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Tag: troops

  • Troops smash kidnappers’ camps, apprehend 13 suspects in Edo

    Troops smash kidnappers’ camps, apprehend 13 suspects in Edo

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have dismantled kidnappers’ hideouts in Edo North Senatorial District, apprehended 13 suspects and recovered arms, drugs and other incriminating items.

    This is contained in a statement on Friday by the acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Kennedy Anyanwu.

    Anyanwu said the operation, carried out on Feb. 4 by troops of 4 Brigade in collaboration with the Nigerian Air Force, Nigeria Police Force, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps and the Edo State Security Corps, targeted Osara, Auchi and Okpella communities in Etsako West Local Government Area.

    He said the clearance exercise, codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1, led to the arrest of eight suspected kidnappers and drug peddlers.

    “Items recovered included a pump-action gun, live cartridges, a locally made pistol, a POS machine, cutlasses, mobile phones, a digital camera, codeine syrup, weighing scales, substances suspected to be cannabis sativa, tramadol and ice, as well as ₦87,550 cash.

    “In a related operation, the troops also combed Aviele Forest, a known criminal corridor in the area, arresting five additional suspects and recovering two motorcycles, phones and a power bank.

    “The suspects and recovered exhibits were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution,” he said.

    Read Also: DHQ confirms deployment of U.S. troops under bilateral agreement

    Speaking on the operations, the Commander, 4 Brigade, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Balogun, commended the synergy among the security agencies, warning that Edo State would remain hostile to kidnappers and other criminal elements.

    Balogun reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to protecting lives and property, while appreciating the General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Maj.-Gen. Chinedu Nnebeife, for his strategic guidance and support. (NAN)

  • Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN fighters, nab kidnap suspects in South-East – Army

    Troops dislodge IPOB/ESN fighters, nab kidnap suspects in South-East – Army

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have recorded significant operational successes in the South-East and South-South with the dislodgement of IPOB/ESN fighters from key enclaves and the arrest of suspected kidnappers during intelligence-led operations.

    A credible military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops of Operation UDO KA successfully dislodged suspected IPOB/ESN fighters from their hideouts in the Mother Valley general area of Orsumoghu, Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra.

    He said the operation followed actionable intelligence indicating that the terrorists were massing to enforce an illegal sit-at-home order within the area on Feb. 2.

    According to him, ground troops, supported by air assets, conducted coordinated offensive operations which forced the terrorists to flee into surrounding forests.

    “Radio intercepts and aerial surveillance suggested that several of the fighters were neutralised during the engagement, while troops have continued to dominate the area to intercept fleeing or wounded elements.

    “Meanwhile, in Ebonyi, troops acting on intelligence discovered a mass burial site at Amasiri in Afikpo North Local Government Area.

    “The site contained corpses of victims suspected to have been killed during previous attacks on surrounding communities.

    Read Also: Troops destroy ISWAP detention camps, over 30 suspects killed

    “One of the victims, identified as a recently missing person, was evacuated to a morgue in Afikpo for preservation and further investigation,” he said.

    In the South-South, the source said the troops of 4 Brigade, in collaboration with the Nigeria Police, apprehended five suspected kidnappers during a raid at Agbede Forest in Etsako West Local Government Area of Edo.

    He said the operation led to the recovery of two motorcycles, five mobile phones and a power bank believed to be linked to kidnapping activities.

    According to him, the suspects and recovered items were handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further action.

    The source said the sustained operations reflected continued pressure on criminal and secessionist elements, improved intelligence fusion and an unwavering commitment to restoring peace, security and normalcy across the South-East and South-South regions.

    (NAN)

  • Troops neutralise terrorists in Kwara

    Troops neutralise terrorists in Kwara

    Troops of the Nigeria Army (NA) have successfully neutralised scores of terrorists in Kwara State, Captain Maureen Ogbuka, in a statement on behalf of the Deputy Director 2 Division, Army Public Relations, has said.

    The troops were drawn from the 22 Armoured Brigade of the Nigerian Army with massive support from Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) within the Joint Operations Area (JOA).

    According to the statement, some of the terrorists escaped into the forest with gunshot wounds.

    “Their (terrorists) hideouts and camps were destroyed,d leaving the brigands dislodged.”

    ‎ The successes, according to the statement, were recorded between 23 and 29 January 2026.

    ‎The statement reads: “In the engagements, troops, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted fighting patrols in several bandit enclaves.

    Read Also: Brains behind alleged coup know the consequences – Defence Minister

    ‎”Similarly, troops cleared Garin Dandi, a known enclave of bandits in the Ifelodun Local Government Area of Kwara State, leading to the decimation of the bandits’ logistics bases and supply system.

    ‎”Troops also stormed remote camps hitherto inaccessible to security forces, where several abandoned camps and logistics enablers were destroyed, significantly degrading the terrorists’ sustainment capability.

    ‎”Despite the difficult and restrictive terrain, troops maintained an aggressive posture throughout the forested areas, effectively denying the bandits freedom of movement. “Troops also intercepted fleeing elements at various blocking positions, leading to the arrest of suspected bandits.

    “The operations also resulted in the rescue of numerous kidnap victims from different camps in the state.

    ‎”Observations from the operations indicate that bandits received support from collaborators within nearby communities, who provide intelligence on troop movements, enabling early withdrawal from targeted locations.

    “The successes recorded underscore the resolve and operational effectiveness of the division in degrading terrorist elements and restoring security across Kwara state.”

    The army called on members of the “public to continue to provide credible and timely information on bandits and their collaborators to enhance ongoing operations.

    “The operation is ongoing to deal decisively with all terrorist networks operating within Kwara State.”

  • Troops kill top ISWAP commander Julaibib, four others in fierce battle

    Troops kill top ISWAP commander Julaibib, four others in fierce battle

    Troops of Operation HADIN KAI have killed a top Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) top commander, known as JULAIBIB, during a fierce battle around Kimba in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The ISWAP commander, said to be operating within the Gujba axis of the Timbuktu Triangle, was killed on Friday, January 30, following an intelligence-driven operation.

    In a statement on Saturday, the Media Officer of Operation Hadi Kai, Lieutenant General Sani Uba, said other high-value terrorist targets were also neutralised while troops disrupted insurgent activities and foiled criminal operations.

    “Further intelligence revealed that the elimination of the terrorist leader has thrown ISWAP elements in the area into disarray, with several fighters reportedly neutralised during the operation. This impressive development represents a major blow to the command and control structure of ISWAP in the region,” Uba said.

    He said the troops, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force, neutralised three terrorists during a well-coordinated ambush between the Ngazalgana and Lamusheri communities in the state, following credible intelligence on insurgent movements in the area.

    Read Also: DHQ: Troops destroy 53 illegal refineries, arrest 81 oil thieves in January

    According to Uba: “Troops tactically laid an ambush along the identified route and engaged the terrorists with effective firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of three insurgents, while others fled with gunshot injuries. 

    “Two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the scene. The operation forms part of sustained efforts to deny terrorists freedom of movement and degrade their operational capabilities across the Theatre.”

    The Media Officer said that prior to the killing of the three terrorists, on January 29, troops deployed in an ambush position at Tsokorok in Gwoza Local Government Area came in contact with Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists. 

    According to him, the ambush team engaged the terrorists, forcing them to withdraw, and neutralizing one terrorist, with no casualties recorded on the side of the troops. 

    “Two motorcycles were recovered from the scene,” he said. 

    Uba said the general security situation across the theatre remains stable, while “Operation Hadi Kai remains resolute in its commitment to protect lives and property, dismantle terrorist networks, and work with local communities and security critical stakeholders to restore lasting peace and economic stability across the North-East region.”

  • Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 11 kidnapped victims in Kaduna

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have rescued 11 kidnapped victims in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State following a swift operation along the Kaduna–Abuja road.

    A military source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that the operation was carried out on Monday night after troops deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Doka detected suspicious movement with the aid of a long-range CCTV camera mounted in the area.

    The source said the troops sighted armed terrorists moving through the bush along the Gidan Duna–Amale axis with kidnapped victims and immediately mobilised in pursuit.

    “On sighting the approaching troops, vehicles and motorcycles, the terrorists abandoned the victims and fled into the bush.

    “The troops secured the area and fired probing shots to forestall any possible counterattack, but no further contact was made,” he said.

    The source disclosed that a total of 11 victims were rescued, comprising five adult males, three females and three children.

    He added that the victims revealed they were abducted from Gada Mallam Maman community in Kachia LGA on Oct. 26, 2025.

    He added that the rescued persons were later conveyed back to their community, where they were reunited with their families.

    The military source reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigerian Army to sustained operations aimed at degrading criminal elements and ensuring the safety of lives and property along major routes and communities.

    (NAN)

  • Troops foil bandits’ attack, kill one terrorist in Kaduna

    Troops foil bandits’ attack, kill one terrorist in Kaduna

    Troops of 1 Division/Sector 1, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled a bandit attack and neutralised one suspected terrorist during a snap ambush in the Maraban Rido general area of Kaduna State.

    The operation followed a distress call received late on January 22, 2026, indicating that armed bandits had rustled livestock in Anguwan Fulan village within the Rido axis.

    Acting swiftly on the intelligence, troops were deployed to the area and laid a hasty ambush to intercept the fleeing criminals.

    Upon arrival, the troops made contact with the bandits and engaged them with superior firepower, forcing them to retreat in disarray with gunshot wounds.

    The soldiers subsequently carried out aggressive exploitation of surrounding forested areas, including the Kankomi forest, where another contact was made at a suspected crossing point around Anguwan Sarki.

    Read Also: COAS to troops: translate training to battlefield victory against terrorists

    During the engagement, the troops again overwhelmed the bandits, compelling them to abandon their loot and flee, leading to the recovery of some of the rustled livestock.

    Further exploitation of the ambush location in the early hours of January 23, 2026, resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist.

    Items recovered during the operation included two AK-47 rifles, four magazines and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Abubakar Sadiq Mohammed Wase, commended the troops for their bravery and professionalism, while urging the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies.

  • Troops discover mass grave of terrorists in Borno

    Troops discover mass grave of terrorists in Borno

    Troops of the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have uncovered a mass grave containing the remains of about 20 terrorists killed during military operations in the Timbuktu Triangle area of Borno State.

    The discovery was disclosed on Wednesday in a statement by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, who said the mass grave reflects the increasing casualties being suffered by terrorist groups as a result of sustained military offensives in the area.

    According to him, the bodies were those of terrorists neutralised during encounters with troops and subsequently buried by their fleeing collaborators.

    “The discovery of mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle further exposes the scale of casualties suffered by the terrorists and discredits their propaganda narratives,” Uba said.

    The statement highlighted significant operational successes recorded by troops in the ongoing clearance operations across the Timbuktu Triangle, noting that several key terrorist enclaves, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas, have been cleared and brought under effective military control.

    Uba explained that during the operations, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them with heavy firepower, resulting in the neutralisation of several fighters.

    Read Also: Troops discover terrorists’ mass grave in Borno

    He further revealed that on Tuesday, while troops were consolidating at a harbour location about six kilometres north of Chilaria, they encountered two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs).

    “Through vigilance and swift action, one of the VBIEDs was successfully neutralised. However, the second VBIED breached the defensive position, affecting some logistics platforms,” he said.

    Uba confirmed that the attack claimed the lives of some soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force, while others sustained injuries.

    The wounded personnel were immediately evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital for treatment.

    He added that Nigerian Air Force aircraft, in coordination with other Nigerian Army air platforms, provided continuous aerial surveillance and fire support during the evacuation to ensure the safety of ground troops, who continued to engage and neutralise fleeing terrorists.

  • Troops discover terrorists’ mass grave in Borno

    Troops discover terrorists’ mass grave in Borno

    Troops of the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have discovered a mass grave containing corpses of about 20 terrorists neutralised by troops during operations in Timbuktu Triangle in Borno.

    This is contained in a statement on Wednesday by Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the OPHK.

    According to Uba, the discovery showed the growing level of casualties the terrorists are suffering from military operations.

    “In a further indication of the heavy losses suffered by the terrorists, troops discovered mass graves containing an estimated 20 terrorist bodies killed during encounters with troops in the Timbuktu Triangle and buried by their cohorts.

    “This discovery exposes the scale of terrorist casualties and further discredits terrorist propaganda narratives,” Uba said.

    The statement, which highlighted some successes recorded in ongoing operations in the Theatre, said troops had cleared and dominated key terrorist locations across the triangle, including Tergejeri, Chiralia, and the Ajigin/Abirma general areas.

    According to the statement, during the operations, troops made intermittent contact with fleeing terrorist elements and engaged them with high volumes of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists.

    “On Tuesday while consolidating at a harbour area approximately 6 km North of Chilaria, troops encountered II Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIED). Through vigilance and swift action, one VBIED was successfully neutralised.

    “The second VBIED, however, breached the defensive position affecting some logistics platforms.  In the course of this attack, some gallant soldiers and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force paid the supreme price, while others sustained injuries.

    Read Also: Kaduna communities laud troops’ onslaught on bandits

    “The wounded were promptly evacuated by Nigerian Army Aviation helicopters to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.

    “Throughout the evacuation, Nigerian Airforce platforms from the Air Component in synergy with other Nigerian Army air platforms provided continuous overwatch to ensure the safe extraction of casualties and the security of ground forces neutralising more terrorists in the process,” Uba added.

    Similarly, a statement from the Spokesman of Joint Task Force North West Operation FASAN YAMMA, Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, said troops of Sector 2 in that axis have neutralised two terrorists in Kebbi and rescued 62 hostages in Munhaye forest in Zamfara.

    Osoba said the operations were conducted in collaboration with allied security forces and local vigilantes, demonstrating a unified front against banditry and terrorism.

    “In Zamfara , troops in a separate operation, stormed Munhaye Forest, a known hideout of the notorious bandit leader Kachalla Alti following an intelligence report that the notorious bandit leader had held some captives hostage.

    “The mission led to the successful rescue of 62 kidnapped victims who are now in safe custody. Efforts  are ongoing to  reunite the freed hostages with their families

    “These operations underscore the relentless efforts of Operation FANSAN YAMMA and its partners to dismantle terrorist networks, restore security, and protect lives in the region,” Osoba said.(NAN)

  • Troops repel terrorist drone attacks, retain operational dominance

    Troops repel terrorist drone attacks, retain operational dominance

    Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), a military offensive against Boko Haram splinter groups in the North East, repelled terrorist drone attacks during operations along the Timbuktu Triangle, in Borno State.

    The Spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, disclosed this in a statement, noting that the operations, supported by the Nigerian Air Force, were conducted on Sunday, January 18.

    According to the statement, troops advanced from their harbour area and conducted deliberate, intelligence-led operations across several identified terrorist enclaves including Chilaria, Garin Faruk and Abirma. 

    It stated that the Air Component of OPHK provided persistent Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) coverage over the axis. 

    The statement added that the air to ground synergy enabled real-time tracking of terrorist movement, deterred adversary reinforcement, and enhanced the precision and confidence of ground operations.

    It said: “At about midday, the advancing troops came under armed drone attacks by the terrorists. Despite this, the troops maintained momentum and continued the offensives. A second attempt in the evening was also decisively repelled, forcing the terrorists to withdraw reaffirming troops’ dominance of the area.”

    According to the statement, despite the sustained engagements, troops morale remains high, and fighting efficiency continues to be maintained. 

    “The general security situation in the area is assessed as calm but unpredictable, with troops remaining vigilant and at a high state of readiness,” it said.

  • Troops foil robbery on Abuja–Kaduna highway

    Troops foil robbery on Abuja–Kaduna highway

    Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army, Sector 1 Operation Fansan Yamma, foiled an armed robbery on the Abuja–Kaduna highway, preventing harm to commuters.

    A source at the division told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) the incident occurred about 2.00 p.m. on Tuesday, after troops received a distress call at Nasarawan Doka.

    “The troops immediately mobilised, engaged the criminals and neutralised the threat,” the source said.

    He said one suspect, Kabiru Zayyanu, was arrested with a gunshot wound to the leg and evacuated to Doka General Hospital for first aid.

    Read Also: Troops rescue six kidnap victims in Kaduna, retired Colonel in Plateau

    “Other members of the gang fled the scene,” he said, adding that troops conducted a hot pursuit without further contact.

    The source said no casualty or abduction was recorded during the operation, and the arrested suspect would be handed to relevant agencies after investigation.

    “The security situation remains calm as troops maintain a strong presence and dominate the area,” the source said.

    He reiterated the commitment of the army to the protection of lives and property, urging the public to report suspicious activities.

    He said the Nigerian Army remains committed to protecting lives and property and urged the public to report suspicious activities. (NAN)