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  • Terrorists, bandits days are numbered, says DHQ

    Terrorists, bandits days are numbered, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the days of terrorists, bandits and oil thieves are number unless they surrender.

    It said that troops would continue to deny them the ability to achieve their selfish objectives.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said this in a statement yesterday.

    Buba said troops’ operations have “substantially inflicted casualties on terrorists, insurgents and violent extremists through operations ranging from fighting patrols, ambushes and raids to air interdictions.”

    Giving the update on troops operations across the country in the past week, the defence spokesperson said they killed 67 terrorists and arrested 190 others.

    He said troops also arrested 57 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 47 kidnapped hostages.

    In the Niger Delta region, Buba said troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined diesel and 51,000 litres of kerosene.

    Read Also: Military winning war against terrorists, oil thieves, says DHQ

    According to the military high command, troops on operations in the Niger Delta region also  discovered and destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, eight pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, two speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites.

    Buba said aside the oil seizures that were made, troops also recovered 112 assorted weapons and 989 assorted ammunition.

    The breakdown of weapons seized from the criminals, according to defence spokesperson are one GT3 rifle, 42 AK47 rifles, 11 locally fabricated rifles, seven pump action guns, one locally made double barrel, pistols, three Dane guns, two locally made pistols, 342 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 190 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 74 live cartridges.

    Others, according to Buba, are 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, empty shells, 27 magazines, 23 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones, five boafeng radios, four bicycles, cutlasses, axes, digital camera and the sum of N3,278,700.00.

  • Terrorists, bandits’ days are numbered, says DHQ

    Terrorists, bandits’ days are numbered, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the days of terrorists, bandits and oil thieves are numbered unless they surrender.

    It said the troops would continue to deny them the ability to achieve their selfish objectives.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said this in a statement on Friday, November 3.

    Buba said troops’ operations have “substantially inflicted casualties on terrorist, insurgents and violent extremist through operations ranging from fighting patrols, ambushes, raids to air interdictions.”

    Giving the update on troops operations across the country in the past week, the defence spokesperson said troops killed 67 terrorists and arrested 190 others.

    Read Also: Ajaero: NLC, TUC list conditions to avoid nationwide strike Nov 8

    He said troops also arrested 57 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 47 kidnapped hostages.

    In the Niger Delta region, Buba said troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined diseil and 51,000 litres of kerosen.

    According to the military high command troops on operations in the Niger Delta region also discovered and destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, eight pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, two speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites.

    Buba said aside the oil seizures that were made, troops also recovered 112 assorted weapons and 989 assorted ammunition.

    The breakdown of weapons seized from the criminals, according to defence spokesperson are one GT3 rifle, 42 AK47 rifles, 11 locally fabricated rifles, seven pump action guns, one locally made double barrel, pistols, three dane gun, two locally made pistols, 342 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 190 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 74 live cartridges.

    Others, according to Buba, are 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, empty shells, 27 magazines, 23 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones, five boafeng radios, four bicycles, cutlasses, axes, digital camera and the sum of N3,278,700.00.

  • Troops kill 52 terrorists, arrest 53 criminals – DHQ

    Troops kill 52 terrorists, arrest 53 criminals – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops on operations across the country have killed 52 terrorists, arrested 53 criminals and seven suspected oil thieves.

    The military high command also said the troops rescued 61 kidnapped hostages in different theatres of operations.

    Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement on Friday, September 22.

    Buba said a total of seven terrorists, five male and two female, surrendered to troops.

    He said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE denied oil thieves an estimated sum of Nine Hundred and Forty-six Million, Three Hundred and Eighty-seven Thousand Five Hundred and Seventy Naira (N946,387,570.00) worth of crude.

    “The operations in South-South resulted in the recovery of 496,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 83,400 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,200 litres of PMS, 4 pumping machines, 5 speed boats, 34 dugout pits, 57 storage tanks, 16 wooden boats, 85 ovens and 3 outboard engines,” he said.

    The spokesperson disclosed that troops recovered a total number of 77 weapons and 658 assorted kinds of ammunition.

    Read Also: DHQ probes video of soldiers in dialogue with bandits in Katsina

    The items recovered, according to him, are  53 AK47 rifles, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 18 locally fabricated rifles, 1 beretta pistol, 3 pump action guns, 650 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 50 AK47 magazines, 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, 6 rounds of 7.62 NATO, 5 fragmentation jackets.

    Buba also said troops recovered 15 vehicles, 12 motorcycles, 12 Bicycles, 5 mobile phones, 12 cutlasses, 2 generator sets, 2 gas cylinders, 133 livestocks and a sum of N602,000 and Airtel airtime worth N8,000.”

    He said: “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East were engaged in ambushes, raids, rescue operations, fighting patrols, attacks as well as cordon and search activities. These operations resulted in neutralising terrorists, rescuing hostages, surrendering of terrorist combatants as well as recovery of arms and ammunition.

    “The operational activities of troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North Central ranged from rescue of kidnap victims within Tsafe LGA of Zamfara to artillery missions on terrorists massing up in the forest. Others include the arrest of terrorist collaborators and the conduct of offensive activities to disrupt terrorist freedom of action.”

    “The military will, through its operations, continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security across the country. Citizens are encouraged to “know something, say something and let the military do something about it,” Buba added.

  • DHQ probes video of soldiers in dialogue with bandits in Katsina

    DHQ probes video of soldiers in dialogue with bandits in Katsina

    The Defence Headquarters has launched an investigation into a  video clip on social media of some soldiers engaging with bandits somewhere in Katsina State.

    Its probe is to ascertain the authenticity of the clips as regards the soldiers seen in uniform.

    A statement issued last night, its Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the military high command was aware of the resolve of some bandits to repent and hand over their weapons to the authorities.

    Read Also: DHQ, police turn heat on oil thieves, economic saboteurs

    The statement stated that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has assured Nigerians that the military would “engage in every lawful means possible to ensure peace and stability reign in our dear nation.

    “The DHQ assures Nigerians that its non-kinetic measures aimed at restoration of peace are yielding results, with several bandits and other criminal elements surrendering to authority.

    “Governments at all levels are encouraged to allow bandits  genuinely willing to surrender to do so while the window is still open.

    “The DHQ is doing everything possible to restore peace and tranquility all over the country and urge all citizens to remain calm and be law-abiding.”

  • Niger, Gabon others may miss Africa Military Games 2024, says DHQ

    Niger, Gabon others may miss Africa Military Games 2024, says DHQ

    The Republic of Niger, Gabon, and other African countries where the military has recently toppled democratically elected governments may not participate in Africa Military Games 2024, the Defence Headquarters has said.

    The DHQ said the countries would only be invited to participate in the event subject to approval by the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of African States (ECOWAS).

    Niger, Gabon, Chad, Burkina Faso and are among the African countries whose militaries toppled the democratically elected government, and the countries are currently facing different sanctions by the regional bodies.

    Director of Sports at the Defence Headquarters, Air Vice Marshall Abidemi Timothy, said this on Tuesday, September 5, at the Defence Headquarters Abuja while fielding questions after a briefing on the preparation for the second edition of Africa Military Games Abuja 2024, and Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Half Marathon for Military and Security Agencies in Nigeria.

    He said though sports is a subtle way of diplomacy, the countries would only be invited based on approval from AU and ECOWAS.

    Timothy said: “These countries are under AU and ECOWAS suspension, because of the recent invents. If the political masters, that is the AU and ECOWAS, said they should not be invited they won’t.

    “This is because all these games are administratively, but not operationally, under the auspices of the AU and ECOWAS. So it is not cast in stone that these countries will be formally invited.”

    Earlier, the President of the Organisation of Military Sport in Africa, Maj.-Gen. Maikano Abdullahi said the Africa Military Games is a multi-sport event for military personnel in Africa, and the 2024 Theme is: “Enhancing Military Cooperation in Africa through Sports.”

    He said the aim of Africa Military Game 2024 is to allow African countries to interact with one another towards enhancing the historical collaborative efforts and working relationships they have enjoyed over the years.

    Abdullahi said over two thousand military personnel across Africa, and a total number of 42 countries will participate in the event, which he said is expected to be held from November 6 to 15 2024, at the Moshood Abiola Stadium Abuja, and other military sporting facilities in Abuja.

    Read Also: Troops kill 39 terrorists, arrest 157 others, says DHQ

    According to him, the event which was first held in Nairobi, Kenya, will feature 19 sporting events including swimming, obstacle crossing, volleyball, football, and table tennis.

    Abdullahi said the event is being sponsored by the Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, the Army, Navy and Air Force.

    On the CDS Half Marathon, Air Vice Marshall Timothy said the marathon is strictly for the military, other security agencies, and veterans.

    He said the event will hold in Abuja in November 25, 2923, and would cover 21 kilometers. He said the theme of the event is “Enahacing Security agencies Cooperation through Sports.”

  • How we foiled Boko Haram’s bid to rob bank —DHQ

    Successful military operations carried out this week foiled a major Boko Haram bank robbery, tackled armed banditry and prevented the sabotage of critical national economic assets, the Defence Headquarters has said.

    In a statement issued yesterday, Defence Headquarters spokesman, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, gave details of coordinated nationwide military operations in Adamawa, Zamfara, Benue, Delta and Nassarawa states, noting that several security threats were successfully neutralised.

    “In its relentless effort to ensure adequate national security, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has been engrossed in tackling the menace of terrorism, insurgency, armed banditry and sabotage of critical national economic assets through coordinated military operations across the country, the statement said, adding that the DHQ had recorded “quite a number of operational successes over the week.”

    Nwachukwu added: “Some of the successes recorded include repelling Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) attack on Michika Town in Michika Local Government Area (LGA), Adamawa State.

    “The insurgents, who were on a looting mission for logistics, had attacked a bank and some shops in the area, damaging an Automated Teller Machine (ATM) and carting away food items.

    “However, the insurgents ran out of luck when troops of 143 Battalion and 115 Task Force Brigade at neighbouring Lassa in Borno State mobilised to the area and engaged the insurgents in a fierce combat, forcing the insurgents to flee.

    “The fleeing insurgents were again ambushed and neutralised by Special Forces troops at Maikadiri Village in Askira Uba LGA of Borno State. The gallant troops recovered one Hilux van, two Toyota Starlet cars loaded with looted foodstuff and motorcycles from the fleeing insurgents.

    “Similarly, troops in Zamfara State have arrested an impostor parading himself as a military officer in Tundun Wada area of Gusau metropolis in Zamfara State. The suspect, who identified himself as Abdulresheed Sylvester, was arrested dressed up in military uniform with the rank of Major.

    “In order to stem the menace of armed banditry in the North Central part of the country, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted a raid operation on a suspected bandits’ camp at Dogo Gawa, a border community between Takum in Taraba State and Katsina-Ala in Benue State.

    “In a shootout that ensued, the bandits who were overpowered by the superior firepower of the troops fled, abandoning their camp.

    Read also: Boko Haram: I slept in tents to encourage my people return home – Borno monarch

    “The gallant troops recovered one locally made riffle, one laptop, two cell phones, SIM cards, ATM cards and a sum of N400,000. The camp was subsequently destroyed by troops who are currently on the trail of the fleeing bandits,” he stated.

    While soliciting public assistance with timely information that can help the military, he further stated that the operations of bandits, including illegal refining,were disrupted in military operations conducted this week.

    He said: “Troops of Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke deployed at Ondori in Doma LGA have raided a suspected militia hideout at Abuja Ogor, a local settlement in Doma LGA, Nasarawa State and recovered two AK 47 riffles with two empty magazines, one Clarion 5.56 Israeli Assault rifle mounted with a magazine.

    “In another raid on bandits’ hideout in the same location, troops arrested two armed bandits with two AK 47 rifles, three magazines and 126 rounds of ammunition.

    “In tackling the spate of economic sabotage of the nation’s key national economic asset, troops of 222 Battalion on routine patrol arrested two suspected pipeline vandals along Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) pipeline around Isoko South LGA of Delta State; the suspects were arrested along with a tanker truck and 8 motorcycles while attempting to vandalize a petroleum pipeline.

  • Polls: Military won’t engage in reprisal attack —DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday assured Nigerians that no reprisal attack would be carried out by the military following the attack on its personnel in Rivers State during the presidential and National Assembly elections two weeks ago.

    The Acting Director of Defence Information, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, however, advised politicians to ensure that there is absolute peace in their domains in tomorrow’s elections.

    An officer and three soldiers were killed during the last elections

    Nwachukwu, who spoke at a media briefing in Abuja yesterday, said the occasion was necessitated by the need to re-emphasise the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin, who said that military personnel should carry out their right of voting the candidates of their choice within the ambit of the law.

    He said: “I wish to welcome members of the press to this media briefing on the forthcoming gubernatorial, state House of Assembly and the FCT area council elections.

    “The Defence Headquarters wishes to use the opportunity provided by this press briefing to reiterate that the role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the ongoing elections is to support the Nigeria Police in ensuring that Nigerians are able to perform their civic obligations in a peaceful and secured environment.

    “Let me also add that this role is enshrined in Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which stipulates that the AFN could be deployed to assist the Nigeria Police in maintenance of law and order during elections.

    “In carrying out this onerous task, the AFN is guided by the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement (ROE) that have been provided for military personnel deployed to maintain security during elections.

    “It is crucial to re-emphasise the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, that while military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty of voting as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must approach their polling units in civilian clothing, devoid of any military accoutrements.

    “Additionally, any military personnel who is not on election security duty found in military uniform on Election Day will be arrested and sanctioned in accordance with the military justice system.

    “Likewise, all military commanders have been tasked to ensure that sanity prevails in their respective Areas of Responsibility.

    “These assigned tasks include arrest of anyone in military uniform who is not on election security duty on the Election Day.

    “Likewise, any civilian caught in military uniform will be treated as an impostor.”

    Nwachukwu commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections.

    He said: “It is imperative to state that no one deserves to lose his or her life during elections, be it personnel of security agencies, civilians, electoral officials or observers, both local and international.

     

  • Polls: Military won’t engage in reprisal attack, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters ( DHQ ) on Friday assured Nigerians that no reprisal attack would be carried out by the military following the attack on its personnel in Rivers State during the Presidential and National Assembly elections two weeks ago.

    The Acting Director of Defence Information, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu said at a media briefing in Abuja that politicians should, however, ensure that there is absolute peace in their domains in Saturday’s elections.

    An officer and three soldiers were killed during the last elections.

    He said the briefing was necessitated by the need to re-emphasise the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin that military personnel should carry out their right of voting the candidates of their choices within the ambit of the law.

    Colonel Nwachukwu said: “I wish to welcome members of the Press to this media briefing on the forthcoming Gubernatorial, State House of Assembly and the FCT Area Councils elections.

    “The Defence Headquarters wishes to use the opportunity provided by this press briefing to reiterate that the role of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the on-going elections is to support the Nigeria Police in ensuring that Nigerians are able to perform their civic obligations in a peaceful and secured environment.

    “Let me also add that this role is enshrined in Section 217 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as amended, which stipulates that the AFN could be deployed to assist the Nigeria Police in maintenance of law and order during elections.

    “In carrying out this onerous task, the AFN is guided by the Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement (ROE) that have been provided for military personnel deployed to maintain security during elections.

    “It is crucial to re-emphasize the directive of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, that while military personnel have the right to perform their civic duty of voting as provided in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, they must approach their polling units in civilian clothings, devoid of any military accoutrements.

    “Additionally, any military personnel who is not on election security duty found in military uniform on Election Day will be arrested and sanctioned in accordance with the military justice system.

    “Likewise, all military Commanders have been tasked to ensure that sanity prevails in their respective Areas of Responsibility.

    “These assigned tasks include arrest of anyone in military uniform who is not on election security duty on the Election Day. Likewise, any civilian caught in military uniform will be treated as an impostor.

    “At this juncture, let me commiserate with the families of those who lost their lives during the last Presidential and National Assembly elections. It is imperative to state that no one deserves to lose his or her life during elections, be it personnel of security agencies, civilians, electoral officials or observers, both local and international.

    “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) therefore urges all politicians and their supporters to embrace peace and conduct themselves within the ambit of the law.

    “Despite the unfortunate attacks on our personnel by political hoodlums during the last election, the AFN, as a professional and reputable institution, wishes to reassure the public that no reprisal attack will be carried out by any military personnel, Unit or Formation.

    “We assure all Nigerians that in tandem with our mandate, we will continue to compliment and support the efforts of the Nigerian Police in ensuring that all law abiding citizens of this nation and members of the international community go about their legitimate duties and obligations in an environment devoid of violence and insecurity.

    “The DHQ once again solicits the support and cooperation of all Nigerians and the media toward the sustenance of peace and security before, during and after the elections.

    “We also enjoin members of the public to report any suspicious person or activities likely to undermine the security of our nation to security agencies for prompt action.”

  • New DHQ spokesman assumes office

    The new Acting Director of Defence Information, Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu, yesterday assumed office at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja.

    In a brief handing over ceremony, the outgoing Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen John Agim, said he felt fulfilled for attaining the peak of his career in the military as the ceremony marked his disengagement from the service.

    Brig Gen. Agim lauded the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Abayomi Olonisakin, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, for the opportunities they gave him, saying the task of managing the image and reputation of the Armed Forces is very important, but quite challenging.

    Colonel Nwachukwu in his remarks, called on the media to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) in the fight against terrorism and other criminal acts across the country, saying the Boko Haram Terrorists have become the common enemy of the country.

    He enjoined the media to change the narratives of their reportage of events in the Northeast in a manner that the Boko Haram Terrorists would not enjoy publicity in the media anymore, asserting that publicity had become oxygen for terrorism.

    He said :”May I seize this opportunity to remind us as media and public relations professionals, that publicity has been severally identified as the oxygen of terrorism. It is the life of the terrorists and keeps them going.

    “Terrorism is a societal ill and an aberration. It is a threat to our collective peace, unity and national development and must not be allowed to thrive. It is, therefore, pertinent to work hands in gloves to deny our common adversary the oxygen of publicity and crush the grandiose ego of terrorism.”

    Colonel Nwachukwu who was the spokesman for Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast before his new appointment further called on media practitionals across the country to remain resolute and professional in their reportage of events regarding the military for the peace and security of the country.

    Colonel Nwachukwu said:  “There is no gainsaying that contemporary security challenges have orchestrated a paradigm shift from the traditional interstate warfare between nation states to intra state conflicts, engendering a plethora of security challenges.”

  • Nigeria not under IS threat, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday said Nigeria is not under threat from Islamic State militants.

    It assured Nigerians that the armed forces were up to the task of defending the country and her citizens from any threat.

    Defence Spokesman Brig. Gen John Agim in a statement said: “The Defence Headquarters wishes to respond to a report making the round that ISIS has been sending her members to Nigeria to train Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) members.

    “It is pertinent to state categorically that there is no concrete evidence on the ground to back their claim.

    “However, it will be recalled that the Amnesty International (AI) Barnawi faction in 2016 pledged alliance to the ISIS as a result of our troops’ fire power which dislodged them from Sambisa forest and surrounding areas in the North East.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria is aware that there is collaboration between terrorist groups, thus, it is important to note that the activity of one group in a country influences other groups in other countries and because of this knowledge, activities of other terrorist groups usually affect our own military strategy.”