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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Army trains 4,320 contract staff in military, command schools

    Army trains 4,320 contract staff in military, command schools

    The Nigerian Army Education Corps (NAEC) has ended a two-day training on reorientation and upskilling of contract staff in Nigerian Military School (NMS) and Command Schools to enhance professionalism, digital competence, and optimal service delivery.

    The workshop, which ran from September 2–3, held at TA Lagbaja Cantonment, Ikeja, with 320 participants in attendance physically and over 4,000 others joining virtually across the country.

    Corps Commander, NAEC, Maj.-Gen. Adebukola Oguntola, said the training was a landmark step in repositioning Army schools for excellence.

    He added that the exercise was aligned with his Action Plan for structured training and retraining of staff.

    He commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for approving the absorption of contract staff into military and command schools.

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    He described it as a decision that has not only secured their future but also strengthened the foundation of the school system.

    “This workshop is not just an academic exercise but a call to higher responsibility. The standards of our schools rest on the professionalism and commitment of every teacher and administrator. What we begin here in Ikeja will cascade to other schools in Phase Two for greater impact,” he said.

    The special guest of honour/General Officer Commanding 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, lauded the initiative, saying it represents a significant investment in human capital development.

    He said the training would equip participants with contemporary teaching methods, digital technologies, administration, emotional intelligence, and professional ethics, in line with the command philosophy of the COAS which places high priority on education and sound administration.

    “I urge you to open your minds, participate actively in all the sessions, and return to your schools as better instructors. You have been entrusted with a great responsibility, and I charge you to uphold the standards of discipline, loyalty, competence, integrity, and excellence that define the Nigerian Army,” Mijinyawa said.

    He stressed that the knowledge gained should transform classrooms into centres of excellence that inspire future generations.

  • Army charges soldiers on discipline, combat readiness

    Army charges soldiers on discipline, combat readiness

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has urged troops under his command to uphold discipline and demonstrate combat readiness across all areas of responsibility.

    He gave the charge at the closing ceremony of the 2025 Inter-Brigade Combat Proficiency Competition, held at the 17 Brigade Command in Katsina.

    Commending the resilience and proficiency of the participants, Ajose praised their commitment throughout the five-day exercise. 

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    He emphasized the importance of rigorous training in preparing troops for operations, noting that “when soldiers train hard, they fight easy.”

    The competition featured formations under the 8 Division showcasing their skills in weapon handling, map reading, day and night shooting, 4×400 meters combat relay, a 10km combat run, and obstacle crossing.

    According to the GOC, such exercises are designed to sharpen junior leadership, improve field craft, enhance physical fitness, and foster teamwork. 

    He stressed that continuous training is crucial, as it boosts combat effectiveness and reduces casualties in operations.

  • No casualty in Ilese barracks explosion-Army

    No casualty in Ilese barracks explosion-Army

    The Nigerian Army Thursday night confirmed no casualty was recorded in the explosion that occurred earlier at Ilese Barracks in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    Army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Onyinyechi Anele disclosed this in a statement, describing the explosion as minor.

    According to her, the explosion occurred within a storage building of the 42 Engineers Brigade Counter Improvised Explosive Device Squadron, which led to a fire outbreak.

    Swift intervention by troops of the 12 Field Engineer Regiment, working closely with the Ijebu-Ode Fire Service, ensured that the fire was quickly contained, she stated.

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    “Importantly, no lives were lost, and no injuries were sustained. The structural damage was confined to the affected building and some stored materials. A detailed assessment is currently underway to determine the extent of material loss.

    “We urge residents of Ilese and the adjoining communities to remain calm and go about their normal activities. The Nigerian Army, in collaboration with relevant agencies, has commenced a thorough investigation to ascertain the exact cause of the incident and to prevent a recurrence.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all its personnel as well the members of neighbouring communities,” Anele added.

  • Army kills terror ‘kingpin’, others, arrests suspects in coordinated strikes

    Army kills terror ‘kingpin’, others, arrests suspects in coordinated strikes

    An alleged notorious terror commander Amirul Fiya alias aka Abu Nazir has been killed during operations by troops of 3 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Rann Kala in Balge LGA, Borno State.

    Fiya’s body was one of three the troops discovered after a gun duel with Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP/JAS) terrorists on August 7, who were attacking the community.

    A statement Sunday afternoon by the acting Director, Army Public Relations (DAPR), Lt.-Col. Onyinyechi Anele, said the troops during exploitation at first light, discovered blood trails at the scene indicating other terrorists escaped with injuries.

    She said the operation led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, one unexploded ordnance, two rocket-propelled grenades, and other items.

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    “In a follow-up operation on 9 August, troops in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force/Hybrid Force discovered another terrorist corpse and recovered one QJC 88-barrel gun, one AA gun tripod, 20 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammunition, a backpack, and a bicycle,” she said.

    In Zamfara State, the DAPR said troops of 1 Brigade Combat Team 2 responded to credible intelligence on terrorist activities along Road Gusau–Kaura Namoda in Unguwar Sariki Musulmi, Kaura Namoda LGA on August 8, which forced the criminals to flee abandoning two kidnapped victims that were rescued and reunited with their families.

    “Similarly, in Ebonyi State on 9 August 2025, troops of 24 Special Engineer Regiment intervened in a communal crisis between Iyimagwu and Ekpomaka communities in Ikwo LGA. The troops came under fire from an abandoned building and responded decisively, neutralising one armed criminal.

    “The operation yielded the recovery of one G3 rifle, 50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and four hand grenades.

    “These successes underscore the Nigerian Army’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s sovereignty, protect law-abiding citizens, and deny criminal elements the freedom to operate.

    “The Army remains committed to sustaining aggressive operations in synergy with other security agencies to ensure lasting peace and security across Nigeria,” she said.

  • Army debunks arrest of foreign arms dealer in new viral video

    Army debunks arrest of foreign arms dealer in new viral video

    The Nigerian Army has clarified that a viral video showing the arrest of a foreign arms dealer, Shehu Ali Kachalla, in Zamfara State, is not recent.

    The Army also denied involvement in the arrest, stating that reports linking it to the operation are untrue.

    “To set the records straight, the individual featured in the footage Shehu, Ali Kachalla, a 30-year-old Nigerien national, was arrested by the Zamfara State Police Command on 14 May 2021 in a joint intelligence-led operation involving operatives of the Federal Intelligence Bureau (FIB) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Nigeria Police Force,” army spokesperson, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele said in a statement on Thursday.

    She stated that the suspect in the 2021 case, allegedly aided by an unnamed security personnel, confessed to supplying over 450 rifles and thousands of ammunition to criminal elements in Zamfara, Kaduna, and Niger States. However, no Nigerian Army personnel were implicated or arrested in connection with the case.

    According to Anele, the resurgence of the old video on social media is, therefore, “aimed at misinforming the public, while undermining the ongoing counter-terrorism and anti-banditry efforts of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

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    She emphasised that the Nigerian Army maintains a zero-tolerance policy for unprofessional conduct, and that proven cases involving personnel result in disciplinary actions in accordance with the Armed Forces Act and military regulations.”

    The Army’s spokesperson urged the public to disregard the recirculated video as outdated and misleading.

    She urged content creators and social media influencers to always verify the authenticity and date of materials before sharing them to prevent unnecessary panic or confusion.

  • Fact-Check: Photos claiming vigilantes’ success in Kwara is of Nigerian Army’s operation in Borno 

    Fact-Check: Photos claiming vigilantes’ success in Kwara is of Nigerian Army’s operation in Borno 

    Photo of the weapons allegedly seized from the bandits killed in Edu Patigi. Source: Capacity Media Trust (Radio).

    Claim: A Facebook Page, Capacity Media Trust, shared some pictures of alleged dead bandits with the claim that vigilantes in Kwara State killed them.

    Verdict: Misleading. The pictures of the dead bandits were posted on X and Instagram by the Nigerian Army on July 1, 2025, as the aftermath of their gun duel with suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Manawaji, Borno State. 

    Full Text

    Insecurity in Nigeria has been on the rise in recent months, with north central communities, especially in Niger, Benue, Plateau and Kwara facing the brunt.

    In April 2025, 51 people were killed in Zikke, Kwall District of Bassa Local Government Area (LGA) of Plateau state, while another 52 people were killed in Bokkos LGA by marauding herdsmen.

    In April 2025, 80 people were killed in Benue state in coordinated early morning attacks by suspected herdsmen in Ukum, Logo, and Katsina-Ala LGAs. In June, about 200 people were killed in Yelewata and Daudu communities in Guma LGAs of the state.

    Amidst these unending attacks, a Facebook page (Capacity Media Trust (Radio) posted on July 4, 2025, that the vigilantes in Edu Patigi, Kwara State, had defeated the terrorists who invaded their community. 

    The post read, “Vigilantes in EDU PATIGI achieve major success against terrorists. In a remarkable operation, the local vigilantes in EDU PATIGI have made a significant breakthrough against terrorist elements. Successfully recovered several weapons and motorcycles. 

    “This achievement underscores the courage and resilience of our community vigilantes in combating terrorism, especially the leading female goddess. We commend our vigilantes for their tireless efforts in safeguarding our communities. May God continue to protect and empower our vigilantes as they strive to keep our communities safe and secure. May peace and stability reign in our land, Amin. Barrister MZ.”

    As of July 7, 2025, the post attributed to one Barrister MZ had 508 shares and 525 comments on Capacity Media Trust.

    The information was also posted by other Facebook users in some groups here, here and here. 

    Various comments on the post commended the vigilantes’ fearless ability and called on other states to emulate what the Edu Patigi vigilantes have done. 

    Another Facebook User, Ndanusa Abdullahi, wrote, “The state should employ the services of these kinds of people in order to bring down those bandits and evil people tormenting the nation.”

    Ahmed Mohammed, who also commented on the post, applauded the vigilantes’ move and asked the government to use them more. He wrote, “If vigilantes can end banditry in our nation, then what are the uses of other forces for which they have been paid? If they can’t end it, they should resign or reshuffle the forces in the country.” 

    “I said kudos to our local forces, untrained forces for that matter. Please, enough is enough for all this, our security personnel. Imagine it was those days, when our armed forces were being used for peacekeeping in Liberia and Rwanda. Now it is our turn. What is happening to our security system? Bribery and corruption are everywhere, from top to bottom. What a bunch of quack security Nigeria is producing. Where are we going?” 

    Jubril Mohammad, one of the commenters, questioned the post’s authenticity, “My Comrade Lanre, this news was fake. I am from Lade district under the Patigi local government area of Kwara State. Armed bandits killed more than 28 local vigilantes three days ago. Two of my in-laws were among them. We buried them in the scene today. They discovered their corpses today, Saturday, 5, 2025.”

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    During conflicts and crises, there is a tendency to misuse and misrepresent pictures and numbers. Given the reports of worsening insecurity across states in the north central region and the post’s virality, DUBAWA decided to verify the claim.

    Verification

    We conducted a reverse image search using Google Lens on each image. We found that four of the pictures were first posted by the Nigerian Army on July 1, 2025, as evidence of the joint fighting patrol with elements of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and Hybrid Forces (HF) against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists at Manawaji in Gamboru Ngala LGA of Borno State.

    The military revealed that its troops had successfully attacked and eliminated eight terrorists during the firefight and captured several weapons and ammunition from the dead and fleeing terrorists.

    Screenshot of the X post by the Nigerian Army. 

    We found that the other two pictures of guns and motorcycles were posted on July 1, 2025, by an X User, Charlie Werb (@WerbCharlie), on a Facebook page called African Report Files.

    Screenshot of Charlie Werb X page.

    We conducted keyword searches but found no news reports about the victory of the vigilantes against bandits in Edu Patigi in Kwara state. 

    However, there were news reports on the confrontation between armed bandits and security forces in Gada Woro, along Patigi Road near Gbugbu town in the Edu LGA in Kwara state that left five vigilantes and a policeman dead, with several security operatives injured. 

    There was another news report on bandits’ attack on Lata Nna Kokodo and Gada communities in Patigi LGA in Kwara state on July 1, 2025, forcing 90 per cent of the residents out of their homes and farms.

    DUBAWA reached out to Capacity Media Trust to find out the source of the information, and was told that it came from a ‘Barrister MZ’ whose full name is unknown 

    DUBAWA then messaged Barrister MZ via the WhatsApp contact provided by Capacity Media Trust (Radio) asking for the source of the pictures. After some days, he responded that the information and pictures he had put out were what had happened.

    “Sorry, I was on transit yesterday. It’s a confirmed story, I’m from the state,” he responded.

    Conclusion

    The images used in the viral Facebook posts of Edu Patigi vigilantes defeating bandits and recovering weapons in Kwara state were first shared by the Nigerian Army to report an operation against terrorists in Borno State, not Kwara. There is also no verified evidence that vigilantes in Edu Patigi carried out such an operation, and news reports from the area point to recent attacks by bandits, not victories.

  • ‘Army kills five terrorists, rescue 11 victims’

    ‘Army kills five terrorists, rescue 11 victims’

    •Operation Fansan Yamma praised

    The Nigerian Army has killed five terrorists, rescued 11 kidnapped victims and arrested  21 suspects.

    A source, who made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday, said the soldiers also recovered a cache of arms, ammunition, among other items.

    The source said the feat was achieved between July 12 and 14.

    According to him, troops of the 82 Division Task Force Battalion, in collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, killed a terrorist during an ambush at Ngoshe-Agapalwa in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “Similarly, troops of I Brigade on patrol in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State also neutralised one terrorist and recovered a motorcycle.

    “In a separate operation, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two extremists and recovered arms, ammunition, and a motorcycle in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau  State,” the source said.

    The source also said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 10 kidnapped victims in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba.

    He added that another victim was rescued by troops of Defence Headquarters Special Operations Battalion and Chief of Army Staff Intervention Battalion in Gudu Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    Also, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Assessment Team has commended Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY) for sustaining pressure against terrorists and criminals in the Northwest and  Northcentral.

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     The assessment team leader from Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. W.B. Idris, stated this during a visit to the OPFY headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State.

    A statement by the Media Information Officer, Captain David Adewusi said the leader of the team, Maj. Gen. Idris, praised the professionalism and coordination displayed by troops, including personnel of various security agencies involved in the ongoing OPFY operations.

    He lauded the resilience and dedication of the troops, especially looking at the challenges of the terrain and the complex security threats they encountered daily.

    Theatre Commander, Maj.-Gen Oluyinka Soyele, expressed his appreciation for the DHQ Team’s visit, describing it as a vital step towards strengthening field operations.

    He reaffirmed his commitment to sustain operational effectiveness and emphasised the importance of motivating the troops and fostering seamless collaboration among all security stakeholders.

    Maj. Gen. Idris later visited some frontline troops in Kwotorkoshi and Tsafe, in Bungudu and Tsafe Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.

  • Troops arrest 50 suspected oil thieves, impound 25,000 litres of stolen products

    Troops arrest 50 suspected oil thieves, impound 25,000 litres of stolen products

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have thwarted many attempts by oil thieves and other criminals to re-establish their foothold in the Niger Delta Region (NDR), arresting 50 suspects.

    The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development on Sunday.

    Danjuma said the latest operations led to the dismantling of 11 illegal refining sites, arresting 50 suspected oil thieves, confiscating 25,000 litres of stolen products, including the discovery of several compromised illegal connection points.

    He said in the operations that ensued in Rivers State, troops sustained the clampdown on attempts to re-establish new illegal bunkering hubs, including dismantling existing camps.

    He said, “Several clearance operations were conducted along the Imo River, with seven illegal refining sites, 35 drum pots, fourteen drum receivers, three big coolants destroyed, and over 6,000 litres of crude oil recovered.

    “These recoveries were made around Obuzor and Ozaa West in Ukwa West and Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Abia and Rivers States, respectively. At Obiafor in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, an illegal refining site was dismantled, with dugout pits filled with 3,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 2,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 1,000 litres of crude oil handled in line with operational mandate.”

    Danjuma said a reservoir stocked with over 3,000 litres of chemicals used for the criminal venture, and five sacks containing 100 and 150 litres of stolen AGO and DPK, respectively, were recovered.

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    “This was in addition to three suspected oil thieves apprehended, a 300-metre plastic hose, and fourteen metal drums handled appropriately. There were also seizures around Okarki Forest in Ahoada West LGA, with numerous holding facilities dismantled”, he said.

    Danjuma said in Delta State, along the Jeddo waterways in Warri South LGA, one speedboat and a locally made wooden boat, both loaded with 86 sacks containing over 1,720 litres of stolen products, were deactivated.

    He said the troops also raided a store at Obiaruku Community in Ukwuani LGA and discovered 24 jerricans of 25 litres filled with illegally refined AGO, adding that at the creek along Ugbokodo, also in Warri South LGA, a locally made wooden boat stocked with stolen products was intercepted by the troops.

    He said, “While in Bayelsa State, troops made determined efforts to curtail the activities of oil thieves. This led to the seizure of a wheelbarrow and a 70-kg gas cylinder at Ikarama in Yenagoa LGA. The ancillary equipment was said to be primed for use to compromise pipelines for oil theft. At Angiama Community in Southern Ijaw LGA, several litres of stolen products were confiscated, with suspects taken into custody.

    “In Akwa Ibom State, troops raided a warehouse at Ukanafun LGA, where fifteen jerricans filled with illegally refined AGO were uncovered. Troops have continued to dominate the waterways and hinterland, effectively denying economic saboteurs and other criminals’ freedom of action in the NDR”.

  • NADCEL 2025: Olowu hails COAS Oluyede for revitalizing Army, securing borders

    NADCEL 2025: Olowu hails COAS Oluyede for revitalizing Army, securing borders

    As the Nigerian Army concludes its 2025 Nigerian Army Day Celebrations (NADCEL) in Kaduna today, the Olowu of Kuta, His Royal Majesty Oba Dr. Hammed Adekunle Makama Oyelude, Tegbosun III, has commended the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, for reinvigorating the military and restoring confidence among troops.

    In a statement issued by his media office on Sunday, the monarch praised Gen. Oluyede’s frontline leadership, which he said has inspired the rank and file of the army and enhanced operational effectiveness.

    The Olowu expressed particular satisfaction with the COAS’s recent assurance that Nigeria’s borders are now secure and no longer serve as launchpads for insurgents’ attacks. 

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    He attributed recent successes in counterinsurgency operations—bolstered by air support—to Gen. Oluyede’s strategic leadership.

    While commending the COAS for safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity, the monarch urged the military to remain vigilant and avoid complacency. 

    He also called on patriotic Nigerians to support the armed forces with timely information to help flush out elements threatening the nation’s unity and peace.

    “I want the COAS, his commanders, and the troops to know that we are praying for their success,” Olowu said. “We also remember the families of those who paid the supreme price in the defense of our sovereignty.”

    He noted that President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda has further motivated the military to perform exceptionally. 

    “But like the popular saying goes, the reward of hard work is more work,” he added.

    Meanwhile, Lt. Gen. Oluyede, speaking during a press briefing to mark the NADCEL 2025 celebrations, reaffirmed the army’s unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s democracy and ensuring the safety of its citizens.

    “The Nigerian Army will not relent in its efforts to ensure the security of the Nigerian people and the perpetuity of our democracy,” the COAS declared, while emphasizing that the annual celebration is a platform to honour the sacrifices and heroism of both serving and fallen soldiers.

    “In recent times, our nation has had to contend with the enemies of peace and agents of chaos who have brought terrorism to our borders and caused a plethora of internal security issues. Notwithstanding, the Nigerian Army has risen to the occasion to deny these terrorists the opportunity to disrupt our socio-cultural heritage or smear the sanctity of our sovereignty”, he said.

  • On shifting civil-military relations

    On shifting civil-military relations

    • By Lekan Olayiwola

    Sir: In many democracies, speaking about military conduct feels like walking a tightrope. One wrong word and civic truth becomes mistaken for sedition. But in Nigeria, something rare unfolded. After publishing a piece on January 15 on the delicate lines between military presence and civil order titled “How Soldiers’ Involvement in Civilian Affairs Undermines Civil-Military Relations,” I received a message from a senior officer—not to rebuke, but to engage, from the Lagos Command of the Nigerian Army.

    The Brigadier General didn’t threaten. He offered thanks. Not with defensiveness, but with openness. He requested further information politely and professionally. And when I gave it, the response was even more revealing: acknowledgment and clarification that the uniformed men involved were from the Nigerian Army Engineer Corps, and assurance that internal mechanisms had been activated to address the reported misconduct.

    That would have been noteworthy enough. But what followed was quietly profound. In the following weeks and months, soldiers in the area became visibly more restrained. Even after one of their motorbikes was allegedly stolen by unknown civilians—an act of brazen provocation that might have triggered collective punishment in other places— surprisingly, there was no reprisal attack. No intimidation of the community. No retaliation cloaked in uniform. Just presence and a remarkable calm—an unbelievable restraint. And the community in Ikorodu area of Lagos was grateful for that.

    I dare say that the perception of the military changed from one of apprehension to respect from then on. It confirmed that the shift in attitude in the previous weeks was not a mere fluke or weakness, but dignified caution and focus on professionalism which must never be taken for granted.

    This is what civil-military healing looks like not in grand headlines, but in the pause between provocation and power under dignified control. It didn’t come through silence. It came through language. Through the willingness of a citizen to speak, and the humility of an institution to hear and initiate relational repair. 

    It is not about branding the Army as a villain all the time. We must commend them in their service to the nation, especially when their contact with the civic space is imbued with empathy, where critique is seen as care, where visibility doesn’t provoke but protects, and where citizenship meets command with mutual dignity.

    In many contexts, public critique of armed forces is either met with silence or escalation. But the Nigerian Army keep demonstrating that it is a respectable and responsive institution that doesn’t just default to defensiveness but open to civic engagement. They acknowledged. Clarified. Acted. The Army’s quiet restraint wasn’t weakness. It was moral strength of the highest order.

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    This was not a revolution. But it was a rebalancing. And in a country where relationships between citizens and security personnel are often shaped by fear or force, that shift matters.

    What we witnessed was a “dignity ripple effect”—when honest citizen observation leads not to shame or denial, but to quiet self-correction. No press release was issued. No medals handed out. But restraint is sometimes the most radical form of reform.

    To the Nigerian Army: thank you. For listening. For showing that adaptation is not weakness. For proving that when uniform meets humility, even hard histories can pivot toward trust. I appreciate the Brigadier-General for demonstrating that the military is not beyond civic feedback, and that honour lies not just in battle but in behaviour.

    Nigeria needs more of these moments—where civil-military trust is restored not just by law, but by empathy, respect, and courageous dialogue. When citizens speak up, and institutions respond with dignity, democracy deepens.

    And that is what peace, in its most grounded form, looks like.

    •Lekan Olayiwola,

    lekanolayiwola@gmail.com