Tag: Nigerian Army

  • 19 soldiers, three others wounded in Boko Haram ambush

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said 19 soldiers and three civilian joint task force members were wounded in a Boko Haram ambush at Guro Gongon village, Borno.

    A statement issued in Abuja by Army spokesman, Sani Usman, said an undisclosed number of insurgents were killed during gun duel with troops.

    He said the incident occurred while the troops were returning to their defensive positions after a clearance patrol at Guro Gongon village and environs.

    Usman said while the wounded soldiers were responding to treatment, a search and rescue party comprising Special Forces personnel had been dispatched to the area to find missing soldiers.

    “Today morning, troops destroyed the terrorists’ makeshift camps and recovered quite a number of weapons, equipment and foodstuff in the process.

    “The recovered items include one Gun truck mounted with an Anti-Aircraft Gun, a MOWAG Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC), one Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, one Light Machine Gun, three AK-47 rifles and motorcycles.

    “However, the gallant soldiers who are basking on the success recorded in the operation, while returning to their defensive locations, ran into ambush mounted by a group of Boko Haram terrorists who came to reinforce their fleeing comrades.

    “The troops fought back gallantly, killing several insurgents. However, 19 soldiers and three civilian JTF members were wounded, while a few others were missing in action,” the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the army spokesman as saying in the statement.

     

  • Boko Haram kills two soldiers in Borno

    Two soldiers serving in the 119 Task Force Battalion, Kangarwa, Borno State, were killed by Boko Haram fighters on Tuesday morning.

    Seven soldiers were also injured in a clash with the terrorists.

    The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Sani Usman, disclosed these on Wednesday.

    “The attack which started at about 6:30pm was successfully repelled after about three hours of exchange of heavy gunfire that inflicted tremendous casualty on the terrorists. Unfortunately, two of our gallant soldiers paid the supreme price, while seven were wounded in action.

    “Due to poor visibility, the number of terrorists killed could not be ascertained for now. However, the bodies of the gallant soldiers and those wounded in action are being evacuated, while the unit is carrying out mop up operation.  It should be noted that the successful repelling of the attack was made possible by support from the Nigerian and Chadian Air Force fighter jets,” Usman stated.

     

     

     

  • Soldiers adequately equipped to tackle cattle rustling – Buhari

    Soldiers adequately equipped to tackle cattle rustling – Buhari

    President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday expressed optimism that the Nigerian Army has been adequately equipped to end cattle rustling, banditry, and other security threats in the country.

    He spoke during the 2016 Nigerian Army Day Celebration in Gusau, Zamfara State.

    The event was themed: “Optimizing the Capability of the Nigerian Army to meet Contemporary Security Challenges.”

    The President noted that the incessant activities of insurgents and cattle rustlers have made farming, livestock management and other economic activities more difficult in the face of the general economic challenges.

    He also commended the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, for his foresight and initiative in mobilizing adequate resources to tackle cattle rustling and banditry.

    Buhari also applauded the Nigerian Army collaboration with the sister services and other security agencies towards degrading and decimating the miscreants.

    He said: “I am quite optimistic that the operations of the last few days will surely lead to the restoration of economic activities of surrounding communities bedeviled for some time now by the menace of cattle rustling and banditry.

    “I urge you to intensify and perfect current strategies, approaches, techniques and tactics towards curtailing all forms of lawlessness across the country.

    “It is quite gratifying to inspect the equipment displayed which showcased the robust capability of the Nigerian Army to ward off internal and external aggression against the nation.

    “The Command Post Exercise also reminds me of the importance of staff work in the field during the civil war in the 60s and the Chadian Operations in the 80s.

    “I am pleased at the dexterity, prowess and level of professionalism displayed by various components including the combat airborne jump by personnel of the Nigerian Army supported by the Nigerian Air Force.

    “I am quite confident that the Nigerian Armed Forces have been amply repositioned more than ever before to resolutely confront contemporary and emerging security challenges in the country.”

  • Army confirms casualty figure in Kangarwa attack

    Army confirms casualty figure in Kangarwa attack

    The Nigerian Army said 25 bodies of Boko Haram terrorists had been recovered after Troops of 119 Task Force Battalion stationed in Kangarwa northern Borno repelled an attack on Tuesday night.

    This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by acting Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.

    According to the statement, the attack which started at about 6:30 p.m. was successfully repelled after about three hours of exchange of heavy gunfire that inflicted tremendous casualty on the terrorists.

    It stated that one gallant soldier paid the supreme price, while 11 others were wounded in action and one of the unit’s Gun truck was badly damaged.

    “As at this morning, the troops counted 25 bodies of the Boko Haram terrorists and recovered 2 Rocket Propelled Grenades 7 (RPG 7) tubes, a 60mm Mortar tube, 2 Machine Guns, 12 AK-47 rifles and one Light Machine Gun.

    “The body of the gallant soldier and those wounded in action are being evacuated, while the unit is carrying out mop-up operation,’’ it stated.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kangarwa had been a stronghold of the insurgents in northern Borno until it was recaptured by the Nigerian forces.

    NAN also reports that Kangarwa and its environs used to be the major rallying point for insurgents coming into Nigeria from Niger and Chad.

  • Borno: Troops foil attack on displaced persons

    Troops of the Nigerian Army on Monday morning foiled a suicide bombing attack in Monguno town in Borno State.

    The incident occurred at about 6:15am when three female Boko Haram suicide bombers attempted to attack Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) fetching water at a borehole located about three kilometres from the town.

    The vigilant troops detected the plan and killed two of the suicide bombers instantly.

    The Army Acting Director of Public Relations, Usman Sani, said “unfortunately, the explosive they were strapped with exploded and injured two civilians nearby. The injured persons have been evacuated and are receiving medical attention at the 8 Task Force Division’s medical facility.”

     

  • Troops kill fleeing Boko Haram terrorists

    Troops kill fleeing Boko Haram terrorists

    Troops of the Nigerian Army on Friday encounter some escaping Boko Haram Terrorist in Kangarwa. There was a fierce battle between the troops and the terrorists which left large of them dead with 8 soldiers and 2 Civilian JTF wounded.

    Army spokesman Sani Usman said this was as a result of combined clearance operations against the terrorists from other parts of the neighbouring countries.

    He said the escaping terrorists attempted an incursion into the troops position while in harbour at Kangarwa.

    “The troops dealt decisively with the fleeing terrorists and recovered arms and ammunitions from them in an encounter that lasted for about 3 hours. Quite a number of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, 8 soldiers and 2 Civilian JTF were wounded in action during the encounter”.

    “In addition, one of the troop’s Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle caught fire following a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) shot that affected the fuel tank and other electrical fittings. The troops however quickly put off the fire. The  troops captured a number of motorcycles,  1 General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), 3 AK-47 Rifles, 6 Mortar Bombs, 4  Rocket Propelled Grenade Bombs, 3 Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Chargers, various types of ammunitions a 16/750 tyre and assorted types of drugs,” he concluded.

     

     

  • Troops kill nine armed bandits in maru lga

    Troops kill nine armed bandits in maru lga

    The troops of 223 Battalion, 1 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Tuesday embarked on a patrol to Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. During the patrol, the team encountered and engaged notorious armed bandits that have been wrecking havoc on the communities.

    The troops killed 9 of them, while a few escaped with gun shot wounds. The team recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 4 AK-47 rifle magazines, 5 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a machete and 24 motorcycles after a thorough combing of the general area.

    This the Nigerian Army Public Relations Officer Colonel Sani Usman said is in continuation of the concerted efforts of clearing cattle rustlers, armed bandits and kidnappers in the north western geo-political region.

    He said in a related development and in a sheer act of bravery, local vigilantes at ‘Yargada village, Gusau Local Government Area apprehended another armed bandit. “Buoyed by this success, the troops morale is very high and are determined to continue to enhance the general security of their respective areas of operation through patrols, raids and clearance operations. It is in the light of this that we solicit for more cooperation and support from the public” the spokesman concluded.

  • Army to hold field shooting exercise in Lagos

    The 243 Battalion of the Nigerian Army said on Friday it will hold a field shooting exercise in Badagry area of Lagos State.

    The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Kingsley Samuel, said this in a statement issued in Lagos.

    According to the statement, the exercise will take place from June 20 to 24 at Ibereko, Badagry.

    “The general public, particularly locals as well as farmers around Badagry to Kakon general area, are please requested to keep off the entire exercise area.

    “They are not to panic on hearing gunshots while the field exercise lasts. The exercise is part of the training to keep the soldiers in shape.

    “It is a routine exercise designed to keep the soldiers physically and mentally ready,’’ the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) quoted the army spokesman as saying in the statement.

  • Boko Haram devices new tactics

    Boko Haram devices new tactics

    The Boko Haram terrorists group have now evolved new tactics of evading surveillance by drones and aircrafts. According to the Nigerian Army, the members now hide in makeshift camps covered with shrubs, this they said have not deterred the troops from identifying their hide outs, and flushing them out.

    The Army Acting Director of Public Relations Colonel Sani Usman said troops of the 155 Task Force  Battalion, have carried out a swift clearance  operation at Kircha Dungus village, during which, four members of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed, few others fled leaving behind 4 women and a child.

    The Spokesman said that while checking the general area, the troops further discovered a pair of military desert camouflage uniform and a Boko Haram terrorists’ flag hoisted in the village. They also recovered a Generator set and water pumping machine.

    “Similarly, troops of 7 Division Strike Group Team B, attached to 21 Brigade have braved harsh climatic conditions to also clear 7 villages of Boko Haram terrorists presence north east of Kumshe village. The villages are; Mulfuta, Baibawa, Jenere, Bembem, Maksamari, Bula Kafie and Bula Bodi. During the advance to Jenere, the troops encountered some Boko Haram terrorists elements that engaged the troops in  fierce battle. The troops were able to kill 2 terrorists, wounded several others  and continued with their patrol to Jenere-Hausari. . The troops recovered some motorcycles, 2 Dane guns, large quantity of foodstuffs stored in a well constructed storage facility and solar panels. Thereafter, the troops proceeded to Bembem, where the suspected Boko Haram terrorists also laid an ambush for them. It was however cleared successfully although a soldier sustained gun shot wound during the clearance. He has been evacuated and receiving treatment.

    The team discovered and rescued some hostages held by the Boko Haram terrorists in the area. Although the patrol team did not encounter any terrorists in Maksamari, they made a very rewarding recovery of an invaluable  communication gadget. Through it, the troops discovered the terrorists new tactics and dispositions” he said.

    In a related development, troops of the newly created 8 Task Force Division have commenced operations in earnest.  The formations and units under its command have equally been involved in clearance operations through daily patrols, raids and offensive actions against remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.

    It is in line with this that the troops of 153 Task Force Battalion conducted aggressive patrol to Gudusuri, Malalewa, Khadaamari, Rundi and Mugu villages in northern parts of Borno State.   Although they did not encounter Boko Haram terrorists in the area,   the troops recovered 5 vehicles, 6 motorcycles and 1 Boko Haram terrorists’ flag.

    ‘some elements of the same unit deployed at the Forward Operation Base (FOB) Old Marte, conducted another patrol to New Marte yesterday to clear suspected remnants of  Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the area. Similarly, troops of 242 Battalion deployed at FOB Gajiganna along with 2 Civilian JTF, went on patrol to Goni Kanuburi village. Here too, no contact was made with the Boko Haram terrorists as they all fled the area.

    It was the same story when the patrol team of 242 Battalion deployed at FOB Gajiram, patrolled Galle village.

    The troops of  157 Task Force Battalion, 7 Brigade, have also continued to  conduct fighting patrols to continue to prevent remnants of Boko Haram terrorists freedom of action or escaping” he concluded.

  • 76: Nigerian Army to partners Nollywood

    76: Nigerian Army to partners Nollywood

    In light of the new movie that is currently generating a buzz in Nigeria’s moviedom, 76, the Nigerian Army has sought to build ‘a collaborative relationship’ with the Nigerian movie industry, otherwise called Nollywood.

    A letter from the Headquarters, Nigeria Army, Department of Civil- Military Affairs signed by Major General R. I. Nicholas for the Chief of Army Staff disclosed why the military institution desires a collaboration with the creative industry.

    “This is in furtherance to a need to build a collaborative relationship between the Nigeria Army and the movie industry. We believe that the movie will assist in shaping the current effort at improving the civil-military relations and also educate our people on some of the historic values of the Nigeria Army.”

    With a large part of the movie shot at the Mokola Barracks in Ibadan, Oyo State the 200-member cast and crew are said to have stayed together for about seven months, bonding as a family was inevitable.

    Executive Producer of the flick, Tonye Princewill says that 76 is watershed of sorts in Nollywood.

    “It took seven years to make this movie. We were not in a hurry at all. At the end of the day, some of them had become so used to the character set in 1976 that it was difficult to bring them back to the present. Set designer, Pat Nebo, who also acted in the film did a marvelous job on set. You can see a One Naira note without it being copiously displayed. The table utensils, the walls, the cars were all set in 1976. This was not easy to achieve, but we did not settle for a substitute. For instance, it was difficult to get a 1976 Black Maria, but we persevered and finally we were able to get it,” he noted.