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Tag: terrorists

  • One dead, four soldiers missing in terrorists’ attack on Niger community

    One dead, four soldiers missing in terrorists’ attack on Niger community

    One person identified as Dantala Gyara Miya has been killed and four soldiers are said to be missing as terrorists invaded Allawa ward, Shiroro Local Government of Niger State.

    The incident occurred on Sunday evening.

    It was gathered that the missing soldiers were the ones who had responded to distress calls, following the attack.

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    During the attack, the armoured vehicles of the soldiers were destroyed alongside two commercial vehicles with goods inside and several motorcycles.

    The terrorists were said to have ambushed the villagers on their way to the market before attacking them. In an attempt to escape from being abducted, one of the passengers was shot dead by the gunmen.

    The District Head of Allawa, Alhaji Ibrahim Allawa, confirmed the attack to our correspondent, saying the attackers took the community unawares.

  • Terrorists, bandits’ days are numbered, says DHQ

    Terrorists, bandits’ days are numbered, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the days of terrorists, bandits and oil thieves are numbered unless they surrender.

    It said the troops would continue to deny them the ability to achieve their selfish objectives.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, said this in a statement on Friday, November 3.

    Buba said troops’ operations have “substantially inflicted casualties on terrorist, insurgents and violent extremist through operations ranging from fighting patrols, ambushes, raids to air interdictions.”

    Giving the update on troops operations across the country in the past week, the defence spokesperson said troops killed 67 terrorists and arrested 190 others.

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    He said troops also arrested 57 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 47 kidnapped hostages.

    In the Niger Delta region, Buba said troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined diseil and 51,000 litres of kerosen.

    According to the military high command troops on operations in the Niger Delta region also discovered and destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, eight pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, two speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites.

    Buba said aside the oil seizures that were made, troops also recovered 112 assorted weapons and 989 assorted ammunition.

    The breakdown of weapons seized from the criminals, according to defence spokesperson are one GT3 rifle, 42 AK47 rifles, 11 locally fabricated rifles, seven pump action guns, one locally made double barrel, pistols, three dane gun, two locally made pistols, 342 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 190 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 74 live cartridges.

    Others, according to Buba, are 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, empty shells, 27 magazines, 23 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones, five boafeng radios, four bicycles, cutlasses, axes, digital camera and the sum of N3,278,700.00.

  • N/East elders hail onslaught against terrorists

    N/East elders hail onslaught against terrorists

    The North-East Elders for Restoration (NEER), a pressure group has hailed the ongoing military clearance operations nationwide, especially against Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.

    The group gave the commendation in a statement by its president, Mallam Bello Katagum and Secretary, Alhaji Sani Sanusi, yesterday in Abuja.

    They also declared their support for the appointment of Gen. Christopher Musa as Chief of Defence Staff and expressed confidence that Nigeria would witness improved security with the military under his command.

    The group said the North East region witnessed improved security when Gen. Musa was the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai theatre.

    They said it was during Musa’s tenure that displaced persons in the region began to return to their various means of livelihood as a result of intense military operations against terrorists.

    According to the group, the region also witnessed a large number of terrorists and their family members surrendering to troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

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    “We are, therefore, not surprised that he has begun to replicate these attributes as the Chief of Defence Staff. No matter the noise from the terrorists and bandits, we are rest assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is in good hands.

    “Very soon, Nigerians will begin to rejoice over the enemies who don’t want us to leave in peace. During his time as the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Gen. Musa was thorough, didn’t side with any religion and gave the terrorists a hard time,” they said.

    The elders also commended the military for the enhanced synergy between the services and other security agencies, saying it had produced positive results across the country.

    They urged Nigerians to continue to support the military to ensure their sacrifices for peace and stability would not be in vain.

  • Operation Safe Haven neutralises terrorists, recovers arms

    Operation Safe Haven neutralises terrorists, recovers arms

    To continually get rid of criminals, Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) Joint Operation Area(JOA) and Headquarters 3 Armoured Division Area of Responsibility troops have neutralised two terrorists at Kafanchan in Jema’a Local Government of Kaduna State and apprehended 24 other suspected kidnappers during the conduct of several sting operations.

    Five arrested criminal suspects were also charged to court for criminal conspiracy and possession of firearms at the Chief Magistrates’ Court Abattoir in Jos South Local Government of Plateau State and sentenced to one year and six months imprisonment or an option of fine.

    This is contained in a statement signed by Media Information Officer, Operation Safe Haven, Captain Oya James, in Jos, Plateau State capital.

    According to the statement, the ever dogged troops of OPSH on Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV within the period further arrested 43 criminal suspects in connection with murder, kidnapping, cattle rustling and drug peddling among others. Raid operations were conducted on cattle rustlers, kidnappers and criminals’ hideouts at Rubum, Fasa, Faan, Fas and Gora and Angwa Mallam villages in Barkin Ladi, Jos East and Sanga councils of Plateau and Kaduna states.

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    Eleven suspects  were arrested and four locally fabricated guns recovered, while one Sati Gummut Jidauna was also arrested at Mushu village with one fabricated rifle,  rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle and a sum of cash.

    In the same vein, based on intelligence report, troops arrested 10 suspected cattle rustlers at Mai-Adiko market in Rayfield and Kara cattle market area of Jos metropolis. The gallant troops also foiled a robbery operation and arrested four armed robbers in the process at Bokkos Community and New Layout village of Bokkos  Local Government, Plateau State.

    Additionally, troops deployed at Riyom LGA recovered  49 cows grazing on a farmlands and arrested 3 suspects in connection to farm destructions at Jebu/Kwakwi, Karker and Gako villages while rescuing one Mr Adamu Hassimu trapped during an attack at Ruwi/Mushu Villages.

    Additionally, troops also arrested 2 herders, Haruna Dare and Jibrin Ali in connection with the killing of a farmer at Manyi Cupi village in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Suspects confessed to have committed the act and are currently undergoing prosecution.

    Also, 3 herders were arrested for assault on one Mrs Mwanet Sylvanus at Company Kurra Falls in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State and a kidnap mastermind, Ibrahim Suleiman Abba at Angwan Nungu village Sanga LGA of Kaduna State was arrested and handed over to Police Gwantu Division for further action.

  • Terrorists kill Director after receiving N50m ransom

    Terrorists kill Director after receiving N50m ransom

    The Director of Works, Mariga local government area of Niger state, Alhaji Yakubu Bala, has been killed by terrorists three days after he was kidnapped.

    The Nation learnt that Bala was abducted alongside 23 others by terrorists over the weekend from Mariga town.

    It was gathered that the terrorists had demanded N50 million as ransom which his family reportedly paid.

    The deceased’s sister, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi, revealed that Bala was kidnapped from his room while with his two wives, adding that one of them was pregnant.

    She said there was a knock on the door and one of the wives opened only for the terrorists to force their way into the house and took the deceased to an unknown destination.

    Abdullahi explained that three days after her brother and others were kidnapped, the bandits called for a ransom of N50 million before he would be released.

    Read Also:Terrorists kill director after ransom from family

    “We raised millions but the bandits did not release my brother. There were relations of four others kidnapped who were able to contribute N2 million each and they took to the abductors in the forest before their family members were released.

    “It was when these people came from the forest that we were told that my brother had been killed by the gunmen two days after he was kidnapped,” Abdullahi said.

    According to her, the released victims disclosed that her brother was tied to a tree and the terrorists broke his legs before he died, adding that they were told that he was buried in a shallow grave in the forest.

    She lamented that her brother left behind two wives and 10 children, saying that the family was having a hard time coming to terms with his death.

    The number of the Police Command’s Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abiodun, did not go when our reporter tried to contact him.

  • Terrorists kill director after ransom from family

    Terrorists kill director after ransom from family

    The Director of Works of Mariga Local government area of Niger State Alhaji Yakubu Bala has been killed by terrorists three days after he was abducted.

    The Nation learnt that the Director was abducted with 23 others over the weekend from Mariga town.

    It was learnt that the terrorists demanded N50m ransom, which his family paid.

    The sister of the deceased, Hajia Hadiza Abdullahi disclosed that the late Director was in his room with his two wives, one of who was heavily pregnant, when the terrorists invaded his house.

    She explained that when the terrorists knocked, one of the wives opened the door and the terrorists forced their way in before taking the deceased to an unknown destination.

    Read Also: Troops kill 39 terrorists in two weeks

    Abdullahi explained that three days after her brother and others were kidnapped, the bandits called for a ransom of N50 million.

    “We raised millions but the bandits did not release my brother. There were relations of four others kidnapped who were able to contribute N2 million each and they took to the abductors in the forest before their family members were released.

    “It was when these people came from the forest that we were told that my brother had been killed by the gunmen two days after he was kidnapped,” Abdullahi said.

    According to her, the released victims disclosed that her brother was tied to a tree and the terrorists broke his two legs before he died adding that they were told that he was buried in a shallow grave in the forest.

    She lamented that her brother left behind two wives and 10 children saying that the family are having a hard time coming to terms with his death.

    The number of the state Police Command Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Wasiu Abiodun did not go when The Nation tried to contact him.

  • Troops kill 23 terrorists, arrest 137 criminals in one week

    Troops kill 23 terrorists, arrest 137 criminals in one week

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that troops on operations across the country have killed 23 terrorists and rescued 41 kidnap victims, including a Chibok schoolgirl.

    It also said that troops arrested 137 criminals, comprising 109 criminals, five kidnappers, one informant, and 22 suspected oil thefts within the past week.

    The director of Defence Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba also said in a statement that 231 terrorist and their families, including 25 males, 63 females and 143 children surrendered to troops in different locations in the North East.

    He said: “On 14 August 2023, 8 Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and families comprising 2 adult males, 3 adult females and 3 children surrendered to troops at Dikwa in Dikwa local government areas of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the adult females is Mary Nkeki, a missing Chibok School girl in Ser No 55 Chibok Girls poster. The identified missing Chibok School girl was evacuated to 7 DMSH for further action.”

    Giving further updates on troops operations, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in North Central killed one terrorist, arrested nine suspects and rescued six kidnap victims, while troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE killed a terrorist during a firefight at Tor-Donga village in Katsina-Ala local government areas of Benue State.

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    One troops operation in North West, Buba said troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation WHIRL PUNCH killed 10 terrorists, rescued 21 kidnap victims and recovered several arms and ammunition.

    Buba said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South killed two criminals and recovered 228,900 l of stolen crude oil, 46,300 l of illegally refined AGO and 23,250 l of DPK

    He noted: “Troops destroyed 21 dugout pits, 14 boats, 56 storage tanks, 6 vehicles, 50 cooking ovens, five MCs, three pumping machines and 15 illegal refining sites,” he said.

    The Defence spokesperson said that troops have continued their onslaughts against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network IPOB/ESN.

    He said the cause of its operation within the week under review, troops of Operation UDO killed two IPOB/ESN fighters and arrested 43 others during several raids on the criminal hideouts in Imo, Abia and Enugu State.

    Buba added: “Troops recovered four locally fabricated pistols, five rounds of 9mm ammo, one empty case of 12.7mm ammo, two cartridges, one knife, 17 mobile phones, eight laptops, seven cutlasses, a pair of canvas, one belt, one CCTV one jungle hat, a bag and the sum of ₦2,000.00).”

  • Troops eliminate scores of terrorists in Borno

    THE Army said yesterday its troops have eliminated more Boko Haram terrorists in Borno State and recovered arms and ammunition from them.

    The troops from 121, 192 Battalions, 212 Tank Battalion and 177 Taskforce Battalion in a simultaneous operations codenamed “Hard Strike” on Friday unleashed an offensive against the terrorists at Surdewalla, Ranwa, Baladayo, Sabon Gari, Shetimeri, Ranwa 11, Gajigana, Mboa, Mboa-Kura, Yarchida, Bombula, Tshata and Bamzir and Furfur villages.

    According to a statement by Army spokesman Col. Sagir Musa, the troops completely cleared most of the villages and also stopped the terrorists from infiltrating Gajigana town.

    He said the operations were carried out in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Taskforce, adding that an AK47 rifle, three magazines, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and a magazine bandolier were recovered from Furfur.

    Col. Musa said: “Troops of 121 and 192 Battalions of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in collaboration with Civilian JTF and local vigilantes had on May 10 continued with clearance operations to end Boko Haram terrorism.

    “Consequently, the troops effectively cleared Surdewalla, Ranwa, Baladayo, Sabon Gari and Shetimeri villages of Borno State. At Ranwa 11, contact was made with the terrorists, three of them were neutralised, while many were obviously wounded and others escaped.

    “Simultaneously, troops of 192 Battalion advanced along Sabon Gari and Shetimeri villages, where they cleared a scout of Boko Haram terrorists. A makeshift shelter for suspected insurgents was destroyed.

    “The same Friday, based on credible intelligence, troops of 212 Tank Battalion under the operational command of 7 Division Garrison deployed at Forward Operation Base (FOB) Gajigana ambushed terrorists attempting to infiltrate Gajigana town/troops’ location. An unconfirmed number of terrorists were exterminated.”

    The army spokesman added: “Two soldiers were wounded during the encounter, are stable and receiving treatment in a military hospital.

    “Additionally, 177 Task Force Battalion in collaboration with the Civilian JTF cleared Mboa, Mboa-Kura, Yarchida, Bombula, Tshata and Bamzir villages. At Furfur village, troops had exchanged fire with BHTs, which led to the death of a terrorist and recovery of one AK47 rifle, three magazines, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one magazine bandolier.”

    There was no casualty on the troops or the Civilian JTF.

    The General Officer Commanding 7 Division Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Bulama Biu, while on assessment visit to FOB Gajigana, enjoined the troops to remain decisive and intensify efforts in eliminating the remnants of the terrorists.

    He also conveyed the commendation of the Chief of Army Staff to them and the entire troops of the Theatre Command for the latest successes in the fight against terrorism.

    “Nigerian Army uses this medium to thank those who provided the information that led to the recent successes achieved so far, and urged members of the public to continue to be more forthcoming with useful information about the terrorists in their respective localities,” Sagir said.

  • Troops kill 7 terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said yesterday that seven Boko Haram Terrorists have been neutralized by troops during a clearance operation in Borno State. Its spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that troops also recovered arms from the terrorists. He said there was no casualty on the part of Nigerian soldiers or members of the civilian JTF during the operation. He said troops of 22 Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army on Operation Hard Strike in collaboration with some members of Civilian JTF, conducted the clearance operation along the deserted Fuye and Melere villages, where they encountered some Boko Haram terrorists.

    The exchange of fire resulted in the extermination of 7 terrorists and recovery of 7 Rifles (6 x AK 47 and 1 x FN Rifle), Col Musa added. He asserted that the “army is unwavering in its commitment and determination to end Boko Haram terrorism and any other form of insecurity in Nigeria, and will continue to sensitize and request members of the public to provide useful information to it and other security agencies for an effective and successful fight against the myriad of security challenges across the nation.”

     

  • Terrorists kill Pastor, four members

    Suspected terrorists have killed a pastor and four churchgoers in northern Burkina Faso, a state-owned radio station reported on Monday.

    The attack on a Protestant church occurred in the village of Silgadji in the northern province of Soum, said the broadcaster.

    The motive behind the attack remained unclear on Monday, but Burkina Faso regularly suffers attacks from radical groups.

    The attack took place days before German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, is scheduled to visit Burkina Faso.

    Merkel will arrive on Wednesday for a state visit in the capital, Ouagadougou.

    NAN