The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Operation Lafiya Dole

  • Boko Haram: Army locks down Borno/Yobe highways

     

    Hundreds of thousands of travellers were in the early hours of Wednesday stranded as soldiers blocked all major highways in and out of Yobe and Borno states.

    Security sources informed troops of Operation Lafiya Dole carried out the lock down of highways to engage Boko Haram insurgents in the bush and avoid any collateral damage.

    The development forced the Independent National Electoral Commission in Yobe to suspend the signing of peace accord by political candidates.

    The ceremony was billed for the the commission’s premises in Damaturu.

    The Resident Electoral Commissioner Yobe State, Alhaji Ahmad Makama told reporters: “We woke up this morning to find out that there are some security challenges.

    “The military have closed all the highways and roads leading to Damaturu and some of the delegates are coming from outside Damaturu.

    “So for that reason, we have agreed that it is wiser to postpone the programme to next week Thursday, January 17,” Makama informed.

    Our correspondent gathered that the roads were blocked as early as 6.00am, preventing free flow of traffic in and out of Maiduguri and Damaturu.

    Travellers from Gombe, Bauchi and Kano were stranded in different axis of the states.

    The military however denied closure of the roads.

    It however admitted carrying out clearance operation to weed out Boko Haram insurgents.

    Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole,  Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement, said:  “Our attention has been drawn to rumours that the Nigerian Army has closed Maiduguri-Damaturu road.

    “This is not true. What is happening is an ongoing clearance and snap checks operations in the general area required to clear suspected Boko Haram terrorists along that road.

    “The clearance operation is ultimately for the safety and security of motorists and other road users.

    “Members of the public are please advised to cooperate and bear with the troops as they carry out these duties.”

    Some of the stranded travellers along Damaturu/Potiskum/Kano high way told our correspondent they were at the check-point as early as 6.00am but were denied access by security men at the checkpoints.

    Amina Abubakar, one of the women, said she was taking her two daughters back to school at Kano but became stuck on the road.

    “I set up my journey early hoping to arrive Kano in time, make some shopping for my children before taking them to their school but look at what has happened now.

    “I am not sure if I will still travel today or when I will get to Kano should the road is eventually cleared,” Amina said.

    Another traveller Ali Bulama disclosed that he had a flight to catch at Kano by 1.00pm for an important meeting in Abuja.

    “It is almost my flight time now at Kano to Abuja now but I am still here at the outskirts of Damaturu because of this unfortunate development here. I really don’t know what to do now. I am just confused,” Bulama informed.

    The Nation checks revealed some of the Yobe State Christian Pilgrims that returned from Jerusalem on Tuesday through Gombe International Airport could not reach Damaturu early today because of the blockage of the road from Fika axis of the state.

    Police Commissioner, Abdulmalik Sunmuno, also confirmed the JTF has locked up the roads because of certain operations the military had to carry out.

  • Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Borno community

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have successfully repelled Boko Haram insurgents’ attack at Jakana village in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno.

    The insurgents coordinated the attack at Jakana barely 12 hours after the troops repelled them in Bama and Rann communities.

    Although there were no official comments either by the military and government agencies, reports said the gallant troops engaged the insurgents in gun duel to repel the attacks.

    A competent source at the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), disclosed that heavily armed insurgents attacked Jakana at about 8 pm on Friday.

    The source disclosed that the troops, with support of other security personnel and members of the vigilante, engaged the criminals in serious gun battle which lasted for over an hour.

    Read Also: Troops kill Boko Haram terrorists in Borno

    It said that the troops routed the insurgents and many of them escaped with gun shot wounds.

    The vigilante fighter added that there were no casualties on the part of the troops and members of the public in the attack.

    It will be recalled that gallant troops had earlier repelled attacks by the insurgents at Bama and Rann in the early morning hours of Friday.

    The insurgents burnt houses and a Malnourishment Treatment Centre, operated by an NGO at Rann community.

    The military authorities are yet to comment on the incidents.

     

    NAN

  • Troops recover weapons in raid on insurgents hideouts

    •New Commanders for Operation LAFIYA DOLE

    TROOPS of 117 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with some members of Civilian Joint Task Force, have neutralised some suspected Boko Haram terrorists in their hideouts.

    According to a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the raid followed a report on the presence of some suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Yachida, Korongelen, Bombula and Forfor axis in Damboa local government area of Borno State on Tuesday.

    The troops engaged them at Forfor village.

    One of the terrorists was neutralised,  two arrested and several others fled with gunshot wounds. The gallant patrol team recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a 36 hand grenade, magazine pouch and a motorcycle.

    Two soldiers were injured. They  have since been evacuated to 28 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance, Brig-Gen Usman said.

    He announced the appointment of new commanders for Operation Lafiya Dole in a major reorganisation .

    Some senior officers were deployed; several others were appointed to head the command structures of various sectors of the operation.

    Brig-Gen Usman said the postings were meant to inject fresh hands into the fight against terrorism in the Northeast.

    His words: “In order to inject new hands in the fight against terrorism and other operations, the Nigerian Army has today (yesterday) authorised the posting and appointments of some of its senior officers.

    “Those affected by the new posting and appointments include some staff officers and commanders at various levels.

    “Specifically,  the newly promoted Maj.- Gen. OT Akinjobi, Head of the Operations Monitoring Team at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed Commander, Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE;  Maj.Gen MG Ali,  Commander 9 Brigade has been appointed Commander of the newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Brig.-Gen BR Sinjen, Commander, Integrated Fire Support and Brig.-Gen FO Omoigui, has been moved from 2 Division Nigerian Army to Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations and appointed Director of Operations.

    “Brig.-Gen.  TA Lagbaja is to take over as Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Aiyenigba, Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is to move to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Head of Operations Monitoring Team. Brig.-Gen. AU Kuliya is to take over as Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.”

     

  • Army appoints new Commanders for Operation Lafiya Dole

    The Nigerian Army Thursday announced major reorganisation in the composition of the Commanders of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast.

    The development also precipitated redeployment of some senior officers, while several others were appointed to head the command structures of various sectors of the operation.

    Army spokesman, Brig Gen Sani Usman said in a statement that the new postings were meant to inject fresh hands into the fight against terrorism in the northeast.

    His words: “In order to inject new hands in the fight against terrorism and other operations, the Nigerian Army has today Thursday 6th December 2018, authorised the posting and appointments of some of its senior officers.

    “Those affected by the new posting and appointments include some Staff Officers and Commanders at various levels.

    ” Specifically,  the newly promoted Major General OT Akinjobi, Head of the Operations Monitoring Team at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed Commander, Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE,  while Major General MG Ali,  Commander 9 Brigade has been appointed Commander of the newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Brigadier  General BR Sinjen, Commander, Integrated Fire Support and Brigadier General FO Omoigui, has been moved from 2 Division Nigerian Army to Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations and appointed Director of Operations.

    “Brigadier General TA Lagbaja is to take over as Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General OR Aiyenigba, Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is to move to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Head of Operations Monitoring Team, while Brigadier General AU Kuliya is to take over as Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.

    “Similarly, new Brigade Commanders have been appointed for some of the Brigades at Operation LAFIYA DOLE. These include Brigadier General EF Oyinlola, 22 Brigade, Brigadier General VU Okoro, 25 Task Force Brigade,  Brigadier General AB Mohammed,  26 Task Force Brigade,  Brigadier General AO Oyelade, 27 Task Force Brigade,  Brigadier General MT Usman, 28 Task Force Brigade and Brigadier General MG Kangye, 37 Brigade, while Brigadier General AS Ishaq has been appointed as Coordinator, Nigeria Police Force for Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    “New Commanders have also been appointed for the various Army Headquarters Logistics Commands at the theatre. These include Brigadier General AG Ibrahim, Brigadier General PN Okeson and Brigadier General OA Aminu for Logistics Base I, II and III, respectively.

    “Similarly, the posting has affected several Commanding Officers of the various units in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, amongst others.

    “The Chief of Army Staff has also directed that all those affected by the posting in the theatre, must remain committed and fully in charge until they are properly relieved in line with standard operating procedures and military professional ethics.”

  • Air Force Strikes Boko Haram members in Borno

    The Nigerian Air Force Monday said scores of Boko Haram Terrorists have been killed at their hideout in Bogum, Borno state.

    Spokesman for the Air Force, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola said in a statement that the attacks on the terrorists were carried out with two Mi-35 Helicopter gunships.

    Read Also:Air Force bombs Boko Haram training camp

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has decimated a Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) hideout and neutralized several terrorists at Bogum in Northern Borno State.

    “The attack was carried out Monday, 14 October 2018, after intelligence reports indicated significant BHT activities within the settlement.

    “The ATF scrambled two Mi-35 Helicopter Gunships to engage and destroy the identified BHT positions in the village.

    “Overhead the target, the concentration areas of the BHTs were attacked in successive waves by the helicopters with direct hits recorded on the targets, leading to the neutralization of several BHTs. The few surviving BHTs were tracked and mopped up in subsequent follow on attacks.

    “The NAF, working in concert with surface forces, will sustain the tempo of operations with a view to destroying all remnants of the terrorists on the fringes of Lake Chad and other areas in Northern Borno”.

  • Army inflicts heavy casualties on Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army has inflicted heavy casualties on Boko Haram when they attacked Garshigar community of Mobar Local Government Area in Borno on Wednesday.

    Texas Chukwu, Army Director of Public Relations, disclosed this in a statement released on Thursday in Maiduguri.

    Chukwu stated that the insurgents, who were in nine gun trucks, were repelled by troops of 145 Battalion deployed for Operation Lafiya Dole following superior power of the vigilant troops.

    He added that “preliminary battle damage assessment reveals that the overwhelming superior power of the troops devastated the insurgents, inflicting human and equipment casualty on the insurgents which forced them to withdraw in disarray.”

    The director said that the gallant troops regrouped after the fierce encounter and dominated the general area of Garshigar and its environs with fighting patrols.

    “The good people of Mobar Local Government are urged to remain calm and be assured of troops’ commitment to provide adequate security in the general area,” he added.

  • Air Force Bombs Boko Haram locations in Lake Chad, Damasak

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Friday said more air attacks are being carried out against Boko Haram Terrorists in the fringes of Lake Chad and at Damasak in support of ground troops leading to the death of scores of the insurgents.

    The Director of Public Relations and Information of NAF, Air Commodore Ibikunle Daramola explained in a statement that the air interdictions were conducted through the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole and Operation Thunder Strike II.

    Read Also:NAF neutralises Boko Haram vehicle, fighters in Borno

    He also said Boko Haram facilities and their vehicles were destroyed in raids conducted at Tumbun on the fringes of Lake Chad and at Damasak in northern part of Borno state.

    Air Commodore Daramola said: “As Operation THUNDER STRIKE 2 entered the tenth day, Friday, 12 September 2018, the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has recorded significant successes against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in air raids conducted at Tumbun Rego on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno State.

    “The attacks were conducted in successive waves, involving Nigerian Air Force (NAF) F-7Ni and Alpha Jet combat aircraft as well as Mi-35M Helicopter Gunships supported by Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platforms, resulting in the destruction of a BHT vehicle and neutralization of scores of insurgents.

    “Characteristic of the insurgents’ tactics, the BHT fighters were initially well camouflaged under foliage and inside abandoned buildings within the settlement. However, timely intelligence enabled the ISR platforms to track and locate one of the BHT vehicles as it was entering the settlement. The vehicle was engaged and destroyed by the attack aircraft.

    “Subsequent waves of attack targeted the scores of insurgents that emerged from their hiding places after the attack on the vehicle. These were engaged in turns by the attack aircraft and neutralized.

    “In another development, the ATF conducted several ISR and Close Air Support missions throughout the night of 12 and early morning of 13 September 2018 in support of troops of the 145 Nigerian Army Battalion, ensuring that the BHTs’ attack at Damasak was thwarted.

    “Meanwhile, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, was in Maiduguri today, 13 September 2018, to again assess progress of the operation as well as boost the morale of the frontline troops.

    “He seized the opportunity to commend the Command and personnel of the ATF for their efforts while urging them to sustain the momentum of operations with a view to locating and destroying all remnants of the insurgents within the fringes of Lake Chad and other areas in Northern Borno”.

  • Air Force Bombs Boko Haram members in Sambisa Forest

    The Nigerian Air Force Monday said it has launched series of air strikes on members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) group who were regrouping at the fringes of the Sambisa forest in Borno state.

    According to the spokesman of the Air Force, Commodore Ibikunle Daramola, the massive attacks were conducted night and day against the terrorists’ facilities in the general area.

    Read Also:Borno denies Boko Haram attack on Alau Dam

    Commodore Daramola said in a statement supported with the video clip of the attacks that fleeing Boko Haram members were also dislodged in their abode with helicopter gunships.

    The statement reads: “The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, between 10 and 18 August 2018, conducted massive day and night attacks against remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and their facilities.

    “The attacks, which were preceded by days of intensive Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, were planned and executed based on credible intelligence indicating that the BHTs were making moves to regroup around the fringes of Sambisa.

    “The first air strike was a daytime mission executed on 10 August 2018 at a location 4.5 Km Northwest of Arra around the fringes of Sambisa, where ISR had confirmed that BHTs were regrouping to launch attacks against our troops in the general area. Accordingly, the ATF detailed an Alpha Jet to attack the location.

    “Overhead the area of interest, the Alpha Jet acquired and engaged targets, destroying parts of the settlement and neutralizing several BHTs. Intelligence reports later revealed that some of the surviving BHTs had converged at another location 4.8Km West of Arra.

    “Consequently, the ATF deployed Mi-35M helicopter gunships for a night attack on the new location on 18 August 2018, resulting in the death of dozens of BHTs.”

  • Police Protest: Officers were on enquiry mission – Force Headquarters

    The Police authority has said no policeman in Borno State protested.

    Contrary to reports that some personnel of the Police Mobile Force (PMF) deployed to Maiduguri on special duty protested over nonpayment of their salaries, the Force said the personnel only went on enquiry mission.

    The Police also explained that the personnel returned to their duty posts immediately after they made the enquiry.

    This is contained in a statement in Abuja on Monday by the Force Spokesman, Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood.

    Read Also:We are pacifying protesting policemen- Borno CP

    Moshood also said the IGP has directed the Commissioner of Police in Borno State to explain to the personnel that their salaries would be paid without further delay since the budget has been approved.

    The Commissioner of Police in charge of PMF has also been asked to proceed to the north east to lecture the personnel on why there was delay.

    The statement reads: “The attention of the Nigeria Police Force has been drawn to media report that Policemen protested in Maiduguri over non-payment of their Special Duty Allowance.

    “The Force wish to categorically state that it is not correct that police personnel protested in Maiduguri today, 2nd July, 2018.

    “Some of the Police Mobile Force personnel on Special Duty in Maiduguri went to the Borno State Police Command Headquarters on enquiry over the delay in the payment of their special duty allowance in the early hours of today and not on protest as reported in some media.”

    The Statement further reads: “The Inspector General of Police, IGP Ibrahim Idris promptly directed the Commissioner of Police, Borno State to address and inform them why there is delay in the payment of their special duty allowance, and also assure them that since the budget has been approved, the allowances will be expeditiously processed and paid without any further delay. They subsequently returned to their duty posts.

    “Consequently, the IGP has ordered the Commissioner of Police, Police Mobile Force (PMF) to proceed to Maiduguri, Borno State and other States in the North East where PMF personnel are deployed on special duty; to lecture and inform them on the efforts being made by the Force to ensure timely payment of special duty and other allowances to police personnel in the North East of the country.

    “The Police Mobile Force personnel that went on the enquiry are not those attached to Operation Lafiya Dole in the fight against insurgency in the North East but those on the category of visiting Police Mobile Force units deployed in Maiduguri on Crime Prevention and other Police duties in the State.”

    The police urged members of the Public not to panic but to go about their lawful duties and other responsibilities without fear or apprehension.

    “The Nigeria Police Force is a disciplined organization and will not allow any situation to degenerate into disturbance of Public Peace anywhere in the country”, it stated.

  • Army moves against suicide bombing in Northeast

    Worried over increased suicide bombing attacks within Maiduguri metropolis and its environs, The Nigerian Army has promised to give N5 million to any member of the public that will give useful information leading to the discovery  of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making factory within Maiduguri and the entire Northeast.

    Briefing journalists at the Military Control and Command Center on Thursday, the theater commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Rogers Nicolas said “we have N 5 million ransom on anybody who gives information on where about of bomb making factory in Borno, Adamawa, Yobe and any part of the theater”.

    Maj. Gen Rogers who is not happy with the manner the insurgents have stepped up their game in suicide bombing which is now gradually infiltrating the state capital Maiduguri said; ” I know the bomb making factories are located within our communities, security is not only for the military or other security agencies but a collective one, anybody who has information on whereabouts of IEDs factory should contact me, the police, DSS or any other security agency, he has a N5 million ransom,”.

    He regretted that,  “within one month, we took off over 35 suicide bombers, arrested 25 in Bama, Konduga, Maiduguri, Tungushe, Madgali and Mubi in Borno and Adamawa states. You should assist us to secure our communities,” Gen. Rogers appealed to the public.

    Read Also: …we are on standby –Army

    He called on  the general public particularly communities in the Northeast to always volunteers prompt information on the movement of Boko Haram insurgents, as they pass through  their villages or communities before ambushing or attack any community or military locations.

    He informed that  over 1 million people were rescued from Boko Haram captivity in various operations in the theatre upon assumption of office as the Theatre Commander.

    “We have disseminated and degraded the Boko Haram insurgents through our efforts to secure northeast. They no longer have the capacity to launch an attack on the military that is why they resort to attacking soft targets through suicide bombings,” Maj. Gen. Roggers added.

    Maj. General Nicolas also expressed happiness that the success recorded in the theatre has paved way for the  return IDPs to their communities like the 2,000  people of Guzamala that  returned voluntarily, adding that, “those of Marge and Abadan will son fellow suite to enable them go back to their farms, as rainy season sets in”.

    Maj. Gen Roggers solicited the support of the media in the war against the insurgents over objective reportage and avoid engaging in propaganda which according to him gives the terrorists the oxygen to breath.