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Tag: Operation Lafiya Dole

  • 146 Boko Haram surrender to Operation safe Corridor in Borno

    No fewer than 146 suspected Boko Haram have willingly surrendered their arms to Nigeria troops under the operation safe corridor of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    The Theater Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Roger Nicholas disclosed this at news conference while parading 17 suspects who recently renounced their membership at the military command in Maiduguri.

    Rogers said, “70 of them had surrendered in Munguno, 60 Bama while this set of 17 just willingly surrendered to our troops”.

    Maj. Gen. Nicholas explained that Operation Safe Corridor has given the insurgents to repent and surrendering adding that the operation is yielding results as many of them are coming out from their fighting camps to surrender.

    Read Also: We surrender due to FG’s offer of amnesty – Boko Haram suspects

    He disclosed that the army has established designated centers at various commands and formation where the insurgency can come out and surrender and would be treated with utmost respect.

    According to him, the 17 insurgents had testified that they were no longer interested in staying in the bush as Boko Haram fighters but to come out and live a better life again.

    He stated that the repentant insurgents would be properly profiled, de-radicalized and re-integrated to the society.

    Some of the paraded Boko Haram who spoke to newsmen said they were tired of the crimes they have committed fighting as Boko Haram insurgents.

    One of the suspect, Mustapha Umar, said;  “I m a commander at the lake area. My operation was mainly on the water. My regret was the number of persons I have killed and took their money. I have killed many people but I am asking for forgiveness,” he said.

     

  • Troops arrest three Boko Haram terrorists

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said 3 Boko Haram Terrorists have been arrested by troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole in the northeast of the country.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. Gen Texas Chukwu said in a statement in Abuja that the terrorists, Adam Yagga, Musa Kamsulum and Abba Djidoum are all from Darajimal in Bama Local Government of Borno state.

    Brig. Gen. Chukwu said: “Troops of 23 Brigade Nigerian Army under Operation LAFIYA DOLE on 28th March 2018, acting on a tip off arrested 3 suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Ngurore. The suspects, Adam Yagga, Musa Kamsulum and Abba Djidoum are all from Darajimal in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “One of the suspects, Abba Djidoum, with series of Gunshot wounds on his thigh, confessed to have operated with the Boko Haram terrorists at fringes of Izza, Wudula and Blakule in Bama LOk cal Government Area of Borno State.  Suspect is undergoing preliminary investigation with 23 Brigade Provost Company.

    “We commend patriotic members of Civilian vigilante (Civilian JTF) for their resilience and continued cooperation with troops, and urge members of the public to emulate their vigilance and security consciousness by reporting any suspicious persons or objects to the nearest military location.

    “We wish to remind repentant Boko Haram fighters that the window of opportunity to embrace the Federal Government Amnesty program is still open for them to surrender and lay down their weapons. It is also gratifying to report that the troops’ morale remains high as they dominate the general area with a robust fighting patrol in continuation with the clearance operations.”

    Read Also:Troops kill four militia men in Bauchi

  • Human right abuse: Army Court sentences soldier to death

    Human right abuse: Army Court sentences soldier to death

    One soldier been sentenced to death, while others are to serve various  jail terms following the judgment  delivered today by  the General Court Martial  of 7 Division Nigeria Army sitting in Maiduguri,  Borno State to investigate and try allege human right abuse of troops of operation Lafiya Dole on members of the public.

    While delivering  his  judgments, the President of the Court Martial, Brigadier General Gbenga Olusegun Adesina, explained  that the offences were  contrary to Nigerian Army’s Rules of Engagement (ROE) as well as  Nigerian Laws and Geneva Conventions which Nigeria is signatory to, stressing that, “ the Nigerian Army as a professional Army holds these laws in high esteem”.

    Lance Corporal John Godwin who is to face death sentence was charged with murder, punishable under Section 106 (a) of Armed Forces Acts (Cap A20), Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (LFN) 2004, for killing five rescued civilians in Yamteke town of Borno State in November, 2015.

    The court availed that the  civilians were earlier rescued by troops of the soldier’s battalion and were taken for investigation when Cpl John Godwin   shot five to death.

    The deceased, according to him, include Saleh Bello, Ibrahim Bello, Abba Ali, Abubakar Musa and Isa Garba between the ages of 17 and 22.

    “Godwin has run afoul of human rights violations and the rules of engagement, while fighting Boko Haram. You’re guilty of murder as charged before this court martial and sentenced you to death,” said Adesina.

    The courts also slammed jail sentences on other soldiers for various offences including manslaughter and  illegal possession of fire arms and ammunitions.

    Sergeant Innocent Ototo, got jailed for life imprisonment on charge of manslaughter after he tortured  and killed  a 13 year old boy Yakubu Isa,  whom  he alleged   stole his phone.  The incident happened at Zamanbari area of Maiduguri metropolis in Borno State.

    Two other soldiers; Lance Corporal Benjamin Osage and Private Sunday Onwe were sentenced to 20 years imprisonment each for offences bordering on manslaughter and illegal possession of fire arms and ammunition.

    “Sunday Awe, a private soldier attached to 112 Task Force Battalion, Mafa in Borno state is also sentenced for 20 months for unlawful procession of 1, 339 rounds of ammunition,” Brig. Gen. Adesina said.

    He added that Private Bitrus Yunana and Lance Corporal Ayuba Jonathan have also each been charged and sentenced to five years jail term for unlawful procession of 925 and 450 rounds of ammunition on August 2, 2016.

  • Military seeks community support to crush Boko Haram

    Military seeks community support to crush Boko Haram

    The Theater Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole,  Maj.-Gen. Rogers Nicholas, has called on people in the North-East to support the military in the counter-insurgency campaign in the country.

    Nicholas made the call during a familiarisation visit to military units  in Maiduguri  on Wednesday.

    He said the call was imperative to enable the military to win the war against Boko Haram insurgents and enhance restoration of peace in the region.

    “It is high time for people in the communities support the military by providing useful information on suspicious persons in their respective communities.

    “We need the support of everyone in the society to successfully complete the campaign. Security is a collective responsibility; we must strive to stop the killings.

    “Even the Boko Haram insurgents, I call on them to renounce their heinous activities, surrender and embrace peace,’’he said.

    The theatre commander disclosed the military authorities had adopted effective strategies to end insurgency and facilitate restoration of peace in the war-ravaged region.

    He added that effective modalities had been put in place to improve personnel welfare, motivate and boost troops’ morale.

    While commending the troops for their gallantry, the commander urged them to be disciplined and dedicated to the fight against insurgency, noting that: “Boko Haram insurgency will be over soon”.

    Nicholas assumed duty on Monday following his appointment as the new Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole.

    He was accompanied by Maj.-Gen. Ibrahim Yusuf, the General Officer Commanding, 7 Division, and other top military officers during the familiarisation tour of military formations in Maiduguri.

    Some of the areas visited include: the 7 Division Army Headquarters, Joint Intelligence Detention Centre (JIDC), Army Medical Services and Hospital and Artillery workshops.

    NAN

  • Troops capture Boko Haram commander, kill four

    Troops capture Boko Haram commander, kill four

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have captured a Boko Haram Commander and neutrilized for members of the sect in a clearance operation at fringes of Sambisa forest, the Director of Public Relations, Nigerian Army, Brig. General Sani Usman, has said.

    In a statement issued in Abuja, General Usman said the Boko Haram Commander is currently under-going interrogation, while the troops also rescued 212 persons alive from the terrorists.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army, Sector 1, Operation LAFIYA DOLE,  in furtherance of the ongoing clearance operations in conjunction with 22 Mobile Strike Team and some Civilian JTF, has on  Tuesday, 28th November 2017 achieved a remarkable feat.

    “During the operation, they were able to clear Boko Haram terrorists from their hideouts located at Kala, Jawara, Mada, Mika, Gakulba and Kutilax (Sanga), northern fringes of Sambisa forest and  fringes of Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “At Sanga, the terrorists on sighting the approaching troops from their observation post, they dashed into the adjoining Amchada forest.

    “The relentless troops pursued them further and neutralized 4 Boko Haram terrorists after a serious exchange of gun fire, captured one of the terrorists commanders, the “Ameer” of Chawa, Amman Judee alive and rescued 212 persons held hostage by the terrorists.

    “The captured terrorist’s leader is undergoing further interrogation while the rescued persons are being documented and the underaged children were administered oral polio vaccines”.

  • Air Force destroys Boko Haram Bomb-making facility

    Air Force destroys Boko Haram Bomb-making facility

    The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) said on Wednesday that its component of the Operation Lafiya Dole has successfully destroyed a facility being used by the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) to manufacture Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

    According to the Director of Information and Public Relations of the NAF, Air Commodore Olatokunbo Adesanya the facility was located in Yiwe, south of Konduga, Borno state.

    Adesanya said in a statement supported with a video footage of the operation that the suicide bombing which rocked part of Maiduguri, Borno state capital on November 18 was planned from the Boko Haram Terrorists’ facility.

    ​The statement reads: “In furtherance of Operation LAFIYA DOLE, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on 20 November 2017, successfully destroyed a Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) facility for manufacturing of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

    “The BHT facility, which was in a place known as YIWE Forest, located 23km south of Konduga in Borno State.

    “Previous NAF Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions had revealed the location to be a BHT hideout, from where the Maiduguri suicide bombing of 18 November 2017 was reportedly planned.

    “Available Human Intelligence also revealed that the hideout contained IED-making facility for the insurgents’ suicide bombing attacks.

    “Accordingly, one Mi-17 Helicopter, 2 x Alpha Jet and 2 x F-7Ni aircraft were detailed to carry out air interdiction on the target over a 2-day period. Overhead the location, the aircraft took turns to deliver a combination of bombs, rockets and cannons on the target.

    “The subsequent Battle Damage Assessment (BDA) revealed that the strikes had destroyed the IED-making facility and other BHT structures, killing an unspecified number of insurgents in the process. The air strikes also caused a huge flame within the settlement, owing to the cache of IEDs stored by the BHTs, while a few fleeing insurgents were further strafed with cannons and rockets”.

  • Operation Lafiya Dole troops write emotional letter to Buhari, Buratai

    Members of the Nigerian troops in north eastern part of the country under the operation tag, ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ have written an emotional letter to President Muhammadu Buhari and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai in response to his recent letter to the team.

    The army chief had in a recent letter sent to the troops in the battle field encouraged them never to give up on their quest to bring back lasting peace to the volatile region.

    Buratai subsequently promised to off-set the two months’ allowances owed soldiers involved in Operation Lafiya Dole.

    The troops in the letter on Monday evening uasserted that the COAS’ recent letter to them in the battle field was a boost to their muscles.

    The letter jointly signed by Pte Samson Okwudili, Sgt. Aliyu Bala, WO2 Bode O. Ola assured president Buhari and the army chief that they troops won’t relent until the battle over insurgency is totally won.

    The letter reads:
    “Sir, on behalf of Nigerian troops of the “Operation Lafiya Dole,” we acknowledge with joy, the receipt of your endearing letter of encouragement, commendation and assurances to the Nigerian Army troops on special assignments’ within and outside Nigeria, dated, November 5, 2017.

    “Similarly, we are extending our heartfelt appreciation to the Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR) and the Minister of Defence, Gen. Monsur Dan. Ali (rtd) for their endless support and encouragement of the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian military generally in the face of the daunting and multifarious insecurity challenges confronting our dear country, Nigeria.

    “We also, seize this unique opportunity to send our special salute to you, the Corps Commanders and Commanders of Nigerian Army Training Institutions in Nigeria.

    “Sir, we cannot conceal our excitement over the good news conveyed by your letter to us at the warfront. We are disarmed and encouraged by the soothing words of encouragement, commendations and assurances from your splendid and patriotic leadership of the Nigerian Army in the last two years. We dare say, your mail to us is timely, comforting and a morale booster to greater determination and result-orientated military expeditions by the troops of “Operation Lafiya Dole in Maiduiguri.

    “We cannot pretend that your humble message to us has enlivened our spirits and energized our strengths to unfathomable depths. It has again, reactivated our sense of patriotism, loyalty, commitment and rededication to our professional duties. We are indeed motivated and in high spirits to defiantly pursue the cause of the defence of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our beloved country, Nigeria, by ensuring the final termination of Boko Haram Terrorism and other sects of armed local conflicts afflicting the nation.

    “Sir, may you be informed that troops are not unmindful of the tendency of insurgents to attempt a bounce back anytime to undermine the successes so far recorded by the military in the counter-insurgency operations. We are not unaware that some unscrupulous elements within and without, may set out to mastermind such aberrations’ by sowing seeds of discord among troops and their commanders.

    “Please, you have our assurances, never to neither let you down or allow terrorism in whatever guise sprout or fester in any part of the country. We are prepared never to accept unwholesome influence in our fold, until collectively; the final song of victory against terrorists is chorused.

    “We further wish to specially acknowledge you, our Chief Commander and COAS, for your sterling leadership qualities and purposeful leadership of the Nigerian Army. We have all come to know you as not just as astute leader of Nigerian troops, but a reformist, performer, comforter, a humanist, a welfarist, an exceptional officer and stickler for high professional discipline and performance. We pray God to continue to replenish your wisdom and strength to lead us to further victories in battle.

    “ Therefore, we wish to end with our open appreciation of the priority, premium and seriousness you attach to matters of welfare of troops. The prompt and timely payment of salaries and allowance of troops, especially, those at the warfront, the expeditious attention to the medical needs of troops, particularly, those injured on the battlefield, the special attention you pay to welfare of our families back home and your economic enhancement packages for soldiers have infinitely endeared us to you and your leadership. We are obliged to reciprocate same through impressive performance.

    “Lastly, we are impressed with the unflinching support extended to your leadership of the Nigerian Army by President Muhammedu Buhari and the Minister of Defence. Please, convey our assurances to them about our resolute confidence and determination to emerge victorious from the terrorism wars against our country soonest.”

  • Four killed, six soldiers wounded as Troops engage Boko Haram

    Four killed, six soldiers wounded as Troops engage Boko Haram

    Four persons have been killed while six soldiers were wounded as troops engaged Boko Harram terrorists in a fierce battle during an ambush along Banki-Bula Yobe road in Bama local government area of Borno state.

    Reports said the wounded soldiers alongside six civilians who were also injured in the battle as a result of explosion of Improvised Explosive Devise have been evacuated by the Nigerian Air Force Helicopter to a military hospital for medical attention.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Brig. General Sani Usman said in a statement that scores of Boko Haram terrorists were killed in the encounter, while others escaped with gun shots wounds.

    The statement reads: “Troops of 152 Battalion, 21 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE on Monday 30th October 2017, encountered suspected Boko Haram terrorists ambush along Banki- Bula Yobe road in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, while on escort duties of some civilians from Banki to Maiduguri.

    “Although the troops successfully cleared the ambush after a heavy fire fight, regrettably 4 persons lost their lives when their vehicle stepped on a buried Improvised Explosive Device on the road.

    “Similarly, twelve persons comprising 6 soldiers, 2 Civilian JTF and 6 Internally Displaced Persons sustained various degrees of injuries.

    “The terrorists who laid an improvised explosive device on the road to deter troops movement had amongst them a suicide bomber who could not bear the troops heavy volume of fire which made the terrorist to detonate the explosive killing only himself.

    “The Troops displayed high level of gallantry by swiftly engaging the terrorists which led to the neutralizing of the large number of the terrorists while some of them escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “During the exploitation process, they also discovered bodies of some of the Boko Haram terrorists and recovered 2 Fabrique Nationale Rifle magazines, 50 Belted 7.62mm special and a Detonating Cord 33 used by the terrorists in detonating Improvised Explosive Device.

    “The wounded soldiers have since been evacuated by Nigerian Air Force helicopter to 7 Division Hospital and Medical Services and are recuperating well”.

  • Troops destroy Boko Haram grain market in Borno

    Troops destroy Boko Haram grain market in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Saturday said it’s troops destroyed a Boko Haram grain market at Boboshe village in Borno.

    Director Army Public Relations Sani Kukasheka, who disclosed this in a statement in Maiduguri, said this was part of efforts by the armed forces to degrade the remnants of the insurgents.

    Kukasheka said that the troops discovered a make shift night market at Boboshe village set up by the insurgents with newly harvested farm produce on display for sale.

    He said that the troops conducted clearance operations in seven villages, rescued five persons and recovered three vehicles, four Dane guns, a dummy gun and mattresses.

    “Troops of 112 Task Force Battalion and Mobile Strike Teams of 22 Brigade of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) on Friday, carried out clearance operations at Gawa, Bone, Kajeri I, Kajeri II, Kube, Dubula, Boboshe I and Boboshe II villages in Borno State.

    “During the operation, the gallant troops discovered that the terrorists had erected a make-shift night market at Boboshe village with newly harvested farm produce on display for sale.

    “After conducting a thorough search of the vicinity, the troops recovered three Isuzu vehicles, four Dane guns, one Dummy gun, suspected to be used for training of inducted Boko Haram terrorists and mattresses hidden under shrubs.”

    Kukasheka explained that troops rescued five persons abducted by the insurgents at Boboshe 1 and Dubula villages.

    He reiterated the commitment of the military to root out the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East.

    Kukasheka called on members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies in the ongoing clearance operations in the region.

  • Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Troops kill four insurgents in Northeast

    Four Boko Haram insurgents were killed at the weekend by troops of the Nigerian Army operating under the auspices of Operation Lafiya Dole in the Northeast of the country.

    The insurgents who were killed in two different operations were also involved in cattle rustling, while different categories of weapons were seized from them.

    A statement endorsed by the Nigerian Army Director of Public Relations, Brig.General Sani Usman explained that “in furtherance of clearance operations in Operation LAFIYA DOLE, troops of 8 Division Mobile Strike Team deployed at Forward Operations Base Mairari, on Sunday 8th October 2017 ambushed a Boko Haram terrorists’ cattle rustling syndicate trying to cross into Maiduguri to sell the rustled cattle, at Lingir village.

    “During the encounter, the ambush party neutralized 3 Boko Haram terrorists, while some of them have escaped with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered 5 AK-47 rifles, 5 Magazines, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 1 metal box containing clothes and a horse. Unfortunately, one of our soldiers sustained an injury during the operation.

    “The injured soldier has been evacuated to 8 Task Force Division Hospital and Medical Services at Monguno where he is receiving further medical attention.

    “The Mobile Strike Team also followed up with pursuit up to Buruwa village around Gassawa general area where they neutralized an additional Boko Haram terrorist and recovered an AK-47 rifle from him”.

    General Sani further said “On Saturday 7th October, 2017 following a tip off from the locals on the presence of suspected Boko Haram terrorists and cattle rustlers at Kirbiri village, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, troops of 120 Battalion in conjunction with vigilantes mobilized to the general area.

    “On arrival, the gallant troops engaged the terrorists, neutralizing one of them while several other terrorists flee in disarray with gunshot wounds.

    “The troops recovered an AK-47 rifle with registration number 34364 and 2 empty rifle magazines”.