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Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Troops destroy 18 illegal refineries, arrest 17 suspected oil thieves in Niger Delta

    Troops destroy 18 illegal refineries, arrest 17 suspected oil thieves in Niger Delta

    …recover 25,000 litres of stolen products 

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies have destroyed 18 illegal refineries and arrested 17 suspected oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.

    The troops also recovered 25,000 litres of stolen products and demobilized 10 boats during their weeklong operations in the region.

    Confirming the development, the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations,  Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said  n operations conducted within Rivers State, particularly around Kilometre 45, Idama general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), troops recorded significant operational milestones. 

    He said the troops destroyed two active illegal refining sites and intercepted three wooden boats loaded with over 9,000 litres of stolen crude.

    He said  at Ogale junction, along Eket – Port Harcourt expressway, troops impounded a truck loaded with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude. 

    Danjuma said at Okwuzi in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, troops discovered an illegal oil bunkering dump with over 2,100 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (AGO), stocked in sacks, but said the suspected oil thieves fled on sighting them. 

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    He explained that at Ogaji-Ama axis in Bukuma, a wooden boat ladened with over 1,000 stolen crude was intercepted inside the creek noting that during clearance operations at Imo River, two illegal refining sites, 23 drum pots, 14 drum receivers were destroyed, with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated. 

    Danjuma said: “In Bayelsa State, at Clough Creek in Ekeremor LGA, three illegal refining sites were dismantled, one pumping machine, with over 3,500 litres of crude were recovered, as well as two wooden boats demobilised. Similar operation was conducted around Biseni in Yenagoa LGA, where troops deactivated one illegal refining site with over 2,000 litres of stolen crude recovered.

    “in a related vein in Delta State, troops intercepted a Toyota Camry with Registration number Anambra JJT 876 AE, conveying 16 cellophane bags with unspecified quantity of illegally refined AGO at Oton Village in Sapele LGA. In a follow up operations, Six suspected oil thieves were arrested. Also, along Ughelli – Patani expressway, a tricycle conveying several sacks of illegally refined products was intercepted by the troops”. 

    He said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah commended the troops and charged them to sustain the operational tempo to deny economic saboteurs any freedom to carry out their nefarious activities in the area.

  • Army invites sentenced soldiers for documentation, as officers allege plot to short-change them

    Army invites sentenced soldiers for documentation, as officers allege plot to short-change them

    Few days after we published a report about the ordeal of 70 soldiers sentenced to death for mutiny, the Nigerian Army has invited the officers to Abuja to fill the documents needed to commence payment of their entitlements.

    The officers were sentenced to death in 2014 for mutiny but later had their sentence commutted to 10 years imprisonment. After serving the jail term, they were granted presidential pardon by former President Muhammadu Buhari in 2022.

    They had yet to be recalled or paid their entitlements before our report penultimate Saturday. In fact, they hadn’t even received any attention of invitation by the army authorities. 

    But after our report went viral, the army authorities invited the officers to Abuja for documentation.

    But cheering as the development appeared, a good number of the officers returned to their homes brooding.

    One of them, who preferred anonymity, said many of them are unhappy because there is a grand plan to short-change them.

    His words: “The Nigerian Army called us over the weekend to come and fill some forms for our discharge.

    “Our people have been going since Tuesday for documentation.

    “But we have observed that the Nigerian Army is trying to cheat us. In fact, they are cheating us already. 

    “They are calculating our date of discharge to be December 17, 2014 which was the day the sentence was passed at the court martial.

    “After the death sentence was passed at the court martial, we were moved to Lagos still in military detention. We stayed there for one year (2014 to 2015) before it was later commutted to 10 years imprisonment.

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    “We were thereafter moved to Ikoyi, Kirikiri Medium and Maximum prisons.

    “Having served the jail term and released in August 2021, the then President Muhhamadu Buhari Committee set up for presidential pardon released us in 2022.

    “If the pardon would count, it should  be dated 2022 and not to be backdated to 2014.”

    The implication, according to him  is that  “the military authorities  know that if it is till 2022, all the outstanding salaries and allowances since they stopped paying should be paid till 2022 when the pardon was granted.  But because they don’t want to pay that money,  that is why they reduced it.”

    Providing further explanation, he said: “What they are saying in essence is that those of us who joined the army in 2011, 2012 only served for just two or three years.

    “Instead of counting from 2011 or 2012, which will be 11 or 10 years and qualify us for pension,  they are trying to reduce it now to 2014. The implication is that we won’t be eligible for pension.

    “Unfortunately, we that are affected are in the majority. People who joined in 2012 and 2013 are in the majority. 

    “They are invariably cutting a good number of us out of pension.  The few who are up to 10 years, they said they will put them on pension. 

    “Mind you, in all these years, we lost our promotions and our ranks. We ought to have been promoted to the next rank.”

    He added: “We are supposed to be two steps ahead by now.

    “Instead of looking at all this holistically, they even just wanted to cut us off completely by paying us for just two years, and that means that it would be paid off. 

    “They made us to write a letter stating that same date. 

    “They made us to understand that if we don’t include the discharge date,  December 17, 2014,  they would not process anything from that office to the office of the military pensions board for our entitlements. 

    “This is becoming a different thing because they are showing that they are angry and that is why they are doing all this to us.

    “If it is normal procedure that they want follow, it is supposed to be counted till 2022.”

    On behalf of his disenchanted colelagues, he said: “We want the processing of the document to be suspended pending when they clear that date.

    “If they process those documents, automatically, they would cut us off.”

    Prior to the time they gave them forms to fill, he said the army frowned at them for reliving their ordeal to our newspaper.

    He said: “When we got to their office, they were asking why we took the matter to the media; that they were not happy.

    “We kept quiet because we didn’t want to appear as if we were rude. 

    “We were wondering why our colleagues who had access to the media would not take it there since the army knows what was happening and they didn’t inform us.

    “The army is now claiming that we were the ones that didn’t show up for documentation. Meanwhile, they were the ones who didn’t call us.

    “Someone told us that the army was supposed to have invited us since 2023.

    “Immediately we were granted pardon, our lawyer wrote to the army, but they didn’t respond or invite us to report to their office for any documentation. 

    “Now they are changing the story that it was we who failed to show up.”

    Army declines comment

    Our efforts to get the reaction of the Nigerian Army were unsuccessful once again.

    The spokesman, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, did not respond to our messages via text and WhatsAPP.

    The text message returned with a reply that the message was delivered.

    The WhatsApp message returned with two tick blue marks indicating that the message had been delivered and read  by the recipient.

    Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu had also declined response to our enquiry the previous weekend.

  • One dead, others injured as driver rams into soldiers on route march – GOC

    One dead, others injured as driver rams into soldiers on route march – GOC

    The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has said that one soldier died while several others sustained injuries from an accident during its Bi-Annual Route March near Myhoung Barracks, Yaba, Lagos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) had earlier reported that the Division confirmed an accident involving a driver in a private vehicle who recklessly rammed into troops that were taking part in the route march.

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa, in a statement yesterday, expressed his deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased soldier.

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    Mijinyawa also prayed for the speedy recovery of all the wounded.

    “The deceased has been deposited in the mortuary while those injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital, Yaba, Lagos.

    “The 81 Division Military Police, in conjunction with other relevant security agencies, are conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident,” he said.

    The GOC called for calm among members of the public, saying that investigation into the sad occurrence had commenced.

    He said the Division remained steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties in spite of the devastating event.

    “Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and property within its Area of Responsibility (AoR) in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate,” Mijinyawa said.

    NAN reports that the route march is a Nigerian Army training designed to enhance operational readiness and it involves Nigerian Army formations across Lagos State.

  • Army holds full military burial for late Mascot horse, Sgt. Akawala

    Army holds full military burial for late Mascot horse, Sgt. Akawala

    1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, at the weekend held a regimental funeral ceremony to honour its late Mascot, Sgt. Dalet Akawala, who died on January 24, 2025.

    The solemn event took place at the Division Headquarters Complex in Kawo, Kaduna, and was presided by the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 of Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Mayirenso Saraso.

    Represented by 1 Division’s Deputy Chief of Staff, Administration, Colonel I.A. Akabike, the GOC paid tribute to the late Mascot, describing it as a vital part of the Division’s traditions and heritage.

    In a statement issued on Sunday in Kaduna, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Musa Yahaya, expressed the Nigerian Army’s sense of loss.

    “The Nigerian Army mourns the loss of Sgt. Dalet Danfari Akawala, who was a loyal and dedicated member of the Division.

    “Late Sgt. Dalet Danfari Akawala served the Division with loyalty and dedication, embodying the spirit of courage and resilience. Today’s ceremony is our way of paying the last respect to a companion who brought pride and identity to the Division,” the statement read.

    The ceremony attracted senior officers, soldiers, their families, and other personnel.

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    Prayers for the repose of the late mascot’s soul were led by the Acting Deputy Director Chaplain Services (Protestant), Lt Col Ugwu.

    Akawala had a rich legacy, descending directly from the Division’s pioneer mascot, Sgt. Farin Doki, who served from 1995 until its death in 2011.

    After Doki’s passing, its successor, Akawala, served until 2014.

    On January 1, 2015, Sgt. Dalet, the foal of Sgt. Danfari Akawala, took over as the Division’s mascot, faithfully serving until its demise.

    The regimental funeral, the statement noted, underscored the Nigerian Army’s commitment to honouring its fallen heroes, including mascots that embody its traditions.

    Full military honours were accorded to the late Sgt. Akawala, reflecting its distinguished service to the Division.

  • Troops winning war against banditry in Sokoto, says Army GOC

    Troops winning war against banditry in Sokoto, says Army GOC

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, Sokoto, Major General Ibikunle Ajose, has stated that the fight against banditry and terrorism within the command’s area of responsibility is being progressively and steadily won by troops. He noted that several bandit leaders and their supporters have been eliminated.

    General Ajose attributed the recent successes to the strategic deployment of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Special Intervention Battalion VII in Gudu, along with new Nigerian Air Force (NAF) air assets and other combat enablers, which have served as force multipliers in operations across Sokoto State.

    Reaffirming the military’s commitment to national security, the GOC assured that despite prevailing challenges, efforts to safeguard the country would not waver.

    “We have resolved to remove all obstacles to peace across our area of responsibility for a more secure, peaceful, and better nation,” he stated.

    General Ajose made these remarks during his welcome address at the 2024 annual West African Social Activities (WASA) event held at the 26 Battalion parade ground in Sokoto.

    “This is no doubt boosting socioeconomic activities across the Area of Responsibility, as farmers and loyal citizens are now going about their activities, boosting confidence reposed in us by the populace. 

    “Therefore, it is against this backdrop that I stand to say that the successes we recorded last year were because of dedication to service and commitment by all our personnel.”

    According to Ajose who is also the Sector 2 JTF Commander, NorthWest Operation Fansan Yamma, said all training schedules were completed as reflected in the Army Headquarters Forecast of Events for the year, notwithstanding some glaring challenges within the period.

    However, the GOC urged all to be vigilant in security matters, especially in present time while thanking governor Aliyu Sokoto for his efforts and support towards achieving lasting peace in the state and been part of WASA.

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    Ajose said the event to further strength the bond of relations between and among officers, soldiers and the civil populace through social interactions and display of cultural activities.

    He said the history of the event dated  back to 1901 on the incorporation of Nigeria into West African Frontier Force due to the diverse cultural inclination of West African soldiers. 

    “The authorities at that time introduced WASA once every year for troops to participate in their local cultural activities in recognition of their historical backgrounds, culture and tradition .”

    The GOC disclosed that his next line of action would be to consolidate on the many successes recorded in 2024 by keying into the COAS’ command philosophy which is “to Consolidate the Transformation of the Nigerian Army Towards Bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can Effectively Discharge its Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”.

    The Special Guest of Honour, Governor Ahmed Aliyu Sokoto described WASA as avenue through which the Nigeria Army and other security and civil agencies would consolidate it synergy gir the peace and security of lives and property of citizens.

    He noted the role of the Army in keeping the country united as the last hope in the defence line.

    “We are seeing their impact in securing our state and country. That is why the state government is consistently in collaboration with the Army and other security agencies to strengthen their capacity through various logistics support”, the governor who was represented by his Special Adviser , Col. Ahmed Usman rtd said.

    Meanwhile, numerous social activities were displayed including cultural dance by diverse cultural troops, tug of war between men and women soldiers against male and female Corps members, comedy among other side activities that climaxed the event which also recognised for awards, some offices and men who distinguished themselves in various capacities.

  • Army uncovers 20 illegal refineries, arrests 11 operators in four states

    Army uncovers 20 illegal refineries, arrests 11 operators in four states

    The Nigerian Army has uncovered 20 illegal refining sites and apprehended 11 suspected operators of the facilities during ongoing raids in Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers states.

    Lt.-Col. Danjuma Danjuma, spokesman for the Nigerian Army 6 Division in Port Harcourt, announced yesterday that troops had also dismantled the illegal refineries.

    He said soldiers also confiscated 31 boats, seven vehicles, and 190,000 litres of various petroleum products, and arrested 11 suspected oil thieves between Dec. 30 and Jan. 5.

    “At Oando Wellhead in Benkrukru, within the Okordia general area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa state, troops discovered four oil sewage tanks containing over 70,000 litres of stolen crude oil.

    “We also recovered 700 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) packed in sacks, along with a suction machine.”

    Danjuma said troops subsequently advanced to Amalaghakiri community in the Nembe area of Bayelsa, where two additional illegal refining sites were destroyed, and 15,000 litres of unidentified petroleum products were seized.

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    In Oyeregbene, Southern Ijaw, he said, soldiers dismantled an illegal artisanal refinery and confiscated 1,500 litres of stolen products.

    “In Omoku, Rivers, troops interrupted oil thieves siphoning petroleum products. The suspects fled before we arrived.

    “At the scene, we discovered an illegal connection point on the Oando Pipeline in Ebocha, and seized four boats carrying over 22,000 litres of stolen products.

    “In Obiafu oil field and Mbgede in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, troops dismantled four illegal refineries and confiscated five wooden boats, 108 locally made ovens, and 38,000 litres of petroleum products,” he added.

    The army spokesman stated that further operations in Ozaa West, Obuzor and Okoloma communities led to the dismantling of two illegal refineries.

  • Troops recover 90,000 litres of stolen products

    Troops recover 90,000 litres of stolen products

    •Destroy 20 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in partnership with other security agencies, have recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen products; dismantled 20 illegal refineries; arrested eight suspected oil thieves and destroyed 21 boats used for oil theft in the Niger Delta.

    Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division  Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said following intelligence on illegal activities around Buguma in Asari-Toru Local Government Area, Rivers State, the troops discovered a large tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat with over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates.

    He said at the Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana area, in Asari-Toru, the troops had a gun duel with suspected oil thieves, who later fled the area.

    He said an illegal refining site, one big pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were handled appropriately.

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    “This was in addition to three locally made boats intercepted in the area in the process of loading crude from an abandoned wellhead.Three suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operations,” he said.

    Danjuma said around Krakrama community in Degema, two illegal refining sites, four fibre and three wooden boats were intercepted adding that about 2,000 litres of stolen crude were properly handled by the troops.

    He said at Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site, 27 local ovens, 31 sacks loaded with over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated.

    He noted that at Odagwa-Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat and over 3,500 litres of stolen products were recovered, adding that at the fringes of Imo River, Seven illegal refining sites, Six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered by the soldiers.

  • Troops recover 90,000 litres of stolen products, destroy 20 illegal refineries in Niger Delta 

    Troops recover 90,000 litres of stolen products, destroy 20 illegal refineries in Niger Delta 

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army in partnership with other security agencies have sustained their onslaughts against economic saboteurs in the Niger Delta Region. 

    The troops in various operations recovered over 90,000 litres of stolen products; dismantled 20 illegal refineries; arrested eight suspected oil thieves a s destroyed 21 boats used for oil theft.

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

    Danjuma said following intelligence on illegal activities around Buguma general area in Asari-Toru LGA, Rivers State, the troops discovered  a massive tarpaulin storage reservoir and a wooden boat with over 37,000 litres of stolen condensates. 

    He said at Ogajiama axis of Buguma/Bakana general area,  in Asari-Toru, the troops had a gun duel with suspected oil thieves, who fled later fled the area.

    He said an illegal refining site, one big pot and a receiver containing 9,000 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) were handled appropriately. 

    “This was in addition to three locally made  boats intercepted in the area in the process of loading crude from an abandoned wellhead. Three suspected oil thieves were arrested during the operations”, he said.

    Danjuma confirmed that  around Krakrama community in Degema, two illegal refining sites, four fibre and three wooden boats were intercepted adding that about 2,000 litres of stolen crude were properly handled by the troops.

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    He said at Gbede in Omoku, one illegal refining site, 27 locally made ovens, 31 sacks loaded with over 2,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated. 

    He noted that at  Odagwa – Imo Riverside in Etche LGA, one illegal refining site, two drum pots, a wooden boat and over 3,500 litres of stolen products were recovered, adding that at the fringes of Imo River, Seven illegal refining sites, Six boats, 122 drum pots, 49 drum receivers and over 10,000 litres of stolen products were recovered by the soldiers.

    Danjuma said in Bayelsa State, at Biseni Forest in Yenagoa LGA, one illegal refining site was dismantled with about 8,000 litres of stolen products confiscated. 

    “Troops also uncovered an attempt at  vandalising one of the inactive Shell Petroleum Development Company’s flow lines at Well 20 by unknown persons at Opukushi general area in Ekeremor LGA”, he said. 

    Danjuma said in Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted eleven 280 litre drums  loaded with about 3,080 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) at Enwang II in Mbo LGA. 

    He said in a follow-up operations conducted, troops discovered the source of the product, saying it was traced to a loading point at Dazele Filling Station, Ibaka. 

    He said additional 31 drums of PMS estimated at 8,680 litres were intercepted, confirming that preliminary investigation revealed that the products were primed for smuggling to a neighbouring country.

    He said: “In Delta State, various kinetic and non kinetic lines of operations were conducted . These operations have effectively denied criminal elements freedom of action in the area. 

    Danjuma quoted the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam as charging the troops to continue to maintain vigilance in the Joint Operations Area in order to create an enabling environment for exploration activities to thrive in the region. 

    He also called on the good people of the region to continue to provide actionable Intelligence to troops on the criminal activities of economic saboteurs in the region.

  • JUST IN: Army reacts to allegations of Sokoto jet bombing on civilian community

    JUST IN: Army reacts to allegations of Sokoto jet bombing on civilian community

    The Nigerian Army’s Joint Task Force Northwest Operation, Fansan Yamma, has called on the public to rely on verified information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic regarding its operations.

    This appeal was made in a statement issued late Wednesday by Lt. Colonel Abubakar Abdullahi, Coordinator of the Joint Media Coordination Centre for Operation Fansan Yamma. 

    The statement addressed recent reports alleging that a military fighter jet bombed civilian structures in Silame Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

    Lt. Col. Abdullahi clarified that all military operations are conducted following rigorous intelligence gathering and reconnaissance missions. 

    He emphasized that these measures are critical, particularly when targeting terrorist groups like the Lakurawa organization, to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

    “There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may exploit media disinformation to undermine military successes,” Abdullahi stated. 

    “This necessitates caution regarding unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.”

    The statement further noted that the targets struck in the Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa areas were confirmed to be associated with the Lakurawa terrorist group, justifying the military’s actions.

    The Army reassured the public of its commitment to safeguarding lives while conducting operations against terrorism and banditry in the region.

  • Katsina lauds military offensive against bandit kingpins at Bichi hill

    Katsina lauds military offensive against bandit kingpins at Bichi hill

    The Katsina State Government has praised the Air Component of “Operation FANSAN YAMMA” and troops of the 17 Brigade of the Nigerian Army for a successful offensive against notorious bandit kingpins, including “Manore Lalbi,” at Bichi Hill.

    The operation, which followed credible intelligence and multiple reconnaissance missions, targeted bandit camps responsible for escalating criminal activities in Danmusa, Safana, and Kankara Local Government Areas. 

    These criminals had been linked to numerous cases of abduction, cattle rustling, and violent attacks on communities such as Maidabino, Yantumaki, and Danmusa.

    According to a press release from the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Dikko Umar Radda, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) launched precision airstrikes on identified locations, followed by a fierce ground assault by advancing troops. 

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    Despite attempts by the bandits to regroup and resist, several were neutralized during the prolonged firefights.

    “Surviving bandits fled to nearby trees but were tracked and eliminated by additional airstrikes. Those attempting to escape on motorcycles were also located and neutralized at a new gathering point,” the statement added.

    The joint operation destroyed bandit hideouts and key operational facilities, significantly weakening their operational capacity.

    Governor Radda commended the collaborative efforts of the Air Component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and the 17 Brigade, highlighting their dedication to restoring peace and stability in Katsina State and strengthening security across the North West region.