Tag: troops

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has urged troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), ‘Operation Delta Safe’, to shun enemies of the country and remain loyal to their duties.

Gen. Musa, who hosted troops to a Eid luncheon at the Port Harcourt Barracks, conveyed the commendation, felicitation, and appreciation of President Bola Tinubu to them. He urged the troops to resist the temptation to be used by forces seeking to destroy the country’s economy, saying their role was to provide solutions, not become part of the problem.

“We must not be part of the problem,” Musa said, as he urged troops to remain committed to their duties of safeguarding the security and stability of the country.

Read Also: Operation Desert Sanity: Our troops did a wonderful job – COAS

He said: “We recognise and appreciate your efforts and commitment to our region. Your dedication, sacrifices, and hard work do not go unnoticed, especially on this special day of celebration.

“Operation Delta Safe plays a vital role in protecting our national assets, maintaining stability in the region, and promoting economic growth. Your unwavering vigilance and professionalism in combating criminal elements, oil thieves, and other security threats are truly commendable and deserve recognition.”

Commander of the JTF Admiral John Okeke said the operation achieved major successes in its campaign to rid the area of saboteurs.

According to him, the task force successfully deactivated numerous illegal refining sites, arrested many and impounded vessels involved in illicit activities.

He said: “The operation cracked down on infractions at tank farms and apprehended trucks engaged in illegal operations.

“The joint task force also conducted raids on criminal hideouts, resulting in the seizure of weapons and the arrest of several suspects involved in oil-related criminal activities. These successes demonstrate the operation’s unwavering commitment to combating economic sabotage and ensuring the security of Nigeria’s oil assets.”

The CDS was joined by other senior officials to fete the troops and personally served their meals.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has described the performance of troops in the recent operations to clear the remnants of terrorists in the North-East as outstanding.

Lagbaja made this known in an interview with newsmen in Maiduguri, where he celebrated Eid-el Kabir with the troops of the North East Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai.

Lagbaja assured the troops of sustained support to continue delivering on their assigned tasks of restoring peace and security in the region and Nigeria in general.

“My visit to the Theatre Command this afternoon is to come and say thank you to the troops for their wonderful performances during the just-concluded phases of ‘Operation Desert Sanity 3,’ ‘Lake Sanity 2,’ and ‘Mountain Sanity 2,’” Lagbaja said.

“My assessment of how the troops have performed is drawn from the report I have there from Army headquarters indicating the number of terrorists neutralised, victims rescued, and weapons and other physical equipment recovered.

“You can see the display of these materials, including weapons that were recovered by the troops at the parade ground, which drive home the performance of the troops,” he added.

The COAS lauded the ingenuity of the theatre command through its mechanical and electrical engineering unit for repairing most of the damaged equipment recovered from the terrorists.

This, he noted, were particularly vehicles that could be used to further enhance operations of units and formations in the zone.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that while in Maiduguri, the COAS, who had lunch with the troops, inaugurated office complexes and road projects at the Maimalari Cantonment.

He was also taken on a guided tour of items recovered from terrorists in recent operations.

(NAN)

Defence Ministers  Mohammed Badaru and Bello Matawalle,  have commended the efforts of the Armed Forces   towards achieving a safer and secure country.

They assured that the Armeds Forces “remains strong and committed to ‘’the restoration of peace and security in Nigeria and its environs.”

They said this in their separate messages on the celebration of Eid-al-Adha.

Also yesterday, Chief of Air Staff,  Air Marshal  Hasan Abubakar, said the  Nigeria Air Force was resolute in its determination to ‘’preserve the territorial integrity of Nigeria  and in  preventing ‘’economic sabotage.’’

Badaru, in a statement by  Defence Ministry’s  Director of Information and Public Relations, Henshaw Ogubike, urged Nigerians, especially the Muslim faithful to make the lessons of Eid-Kabir their guiding force for unity, compassion, righteousness, and national cohesion.

Matawalle, who is the minister of state for Defence,  expressed appreciation for Air Force’s efforts towards a secured Nigeria and prayed that Allah rewards the service being rendered by personnel of the force.

The minister also extended special greetings to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and other Nigerians.

Chief of Air Staff (CAF), Air Marshal  Abubakar,  pledged increased air support to sister security agencies combating oil theft and insurgency across the country.

Abubakar spoke at a luncheon with troops of the air component of Operation Delta Safe (ODS) at the Nigeria Air Force (NAF) base in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

He said that President   Tinubu mandated the military to adopt a result-driven approach to addressing insecurity in the country.

The Air Force chief said: “The Nigeria Air Force is resolute and determined to preserve the territorial integrity of a united Nigeria as well as prevent economic sabotage.

“It is heart-warming to note that the NAF has continued to execute its mandate through the conduct of operations to deter criminal elements from sabotaging our dear nation.

“Recently, the air force carried out a series of air missions in support of surface forces for enhanced operational effectiveness.”

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara expressed gratitude to the military for its selfless sacrifice to the nation and its citizens.

He said that Nigeria had recorded a significant reduction in insecurity due to the commitment of security personnel.

He said: “The Armed Forces personnel understand the true meaning of sacrifice and have shown this by standing strong to defend Rivers State and the country at large.

“The success recorded in combating insecurity is not only a clear indication of ongoing efforts to defend Nigeria but a testimony that the mission of NAF is yielding positive results.

“Therefore, we owe it a duty to reflect and pray for our fallen heroes who paid the supreme price protecting the territorial integrity of our dear nation.” 

Former Chief of Army Staff  (COAS  Tukur   Buratai, who congratulated Muslims on the occasion,  emphasised the importance of prayer in addressing the economic and security problems in the country.

“Prayer is the weapon of the believer,” Burutai said. He commended the Armed Forces for their efforts in combating terrorism and ensuring the safety of the nation.

He also urged Nigerians to cooperate with the Armed Forces to enable them to carry out their duties effectively.

Read Also;Troops kill three bandits in Kaduna, recover arm

Six-month-old baby, three women rescued from kidnappers

A six-month-old baby boy was among four abducted persons rescued from kidnappers by the police in Katsina State on Sunday.

The rescue of baby  Ismail Usman and the others took place in  Kwata Area, Jibia Local Government Area of the state.

The Police command made this known just as NAF said yesterday that 100 bandits were killed during different operations in Kuka Shidda Camp, Faskari council area of the state. 

An Armoured Personnel Carrier(APC) team, said the command ‘’blocked the kidnappers’ escape route, leading to a confrontation.  A gunfight ensued, pressuring the criminals to flee.

“Thankfully, all three kidnap victims – Ummulkhari Abubakar, Shafa’atu Abubakar, and Maryam Lawal – were rescued unharmed.  The team also ensured the safety of a six-month-old baby boy named Ismail Usman, who was among the abducted women.’’

An investigation by The Nation revealed that over 45 motorcycles were also destroyed during the NAF  airstrikes in the Faskari-Kankara axis of the state.

In another victory for the security forces against bandits and terrorists in Kaduna State, military troops neutralized a total of six terrorist elements during a strong round of clearance operations in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

This was disclosed by the Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Kaduna State, Mr Samuel Aruwan.

The Commissioner said, an operational feedback to the Kaduna State Government, revealed that the troops of Sector 4 Operation Whirl Punch and 198 Special Forces Battalion conducted the special operations in Birnin Gwari LGA, in response to precise intelligence on terrorist activities in the area.

Aruwan said, “The troops began their mission by successfully clearing hot spots at Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi and Kampanin Doka villages.

“On arriving at Saulawa, contact was made with the bandits, and two of the criminals were swiftly neutralized by the troops during the engagement. One motorcycle and a Baofeng Radio Set were recovered.

Read Also: Court orders Kano govt to pay Bayero N10m damages

“The troops made further contact with bandits at Farin Ruwa, where four enemy fighters were neutralized in the ensuing firefight.

“The troops cleared the area and recovered the following items: – One GPMG, Two A-K 47 rifles, Six A-K 47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, 22  rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 50-one rounds of 7.62 special ammunition, and one motorcycle,” he said.

The Commissioner stated that e Governor Uba Sani, while receiving the report congratulated the troops led by Force Commander, Operation Whirl Punch and General Officer Commanding, One Division Nigerian Army, Major General Mayierenso Saraso for another remarkable outing and notable breakthrough in the push against banditry in the flashpoint location.

 “He urged the troops to remain unrelenting in their advance towards the heart of the bandits’ enclaves,” he said.

He urged the citizens to render useful information to the government through Kaduna State’s Security Operations Room via the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.

Wild jubilation has been reported in communities around the Kaduna and Katsina state border as the military troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Punch, killed notorious bandits leader, Buhari Alhaji Halidu, alias Buharin Yadi.

Halidu had led a gang in the pillaging of communities, and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighbouring states.

Disclosing the breakthrough in a statement on Thursday, June 13, Kaduna State Overseeing Commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, said

Halidu was neutralized in a fierce battle with the troops around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State.

According to the security commissioner, “The infamous terrorist Buharin Yadi, one of the deadliest bandit leaders terrorizing Northern Nigeria in the last decade, has met his bitter end at the hands of security forces.  

“The troops of Sector 6 Operation Whirl Punch rained down fire on the kingpin known as Buhari Alhaji Halidu (alias Buharin Yadi) and his cohorts, abruptly terminating their ignominious spell of terror.

“Halidu was neutralized in a fierce battle with the troops (under the coordination of their Commander, also the General Officer Commanding of One Division Nigerian Army, Major General MLD Saraso) which took place around Idasu forest at the boundaries between Giwa LGA of Kaduna State and Sabuwa LGA of Katsina state.

“The troops began the covert operation in response to intelligence reports on terrorists’ movement from Samunaka, Saulawa area of Katsina State. On advancing to Samunaka, the troops found the settlement destroyed and cattle killed, evidence of recent criminal activity by the bandits.

“A ferocious battle quickly followed, as approaching terrorists were pounded with artillery rounds at Hayin Almajiri. The troops then fought bravely through an ambush, to attain their objective.

“Initial assessments indicate that at least 36 bandits were eliminated in the engagement. It was eventually verified that one of those neutralized was Kachalla Buharin Yadi.

“Kachalla Buhari Alhaji Halidu (also known as Buharin Yadi or Buhari Janar) and the brigands under his command had been unleashing terror on citizens in Kidandan/Galadimawa general areas of Giwa LGA, Sabon Birni/Kerawa general areas of Igabi LGA, other locations in nearby Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State, and indeed some parts of Niger and Zamfara States.

“Buharin Yadi was involved in large-scale cattle rustling, arms trading, and drug trafficking. He had led his gang in the pillaging of communities and the slaughter and kidnapping of thousands of citizens in Kaduna and neighbouring states.

“The merciless bandit was also known to have links with other deadly terrorist groups in the Northeast and Northwest. The breakthrough brings to an end a manhunt by security forces for this terrorist, which stretched more than five years.

“The news of his demise spread like wildfire, triggering massive relief and widespread celebrations among locals spanning Kaduna and Katsina States,” said Aruwan.

The commissioner stated that Governor Uba Sani while receiving the report expressed happiness at the development, which he described as a pointer to the bravery, pro-activeness, and sheer efficiency of the troops involved.

Read Also: Troops kill three terrorists, recover arms, rustled cattle

“The Governor commended the GOC, Major General Saraso for his sterling leadership, and lauded the troops for the comprehensive victory. Governor Sani reassured security forces in Kaduna State of his unflinching support and the continued collaborative stance of the Government.”

Aruwan however informed that some of the terrorists sustained gunshot injuries during the encounter, asking the citizens in the general area and beyond not to render assistance medical or otherwise to individuals carrying suspicious injuries, but to immediately report such to security agencies.

“The Kaduna State Security Operations Room is available 24 hours a day to receive reports of this nature on the phone lines 09034000060 and 08170189999.

“Special operations against bandits continue in the general area. Citizens are urged to continue to volunteer supportive information to the security forces and the government,” he said.

The Defence Headquarters says troops deployed in different parts of the country have in the last one week neutralised no fewer than 197 terrorists and apprehended 310 others across theatres of operation.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also rescued 251 kidnapped hostages and recovered 180 assorted weapons and 5,123 assorted ammunition within the week in different operations.

The breakdown, according to him, comprised two PKT guns, 73 AK47 rifles and 17 locally fabricated guns, 3,207 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,022 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 243 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo among others.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 71 suspects and rescued 48 kidnappers hostages within the week.

He said the troops also recovered two PKT guns, 35 AK47 rifles, nine fabricated rifles, 10 dane guns, and 10 grenades amongst others.

In the North Central, he said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 11 insurgents, arrested 64 violent extremists and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages as well as several cache of arms.

According to him, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised six terrorists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special and 6 cartridges amongst others,” he said.

In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 65 terrorists, arrested 80 terrorists and rescued 54 kidnapped hostages within the week under review.

He added that the troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 4 dane guns and 991 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo among others.

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 19 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered three AK47 rifles and 119 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, among others.

Buba said the security situation in the zone, especially Zamfara required collaborative approach between the state government and the locals to be able to nip it in the bud.

Read Also: Troops kill three terrorists, recover arms, rustled cattle

He said the governor of the state had come out to describe Zamfara as the epicenter of kidnapping as also corroborated by the Commissioner of Police, he said had described kidnapping as a big industry in the state.

“The military is on the ground there and we are fighting. Ours is to fight and to kill the terrorists and to destroy them.

“In this month alone, even up to yesterday, we have lost nine personnel which is a testament that we are working tirelessly to bring peace, to secure the land and create a safe environment for the people.

“I will end this by saying that it is close to impossible to win this war without the support of the people because of the caliber of people involved in kidnapping in Zamfara,” he said.

(NAN)

Troops of the Nigerian Army and the Community Protection Guards have killed three terrorists.

The troops also recovered some arms and ammunition and rustled cattle in multiple operations that were conducted on Monday, June 10.

Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu announced this in a statement on Wednesday, June 12.

He said: “In Rukudawa Village, located in Zurmi Local Government Area of the state, troops launched an offensive operation targeting the hideout of notorious terrorist kingpin Gwaska Dan Karami. In the encounter, troops eliminated two terrorists and uncovered a terrorist warehouse stocked with looted food supplies. The warehouse was also destroyed.

“In another operation in the Mayanchi general area of Maru Local Government Area, troops on fighting patrol intercepted and engaged marauding terrorists who had rustled a flock of sheep. 

The troops neutralized one terrorist in the overwhelming firefight compelling the rest of the terrorists to flee, abandoning one AK-47 rifle, a magazine with three rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition, two motorcycles, and 410 rustled sheep; which have been recovered by the troops. 

“Other items recovered include a pair of military camouflage and a Mobile Police uniform. The rescued sheep have been handed over to the Committee on Recovery of Rustled Animals in Gusau.”

The army spokesperson said troops also intercepted some terrorists on their way to initiate their act of terror on a community in the state.

He said: “The terrorists were on a mission to carry out their nefarious activities along Kairu road in Gummi Local Government Area. The troops recovered one AK-47 rifle from the terrorists, after thwarting the mission.”

…as others escape with gunshot wounds

Troops under the military’s Operation Whirl Punch and Operation Forest Sanity II, have neutralised two bandits during clearance operations in the Rijana general area of Kachia LGA in Kaduna state.

The state’s Overseeing commissioner, Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, disclosed this in a statement on Monday, June 10.

Aruwan said: “According to the operational feedback to the Kaduna state government, the troops began their advance, clearing several locations including Amale, Gidan Jatau, Gidan Danfulani and Gidan Duna with no resistance.  

“As the forces progressed to Gidan Dutse, the troops made contact with bandits and in the ensuing firefight, two of the criminals were neutralized while several escaped with gunshot wounds.

“The troops searched the area and recovered three AK-47 rifles, two motorcycles, two AK-47 magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, two mobile phones and two MP3 players,” he said.

Read Also: Troops foil kidnap attempt in Delta, rescue passengers

He said the the Governor of Kaduna State, Uba Sani, expressed satisfaction at the report and congratulated the troops for another sterling outing.

“The governor praised the leadership of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General TA Lagbaja, and the unflinching morale of the troops, in the ongoing operations,” he said.

He however urged citizens to continue to utilize the 24-hour Security Operations Room by volunteering actionable intelligence on the movement of bandits and their collaborators via the security hotlines: -09034000060 and 08170189999.

Troops of the Nigerian Army, successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt by suspected terrorist group on the  46 Km Ughelli-Patani Road in Delta on Sunday.

A post on its official X Handle on Sunday, the Nigerian army said its troops’ swift response to a distress call resulted in the rescue of passengers who had been kidnapped while traveling in a commercial bus.

It said the troops upon receiving the distress call, rapidly mobilised and confronted the terrorists, who were armed with assorted weapons.

Read Also: Troops kill IPOB men, bandits in Abia, Kaduna

According to the post, a fierce firefight ensued, compelling the terrorists to abandon their captives and flee the scene.

“The rescued passengers have been taken into safe custody, where they are receiving necessary care and support.

“Meanwhile, the troops are currently pursuing the fleeing terrorists,” it said. (NAN)