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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Boko Haram now engages foreign fighters, says Army

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said the increasing threats caused by the Boko Haram Terrorists was largedly due to the fact that the terrorists now engaged foreign fighters to prosecute the war for them, asserting that the group had been degraded.
    It also confirmed that the terrorists now use drones against defensive positions of troops especially in the last two-three months.
    Brig. General Sani Usman made the disclosures in a statement he signed on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Tukur Buratai following President Muhammed Buhari’s visit to the threatre of war in Maiduguri.
    He said within the past three months Nigerian troops have come under series of attacks by Boko Haram Terrorists, resulting in the death of a total of 39 personnel, while 43 were wounded in the cause of defending their fatherland.
    His words: “In the recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists. Specifically, the Nigerian Army troops deployed at KUKAWA, NGOSHE, KARETO and GAJIRAM came under attack at different times within a 2 week period from 2 – 17th November 2018.
    ” Each of these incidents were successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists were killed. However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers were wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.
    ” As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, in the Republic of Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions (157 TF Bn), deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their Base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on 18th November 2018.
    “During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel were wounded in action and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State.
    “The Nigerian Army commiserates with the MNJTF at this difficult time and wishes to state that all necessary support will be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse this resurgence of the Boko Haram Terrorists.

    Read Also: Boko Haram: Nigeria, Chad Defence ministers to meet

    ” The Nigerian Army wishes to further commiserate with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending their fatherland. The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain. We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care.
    ” The incident of 18th November 2018, happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin City, Edo State. On account of this incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an Army.
    ” We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections.
    “Let me at this juncture assure all Nigerians and indeed the international community that the NA will work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.
    ” Since 2015, the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.
    “However, in the last 2 – 3 months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations.
    ” At this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought for the brave men and women of the Nigerian Army who paid the supreme price for the security of Nigeria. The Nigerian Army will continue to support the families of these brave officers and soldiers and pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Let us also not forget the men, women and children who have been killed or affected by the atrocities of the terrorists. It is for their sake that this war against terror must be won.
    ” The Nigerian Army wishes to express its gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) who has visited the troops including some of the wounded officers and soldiers in the hospitals.
    ” Finally, the Nigerian Army, wishes to reiterate and pledge its total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles”.

  • Metele Attack: 23 soldiers killed, Boko Haram uses drones-Buratai

    *Says 39 soldiers killed overall in recent weeks

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai has given an account of military losses in recent weeks to Boko Haram terrorists and at the same time made a chilling revelation that the insurgents have gone hi-tech in fighting Nigerian soldiers.

    He revealed that the Boko Haram insurgents now use drones and mercenaries to attack troops’ formations in the northeast.

    A statement signed by Brig. Gen. Sani Kukasheka, on behalf of Buratai and issued on Thursday said the trend poses threats which require review of military operations against the insurgents.

    “Since 2015; the Nigerian Army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies have systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and many successes were achieved.

    “However, in the last two to three months, we have noticed daring moves by the terrorists, increased use of drones against our defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks. These potent threats require us to continually review our operations”.

    Buratai disclosed that 39 soldiers were killed and 43 others wounded in multiple attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents on various military locations in the past few weeks.

    He disclosed that insurgents attacked Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto, Gajiram and Metele military locations between Nov. 2 and 18, adding that they were successfully repelled by the gallant troops and several insurgents killed.

    “In recent weeks, Nigerian troops deployed in the North East of Nigeria under Operation LAFIYA DOLE have come under series of attacks by large numbers of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Specifically; the Nigerian Army troops deployed at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram came under attack at different times within a two-week period between November 2 and 17, 2018. Each of these incidents was successfully repelled and several members of the terrorists killed.

    Read Also:Buhari orders troops to wipe out Boko Haram

    “However, a total of 16 personnel were killed in the course of these attacks while 12 soldiers wounded in action and are receiving treatment at our military medical facilities.

    “As you are all aware, Nigeria is contributing troops to the Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) which has its headquarters in N’djamena, Chad. One of the Nigerian battalions; 157 Task Force Battalion, deployed under the auspices of the MNJTF was attacked at their base on the outskirts of a town called METELE on November 18, 2018.

    “During the attack, the troops were forced to withdraw and several casualties were recorded. As at date 23 personnel were killed in action and 31 personnel wounded and have been evacuated to several medical hospitals within Borno State,” Buratai said.

    Buratai sympathised with the MNJTF, adding that necessary support would be rendered to the MNJTF to reverse the resurgence of the Boko Haram terrorists.

    Buratai also sympathised with the families of the gallant officers and soldiers that paid the supreme price in the course of defending the nation, stressing that the sacrifice fallen heroes will not be in vain.

    Buratai gave an assurance that the army will support the bereaved families and continue to care for the wounded soldiers, who he wished speedy recovery.

    According to him, the ongoing Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference earlier scheduled to hold in Benin City, Edo State, was moved to Maiduguri, to enable the military leadership get closer to the troops on the ground, appraise its activities, assess performances and identify shortcomings.

    Buratai reiterated the commitments of the Nigerian Army to ensure peaceful conduct of 2019 elections as well as collaborate with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in the country.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his support and visit to the troops in the northeast.

    The army chief also commended Gov. Kashim Shettima, Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali and Nigerians for their goodwill and support to the military at this trying moment.

    ”We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs. We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles”.

  • Metele attack: Army confirms 23 dead, 31 wounded

    The Nigerian Army has confirmed that 23 of its personnel were killed and 31 others wounded when Boko Haram terrorists attacked troops locations on Nov. 18 at Metele in Northern Borno.

    The figure contradicts reports of 44 to 100 army personnel allegedly killed in the attack.

    In a statement issued by Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Wednesday, the army, however, said that between Nov. 2 and Nov. 17, the insurgents attacked troops’ positions at Kukawa, Ngoshe, Kareto and Gajiram.

    He said troops repelled those attacks but 16 soldiers were killed, while 12 others sustained injuries in those incidents.

    “The sacrifices of these fallen heroes will not be in vain.

    “We also wish all those wounded in action speedy recovery and assure them of our continued support and care,” Usman said. .

    Usman said the incident of Nov. 18 happened at a time when the Nigerian Army was planning to hold the Chief of Army Staff Annual Conference for 2018 in Benin City.

    “On account of this incident, the Conference had to be moved from Benin City to Maiduguri to enable the Nigerian Army leadership get closer to the troops on the ground and to better appraise our activities, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings as an army.

    “We are also sensitive to the fact that the nation is approaching an election year and thus we must be prepared to assist in providing security for the peaceful conduct of elections.

    Accordingly, the theme for this year’s annual conference is aptly titled, “Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria,” Usman said.

    Read also: Metele attack: Surviving soldiers accuse military authorities of procuring obsolete weapons

    He assured Nigerians and the international community that the army would work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.

    Usman noted that since 2015, the army in conjunction with sister services and other security agencies had systematically degraded the capabilities and capacity of Boko Haram terrorists and recorded many successes.

    However, he said in the last two to three months, there were daring moves by the terrorists, who had used drones against troops’ defensive positions and infusion of foreign fighters in their ranks.

    “These potent threats require us to continually review our operations.

    “The Nigerian Army, wishes to reiterate and pledge its total commitment to the defence of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We wish to reassure all Nigerians of the commitment of the Nigerian Army to defend our country at all costs.

    “We shall also continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of our constitutional roles. (NAN)

  • Obaseki advocates stronger stakeholders’ synergy to tackle security challenges

    Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, has made a case for stronger synergy among all segments of society to tackle the security challenges facing the country.

    Obaseki made the submission during the Nigerian Army’s Research and Innovation Exhibition/Trade Fair, organised by the Nigerian Army as part of activities lined up for the Chief of Army Staff Conference which is taking place in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, earlier scheduled to hold in Benin City.

    He noted that security is all encompassing and requires the sustained collaboration of the different segments of society and “cannot be viewed from one prism.”

    He described the exhibition as “Illuminating and promising, particularly when you look around and see that majority of the people who are exhibiting their products here today are Nigerians who have defied all odds to overcome the challenges facing the nation.

    “I want to assure you that when next we come for exhibitions like this in a few years’ time, given the focus of our administration, particularly in the area of providing the enabling environment for our people to actualize their dreams, we will be able to produce more of these goods and services required to promote our national security”.

    Read Also: Obaseki presents N175.7b budget

    The Governor commended the Army and security chiefs for their effort at organizing the exhibition which he described as successful.

    Chief of Transformation and Innovation in the Nigerian Army, Major General Felix Agugo, said the exhibition/trade fair was organised to galvanize all stakeholders in the security sector to generate ideas, capacity, equipment to enhance the nation’s security.

    He said 80 companies, institutions, enterprises participated in the exhibition and showcased what they have, to make the nation a better place to live in with regards to peace and security.

    Items exhibited included bullet proof vest, uniforms, signals equipment, accessories, clothes, shoes, amongst others.

  • Army neutralises girl with explosives device in Adamawa

    The Nigeria Army on Monday said it has neutralised a girl with person-borne explosives device at a check point in Adamawa.

    This was disclosed via a tweet by the Nigerian Army official handle.

    The tweet reads “Troops of 143 Battalion deployed at a check point in Gulak Adamawa State, neutralised a girl with Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Device who tried to Infiltrate DAR Village to detonate her explosive vest in the early hours of 26 November 2018.”

    Read Also: Metele Boko Haram Attack: Masari condoles Nigerian Army

    It added; “The gallant troops in conjunction with hunters and vigilantes immediately cordoned off the incident area and subsequently conducted perimeter patrol around the community to ensure the area is cleared and to also exploit the area for BHT activities.

    Pictures are shown below.”

    Details later…

    Photo credit: @HQNigerianArmy

  • Melete attack: Army threatens legal action over circulation of Boko Haram attack videos

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday warns against circulation of what it calls fake video footage released by Boko Haram insurgents’ purported attack on a military base at Metele, Borno.

    The army in a Facebook post expressed concern over indiscriminate circulation of series of fake video footage on social media platforms, an action which creates fear and unrest in the society.

    It dismissed the videos as ‘false’, explaining that they  do not portray the situation on ground, stressing that such videos served the purpose intended by the insurgents to misinform; spread panic, hatred, religious intolerance and undermine national security.

    “The Nigeria Army has continued to observe with great dismay the myriads of photos and video clips being recklessly distributed on various social media platforms by different caliber of persons.

    “It is indeed shocking to see how these well doctored propaganda materials from enemies of the state succeeded in creating fear and unrest in the polity.

    “These doctored materials are obviously serving the purposes intended by the terrorists to misinform the populace; spread panic, hatred, religious intolerance and undermine national security.

    “The Nigeria Army wants to categorically state that the videos and images making rounds as the purported attack on Metele base are false and do not in any way portray the reality of the situation on the ground,” it said.

    The Nigerian Army headquarters lamented that many do not know that in discretionary posts and comments from a citizen that is supposed to be solidly behind its military in trying times could dampen troops’ morale.

    The Army reiterated its commitments to the protection of the nation’s territorial integrity, maintaining that the sanctity of the Nigerian state would not be undermined by detractors or tacit supporters of the enemies.

    It warned that it would not condone act of spreading fake news as it violate the provisions of the cyber crime laws.

    “While appreciating the concerns of well meaning Nigerians, who genuinely care for the well being of military personnel, the Nigerian Army wants to draw the attention of its detractors to the fact that spreading fake news is an offense and violation of Section 24 (1) (a & b); and (2) (a), (b), (c), (i), (ii) of the Cyber-crimes Prohibition and Prevention Act, 2015.

    “In view of this, please note that the Nigeria Army, henceforth, report the infractions and file case against individuals or groups who deliberately spread fake news that aim to undermine national security in courts of competent jurisdictions.

    “Equally; the Nigeria Army wishes to inform the public of its iReport channels on the NA website, android and iOS platforms through which members of the public can forward meaningful advice, criticism or observations that would enable it to better serve the good people of Nigeria”. (NAN)

  • Troops arrest 20 suspects, recover arms, ammunition in Kogi

    The combined forces of the Nigerian Army and other security agencies have arrested 20 suspected notorious criminals that have been terrorizing the people of Kogi State.

    Brig-Gen. John Agim, the Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), made this known on Saturday in Lokoja, while briefing newsmen  on the activities of the Clearance Operation which was launched on Oct.  8, to combat criminal activities across the country.

    Agim said the forces also recovered some illegal arms and ammunition across

    “The recovered arms included: seven locally fabricated guns, one AK47 Rifle, two Magazines, 45 Rounds of Assorted ammunition.

    “During the period under review, 20 notorious criminals were arrested, which included Mr Eleme Salihu, the kidnapper kingpin at Itobe in Ofu LGA of Kogi.

    “The troops also foiled several kidnapping attempts and intensified continuous confidence building through patrols, show of force, blocking operations, as well as cordon and search.

    “This strategy has yielded positive results with arrest-of high profile suspects and recovering of weapons.

    “There are eight-operation sectors within the operation and each sector covers two to three local government areas and each sector has established Sector Headquarters and two sub- sectors for administrative expediency.

    “For effective coordination of this exercise, all sectors were collapsed and a Battalion established in each of the senatorial zones, while a Brigade HQs is located at Central zone which oversees the Battalions.

    “91 Brigade located at Irepene. 911 Battalion at Odo Ape and 912 Battalion at Oku Obayin, while 913 Battalion is at Bassa,” Agim said.

    He said that the relative peace and security being witnessed was made possible through joint operations and synergy of efforts by the security agencies and cooperative posture of the State Government, locals and other well meaning citizens.

    “Through the renewed vigor and determination of the troops in this special operation, relative peace have been restored, troops dominating the environment, creating safe and conducive atmosphere for socio economic activities to thrive,” he added.

    Agim, therefore, reassured the general public of their determination to protect the lives and property of law abiding citizens.

    He enjoined the public to be security conscious and desist from any act that could breach peace and security, while commending the media for their cooperation and support.

    Read Also: Kogi distributes relief items to flood victims at Omala

    He urged people to always give timely information to security agencies for prompt action, adding, “Our troops will continue to be professional in the discharge of their duties”.

    In his remarks, Capt. Nick Ejeh, the Intelligence Officer, Headquarters, Army Records, told newsmen that the three kidnapped expartrates of a Contruction Company at Itakpe on the Okene-Lokoja road, had been freed.

    Ejeh said that they regained their freedom at about 8. 35 p.m. on Thursday Nov. 2.

     

    NAN

  • Two feared dead as IPOB, Police clash in Anambra

    Two persons were feared dead on Friday when members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, (IPOB) and officers of the Nigerian Police Force, Nnewi division clashed in Nnewi, Anambra State.

    The deceased, a police officer and a member of the pro-Biafran group, were reportedly killed during the fracas said to have triggered at the popular Nkwo Nnewi Market.

    The Nation gathered that members of the pro-Biafran group, numbering over 2000, had stormed the market to drive home their “no referendum, no 2019 election” agitation.

    The protesters, with each waving the Biafran flag, moved round, and asked people in the market not to participate in the elections unless the federal government were ready to heed to their demand of conducting referendum.

    Our correspondent gathered that problem ensured following the arrival of police operatives to the scene in three hilux vans who attempted to stop the protesters.

    “Members of the group pounced on the police officers and destroyed their vans, leaving two people dead in the process,” an eye witness said.

    The fracas was said to have led to the abrupt closure of the markets around 2:30pm as traders were seen scampering for safety.

    The IPOB Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, had earlier in a statement, said members of the group were in the industrial city of the state to express joy over the second coming of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu in Jerusalem.

    He said the reappearance of their leader was a clear testimony that the struggle for Biafra actualization was divine.

    Read Also: I won’t return to court for trial, says IPOB leader Kanu

    “IPOB volunteers marched along all major streets and roads of Biafraland today to register their happiness over the second coming and reappearance of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu in Jerusalem, the state of Israel last month.

    The statement read partly, “Our leader’s reappearance in Israel after the Nigerian government and her security forces including the Nigerian Army, Air force and Naval forces invaded his compound at Afaraukwu Ibeku Umuahia in Abia State last year September is clearly an indication to all and sundry that God Almighty is behind the struggle for Biafra liberation.

    “Biafrans are equally today showcasing to the world that we are ready to boycott every Nigerian elections come 2019 especially presidential election next year.

    “Our march today on the roads and streets across Biafraland must send signals to politicians and saboteurs among us that Biafrans are determined to leave the prison called Nigeria where British government experimented to lead black Africans and other black nations across the globe but failed to live up to the expectations for over 100 years because of the Hausa Fulani caliphate dominations.

    “IPOB rally and march today being 23rd November, 2018 is ongoing in all the states across Biafraland like Rivers, Enugu, Abia, Anambra, Delta, Imo, Ebonyi, Cross Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and other Biafra clans and tribes fraudulently caved into Kogi, Benue and Edo States, the unrelented efforts by IPOB family worldwide to restore Biafra sovereignty must continue unless Nigeria Government and it’s handlers give us date for Biafra referendum to ascertain whether our people wants to continue stay in Nigeria or not.

    “We are much aware that some unscrupulous individuals and groups including those Biafran stocks who work with Nigeria Government and those who prefer to be slaves in their own fathers land to the detriment of Biafra restoration project.

    “IPOB is divinely ordained restore Biafra sovereignty out of this enclave called Nigeria. We are coming to show Nigerians and its handlers including their security apparatus what is called civil disobedience because IPOB is more of intellectuals than daft.”

  • Gen. Angbazo takes over as new GOC 3 Div Jos

    Major General Nuhu Angbazu has taken over as the General Officer Commanding 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Rukuba, Jos Monday with a promise to promote civil-military relations between the division and host community.

    Gen. Angbazu who arrived at the 3 division headquarters by 10am for the taking over ceremony said, “I am coming from the experience of civil-military Affairs of the Nigerian Army, and with that background experience, I’m will deplore my experience and training’s to promote cordial and friendly civil-military relations in this command.

    “The intention and vision of the Chief of Army Staff of having a very professional and responsible Nigerian Army in all our activities is not in doubt.

    “I therefore called on every loving citizens of Plateau State to ensure that they see the 3 Armour Division as their own Division and be able to engage us positively.

    “We are going to continue to engage the civil society organizations in ways that is enshrined in our constitution, we are to provide the enabling environment, the security and ensue that in every situation we found ourselves in, we follow best global military practices.”

    Gen Angbazo further stated, “In our efforts as security agents to ensure total peace all over the country, we will concentrate more on how to put an end to attacks and killings in Plateau and make the state safe for people to go about their day to day activities.

    He also promised to be fair and firm in dealing with every situation in the command.

    The outgoing GOC, Major General Benson Akinroluyo while bidding farewell to the troops at the parade field Rukuba Barrack maintained that he is leaving the division to serve as the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast.

    Akinroluyo recounted his experience in the last 3 months in Plateau State thus, “I took over the command of this Division on August 3rd, 2018, during that period a went to Sudan for evaluation and I was going round my area of operation, and was called back to come and continue with search and rescue operations for Major General Idris Alkali who was declared missing.

    “I took over 3rd August and by September 3rd, 2018 exactly one month of my stay here, Genera Alkali  was killed and that was the operation we were conducting till 31st of October, 2018 his remains was seen, a week after his burial I was posted to go to Maiduguri.”

    Commenting on the security situation in Plateau State, he said, “There are contemporary security challenges in Plateau just like any other places. But this communal fight, herders and farmers clash are some major security challenges affecting Plateau State and from our part, we have been supporting other security agencies in the state to overcome that.

    “But in the case of the recent search and rescue operations for Late Maj. Gen Idris Alkali, we (3 Division) were directly tasked by the Chief of Army Staff to conduct the search and rescue and that is why you see the result of the operations.”

    He describe his 3 months stayed as a trying time for him especially in handling the national assignment assigned to him by the Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai. And urged soldiers and officers to give the new GOC all the needed support.

     

  • Army arrests ten cultists in Jos

    The Nigerian Army has declared war on gunmen and cultists in Jos, the Plateau state as a new security measures to put an end to spate of killings in the state and environs.

    The efforts has yielded positive results as the government troops raided the hideouts of some cult groups in the city and arresting 10 suspected cult members.

    The army said the raid has become necessary in view of rising cases of cult-related killings in the state capital in recent times and outcry by residents in the city for help over activities of gunmen that terrorist the city day and night.

    Confirming the arrest at the Jos headquarters of operation safe haven (OPSH) on Saturday, media Officer of the command, Major Umar Adam said, “The resilience of the troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) deployed to contain the myriad of insecurity across the joint operation area have yielded positive results following the various arrests and detention of criminal gangs and cultists.

    “It is gratifying to observe that the spate of herdsmen/farmers crisis and armed banditry across the state has greatly diminished, while reported cases are decisively being dealt with. The DHQ recently commissioned operation 777 which in part is designed to consolidate on the achievements of all ongoing Operations across Nigeria.

    “In the course of executing this renewed mandate, OPSH raided some criminal hideouts of some dreaded gangs and cultists leading to the arrest of some of their members who are responsible to some of the insecurity being experienced across the Joint Operation Area.

    “It is pertinent to note that, though the remote and immediate causes of the crises on the Plateau are being contained but the increasing nature of cult-related activities are on the increase. Consequently, the nefarious activities of these cult groups OPSH has necessitated clampdown on their hideout and upon the arrested these 10 identified Cult leaders are currently in our custody undergoing investigation.

    Read Also: Army, Shiites and the Trump example

    “In accordance with its tradition of keeping the public updated on operational developments in order to sustain the relative peace enjoyed on the Plateau, OPSH wishes to notify members of the general public on the arrests of these notorious cult members who have been terrorizing innocent citizens across Jos metropolis.

    “Specifically, on 21 Oct 18, six cult members were arrested and preliminary investigations led to the arrest of four others who have been profiled, cross examined and their statements obtained. Analysis of the revelations from arrested group members revealed that there are five distinct cult groups operating in Jos. Under various appellation as Neo Black Movement of Africa (NBM) aka Black Axe, Supreme Viking aka Baggar/Arrow, Ayeh, Buccaneers and Tin Gold aka Blue Bed.

    “OPSH therefore wishes to reiterate that it would remain resolute to decisively deal with all criminal acts that are inimical to peaceful co-existence on the Plateau and across the Joint Operation Area and hereby reassure residents of their safety.

    “This HQ therefore wishes to solicit for timely and accurate information from genuine members of the public through any of our Help Lines 08021212138, 08149000091, 08090498333 and 08074633336 to assist in the total dislodgement of the criminals. We assure that any such information provided would be treated with utmost confidentiality. While we want to also reassure members of the general public of our determination to protect lives and property of all law abiding citizens, it is necessary to call on parents and guardians to advise their children and wards to desist from associating with cult groups or any other type of criminal gangs.

    “Finally, we wish to once again appreciate the good people of our communities for their co-operation in providing timely information to OPSH to execute its mandate professionally and decisively