The Nation Newspaper

Tag: troops

  • Troops, hunters foil insurgents’ attempt to vandalise power towers in Yobe

    Troops, hunters foil insurgents’ attempt to vandalise power towers in Yobe

    Troops of Sector 2 Joint Task force, North-East Operation Hadin Kai, have foiled an attempt by Boko Haram insurgents to vandalise power towers in Kasesa near Damaturu.

    The troops achieved the feat in collaboration with hunters groups in the state.

    Capt. Naziru Shehu, acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Headquarters of the sector, disclosed this to journalists in Damaturu on Sunday.

    He said combined troops of Combat Team (CT) 7 of 27 Task Force Brigade conducted the operation on Saturday after receiving credible intelligence on the planned sabotage.

    “ On receipt of credible intelligence of BHT activities, troops swiftly laid a successful ambush on the terrorists.

    Read Also: Troops destroy 48 illegal refining sites, seize one million litres crude

    “ The terrorists abandoned a Toyota Corolla, 8 prepared Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), detonating cables, 2 damaged tyres as well as trade test card/certificate after the troops brought heavy volume of fire on them,” Shehu said.

    The spokesman said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja and Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Maj.- Gen. W Shaibu, have commended the residents for their cooperation.

    He urged the public to remain vigilant and always provide credible information to the security agencies on the movements of suspected persons in the areas.

    (NAN)

  • Troops destroy 48 illegal refining sites, seize one million litres crude

    Troops destroy 48 illegal refining sites, seize one million litres crude

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have seized 1,007,115 of stolen crude oil and 141,664 litres of illegally refined diesel in the Niger Delta region.

    The troops also destroyed 49 illegal refining sites, 20 dugout pits, 32 boats and 32 storage tanks.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Edward Buba announced this in a statement yesterday.

    Gen. Buba said troops on operation across the country killed 177 and arrested 263 criminals. He added that troops also arrested 41 oil thieves and rescued 158 kidnap victims.

    Read Also: ECOWAS finance ministers, Central Bank Governors meet to actualise single currency, ECO

    He said troops recovered 170 assorted weapons comprising six PKT guns, 63 AK47 rifles, three FN rifles, one SMG rifle, 29 locally fabricated guns, 37 Dane guns, 20 pump action guns, and one short double barrel gun.

    Other weapons seized, according to him, are two double barrel guns, two single barrel guns, one locally made single barrel, six locally fabricated pistols, four bandoliers, RPG bombs, RPG charger, two primed improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) and materials.

    Gen. Buba said troops recovered 4,692 assorted ammunition comprising 2,100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,239 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 419 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 212 rounds of 5.56 x 54mm ammo, 722 live cartridges, 13 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 74 AK47 magazines and two FN magazines, amongst other items.

  • Troops destroy 48 illegal refining sites, seize one million litres crude

    Troops destroy 48 illegal refining sites, seize one million litres crude

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have seized 1,007,115 of stolen crude oil and 141,664 litres of illegally refined diesel in the Niger Delta region in the past week.

    The troops also destroyed 49 illegal refining sites 20 dugout pits, 32 boats, and 32 storage tanks.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Edward Buba announced this in a statement on Friday, July 5.

    Gen. Buba said troops on operation across the country killed 177 and arrested 263 criminals.

    He added that the troops also arrested 41 oil thieves and rescued 158 kidnap victims.

    He said troops recovered 170 assorted weapons comprising six PKT guns, 63 AK47 rifles, three FN rifles, one SMG rifle, 29 locally fabricated guns, 37 dane guns, 20 pump action guns, and one short double barrel gun.

    Other weapons seized, according to him, are two double barrel guns, two single barrel guns, one locally made single barrel, six locally fabricated pistols, four bandoliers, RPG bombs, RPG charger, two primed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), and materials.

    Read Also: Soldiers involved in extortion won’t go scot-free, Army chief warns troops

    Gen. Buba said troops recovered 4,692 assorted ammunition comprising 2,100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,239 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 419 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 212 rounds of 5.56 x 54mm ammo, 722 live cartridges, 13 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 74 AK47 magazines, and two FN magazines, amongst other items.

    He said: the troops are taking the fight to the terrorists and making significant strides with each passing day.

    “Much is being done, however we are focussed on doing much more to address the security situation and safeguard citizens.”

  • Troops arrest 47 rail track vandals, intercept vandalised irons in Kaduna

    Troops arrest 47 rail track vandals, intercept vandalised irons in Kaduna

    Troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna while on routine patrol along Kakau Daji- Anguwan Ayaba in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State, intercepted and arrested 47 suspected rail track vandals on 26 June 2024.

    The suspects, who were said to have loaded two trucks with the vandalised rail tracks before their arrests, revealed that they were employed by one Alhaji Babawo who is at large, to load the vandalized rail tracks and off- load same in a nearby bush along the road.

    Parading the suspects during profiling at 312 Artillery Regiment Kaduna, the Acting Commander 1 Division Provost Group, Lt Col IY Rena stated that the suspects who are 47 in number were profiled to ascertain their level of involvement during preliminary investigation.

    He further stated that the suspects were also individually interviewed and cross-examined while efforts are in place to arrest the gang leader who is currently at large.

    Lt Col Rena revealed that, on visit to the crime scene, some of the vandalized rail tracks were found concealed in the nearby bush waiting to be evacuated by the criminal syndicates 

    While handing over the suspects to the Authorities of Nigeria Railway Corporation Kaduna Station represented by the Divisional Crime Officer, Lt Col Rena urged the relevant security agencies to make adequate arrangements and deliberate efforts to secure the rail tracks from further vandalization.

    In his remarks during the handing over of the suspects, the representative of the Nigeria Railway Corporation and Divisional Crime Officer, ASP Inuwa Dahiru commended the troops of the Nigerian Army for their proactiveness and collaboration with other security agencies in tackling the mirage of security challenges confronting the State.

    He assured the Nigerian Army that all the 47 suspects would be thoroughly investigated before they are charged to court to serve as a deterrence to other criminally minded persons.

    Meanwhile, the Spokesman of 1 Division, Lt. Colonel Musa Yahaya said, the General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj Gen MLD Saraso commended the troops for their professional conduct during and after the successful arrest of the suspects.

    He has also charged the troops to remain resilient and focused in order to bring all criminal elements in the Division’s Operational Area of Responsibility to their knees.

  • Troops arrest gunrunners, recover arms, ammunition

    Troops arrest gunrunners, recover arms, ammunition

    Troops of 3 Division/Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have arrested notorious gunrunners, bandits, arms couriers and recovered arms as well as ammunition in several intelligence-driven operations carried out in Plateau and Kaduna states, its leadership has said.  

    It said: ”On 21 June 2024, troops conducted operation to flush out armed militias and other criminals in suspected bandit’s hideout at Pandam forest in Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK-47 rifles, 5 AK-47 magazines and 75 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Troops seize nine million litres of crude oil

    Also, in a combined operation with a sister security agency on June 21, 2024, troops tracked and arrested a notorious gunrunner along Riyom-Abuja Road in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau.

     According to a statement by the spokesman of Operation Safe Haven, Major Samson Khazom, the suspect was arrested while on his way to supply 35 AK-47 magazines to another gunrunner who, unknown to the first gunrunner, had earlier been tracked and arrested in Kano State on June 20, 2024. 

     Further information  from the arrested suspect led to the arrest of the major arms supplier at Manchok in Kaura Local Government Area of Kaduna, while making efforts to receive the 35 AK-47 magazines from the first gunrunner for onward delivery to bandits in Zamfara State.

  • JUST IN: Troops seize nine million litres of crude oil

    JUST IN: Troops seize nine million litres of crude oil

    …kill 2,245 terrorists, rescue 1,993 hostages

    The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) seized 9,225,149 litres of stolen crude oil and 2,874,916 litres of diesel and 31,380 litres of petrol in June.

    It also said troops on operations across the country killed 2,245 terrorists, arrested 3,682 suspected criminals, and rescued 1,993 kidnap victims in the second quarter of the year.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, announced this on Thursday, June 27, at the Defence Headquarters Abuja.

    The military high command said troops recovered 2,783 weapons, 64,547 ammunitions, comprising

    1,169 AK47 rifles and 36,273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14,764 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 713 among others.

    Gen. Buba said the military had resolved to destroy the terrorists and dismantle their military capabilities for citizens to be safe.

    Read Also: Army deploys 177 troops in Guinea Bissau for peacekeeping operations

    He said the military would continue to assess its operations to “make adjustments in our actions, thereby amending our operations to increasingly ensure we minimise civilian casualties.”

    He said: “Our operations are progressing according to plan e en as we abide by International laws governing armed conflict.

    “Overall, we will do everything within the bounds of the law to make our nation safe for citizens. The military will keep up with the fighting spirit and maintain the stamina in the frontlines.

    “Our pride is to risk our lives, to save the lives of our citizens. This is what we do to secure our country.”

  • Troops kill 220 terrorists, rescue 202 hostages, seize one million crude

    Troops kill 220 terrorists, rescue 202 hostages, seize one million crude

    Troops on operations across the country killed 220 and arrested 395 criminals in the past week.

    The troops also seized 1,099,860 litres of stolen crude, arrested 55 oil thieves, and rescued 202 kidnap victims.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, announced this in a statement on Friday June 21.

    Buba said troops recovered 432 assorted weapons comprising three PKT guns, one G3 rifle, 83 AK47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated gun, 16 Dane guns, two pump action guns, two double barrel guns, two single barrel guns, 80 locally fabricated pistols, two revolver rifles, one hand grenades, 14 RPG bombs, one RPG launcher, two tear gas launchers, 234 smoke grenades and one bandolier.

    He said troops also recovered 9,004 assorted ammunition comprising

    Read Also: Troops kill 220 terrorists, rescue 202 hostages, seize one million crude

    5,893 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,064 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 401 rounds of 9mm ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 154 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 195 live cartridges, and 17 magazines,

    Other items recovered, according to the defence spokesperson, are three Baofeng radios, eight vehicles, 32 motorcycles, 59 mobile phones and the sum of N813,550.00.

    Buba said troops in the Niger Delta area also seized 1,101,700 litres of illegally refined diesel, 27350 litres of kerosene and 150 litres of petrol.

    He said: “ Troops recovered and destroyed 105 illegal refining sites, 51 dugout pits, 38 boats and 51 storage tanks.

    “Other items recovered include 215 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 44 drums, three tug boats, three barges, four wheelbarrows, one outboard engine, 15 vehicles, three motorcycles, and six mobile phones.”

    The Defence spokesperson said the military had intensified intelligence collection efforts targeted at hunting terrorists and striking them, wherever they are hiding.

    He said: “The aim is to kill these terrorists and the infrastructure that supports them. Additionally, operational adjustments have been made to prioritize protection for farmers to ensure a successful rainy season farming.”

  • JUST IN: Troops kill scores of bandits in Kaduna

    JUST IN: Troops kill scores of bandits in Kaduna

    Scores of bandits troubling the north-western region and parts of Niger state have been feared killed in another coordinated attack by the military in Giwa LGA of Kaduna state.

    Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan disclosed this in a statement on Friday, June 21.

    He said: “The coordinated ground and air strikes by troops of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralized several bandits including some of their leaders at an identified meeting point near Bula community within Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA.

    “According to operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, the strike was based on credible intelligence which followed the recent elimination of some bandit kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise several bandits in Kaduna– Official

    “The intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi Forest general area. Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.

    “Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to ten members at a hub in the location.

    “Upon verification, the location was struck and scores of the bandits including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas – an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralized Buharin Yadi – were confirmed to have been neutralized by the strike.”

    The security commissioner said Governor Uba Sani while receiving the report, expressed satisfaction and warmly commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts and precise execution.

    “The governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike,” he said.

    Aruwan, however, encouraged the citizens of Kaduna State to continue to volunteer useful information on suspicious movements to the State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.

  • Troops neutralise several bandits in Kaduna– Official

    Troops neutralise several bandits in Kaduna– Official

    The Kaduna State Government (KDSG), said several bandits have been eliminated in another coordinated attack by the military in Giwa Local Government Area of the state.

    Mr Samuel Aruwan, Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, made the disclosure in a statement on Friday in Kaduna

    Aruwan said that the coordinated ground and air strikes by the troops of Operation Whirl Punch successfully neutralised several bandits including some of their leaders at an identified meeting point near Bula community within Yadi forest in Giwa locality.

    He said that according to operational feedback to the state government, the strike was based on credible intelligence which followed the recent elimination of some bandits’ kingpins along the Kaduna-Katsina border areas.

    According to him, the intelligence report had earlier revealed that bandits were to converge at the area for a meeting on a deadly mission within the Yadi forest general area.

    Arywan said, “Close monitoring followed, and at the agreed time, the bandits were sighted bearing arms and approaching the location on motorcycles.

    Read Also: Troops raid IPOB/ESN camps, apprehend 25 suspects

    ”Further exploration confirmed the movements and convergence of the bandits in a group of about seven to 10 members at a hub in the location.

    “Upon verification, the location was struck and scores of the bandits including one Alhaji Kachalla Ragas, an ally and childhood friend of the previously neutralised Buharin Yadi were confirmed to have been neutralised by the strike.”

    The commissioner said that Gov. Uba Sani has expressed his satisfaction and commended the security forces for their quick response, diligent efforts and precise execution.

    ”The governor thanked the various sources who provided crucial intelligence leading to the successful strike.

    “Citizens are encouraged to continue to volunteer useful information on suspicious movements to the state’s security operations room via the following phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999, (NAN) 

  • Troops apprehend killer of five in Taraba

    Troops apprehend killer of five in Taraba

    Troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have nabbed the mastermind of the attack on Mararaban Azagawa village in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State where five people died.

    The troops were said to have acted on intelligence and information provided by the public in arresting the mastermind of the attack.

    Read Also: APC slams PDP, dispels alleged plot to forcefully take over Rivers

    In a statement, Spokesman of the Brigade, Lt. O. Oni, said the troops acted on intelligence and launched a “special operation”, which led to the arrest of the culprit. The statement added that the mastermind is in custody, and is helping with information towards apprehending his collaborators.

    The statement read: “Responding to the report, the troops of 20 Model Battalion Sub-Sector 3A OPWS, stationed at the Forward Operating Base in Bali Local Government Area, launched a special operation to apprehend those behind the attack. Based on credible intelligence, the troops were able to arrest the ringleader, Hassan Ibrahim, also known as Godu, 39 years old. During the arrest, items such as a dane gun, cartridges and a motorcycle belonging to one of the victims were recovered from him.’’