victims rescued  

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) stated that intelligence reports confirmed that two sites in the Bauni Forest area of Tangaza Local Government, Sokoto State—targeted by the Nigeria–United States airstrike on Christmas Eve—were assembly and staging points for foreign ISIS operatives infiltrating from the Sahel region, working with local affiliates to plan large-scale attacks in Nigeria.

    The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, confirmed this during end-of-year media briefing at the Defence Headquarters Abuja, on Wednesday.

    General Onoja, who showed a classified video of the operation to journalists, said a total of “16 GPS-guided precision munitions were deployed via MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aerial vehicles”, effectively neutralizing the targeted ISIS elements attempting to reach Nigeria via the Sahel corridor.

    He said during the operation, debris from the munitions landed in Jabo within Tambuwal Local Government Area of Sokoto State and in Offa, Kwara State, near a hotel premises, but no civilian casualties were reported, and authorities swiftly secured the sites. 

    Onnoja reaffirmed the DHQ’s steadfast commitment to combating and eradicating terrorist threats, especially from transnational networks aiming to compromise national sovereignty and security. 

    “This emphasizes the Armed Forces of Nigeria alignment with strategic partners and allies to promote border security, regional stability, and lasting peace,” he said.

    He assured Nigerians of the government’s firm grip on the national security framework, pledging that the military and other security agencies would continue to safeguard lives and property, while urging citizens to stay calm, vigilant, and supportive as decisive measures persist against all terrorist entities.

    The military high command said troops conducting internal security operations across the country killed scores of terrorists, including more than 24 of their leaders in 2025.

    It said the troops arrested 4,375 suspected criminals, rescued 2,336 kidnap victims, while 1,616 suspected terrorists and their family members surrendered.

    Some of the neutralized top terrorist commanders are: Aminu Kanawa, Dan Bokolo, Bello Buba, Dan Inna, Halilu Sabubu, Abu Dan Shehu Jabbi, Dogo Bashiru Yellow, Abba Allai (aka Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Amir Abu Fatimah, Kingpin Auta, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, Malla Jidda, Talha, Mallam Umar, Abu Yazeed, Kabiru Bebe, Maiwada, Mai Dada and Nwachi Eze (aka Onowu). 

    Others, according to him, include notorious bandits with the pseudo names; Dosso, Suleiman, Jagaban and Danja. 

    Giving details on the successes in 2025, General Onoja said the security situation in the North East remains relatively stable, adding that despite threats posed by Boko Haram Terrorists and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP). 

    The Defence spokesperson said that troops’ operational prowess in 2025 led to the neutralization of terrorists, including top commanders, sectional and sub-lieutenant leaders, as well as scores of foot soldiers, and the arrest of 1,323 suspects, collaborators, gunrunners, sympathizers, and spies.

    He said that 498 kidnap victims were rescued, 1,616 terrorists surrendered to the troops, and the military recovered various arms, ammunition, vehicles, equipment, and a total of N32,000,000.00.

    “Furthermore, several terrorist camps and hibernation areas were destroyed. These actions significantly degraded the terrorists’ fighting capabilities, compelling them to surrender in large numbers and denying them freedom of action. 

    “Overall, troops’ efforts in the North East have revitalized commercial and agricultural activities, facilitated the return of local authorities, and enabled Internally Displaced Persons to resettle in their respective communities,” Onoja said.

    He said that 669 suspected terrorists and other criminals were apprehended, while 966 kidnap victims were rescued in the North West in 2025. Troops also intercepted and recovered various arms, ammunition, equipment, and large sums of money intended for ransom payments, weapon purchases, and other illicit activities.

    “Overall, with the deployment of additional manpower and equipment in the North-West, troops have gained momentum over terrorist flashpoints, compelling the adversaries to either relocate to other parts of the country or surrender to troops out of fear of facing a superior fighting force,” Onoja said.

    According to him, troops of Operation Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke in the North Central region arrested 1,260 terrorists and other criminals, and rescued 655 kidnap victims.

    “Caches of arms and ammunition were also recovered from them,” he said.

  • DHQ: Sokoto airstrikes dislodge terrorists from target communities

    DHQ: Sokoto airstrikes dislodge terrorists from target communities

    • …confirms presence of ISIS in North West  
    • …warns vigilantes against unilateral operations 
    • …operation error caused bomb drop in Offa

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said it has observed that terrorists dislodged in Sokoto, following the recent airstrikes, are now fleeing the target areas and infiltrating other communities.

    “The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, revealed this while answering questions from journalists during the end-of-year media briefing at Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Wednesday.

    Nigerian and the United States (US) military conducted midnight airstrikes on ISIS enclaves in Sokoto State on Christmas Eve, neutralising multiple foreign-linked terrorists, sparing innocent civilians and livestock.

    The operation targeted the Lakurawa group, a Sahel-based terror cell described by U.S. officials as ISIS-linked fighters, which had established enclaves across border communities in Sokoto and Kebbi States.

    The United States Africa Command (AFRICOM) and Nigerian authorities formally validated the success of the counter-terrorism operation.

    However, five days after the operation, Nigeria’s military high command said intelligence had revealed that the terrorists were leaving the target areas in droves and moving into other communities.

    General Onoja warned residents to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious movement or individuals to security agencies to enable swift action and the apprehension of the terrorists.

    He said: “We continue to carry out operational planning to ensure that wherever they relocate, we are monitoring them. We are taking the necessary actions and communicating with all force commanders in the areas identified as threat zones, to prevent them from assimilating into communities and causing further havoc.

    “As time goes on, you will hear about all the activities we are carrying out.”

    The Defence spokesperson said the military had already begun mobilising the civilian population in the threat areas to be vigilant.

    “We are mobilizing the civilian population to be vigilant and give information to the security agencies so that any issue of insecurity or any movement of all these terrorists, we can act fast on it,” he said. 

    Responding to a question about reports of locals possessing remnants of the bombs, the Defence spokesperson appealed to communities near the targeted areas to return any such remnants, in order to prevent further harm to themselves or their loved ones.

    “We can only appeal to them to return all materials that we prove harmful to them,” he said.

    “We don’t expect anybody to take away these materials. There are those whose duty it is to recover these materials. 

    “We also want the media to disseminate this information to them. They should return them to the military or security locations so that we can disarm these things before they cause greater damage to the individuals who are keeping them and to the other members of the public.”

    Contrary to allegations that there was no presence of an ISIS-linked terror group in Sokoto and the North-West region of the country, General Onoja said military intelligence gathering had confirmed that the ISIS-linked group exists in the state.

    The Defence spokesperson, who also showed journalists a classified video of the Nigeria–US airstrikes, emphasized that multiple intelligence reports had confirmed the existence of the group before the strikes were launched.

    Onoja said: “You know, terrorists are ubiquitous and we cannot confine them to one location.

    “Of course, there’s evidence to show that they’re in the Sahel. So, we can also take it further since the proximity of the Sahel to Sokoto. And intelligence reports have confirmed their presence there before those strikes were conducted against them.

    “So yes, they were there, because those strikes were based on intelligence reports. They have confirmed their presence in those areas. 

    “The fact that it was not publicised is also sometimes for operational security reasons. So I can tell you that the intelligence that was given was correct.”

    Responding to reports about the two objects believed to be explosives that landed in separate locations in Offa, Kwara State, on Thursday, the Defence spokesperson said even though it could be false, such occurrences could also not be ruled out during military operations

    He said: “On the issue of the bomb that dropped in Ofa, yes, you know, these things happen. We cannot rule out mistakes—they could be human error—so it’s possible that the reports are false. Luckily, there were no casualties where it landed in Ofa, so we’re grateful for that.”

    On a viral video showing vigilante members holding guns and claiming to assist the military in fighting criminals, the military spokesperson warned such groups against carrying out any operations without prior approval from the military or other security agencies.

    He warned that the presence of unregistered vigilante groups is jeopardizing military operations.

    “That is a concern that even we in the security sector always consider before approvals are given for such groups to be established. In doing so, we conduct a needs analysis to ensure there are adequate control measures in place to prevent them from going beyond their mandate. That’s why, most of the time, even during operations conducted by high-priority forces, they do not act alone.

    “They operate in conjunction with either the military or other security agencies. So, I want us to be reassured that we are doing everything possible to manage them. We also urge the public to report any excesses they observe so these can be quickly addressed and prevented from escalating,” the Defence spokesperson said.

  • Christmas: DHQ deploys troops to trouble spots

    Christmas: DHQ deploys troops to trouble spots

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has deployed troops to strategic locations and routes, while Special Forces units and air support elements have been placed on high alert to ensure rapid response capability during the festive season.

    The deployment is aimed at preventing any attacks during the Christmas festivities and beyond.

    The military high command revealed this in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on a Sunday.

    According to the statement, surveillance efforts—including aerial monitoring and intelligence gathering have been heightened to track the movement and communication patterns of suspected criminal groups.

    “Unit Commanders in all areas have been directed to strengthen patrols, establish fortified checkpoints, and maintain close collaboration with community leaders, local vigilante groups, and state security formations,” the statement said.

    Read AAlso: DHQ convenes border security meeting over clash with Niger soldiers

    It reaffirmed the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians, stressing that the security and stability of our nation remains its top priority, and every necessary measures were being taken to ensure that citizens celebrate Christmas in peace, unity, and joy.

    “However, citizens’ cooperation remains a critical component of national security, and we assure you that all reports will be treated with urgency and confidentiality,” the statement said.

    The military high command urged citizens to remain calm but vigilant, and to promptly report suspicious activities to the nearest security formation.

    “Public cooperation remains vital in ensuring the success of ongoing operations,” the statement said.

  • DHQ reviews 2017 Joint Doctrine to enhance multi-domain operations

    DHQ reviews 2017 Joint Doctrine to enhance multi-domain operations

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) is finalising the review of a new Joint Doctrine for the Armed Forces that will cater for multi-domain operations.

    The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, revealed this while speaking as a Guest Speaker at the NISECEXPO-DICON International Defence and Security Show, organised by the Nigeria Security Exhibition and Conference (NISEC) in collaboration with the Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON), in Abuja on Monday.

    The CDS also disclosed the establishment of a Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, which will be responsible for driving joint doctrine development, joint training, and joint operational concepts, as well as planning towards integrated command centres for future conflicts. 

    This will help ensure unified situational awareness, faster decision-making, and effective multi-domain coordination.

    General Oluyede said that the new doctrine, when fully operational, would ensure that every service “speaks the same operational/tactical language” and operate towards a single unified national strategic objectives.  

    The CDS, represented by Major General Aniedi Edet, Director-General of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Center at the Defence Headquarters, stated that the nature of threats confronting the country has changed significantly, noting that adversaries are no longer conventional massed armies but fluid, adaptive networks operating across multiple domains.

    He noted that warfare has moved beyond the traditional land, maritime, and air domains, now extending actively into the information, electromagnetic, and cyber domains, each demanding specialised capabilities, fresh thinking, and greater collaboration, stressing that staying ahead of adversaries calls for a transition from service-specific responses to a unified, integrated, and decisive joint approach.

    The CDS said: “To ensure we remain ahead of evolving threats, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is strengthening its joint structures and operational frameworks.

    “A few key efforts include: establishment of a Permanent Joint Theatre Command, moving beyond ad-hoc joint task forces to more enduring and coordinated structures; review of the 2017 Joint Structure, which currently being finalised to reflect new realities and align with global best practices; creation of the Joint Doctrine and Warfare Centre, which tasked with driving joint doctrine development, joint training and joint operational concepts, and planning towards integrated command centres for future conflicts, ensuring unified situational awareness, faster decision-making and multi-domain coordination.”

    According to him, these reforms would guide future acquisitions, force design and operational readiness.

    He said the theme of the expo,“Future Wars: Operational Endurance and Force Build-up Capabilities”, resonates strongly with the military’s key priority, which is preparing for future wars.

    The CDS said that has the world moves rapidly towards autonomous systems, robotics, artificial intelligence and unmanned platforms, and future probably being fought with minimal human presence on the frontlines, but dominated by drones, robots and algorithm-driven systems, the Nigerian military is paying close attention to these trends and exploring ways to integrate them into our defence posture.

    “Similarly, our National Space Research and Development Agency and Defence Space Administration are increasingly focused on strengthening Nigeria’s cyber posture and space capabilities,” he said. 

    “The National Intelligence Fusion Centre under the Office of the National Security Adviser has become one of our most effective tools for real-time intelligence sharing among security agencies and partners. It strengthens counter-terrorism, counters cybercrime, and enhances responses to transnational threats.”

    While emphasizing that security is no longer the exclusive responsibility of the military or security agencies, the CDS noted that Nigeria’s security challenges demand whole-of-society cooperation, where every segment of society has an important role to play. 

    He said that as strategic communication becomes central to national security, the military would continue to work closely with the media, civil society and community leaders to promote accurate narratives, protect civilians and build trust.

    The Chief Executive Officer of NISEC, Frank Ohwofa, said the 2025 exhibition aimed to develop innovative solutions to address Nigeria and Africa’s defence challenges.

    Ohwofa emphasized the significance of Nigeria to produce it’s defence needs locally, noting that unable to do so could make the country vulnerable, as global supply chain constraints make reliance on foreign imports risky.

    “I am particularly impressed with the local companies showcasing their capacity to manufacture spare parts, vehicles, and other military requirements. This is essential for self-reliance and readiness,” he said. 

    Ohwofa said the event, which runs from December 8 to 10, will showcase new innovations and technologies that can significantly enhance Nigeria’s ability to respond to asymmetric threats.

    “The technologies on display are far more advanced than those we have seen in previous editions. They will help security agencies evaluate what needs to change and what capabilities must be acquired.

    “Before the close of this event, which will last untill December 10, we expect several partnerships and cooperation agreements to be forged, particularly in support of local content development, which aligns with government priorities,” he said.

  • DHQ holds border security meeting over clash between Nigerian, Nigerien soldiers

    DHQ holds border security meeting over clash between Nigerian, Nigerien soldiers

    A joint border security talks has been held following Saturday’s clash between Nigerien soldiers and the Joint Nigerien security forces in Mazanya, a border community in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) confirmed yesterday.

    In a statement, the Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, said the meeting aimed at consolidating liaison arrangements between Nigerian and Nigerien security forces and preventing similar occurrences in the future.

    According to him, the parley was in line with the commitment of the Nigerian military to maintain peaceful and cooperative relations with neighboring countries.

    Read Also: DHQ convenes border security meeting over clash with Niger soldiers

    There were reports at the weekend about a diplomatic breach by Nigerien soldiers, who entered Nigerian territory unauthorised, causing panic of a possible terrorist invasion and subsequent confrontation by Joint Nigerian Security Forces, including the troops of Operation FANSAN YANMA, police, DSS, and Civilian Joint Task Force.

    Maj.-Gen Onoja explained that a convoy, consisting of four gun trucks and one Toyota Jeep carrying Nigerien military officers and soldiers, entered the Mazanya community to fetch water, “a routine activity historically conducted by troops from the Niger Republic.”The statement reads: “The unusually large size of the convoy raised concern among local vigilante members in the community, who mistakenly perceived the movement as a potential hostile advance.

    “This misunderstanding led to the vigilantes opening fire on the Nigerien troops.

    “Following dialogue between Nigerian security authorities and the Nigerien commander on the ground, the Nigerien troops proceeded to fetch the required water as intended and returned to their side of the border without further incident.