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ISWAP terrorists commander, Ibn Ali, surrenders, others killed in Borno – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says a high profile terrorist Commander identified as Ibn Ali, has surrendered to troops with his weapons and cache of ammunition in Bama Local Government Area (LGA) of Borno.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Kangye said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted operations between July 4 and July 10 in the general areas of Platari, Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu triangle eliminating scores of terrorists.

He said that a large number of terrorists, including adult males and females including children, also surrendered to troops as operational tempo heightened across the theatre.

According to him, troops also conducted operations in Gwoza, Kaga, Mafa, Ngala, Abadam, Bama, Biu, Konduga, Damboa and Dikwa LGAs as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa.

“During the encounters, some terrorists were killed in action, five of their collaborators were arrested, while four kidnapped victims were rescued.

“Some quantities of arms and ammunition were also recovered.

“They also retrieved and safely detonated some IEDs, while the sum of N822,500 was also recovered.

“Similarly, a high profile terrorist Commander identified as Ibn Ali surrendered to troops with his weapons and cache of ammunition in Bama LGA of Borno,” he said.

Kangye said the Armed Forces of Nigeria in collaboration with Hybrid Forces and other security agencies intensified operations along both kinetic and non-kinetic lines across all theatres during the period under review with resounding outcomes.

In the North West, Kangye said the Air Component of Operation Fansan Yamma in conjunction with surface forces, had on July 10, conducted a major offensive operations during which scores of terrorist leaders and commanders were taking out in Zamfara.

He added that troops also eliminated some terrorists, apprehended five and rescued two kidnapped victims during patrol operations.

In the North Central, Kangye said the troops of Operation Safe Haven killed some violent extremists, apprehended 18 and rescued seven kidnapped victims in Plateau.

According to him, some weapons, ammunition and a vehicle as well as motorcycles were recovered from them.

“Relatedly, on July 6, troops, while on routine patrol, arrested a militia in an ambush position with the intent to attack commuters along Kafi-Abu-Rakwok road in Gashish District in Barkin Ladi LGA of the state.

“Items recovered from him include one locally fabricated AK47 rifle, one AK47 magazine and 30 rounds of 7.62mm special amongst others.

“Also, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke eliminated some extremists in Makurdi, Guma and Katsina-Ala, LGAs of Benue as well as Karim Lamido, Takum and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba.

“During the operations, troops eliminated some terrorists, arrested eight of them and rescued two kidnapped victims,” he added.

Kangye said the troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N263.8 million, including 198,482 litres of stolen crude oil, 63,846 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 947 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).

He said the troops also discovered and destroyed 24 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, nine boats, 19 storage tanks, 21 drums and 15 illegal refining sites.

According to him, eight oil thieves and other criminals were apprehended while assorted arms and ammunition, as well as vehicles were seized from the criminals.

In the South East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA apprehended a sponsor and logistic supplier to Mother Valley IPOB/ESN Camp in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

He added that four suspected IPOB/ESN members/informants were arrested in Ihiala and Ehime Mbano LGAs of Anambra and Imo state respectively. (NAN)

July 12, 2025
DHQ: we lack mandate to offer terrorists amnesty

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the military lacks the mandate to offer amnesty to surrendered bandits and terrorists.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen Markus Kangye, made the clarification while addressing reporters yesterday in Abuja.

Recently, there were reports that some bandit commanders in Katsina State were surrendering and releasing hostages in exchange for amnesty.

The military high command said that while the development reflected the success of both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, offering amnesty to bandits is not within the military’s mandate.

Maj.-Gen Kangye said: “Amnesty is not what we do. We are to do our job according to our rules of engagement, according to our operational directives. And if, from the operation conducted, people are arrested and handed over, and an amnesty is to be given to them, it’s not the military that determines that.

“Their cases will be studied and, based on that merit, the agencies of government responsible for giving amnesty will do that. It is not for the military to determine whether to give amnesty or not. That is not part of our operation.”

Responding to a question on why the military had refused to release the detained leaders of Okuoma community attack, despite a court order, the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen Tukur Gusau, who also attended the media briefing, explained that the military had not received a court order on the detainees, despite reports of its issuance.

Read Also: DHQ to deploy 800 special operatives in troubled states

On March 14, 2024, four officers and 13 soldiers were killed in an ambush in Okuama, a community in Ughelli South Local Government Area of Delta State, during a peace mission by the military men. The killings attracted wide condemnation among Nigerians. The military, thereafter, stormed the community and arrested alleged perpetrators of the heinous act.

“The DHQ has not received any court injunction in respect of that,” Gusau said.

“If we get it, we have our legal team, which will advise us on the next step to take. But for now, we don’t have such a court injunction served to us.”

When further prodded on why the military would not allow the community members to visit their detained leaders, the defence spokesman said no such request had been made to the military.

“There was no request forwarded to the Defence Headquarters on that,” Gusau said.

“Maybe, perhaps the request is only on the pages of newspapers.

“There is a procedure for everything. If they follow the procedure, we will respond appropriately,” he added.

July 4, 2025
How troops nabbed mastermind of NDLEA Commander’s kidnap in Anambra – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of Operation UDO KA, have apprehended three suspects in connection with the kidnap of Anambra State Commander of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military during the second quarters, on Thursday in Abuja.

Kangye identified the suspects as Emeka Ede, Okwudili Aja and Onyebuchi Aja.

He said the raid operation was conducted in conjunction with DSS operatives at the residence of the suspected kidnappers/ESN criminals on Wednesday.

“Intelligence report has it that the suspects masterminded the kidnapping of the NDLEA Commander of Anambra State Command on June 12.

“Items recovered from them were assorted weapons and a large cache of ammunition as well as some illicit drugs.

Read Also: DHQ takes delivery of 84 CNG-powered vehicles to enhance operations

“The recovered items are in the custody of troops while suspects are currently undergoing interrogation,” he said.

Kangye said the troops had also, in offensive operations from June 28 to June 30, made contact with terrorists in Owerri West and Ihiala Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Imo and Anambra States respectively.

He said that 21 suspected illicit drug dealers were apprehended while arms, ammunition, explosives (IEDs) making materials, vehicles, motorcycles and mobile phones were recovered from them.

He added that troops on June 26, acting on credible intelligence, nabbed two suspects at a Point of Sale (POS) belonging to an IPOB/ESN sponsor in Ihiala LGA of Anambra.

According to him, troops recovered eight mobile phones, transaction booklets and the sum of N1.5 million from them.

“The suspects are currently undergoing interrogations,” he added.

(NAN)

July 3, 2025
Amnesty not within military mandate – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the military is not responsible for granting amnesty to surrendered terrorists or bandits.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen Markus Kangye, clarified on Thursday during a press briefing in Abuja, following recent reports of bandit commanders in Katsina State surrendering and releasing hostages in exchange for amnesty.

While acknowledging that the development reflects the gains of both kinetic and non-kinetic military operations, Kangye stressed that decisions regarding amnesty fall outside the military’s responsibilities.

“Amnesty is not what we do,” he said. “We are to do our job according to our rules of engagement and operational directives. If, from operations conducted, people are arrested and an amnesty is to be considered, it is not the military that determines that. Their cases will be studied by appropriate government agencies empowered to make such decisions.”

Addressing questions on the continued detention of community leaders from Okuama, Delta State, despite a reported court order for their release, Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen Tukur Gusau, stated that the military had not received any formal court order.

On March 14, four officers and 13 soldiers were killed in an ambush during a peace mission to Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area. The attack drew widespread condemnation, leading to a military operation in the area and subsequent arrests of suspected perpetrators.

“The DHQ has not received any court injunction in respect of that,” Gusau said.

“If we get it, we have our legal team, which will advise us on the next step to take. But for now, we don’t have such a court injunction being served to us.”

Read Also: DHQ takes delivery of 84 CNG-powered vehicles to enhance operations

When asked further why the military wouldn’t allow community members to visit the detained leaders, the defence spokesman replied that no such request had been made to the military.

“There was no request forwarded to the Defence Headquarters on that,” Gusau said.

“Maybe, perhaps, the request is only on the pages of newspapers.

“There is a procedure for everything. If they follow the procedure, we will respond appropriately, “he added.

July 3, 2025
DHQ takes delivery of 84 CNG-powered vehicles to enhance operations

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), have taken delivery of 84 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles to enhance operations.

The vehicles, comprising 20 buses, 50 Jet Lander pickups, and 14 Jet Mover Executive buses, were converted in collaboration with the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG).

Speaking yesterday at the vehicles’ inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Defence (State), Bello Matawalle, stated that the conversion aims to reduce operational fuel costs for the Armed Forces amid ongoing security challenges.

He said the initiative was a clear and strategic step in the journey of the nation towards energy sustainability, economic efficiency and environmental resilience, which was a “direct fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s strategic vision to reposition Nigeria as a global player in clean energy adoption and to serve the public sector on the front line of climate-conscious governance.”

The minister emphasized the urgent need to adopt cleaner and more efficient alternatives, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves.

“It is therefore, both logical and visionary, that we harness these God-given resources to power our means of transportation,” he said.

“By transitioning a version of Armed Forces vehicles to CNGP, while reducing operational fuel costs, it can play and contribute to national effort.

“To cut down these greenhouse gas emissions and meet our global environmental objectives, we are also demonstrating innovation and adaptability in military logistics and mobility.”

Read Also: DHQ to deploy 800 special operatives in troubled states

Matawalle commended the military for leading the public sector transition to cleaner energy, noting that the transition was not a one-off event, but the beginning of a long-term systematic change.

“Therefore, the Armed Forces must plan for the seamless integration of sustainability and sustainable energy solutions into logistic operations and procurement.

“We must make sure that the overall energy efficiency is the same as the general energy efficiency, and that the most important thing is the energy efficiency,” the minister said.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, stated that the transition to CNG vehicles underscores the armed forces’ ongoing transformation, commitment to modernizing military infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and adopting sustainable solutions aligned with global best practices.

He added that this milestone marks a significant step toward environmental sustainability, energy security, and technological innovation.

The CDS said the introduction of the CNG into the defence ecosystem, was a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, and ensuring cost-effective service delivery.

“In doing so, we enhance operational effectiveness while supporting national developmental goals,” he said.

July 2, 2025
DHQ takes delivery of 84 CNG-powered vehicles to enhance operations

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has taken delivery of 84 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) powered vehicles to enhance operations.

The vehicles, comprising 20 buses, 50 Jet Lander pickups and 14 Jet Mover Executive buses, were converted in collaboration with the Presidential CNG Initiative (Pi-CNG).

Speaking at the vehicles’ inauguration in Abuja, on Tuesday, the Minister of Defence (State), Bello Matawalle, stated that the conversion aims to reduce operational fuel costs for the Armed Forces amid ongoing security challenges.

He said the initiative was a clear and strategic step in the journey of the nation towards energy sustainability, economic efficiency and environmental resilience, which was a “direct fulfillment of President Bola Tinubu’s strategic vision to reposition Nigeria as a global player in clean energy adoption and to serve the public sector on the front line of climate-conscious governance.”

The Minister emphasised the urgent need to adopt cleaner and more efficient alternatives, leveraging Nigeria’s abundant natural gas reserves.

“It is therefore, both logical and visionary, that we harness these God-given resources to power our means of transportation,” he said.

“By transitioning a version of Armed Forces vehicles to CNGP, while reducing operational fuel costs, it can play and contribute to national effort.

“To cut down these greenhouse gas emissions and meet our global environmental objectives, we are also demonstrating innovation and adaptability in military logistics and mobility.”

Read Also: DHQ to deploy 800 special operatives in troubled states

Matawalle commended the military for leading the public sector transition to cleaner energy, noting that the transition was not a one-off event, but the beginning of a long-term systematic change.

“Therefore, the Armed Forces must plan for the seamless integration of sustainability and sustainable energy solutions into logistic operations and procurement.

“We must make sure that the overall energy efficiency is the same as the general energy efficiency, and that the most important thing is the energy efficiency,” the minister said.

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, stated that the transition to CNG vehicles underscores the armed forces’ ongoing transformation, commitment to modernizing military infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency, and adopting sustainable solutions aligned with global best practices.

He added that this milestone marks a significant step toward environmental sustainability, energy security, and technological innovation.

The CDS said the introduction of the CNG into the defence ecosystem, was a clear demonstration of the Federal Government’s dedication to reducing carbon emissions, enhancing fuel efficiency, and ensuring cost-effective service delivery.

“In doing so, we enhance operational effectiveness while supporting national developmental goals,” he said.

The Coordinator, P-CNGi Initiative, Michael Oluwagbemi, said the Armed Forces forces had, from day one, led from the front when it came to the adoption of CNG.

He said the first pilot project of the P-CNGi Initiative was the Nigerian Army, with the conversion of 30 vehicles, which had been expanded to 100.

July 1, 2025
CDS never blamed victims of Benue killings – DHQ Clarifies

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has clarified that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, never blamed the victims of the recent Benue killings as being represented in sections of the media.

This is contained in a statement by the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Gusau said that the CDS, instead, highlighted the complexities of conflict zones and the need for communities to be vigilant and cooperative with security agencies.

This clarification comes after some media reports misrepresented General Musa’s comments, suggesting that he blamed the victims for the attacks.

Gusau emphasised that the CDS’s remarks were aimed at encouraging communities to work with security agencies to prevent such attacks and promote peace and stability in the region.

“The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a news article published in a national daily, which misrepresents recent remarks made by the CDS, Gen. Musa, regarding the tragic Yelwata incident.

“We categorically state that the interpretation and portrayal of the CDS’s comments by the National Coalition Against Mass Killings and Impunity (NCAMKI), as reported, are both misleading and taken out of context.

“At no point did the CDS intend to blame victims or justify the heinous acts perpetrated by criminal elements in Benue State or elsewhere.

“The CDS’s statement was aimed at drawing attention to the complex realities and challenges faced in conflict zones, particularly the tactics used by insurgent and criminal groups to infiltrate communities and exploit vulnerabilities.

“His comments were made in good faith, within the broader context of encouraging communities to be vigilant, cooperative with security agencies, and united against those who seek to destroy peace and order,” he said.

Gusau said it was regrettable that advocacy groups would twist the narrative and attempt to politicize an issue as sensitive as national security.

According to him, it is on record that General Musa has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to protecting all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or gender.

Read Also: CDS: Poverty, hunger fuel national security threats

He said the CDS had continued to work tirelessly to ensure the safety of citizens, promote civil-military cooperation, and uphold the values of professionalism, compassion, and integrity in military operations.

“We reject the insinuation that the CDS’s remarks were “reckless, insensitive or provocative.

“Such a claim is not only untrue but also undermines the efforts of the armed forces in managing highly volatile and emotionally charged security situations across the country.

“While we acknowledge the right of citizens and groups to express concerns, we urge stakeholders to exercise restraint, verify facts, and engage constructively, rather than issuing inflammatory statements that may exacerbate tensions or diminish public trust in our institutions.

“The Defence Headquarters remains committed to working with all communities, civil society organisations, and government partners to ensure justice, peace, and accountability prevail across Nigeria,” he added.

(NAN)

June 24, 2025
Military neutralises 6,260 criminals, recovers N83bn stolen crude in two years — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that a total of 6,260 terrorists, violent extremists, and other criminals were eliminated during joint military operations across Nigeria in the past two years.

Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi made the revelation on Thursday during an expanded meeting with media executives at the DHQ in Abuja.

He further stated that 14,138 terrorists and criminals were arrested, while 5,365 civilians were rescued during various operations nationwide within the period under review.

Abu-Mawashi highlighted that troops recovered hundreds of weapons and thousands of rounds of ammunition across different theatres of operation.

Providing a regional breakdown, he said troops in the Niger Delta recovered stolen crude oil and other petroleum products worth N83 billion, killed 103 criminals, arrested 2,760 suspects, and rescued 266 kidnapped civilians.

In the Northeast, 1,246 fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) were neutralised, while 2,467 were arrested by security forces.

The Defence Headquarters assured that the military remains committed to restoring peace and security across the country.

“The troops rescued 1,920 civilians, recovered 982 arms and 2,153 ammunition in the Northeast,” he said.

According to him, troops killed 1,374 bandits, including their top commanders in the Northwest theatre of operation, which comprises Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto States.

They also arrested 2,160 bandits and rescued 3,288 hostages from bandit enclaves.

He said, “The arms and ammunition recovered are 947 weapons and 25,802 rounds of ammunition, respectively.”

The defence spokesman said troops on operations in the North-central killed 730 terrorists, bandits and violent extremists, and arrested 7,153 violent extremists.

He said 1,510 civilians were rescued, while 1,065 weapons and 19,709 rounds were recovered.

In the military’s Joint Task Force Southeast over the past two years, the defence spokesman said 440 terrorists were killed while 1,677 criminals were arrested.

Read Also: DHQ confirms arrest of Chinese national for allegedly aiding terrorism

“The troops rescued 294 civilians and recovered 683 weapons and 21,300 rounds of ammunition,” he said.

“Finally, Joint Task Force Southwest killed 80 criminals and arrested 1,763 others, while they rescued 89 kidnap victims.

“Troops recovered 143 weapons and 177,904 rounds of ammunition,” the defence spokesman added.

The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau said the event marked a significant milestone in their collective efforts to address and mitigate the complex security challenges confronting the nation.

Gusau said the programme was conceived in alignment with one of the leadership philosophies of the CDS, which is “leading a people-centric armed forces.”

He pledged the commitment of the military to ensuring that the Nigerian public remains accurately and adequately informed about the activities, achievements and sacrifices of the armed forces.

June 19, 2025
DHQ confirms arrest of Chinese national for allegedly aiding terrorism

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the arrest of a Chinese national during a counter-terrorism operation in Borno State.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, made the confirmation on behalf of the military high command, on Friday.

Ma.-Gen Kangye, however, didn’t disclose the identity of the foreigner, but said the individual, who claimed to be a miner, is currently in military’s custody and undergoing interrogation.

The arrest of the Chinese national came less than a week after the military announced the arrest of four Pakistani, allegedly involved in training terrorists, in the Northeat.

While questioning Kangye the suspect’s presence in an area under military operation, Gen. Kangye added that five terrorists logistics suppliers were also arrested during the operation.

The Defence Spokesman assured journalists that a full investigation is underway to determine the suspect’s intentions and possible links to insurgent groups.

He said, “Troops arrested five terrorists logistics suppliers, collaborators, and a Chinese national claiming to be a miner during well-coordinated operations conducted in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Geidam Local Government Area of Yobe State between 5 and 7 June 2025.

“Anybody that is caught, just like you know with criminals, they will just deny involvement. But the question is: what brought him there at the time of arrest? Why was he in an operational area where our troops were conducting operations?”

“The Chinese national has been detained and is undergoing interrogation. Once the investigation is concluded, we will furnish the public with full details—why he was there, how he was arrested, and whether he had accomplices.”

Kangye dismissed claims that troops are often slow in responding to distress calls during attacks, especially in remote communities.

Read Also: DHQ empowers 35 ex-servicemen

Kangye described the allegation as misleading, noting that logistical realities such as difficult terrain and the need for coordination affect response times.

He said: “People must understand that our troops are not in every village. Sometimes, incidents occur 10 to 15 kilometres from the nearest military base. Before deployment, the appropriate subunit must be identified, a commander appointed, and vehicles and supplies secured. All of this takes time.”

Kangye maintained that all distress calls are being addressed and assured the public of the military’s commitment to protecting citizens and neutralizing threats.

“Let’s not rush to label our troops as slow. They are working under tough conditions, and I can assure you—they respond when called upon,” he said.

June 13, 2025
Report of Niger’s withdrawal from MNJTF false, says DHQ

…vows to eliminate terrorist kingpin Bello Turji

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the reports that Niger Republic withdrawn from the Multinational Joint Task Force was not credible.

The military high command spoke through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, during a briefing on Thursday, in Abuja.

Kangye clarified that the MNJTF remains a critical regional security collaboration and that efforts must be made to prevent any member state from leaving.

The MNJTF was formed in 1994 by countries of the Lake Chad Commission to fight terrorism and other transboundary crimes across the member states. The countries are Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon, and Benin Republic.

Kangye said that Niger’s withdrawal from the joint task force would have had serious security implications on the efforts against terrorism and other common security threats.

He said, “When you hear dem say, it means the information lacks credibility. I think this area has been a subject of discourse for the past few months, especially when some members of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decided to ally and attempted to exit ECOWAS.

“But, you know, the Multinational Joint Task Force was established by the Lake Chad Commission countries to address their common security concerns.

“Nigeria has been making significant efforts to ensure the sustainability of this task force. However, if for any reason a member decides to pull out, the implications will be substantial. The synergy we are supposed to enjoy may no longer be there.

“It is not in our interest for any country to leave because whatever affects them also affects us. If a country withdraws, it creates a gap in effort and reduces the strength of the contingent from that country.

“Therefore, efforts must be made to prevent such a situation from happening. Do you understand? We will continue to examine the situation, and as we always do, we will provide further briefings when necessary. “

The military high command, therefore, assured Nigerians that security forces remain focused on apprehending bandit and terrorist leaders, including Bello Turji.

He dismissed claims in some quarters that the military had downscaled operations against herdsmen, terrorists, and cattle rustlers, among others, hence giving room for the resurgence of the security threats which had hitherto been subdued.

Kangye said: “Then on the aspect of whether the troops are not, or they have downscaled their operations against cattle rustlers and terrorists’ leaders.

Read Also: DHQ: we’re unaware of North communities’ peace deal with bandits

“No. Like I read out, troops intercepted some trucks loaded with cows, and they recovered them, and they are still on the hunt for high-value terrorists. I have also read out the report for the quarter, some high-value terrorists that were eliminated during the quarter.

“I have mentioned their names. So as for Bello Truji, it is just a matter of time, an appointment will be made with him by his maker.”

Kangye refuted allegations of neglecting soldiers wounded in action.

He said, “As to whether the welfare of troops is not taken care of, or that there are so many complaints about their welfare by troops.

“Well, to the best of my knowledge and what the armed forces are doing, our troops are adequately taken care of. And you are a journalist. If you have watched over the Salah break, you would have noticed the chief of army staff, the chief of air staff, and other senior officers from the services headquarters visiting troops at the front line to celebrate Salah.

“And those that are wounded, I can still remember vividly that the commander of infantry, General A.K. Ibrahim, was at 44 Military Hospital to have lunch with our wounded in action. And last year, while I held sway as the commander of artillery, I personally was in that same 44 Military Hospital to stay with our troops on Christmas Day. I didn’t spend Christmas with my family.

“I was with our wounded in the hospital to celebrate Christmas. The year before, I was in Mangu Plateau State to also represent the Chief of army staff to have lunch with our troops. So the issue of whether troops are not taken care of is not true.

“And I can also tell you that the services headquarters, the Armed Forces of Nigeria, is taking good care of the sick and wounded. Some of them that require medical evacuation abroad are taken abroad for medical treatment. Some went to Egypt, some went to Turkey, I remember, some are in India.

“And as we speak, some are still there receiving medical attention by the services, taken care of by the services. And also, I want to tell you about, was it in December or November? I don’t know the exact dates. Houses were issued to some of our wounded soldiers in action. “

Kangye stressed that the military has provided free housing for wounded soldiers who may not be able to return to active service.

He said: “There is an estate built by the army, and the army issued keys to soldiers, free. So when you talk of the welfare of soldiers, don’t listen to some narratives that are passed in the public domain. Some of these narratives are meant to discredit the effort of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, and we say no to it.

“Our troops are well taken care of. Senior officers frequently visit them at the frontline and in hospitals. Some of those needing advanced treatment have been flown to countries like Egypt, Turkey, and India,” he said.

The defence spokesman warned against the spread of false information, particularly regarding religious crises in northern Nigeria.

He urged journalists and the public to verify claims before sharing them, stressing that misleading narratives could be weaponized to create unrest.

“This is an AI-dominated information age. False narratives can be manipulated to create confusion. However, we will investigate all credible reports and take appropriate action,” he assured.

April 3, 2025