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Tag: soldiers

  • Soldiers neutralise 17 terrorists

    Soldiers neutralise 17 terrorists

    • 85 suspects held, 10 victims rescued

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 17 terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations across the country within the last 48 hours.

    A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the feats were recorded across several theatres of operation nationwide.

    The source said the apprehended suspects included Boko Haram informants, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators, drug peddlers, and kidnappers, while the rescued victims were safely evacuated and undergoing profiling and medical evaluation.

    In the North East, the source said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive counter-terrorism operations under Operations Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search, leading to multiple encounters with Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno and Adamawa States.

    The source said that troops of 202 and 222 Battalions came under ambush during an operation around Goni Kurmi and Kashomri villages in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno, fought gallantly and neutralised several terrorists.

    He added that troops of 195 Battalion, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP informant and ransom collector at Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area.

    The suspect, he said, was tracked through monitored calls and bank transactions.

    READ ALSO: NLC issues four-week ultimatum to FG over ASUU crisis

    He added that in troops recovered an AK-47 rifle earlier stolen by terrorists, rescued two kidnapped escapees, and apprehended three major logistics suppliers with food items and materials meant for ISWAP cells in Alagarno.

    “Similarly, in Adamawa, troops of 144 Battalion intercepted seven vehicles and nine motorcycles conveying 368 bags of cement suspected to be heading to terrorist enclaves in Madagali Local Government Area.

    “Troops also foiled infiltration attempts in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno, with air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    “Other units recovered N4.77 million cash, six mobile phones and two bicycles abandoned by fleeing insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road,” he said.

    In the North West, the source revealed that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted clearance and stabilization operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.

    According to him, 69 suspected drug peddlers were apprehended in raids on communities in Sokoto South Local Government Area, while another five terrorist collaborators were apprehended in Gudu Local Government Area.

    He added that troops also rescued one civilian injured in a terrorist attack along Faru–Bagabbuzi Road in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    In North Central, the source said the troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued one kidnapped victim at Dorowa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

    According to him, another operation at Rawaya Village, Gashish District, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, six magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition.

    He said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also apprehended two suspected kidnappers at Idadu Town in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    He added that troops also destroyed a terrorist camp and seizing mobile phones and customized vehicle plates at Gbagir in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.

    “In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil thieves. Omoku in Rivers intercepted a wooden boat carrying 840 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and arrested one suspect.

    “Another patrol in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta, seized a vehicle conveying 2,500 litres of illegal condensate.

    “Across all theatres, troops recovered no fewer than 15 assorted weapons, 21 magazines and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, alongside cash and logistics materials.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to maintaining the operational momentum and will continue to deny terrorists and criminal elements any freedom of action across the country,” the source added.

    He commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, noting that morale remains high across all formations and units.

  • Wives of detained soldiers in Maiduguri seek presidential pardon

    Wives of detained soldiers in Maiduguri seek presidential pardon

    A group of wives of detained soldiers at the 7 Division Military Police Facility in Maiduguri Friday made a public and emotional plea to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, for presidential pardon for their spouses.

    The women, who addressed journalists at the NUJ Conference Hall in Maiduguri, stated that some of their husbands (soldiers) have been held for months and years over various offenses without trial.

    The women noted that the long absence of their husbands is taking serious negative toll and suffering on their families.

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    Speaking on behalf of the group, two women, Mrs. Rose Emmanuel David and Mrs. Abigail Jonathan, respectfully called on President Tinubu to grant their husbands presidential pardon, the same manner repentant insurgents are being granted pardon.

    They appealed on behalf of their husbands with a deep reflection and repentance, asserting that the detainees “acknowledge their mistakes” and seek “a second chance to serve their country with renewed loyalty.”

    They also appealed to the National Assembly, the Borno State Governor, and all Nigerians of goodwill to lend their support to their plea.

    The group hinged their appeal on the Federal Government’s Amnesty Programmes, stressing that, “It is important to remember that amnesty has been extended to repentant insurgents and bandits who once raised arms against the state.

    These soldiers are Nigerians too—men who once risked their lives to defend our people and preserve our nation. They deserve the same mercy, so they can once again fight for peace, unity, and security.”

  • Three soldiers get life jail for arms racketeering in Borno

    Three soldiers get life jail for arms racketeering in Borno

    • Soldier arrested for faking own kidnap, demanding N20 million ransom from own family
    • From Duku Joel, Maiduguri and Emma Elekwa, Onitsha

    Three soldiers have been sentenced to life imprisonment and other jail terms by a special court-martial in Maiduguri, Borno State for their involvement in a major arms and ammunition racketeering.

    Also, the Police in Anambra State have arrested a 38-year-old soldier for allegedly staging his own kidnap to extort N20 million from his family.

    The command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, who made this known this yesterday, said the suspect, Samuel Ekezie, was arrested in Rivers State, following a tip off.

    He said preliminary investigation showed that the suspect had sent a text message to his family, demanding the ransom for his supposed release.

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    The soldiers were found guilty of multiple offences, including theft, unlawful dealing in ammunition, and aiding the enemy, the Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relation 7 Division Nigerian Army, Maiduguri,  Lt.-Col. Haruna Mohammed Sani, said.

    The sentences were handed down by the Special Court-Martial (SCM) convened by the 7 Division of the Nigerian Army.

    Sgt. Rapheal Ameh, Sgt. Ejiga Musa, and Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje received life imprisonment, while Corporal Omitoye Rufus was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

    All four pleaded guilty to the charges, which fall under the Armed Forces Act.

    According to the court, the illegal trade of weapons and ammunition directly endangered troops, jeopardised military operations, and undermined national security.

    The four soldiers, according to the statement, were charged for various counts with the convictions.

    The statement explained: “Sgt. Rapheal Ameh, an armourer with the 7 Division Garrison, was found to have conspired with other individuals to pilfer ammunition from the Division’s armory.

    “He collaborated with two members of the Nigeria Police Mobile Force (PMF) to smuggle weapons concealed in bags of beans to Enugu and Ebonyi states. Investigations revealed that Sgt. Ameh received over 100 bank transactions between July 2022 and June 2024 as payment for his illicit activities.

    “Sgt. Ejiga Musa, an armourer with the 195 Battalion, stole and sold an AK-47 rifle and a large quantity of ammunition with the help of Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje and a PMF inspector.

    “He received over N500,000 for the weapons. His scheme was uncovered when he attempted to sell ammunition to another police inspector.”

    Lance Corporal Patrick Ocheje was also found guilty of aiding the sale of weapons. He received 20 rounds of PKT ammunition from Sgt. Ejiga Musa for sale to terrorist groups. He was also convicted of stealing an AK-47 rifle belonging to a fellow soldier.

  • Soldiers neutralise terrorists, arrest suspects with N8.7m ransom

    Soldiers neutralise terrorists, arrest suspects with N8.7m ransom

    Nigerian Army troops have neutralised several terrorists and arrested three suspects with N8.7 million ransom money during ongoing intensified operations in the North-West, North-East, and North-Central regions.

    The operations carried out between September 8 and 10 also led to the arrest of criminal suspects, the recovery of weapons, and the destruction of five illegal refineries in the South-South region.

    A military source at Army Headquarters told The Nation on Thursday that on September 9, troops from Forward Operating Base Malumfashi, in collaboration with police and local vigilantes, engaged terrorists who had attacked Na’lma Special Hunters Camp in Katsina State, killing one terrorist and recovering an AK-47 rifle with 21 rounds of ammunition.

    “Similarly, on the same day, troops of 144 Battalion on offensive operations along Takaskala–Gwoza road in Borno State engaged ISWAP/JAS terrorists, forcing them to retreat in disarray and capturing an AK-47 rifle with 13 rounds of ammunition.”

    “Furthermore, on 8 September, troops of 1 Brigade at a checkpoint in Zamfara State intercepted three suspects conveying ₦8.7 million ransom money meant for release of abducted relatives. 

    “The suspects and the money were handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.” 

    According to the military source, troops from 8 Division foiled a kidnap attempt near Tasha Bagaruwa in Sabon Birni Local Government Area of Sokoto State, rescuing three abducted farmers after a gunfight with terrorists. While troops of Forward Operating Base Sanga apprehended a suspected kidnappers’ informant linked to several abduction cases across Nasarawa and neighbouring states.

    Read Also: Retired soldiers suspend week-long protest as FG promises payment of entitlements

    In the Northcentral region, the source said troops continue to dominate the general area, arresting a suspected militia in connection with the September 4 Barkin Ladi reprisal attack in Plateau State.

    The source said: “In Lagos State, troops of 65 Battalion arrested an impostor posing as a soldier at Ebute-Meta, recovering incriminating evidence from his phone.

    “In the South-South Operation DELTA SAFE, troops of 16 Brigade discovered five illegal refining sites at Biseni in Bayelsa State, containing about 7,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil, while troops of 103 Battalion dismantled another site in Ahoada West, Rivers State. 

    “Additionally, troops of 5 Battalion intercepted a vehicle loaded with 600 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil at Abua Central in Rivers State.”

    He reaffirmed the Army’s commitment to creating a safer environment that will boost agricultural activities across the country, in line with the federal government’s commitment to food security. 

  • Retired soldiers suspend week-long protest as FG promises payment of entitlements

    Retired soldiers suspend week-long protest as FG promises payment of entitlements

    The week-long protest by retired soldiers at the gate of the Federal Ministry of Finance in Abuja has been suspended after the federal government pledged to begin part-payment of their entitlements within the week.

    By 3 pm on Monday, the veterans had dismantled their canopy and quietly dispersed from the ministry’s gate.

    Leader of the protesting ex-servicemen, Retired Sergeant Ekundayo Alisame, told journalists that the decision followed a closed-door meeting with officials of the Ministry of Finance, the Military Pension Board, the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS), and the Security Debarment Allowance (SDA) department.

    According to him, the government assured the veterans that payments would begin before the weekend. “They collected the names and promised that from now till the weekend, they will start to pay all those NAWIS, Benford, and whoever claimed not to have received some part of his payment,” Alisame said.

    He noted that the veterans’ main grievance was with the payment chart used to calculate their benefits. The meeting, he added, also provided an opportunity to review outstanding issues concerning allowances and entitlements.

    Alisame further appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to institute a transparent framework that would allow soldiers to know their entitlements before discharge, stressing that such reforms would prevent future disputes.

    Read Also: Soldiers arrest IPOB IED manufacturers in Delta, kidnappers in FCT, Lagos, others

    Alisame lamented that payment delays often force veterans into prolonged struggles to access what is rightfully theirs. “Right from the day my name is out, I was discharged, my money should be ready for collection. There is a collection that means from NAWIS, Military Pension Board, SDA to come in bulk, so that we can utilise that money and use it well,” he stated.

    He added that officials clarified during the meeting that the ex-servicemen were not entitled to the new rate of payment. “They said we are not entitled to the new rate. That is our conclusion today,” he said.

    With the government’s assurances, the retired soldiers suspended their protest, pending the commencement of payment later this week.

  • Soldiers kill bandit in Kwara

    Soldiers kill bandit in Kwara

    • Recover bike, AK-47, others

    Soldiers from the 22 Armoured Brigade, Sobi Cantonment, Ilorin on Wednesday killed one armed bandit around Lema-Daban Lema road of Edu Local Government Area of Kwara state.

    Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 22 Armoured Brigade Capt Stephen Nwankwo said one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a motorcycle were recovered from the hoodlums.

    “Troops were deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Patigi, in Patigi Local Government Area of the state on fighting patrol within Gbugbu general area, ” Nwankwo said.

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    “At about 12:10 am, the vigilant troops following a credible human intelligence on movement of armed bandits along Lema-Daban Lema road, Edu LGA of the state conducted ambush and subsequently made contact with the miscreants from the ambush site. In the ensuing exchange of fire, the soldiers overpowered the criminals with superior firepower, forcing them to withdraw in disarray. During a subsequent exploitation along the bandits’ withdrawal route, the troops neutralised one bandit.”

    “The remains of the neutralised bandits have since been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action. To intensify operations and employ all legitimate means to eradicate criminal elements while safeguarding the lives and property of law-abiding citizens within its joint operations area.”

  • Soldiers’ welfare must be top priority to win terror fight — ex COAS

    Soldiers’ welfare must be top priority to win terror fight — ex COAS

    Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) and Zarumman Sokoto, Lt. General Faruk Yahaya, has warned that unless the welfare of troops battling terrorism and criminality across the country is made a top priority, the soldiers may lack the necessary motivation to fight effectively.

    Speaking at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) Auditorium in Kaduna, Yahaya, who delivered the guest lecture at this year’s Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL 2025) marking the Army’s 162nd anniversary, said the morale and performance of soldiers rested fundamentally on their welfare and proper motivation.

    His lecture was titled: “The Soldier first concept and the future of the Nigerian Army: Shaping a New Culture for Army Transformation.”

    According to Yahaya, three critical areas require urgent intervention by the Federal Government to enhance the capabilities and morale of soldiers: accommodation, education for their children, and comprehensive healthcare.

    “Perhaps, the greatest welfare challenge confronting the Nigerian Army is inadequate accommodation for its personnel, especially soldiers,” he said.

    “Because of rising threats of insurgency, terrorism and widespread criminality over the years, the Army had to expand its intake massively.

    “Unfortunately, this was not matched by a corresponding increase in housing. Many soldiers now live among civilians in the suburbs or wherever they can find, and in some barracks, two or more families share a single accommodation. The ills that come with this are better imagined.”

    Yahaya stressed that the enormity of the accommodation gap was beyond the Army’s capacity to address alone, calling for a special intervention by the Federal Government.

    On the education of soldiers’ children, he noted that while successive Army chiefs had set up welfare schools — including Army Children Schools, Command Schools and the Nigerian Military School — the quality had declined over time.

    “This is why more soldiers are sending their children to private schools, using their meagre salaries. It is impacting morale negatively,” he said, urging reforms to ensure the Army’s schools provide quality education befitting the sacrifices of troops.

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    Yahaya also highlighted the Army’s medical services, acknowledging significant improvements but calling for even more. “It is time to establish rehabilitation centres to handle hundreds of long-term patients who occupy beds in tertiary hospitals. Likewise, the Army should embark on special recruitment of medical staff to fill gaps in specialist care.”

    He summed up the vision by saying: “The Soldier First concept emphasises prioritising the soldier — his training, well-being and needs. Its success depends on the soldier himself and, more importantly, on Army leadership.”

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. General Olatunbosun Oluyede, said the Nigerian Army was deliberately pushing the “Soldier First” culture to ensure troops were better trained, equipped and cared for, while also demanding loyalty to core values.

    According to Oluyede: “This concept takes into account the evolving battlespace, generational warfare and the role of the individual soldier in operations. It means prioritising the training, equipping, responsive leadership and effective administration of our troops, so they can carry out their duties optimally.”

    The COAS added that under his leadership, the Army was paying special attention to quality housing, healthcare and family support systems, alongside reformed training curricula and merit-based promotions.

    “A soldier who knows his welfare is the priority of his commanders and Chief of Army Staff will naturally be more motivated and resilient, even in adversity,” he said.

    Oluyede disclosed plans to empower junior commanders to foster open communication without fear, ensure fairness and build trust within the ranks. “Our duty is to keep making decisions that boost morale, strengthen resilience and enhance collective mission effectiveness,” he said.

    He also thanked two former Army Chiefs present at the event — Lt. Gen. Azubuike Ihejirika (Rtd) and Lt. Gen. Yahaya — for their continued support to the Army family.

    The NADCEL 2025 lecture was part of a week-long series of activities to celebrate the Army’s long-standing service to the nation, with a renewed commitment to deepen professionalism and soldier welfare in tackling current security threats.

  • Soldiers, vigilantes kill 12 bandits in Katsina

    Soldiers, vigilantes kill 12 bandits in Katsina

    No fewer than 12 bandits have been killed in a joint military operation with vigilantes in Kurfi-Safana area of Katsina State. 

    The Katsina State Government  announced this in a statement  by the commissioner for inter security and home affairs,Nasiru Muazu. 

    He said the joint operations followed early morning intelligence reports for which the security forces swiftly mobilised to counter bandit activities threatening the safety of residents in the region.

    According to him: ”Armed bandits attacked Rahamawa village via Kuraye District in Charanchi Local government area at approximately 5:40am severely injuring 60-year-old Alhaji Danmalam and rustling 22 cattle from the community. 

    ”The joint Police, Army,  Community  Watch, and Vigilante patrol teams immediately pursued the criminals and engaged them in a fierce gun battle at Dutsen Falale in the Kurfi-Safana enclave. 

    ”The coordinated operation resulted in the elimination of twelve bandits and the recovery of 5 AK-47 rifles, ammunition, along with all the twenty-two rustled cattle. 

    Read Also: Soldiers foil hijack attempt of two commercial buses in Abia

    ”While celebrating this decisive victory against criminal elements, we mourn the loss of one brave vigilante who paid the ultimate price defending his community”

    ”One soldier sustained injuries during the operation and is receiving medical treatment. 

    ”Tragically, Alhaji Danmalam, the initial victim of the attack, succumbed to his injuries at Primary Health Care ,PHC, Charanchi.”

    He also described the successful operation as an indication of the staunch commitment of Katsina State’s security architecture to protect lives and property.

  • Soldiers, Tantita operatives intercept suspected stolen crude oil-laden truck in Delta

    Soldiers, Tantita operatives intercept suspected stolen crude oil-laden truck in Delta

    Personnel of the 181 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State, in a joint operation with operatives of Tantita Security Services Nigeria Limited, on Monday, intercepted a vacuum truck laden with suspected stolen crude oil and its driver at Olomoro Community.

    The driver of the truck, identified as Matthew Ojomikre, is in custody of the Army.

    The suspect and the truck were arrested after stealing crude oil from wellhead 3, under oil mining lease (OML) 30, operated by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited (HEOSL).

    It was gathered that the suspect went to the well-head without the permission, approval and license from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), to illegally load crude oil.

    The suspect was accosted just when he was about to leave the scene by soldiers, who further informed Tantita operatives, leading to his eventual arrest.

    When interrogated, the suspect confessed that his company was contracted by Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited to help evacuate sludge from well 3, Olomoro, but he failed to present any formal approval or document to show that such activity was to take place.

    Read Also: Soldiers kill bandit, recover arms in Taraba

    Findings revealed that HEOSL usually sends crude oil and condensate trucking permits to officers of the Nigerian Army and TSSNL for proper monitoring from the loading to the discharge point.

    At the time of filing this report, officers of Tantita Security Services, in collaboration with the Heritage team and the Nigerian Army, had collected samples from the vacuum truck for laboratory testing and analysis.

    The development has caused concerns among stakeholders, with calls on relevant security agencies including the Department of State Services to investigate the matter.

    Meanwhile, the Security Manager of Heritage Energy Operational Services Limited, Lt. Col. Goldman Azagba (Rtd), said he was unaware of the driver’s business at the wellhead.

  • Soldiers kill bandit, recover arms in Taraba

    Soldiers kill bandit, recover arms in Taraba

    Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS)  have gunned down a suspected bandit  and recovered some arms in Taraba State.

    According to the spokesman of the brigade, Olubodunde Oni, in a statement, on May 3, the troops at Gafar Village in Ussa Local Government Area, received information that bandits were exploiting a crossing point to harass locals and steal their motorcycles and other valuables.

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    Troops moved to the area and engaged the criminals in a gun battle. One bandit died during the encounter, the others fled while an AK-47 rifle and a motorcycle stolen from a civilian were recovered.

    Oni added that troops also acted on an information that some suspected bandits were moving from Tongo and Garin Alkali in Adamawa State to Shana community in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State.