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Tag: insurgents

  • Insurgents will have no time to plan attacks, Air Chief assures

    Insurgents will have no time to plan attacks, Air Chief assures

    The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Vice Marshal (AVM)Sunday Kelvin Aneke, has said air power pressure would be on terrorists such that they won’t have the time to plan attacks. 

    Aneke said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) under his watch would keep the insurgents running without time to think or plan, assuring that he would lead a versatile, disciplined, and lethal service. 

    “I use the word lethal in a professional sense because a man running from you will not have the time to plan to hurt you,” he said. 

    A statement Wednesday by the Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, said the CAS gave the assurances during his confirmation before the National Assembly. 

    Ejodame said the Air Chief stressed that his leadership would be anchored on training, technology, safety, and strategic innovation, emphasising that “true military power is not measured by brute force but by superior intellect and adaptability.”

    “The new CAS vowed to build an Air Force that responds swiftly, strikes precisely, and acts intelligently across all spectrums of military operations, a force defined not only by strength, but by precision, professionalism, and purpose,” said the DOPRI. 

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    Aneke’s confirmation followed his nomination by President Bola Tinubu in accordance with Section 18(1) of the Armed Forces Act, Cap A20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.With this confirmation, he legally succeeds Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, joining other Service Chiefs as a member of the Armed Forces Council.

    Lawmakers at the confirmation session praised AVM Aneke’s depth of experience, operational leadership, and intellectual grounding. 

    They particularly commended his tenure as Air Officer Commanding, Mobility Command, where he improved strategic airlift capability, strengthened joint operations, and enhanced the 

    NAF’s responsiveness in complex security environments. His leadership in intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) operations was also lauded for its critical role in shaping Nigeria’s counter-insurgency efforts and internal security outcomes.

    Beyond the individual merit of his appointment, AVM Aneke’s confirmation carries constitutional and strategic significance. Constitutionally, it reinforces the principle of civilian oversight in military leadership and underscores the National Assembly’s role in ensuring transparency and democratic accountability within the Armed Forces. Strategically, it marks continuity and confidence in a leadership transition aimed at consolidating NAF’s modernisation drive, expanding airpower projection, and deepening civil-military trust.

    A scholar and strategist, AVM Aneke is a graduate of the United States Air War College, Montgomery, Alabama, and holds multiple advanced degrees, including Master’s degrees in Strategic Studies, International Affairs and Diplomacy, and Political Economy and Development Studies. With more than 4,300 flight hours across several aircraft types, he stands among Nigeria’s most accomplished pilots and forward-looking airpower professionals.

    The confirmation session was witnessed by key dignitaries, including the Honourable Minister of Defence, Dr Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, and the Special Adviser to the President on Senate Matters, Senator Basheer Lado. As he assumes office, AVM Aneke’s message to Nigerians is clear: the Nigerian Air Force under his command will be swift in action, precise in strike, and intelligent in execution, a force built not merely for power, but for purpose, protection, and progress.

  • Group hails fight against insurgents, others 

    Group hails fight against insurgents, others 

    The Redemption Youth for Good Governance (TRYGOG) has commended the fight against insurgency in the north and oil theft in the Niger Delta. 

    The group commended the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa for leading the renewed campaign targeted at ensuring stability and economic growth in the country. 

    National President of TRYGOG, Isaac Owoicho, gave the commendation in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja. 

    The group said the defence chief had since his appointment on June 23, demonstrated a high level of professionalism and competence in the discharge of his duties.

    The statement read in part: “The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa who has been leading this renewed campaign targeted at ensuring stability and economic growth is leaving no stone unturned.

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    “In the Niger Delta, oil theft has been a persistent issue, significantly impacting Nigeria’s economy.

    “The government, under President Bola Tinubu, has launched initiatives to combat this problem, aiming to increase oil production to 3 million barrels per day by 2025. Operations such as Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) and involving the Nigerian Navy and the petroleum ministry, have been intensified to curb oil theft.

    “These measures include deploying advanced military resources like armed drones and attack helicopters. Crushing Oil Theft and Economic Sabotage in the Niger Delta

    “Oil theft has posed a significant challenge to Nigeria’s economy, leading to revenue losses amounting to billions of dollars annually.

    “Recognising the urgency of the situation, General Musa has intensified military action through Operation Delta Sanity (OPDS) and Defence Monitoring Team– a mission aimed at eradicating crude oil theft, illegal refineries, and pipeline vandalism.

    “Insurgency in the northeastern region has received the heavy blow of the Nigerian military as the intensified operations against insurgent groups such as Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) has led to the elimination of key insurgent leaders and numerous fighters, contributing to a decline in such nefarious activity. These efforts have also resulted in the arrest of suspected militants and the release of numerous hostages.

    “Since his appointment as Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in June 2023, General Christopher Musa has remained at the forefront of Nigeria’s fight against crime, oil theft, insurgency, and other forms of criminality.

    “His proactive leadership has strengthened military operations, enhanced intelligence gathering, and improved national security efforts, reaffirming the Nigerian Armed Forces’ commitment to safeguarding lives and national assets.

    “As a body we are impressed with the military while we still admonish them not to relent as there are more grounds to be covered.”

  • Insurgents kill 24 mourners in Yobe

    Insurgents kill 24 mourners in Yobe

    • Govt holds emergency security meeting
    • Military confirms incident

    Insurgents in Yobe State have killed more than 24 villagers, who were on their way to bury victims of a previous Boko Haram attack.

    The attack, which occurred in Geidam Local Government, is believed to be a reprisal by the insurgent group.

    Initially, the insurgents targeted the village, setting it ablaze and killing four persons, including the village head of Nguro Kayayya. Subsequently, they planted an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), resulting in the deaths of over 20 villagers, who were travelling on an improvised tricycle called ‘Jega’ for a condolence visit the following day. Only two persons survived the IED attack and were taken to hospital.

    Police spokesman ASP Dungus Abdulkarim confirmed the incident, but did not provide further details.

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    Governor Mai Mala Buni yesterday held an emergency security meeting to address the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in certain parts of the state.

    Security Adviser to the Governor, Brig.-Gen. Dahiru Abdulsalam (Rtd),  said the recent military operations in neighbouring Borno State had forced the insurgents to resort to targeting soft targets.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, didn’t respond to the calls put across to his mobile line.

    However, a senior officer at the military headquarters confirmed to The Nation that the incident happened at Ngurukayaya in Geidam Local Government.

  • 66 killed as bandits, villagers clash in Zamfara

    No fewer than 66 persons were killed on Tuesday during a clash between armed bandits and residents of Dan Jigba town in Zamfara state.

    Our correspondent gathered that about seven villagers were killed when bandits numbering over 180 stormed the town near Tsafe local government area.

    But the villagers mobilised and resisted the attack, which reportedly lasted for about four hours.

    At least 59 of the bandits were said to have been killed by the courageous villagers.

    Our correspondent noticed that three military vehicles with soldiers have arrived the town since Wednesday morning as the villagers also prepare for another round of resistance against the expected attackers.

    Acting Force Information Officer Major Clement K Abiade told our correspondent the military authorities were aware of the incident and had mobilised men to the scene.

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    One of the villagers, who identified himself as Chairman Malaha, told our correspondent on phone they were compelled to resist the bandits because they were tired of extortion.

    It was gathered that over 100 villagers were abducted recently by the bandits.

    Danjibga is a commercial town with many affluent people, making them an easy target for the bandits.

    Residents told our correspondent the bandits force abductees to pay as much as N5-15million.

    During a recent wedding ceremony, the bandits were said to have disguised as women and killed the family head before seizing over 15 women, who are said to have been in captivity for over 20 days.

    Our correspondent gathered the ruffled bandits were regrouping for another attack on the villagers, infuriated by the strong resistance during Tuesday’s attack.

  • NAF jet destroys insurgents’ camp in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force ( NAF ) says its Operation LAFIYA DOLE has decimated a Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) camp and neutralised some of their fighters at a settlement called Arboko in Borno.

    Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja.

    The NAF spokesperson said the operation of the Air Task Force (ATF) was carried out on Monday.

    Daramola explained that the Alpha jet destroyed the insurgent’s camp while providing close air support to troops of 82 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

    Read Also: NAF nabs 10 suspected bandits with weapons in Kaduna

    “The operation was conducted on Feb.18, while a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jet and an Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform were providing close air support to troops of 82 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

    “In the course of the operation, the ISR aircraft spotted a group of BHT fighters within Arboko village and vectored the Alpha Jet to engage their camp with rocket fire, thereby degrading the terrorists’ structures and neutralising some of their fighters,” he said.

    The spokesman said that NAF, operating in concert with surface forces, would sustain its efforts to completely destroy all remnants of the terrorists in the North East.

  • Five killed as armed bandits attack Niger communities

    Armed bandits have attacked 17 communities in Rafi and Shiroro local government areas of Niger state leaving five people dead.

    35 people are suspected to have been abducted as they have been declared missing by the communities.

    This was disclosed to The Nation by the Niger state Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA).

    According to the NSEMA Public Relations Officer, Ibrahim Audu, the attack occurred last Thursday night.

    Audu said that about 3500 are currently displaced adding that the displaced persons are being camped at Kagara central primary school and Pandogari primary school.

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    The Agency said that the state government has provided some palliatives in form of food items and sleeping materials adding that relief materials would be distributed to the affected people within the week.

    Speaking to The Nation, Audi further said, “Nsema have activated the temporal camps with profiling of the affected persons and Health personnel have been deployed to the two camps.

    “The state government has directed provision of all requirements for camp operation”, he said.

  • Maintain high combat readiness against insurgents, Air chief urges troops

    CHIEF of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has urged troops of Operation Lafiya Dole to maintain high degree of vigilance and combat readiness against insurgents.

    Abubakar, who said it has become imperative for the troops to remain focused in their assigned duty to eliminate remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents from the Northeast, noted that there was so much at stake for the military in the fight against terrorism.

    The CAS spoke while celebrating the Christmas with frontline troops in Maiduguri, Borno State. He was represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, NAF Headquarters, Abuja Air Vice Marshal Muhammodu Mahammad.

    A statement by Air Force Director of Public Relations and Information Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola quoted the Air chief as saying that celebrating the festive period with the troops had become a tradition as a way of boosting their morale.

    According to the CAS, such get-togethers help to foster comradeship while providing an avenue to commend the efforts of those involved in the fight against insurgency.

    Abubakar reminded the troops to sustain their efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability in the Northeast and other parts of Nigeria.

    According to him, “we all are aware that so much is at stake for us in this war against insurgency.

    “As such, we cannot allow ourselves to be taken unawares. While thanking God for his mercies and keeping us alive to see this celebration, I appreciate all your efforts and that of our families for their unending support.”

    The CAS thanked the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, President Muhammadu Buhari, for providing the resources that enabled the NAF to effectively perform its constitutional roles.

    He pledged the determination of the troops to reciprocate by remaining disciplined and exhibiting the highest level of professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

    ATF Commander AVM James Gwani expressed the gratitude of officers and men of the ATF to the CAS for his commitment to the morale and welfare of the personnel as well as for providing the necessary facilities and enabling environment that ensured effective and efficient mission accomplishment throughout the year.

  • Troops repel attacks by insurgents disguised as aid workers

    The Nigerian Army has repelled attack by Boko Haram insurgents who disguised as humanitarian workers at Gudunbali community in Borno.

    In a statement on Sunday, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed that the insurgents, on Dec. 14, attempted to infiltrate the community, disguising as a humanitarian assistance team.

    Nwachukwu said that the insurgents took advantage of the ongoing distribution of relief items in the community and opened fire on troops’ location.

    He revealed that another set of insurgents on mounted gun truck engaged the troops in fierce gun duel, adding that the troops successfully repelled the attack.

    Nwachukwu said: “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, located at Gudumbali in northern Borno, on Friday Dec. 14, repelled infiltration attempt by suspected Boko Haram terrorists that disguised as humanitarian assistance team.

    “The terrorists took advantage of the ongoing distribution of relief materials at Gudumbali and opened fire on troops’ location, which was followed by rapid fire from other terrorists in gun trucks along Gudumbali-Kukawa axis.

    “The troops, however, fought gallantly and out maneuvered the attackers inflicting heavy casualties on them.

    “Unfortunately, a soldier paid the supreme price during the encounter and one other wounded in action, while a Cobra Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and a truck belonging to the unit were damaged.”

    The army spokesperson added that the troops recovered bodies of some of the neutralised terrorists, large quantity of ammunition and 8 Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) charges.

    According to him, the troops have been reinforced and normalcy restored to the area. (NAN)

  • Christian leaders demand release of Leah Sharibu, Chibok girls

    A Christian civil society organization, Catalyst for Global Peace and Social Justice Initiative, CPJ, in conjunction with the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), has demanded for the release of Leah Sharibu, the Dapchi schoolgirl who, for over seven months, has remained in Boko Haram captivity along with the remaining 112 Chibok girls.

    The group made this plea at a prayer session held for Leah and the abducted girls which took place at the National Christian Center in Abuja on Tuesday.

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    The group expressed its displeasure at the threat by the Boko Haram terrorists to kill Leah Sharibu and two others in their custody, non-release of the remaining Chibok girls, as well as the inability of security agencies to arrest the activities of kidnappers, ritualists, and insurgents.

    The Convener, CPJ Global, Pastor Abraham Aiyedogbon, condemned the abductions by Boko Haram, referring to it as “a show of gutless brutality by a group with a false claim to Islamic principles and endowed with criminal access to weapons of cruelty and mass murder.”

    He called on the federal government to use all its power to ensure the immediate release of Leah Sharibu before the threat deadline approaches to avoid the same situation that happened when Boko Haram murdered Suifura Khorsa, the Red Cross health worker.

    “It is bad enough that following the abduction of over 200 Chibok girls in 2014 during Jonathan’s administration, the Buhari administration would allow a recurrence of that incident with the February 2018 kidnapping of Dapchi girls,” he stated.

    “It is much worse that Leah was held back by her abductors on account of her heroic refusal to renounce her Christian faith when government negotiated the release of the Dapchi girls.

    “It is inexcusable that some eight months after her abduction, the Federal Government has not been able to secure Leah Sharibu’s release.”

    He also called on security agencies to bring kidnappers, ritualists, and terrorists to book, and adjured the FG to ensure that the 2019 elections remain credible, free, and fair.

    The General Overseer of the All Christians Fellowship Mission (ACFM), Rev. William Okoye, who represented the President of CAN, Olasupo Ayokunle, commended the initiative made by the groups to hasten the release of the girls and health workers in captivity and urged the federal government to harken to the cries of Christians.

    He made it clear that as long as the girls remain in captivity, the Independence Day celebrations and the 2019 elections are all in vain.

  • Troops kill seven insurgents in Borno village

    The Army last night said troops killed seven Boko Haram insurgents in Damasak, Borno State, after a fierce battle.

    A statement by the Army spokesperson, Brig.-Gen Texas Chukwu, said troops recovered weapons and destroyed the terrorists’ vehicles. Those who fled were pursued.

    The statement reads: “An earlier release by the Army on insurgents’ attack on the location of 145 Battalion at Damasak on Wednesday evening said a fierce battle is on between the troops and Boko Haram insurgents.

    “The Army also issued a statement late yesterday night, to correct a publication by Sahara Reporters which said “Boko Haram captures Damasak 24 hours after Buratai’s visit”.

    “The Army, therefore, issued a statement and informed the public that troops of 145 Battalion in Damasak, Borno State, are engaging Boko Haram terrorists and that the terrorists were subdued following a superior fire power. “The Army wishes to state that troops of 145 Battalion deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole at Damasak, Mobar Local Government Area of Borno State, on September 12, inflicted many casualties on the Boko Haram terrorists. Seven members of the sect were neutralised while others fled into the bush.

    “Items recovered from them include two vehicles; one Anti-Aircraft Gun; four AK-47 rifles; seven magazines; two hand grenades;

    one bayonet; 47 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 174 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.

    “Seven soldiers sustained injuries in the attack and they have been evacuated to the military medical facility for treatment.”

    Gen. Chukwu added that efforts are on to get the fleeing insurgents.