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  • Okuama killing: Troops will not rest until perpetrators are identified, says GOC

    Okuama killing: Troops will not rest until perpetrators are identified, says GOC

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 6 Division, Nigerian Arm and Land Component Commander, Joint Task Force, south-south, Operation Delta state, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, has warned that troops will not rest until all those responsible for the murder of 17 officers and soldiers in Okuama community, Ughelli South local government, are apprehended and held accountable.

    He reassured that the operation is being carried out in such a way that no one will consider attacking soldiers in the future, warning that if criminals continue to attack security forces, there will be anarchy.

    The GOC made this known when the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Samuel Ogbuku paid him a condolence visit at the Division’s Headquarters in Port Harcourt Barracks.

    He said: “Troops will not rest until all those involved are tracked down to account for their deeds. Operation is being conducted in such a way that going forward, nobody would contemplate attacking men in uniform. False narratives being churned out, and propaganda peddled over this mindless criminality would not deter troops from fishing out the criminals.”

    The 17 slain officers and soldiers were on a peace mission when youths believed to be Okuoma indigenes ambushed and murdered them.

    Outrage greeted the dastardly act from Nigerians, who viewed the situation as unbecoming.

    President Bola Tinubu, who on Sunday expressed deep displeasure over their killings, ordered the military to immediately arrest the perpetrators.

    He said: “The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) and Chief of Defence Staff (Gen. Christopher Musa) have been granted full authority to bring to justice anybody found to have been responsible for this unconscionable crime against the Nigerian people.”

    Read Also: Subsidy: Army converts 30 vehicles to CNG, trains 22 personnel

    In a statement posted on X (formerly known as Twitter) by the Nigerian Army and signed by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, the GOC while appreciating the Ogbuku and his team for the visit, said the mission handed to troops by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja is to recover the weapons carted away by the perpetrators of this heinous crime and ensure that all those involved are arrested.

    The GOC assured troops conducting operations would be firm, strong, decisive, and professional in the cause of the operations in the general area.

    He added that troops will continue to be in the creeks until these objectives are achieved.

    Major General Abdussalam appealed to people and communities to assist troops regarding the location of the fleeing criminals and the carted-away weapons.

    He also assured that no amount of propaganda, blackmailing, intimidation, and false narratives would distract troops from staying on course to achieve their objectives.

    “No amount of propaganda, arm-twisting, blackmailing, intimidation, and false narratives would distract troops from staying on course to achieve their objectives. The operations would be conducted in the most professional manner in line with the global best practice of adherence to rules of engagement and respect for the fundamental human rights of the citizenry. We call on the people of the Niger Delta Region (NDR) to go about their normal activities.

    “We appeal to people and communities to assist troops regarding the location of the fleeing criminals and the carted-away weapons. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is the symbol of our sovereignty, and the Commander-in-Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu captured it succinctly when he said an attack on our Armed Forces is an attack on our nation. Therefore, if we allow criminals to continue to attack our security forces, there will be anarchy,” the GOC said.

    The GOC appreciated Niger Delta Development Commission Managing Director and his team for identifying with the Nigerian Army in this moment of grief adding that there would not be development without peace and security.

    Earlier, NDDC MD, Samuel Ogbuku, while commiserating with the GOC, said Niger Delta has been peaceful, owing to the sacrifices of officers and men of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    Ogbuku, however, said no one in the region is in support of this ‘mindless act of criminality’, and called on all critical stakeholders to support the Nigerian Army to fish out the perpetrators of this act.

    He assured that NDDC would continue to pray and support the families of the slain officers and soldiers.

  • Troops kill terrorist disguising as police officer in Sokoto

    Troops kill terrorist disguising as police officer in Sokoto

    Troops of the Army have killed a “dangerous terrorist” masquerading as a police officer in Sokoto State.

    The troops also destroyed terror drug storage and medical facility in a sting operation on Wednesday March 20.

    Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this in a statement on Thursday, March 21.

    According to Nwachukwu, the terrorist had often employed disguise as Police officer to deceive and kidnap unsuspecting victims. 

    Read Also: Troops rescue 16 kidnap-victims in Kaduna

    He said: “In a separate counter insurgency operation in Taraba State, troops neutralized another insurgent in Kutoko village in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.

    “ The offensive resulted in the recovery of an AK-47 Rifle and a Magazine containing four live rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition.”

    The army spokesperson said the operations had demonstrated the “commitment of the Nigerian Army in combating terrorism and insurgency, in an effort to ensure safety and security of the nation.”

  • Troops rescue 16 kidnap-victims in Kaduna

    Troops rescue 16 kidnap-victims in Kaduna

    Troops of 1 Division of the Nigerian Army have rescued 16 kidnap victims in Tantatu Community, Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The victims were rescued after the troops responded to ‘actionable intelligence’ about 10:30p on March 17.

    Army spokesperson Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, in a statement yesterday, said: “The troops swiftly tracked the insurgents who had earlier attacked the community and taken some of the villagers as hostages.

    Read Also: Monarch seeks support for Tinubu’s economic polices

    “On arriving at the scene, the troops pursued the insurgents, engaged them in a ferocious exchange of fire and consequently rescued 16 kidnapped persons.”

    Gen. Nwachukwu added that the troops were still exploring the bushes in continuation of the search and rescue operations to extricate other victims and balk the nefarious activities of the insurgents.

  • Troops kill four terrorists in Taraba, Zamfara, rescue hostages in Kogi

    Troops kill four terrorists in Taraba, Zamfara, rescue hostages in Kogi

    The Nigerian Army says troops on operation in Taraba state have killed two terrorists during a gun duel in Mayinawa, Garin Daniel and Garbatau in Bali local government area.

    It also said that troops deployed for Counter Insurgency operations in the North West also killed two terrorists during a raid operation in the Kuyambana general area of Zamfara state.

    Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu announced this in a statement on Friday, March 15.

    Nwachukwu said that in Taraba state, troops responded to “actionable intelligence on the terrorists’ movement in the areas,” and “swiftly mobilized and made contact with the terrorists, killing two of them in an exchange of fire.”

    He said: “The troops recovered two AK- 47 Rifles, 4 AK- 47 Magazines and 56 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition,” after the operation.

    On the troops operations in Zamfara State, the army spokesperson said troops also destroyed the terrorist camps in the Kuyambana general area.

    Read Also: Troops arrest suspected killers of community leader, retired military personnel

    He said: “After a thorough search of their camps, troops recovered one pump action gun, one locally fabricated gun, two live cartridges, one locally made pistol, one handset and a tying chain used to fasten kidnapped victims.”

    Nwachukwu also said that troops on operation in Kogi state “successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt by criminal elements who attacked passengers onboard three commercial buses along Akpata – Obajana road in Lokoja Local Government Area.”

    Nwachukwu said: “The vigilant troops arrived timely to avert the situation, rescuing the passengers and engaging the criminals in a hot pursuit.

    “Some of the rescued passengers who suffered injuries during the kidnap attempt have been promptly evacuated to a hospital for medical attention.”

  • Troops arrest suspected killers of community leader, retired military personnel

    Troops arrest suspected killers of community leader, retired military personnel

    Troops have arrested some suspects in connection with the murder of Alhaji Saleh Umar, the Ardo of Kamuru, Dutsen Bako community in Ikulu Chiefdom of Zangon Kataf Local Government Area, Kaduna State.

    The assailants abducted and killed Alhaji Umar after collecting N2 million ransom.

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), the military task force maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Bauchi and Kaduna states, carried out the arrests.

    Its Media Officer, Maj. Samson Zhakom, told a news conference in Jos yesterday that the troops also arrested suspected killers of retired Master Warrant Officer of the Nigerian Air Force, Hamza Musa.

    Zhakom added that troops of OPSH also arrested the killer of some residents of Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.

    They also arrested suspected vandals of rail tracks in conjunction with operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS).

    “We have arrested the prime suspects in the gruesome murder of Alhaji Umar, the Ardo of Kamuru, Dutsen Bako village, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zangon Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    “They abducted and killed the community leader after collecting a ransom of N2 million.

    “We have also arrested three persons who conspired and killed their father and uncle, Hamza Musa, a discharged Nigerian Air Force Master Warrant Officer.

    Read Also: Troops arrest killers of Ardo Kamaru, other wanted criminals

    “We also apprehended the suspected shooter of one Istifanus Musa, 55, at Bokkos in Plateau, during which one person sadly lost his life and another was injured.

    “Similarly, we conducted joint sting operations with the DSS to the hideout of rail vandals and economic saboteurs in Plateau and made significant breakthroughs,” he said.

    Zhakom added that investigations showed that the killers of Alhaji Umar were behind the attempted kidnap of Mr Sidi Kukah, the paramount Chief of Ikulu.

    The media officer explained that items recovered from some of the suspects included railway slippers, two articulated trucks, five car batteries and one 12.5kg gas cylinder.

    Others were one generator, one tyre and one vehicle number plate.

    Zhakom thanked residents of its general areas of operation for their continuous support and called for more collaboration to stem insecurity in the areas.

  • Troops arrest killers of Ardo Kamaru, other wanted criminals

    Troops arrest killers of Ardo Kamaru, other wanted criminals

    Men of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have recorded breakthroughs with the arrest of wanted criminals on their list.

    Parading the suspects in Jos on Saturday spokesperson of the OPSH, Major Samson Nantip, said: “With us today are the prime suspects in the gruesome murder of the Ardo of Kamuru of Dutsen Bako village, Ikulu Chiefdom in Zango Kataf Local Government Area of Kaduna State, Alhaji Saleh Umar as well as the killer of discharged Nigerian Air Force Master Warrant Officer (MWO) Hamza Musa. 

    “Also, we have apprehended the shooter at Bokkos during which one person sadly lost his life and another was injured. We also conducted joint sting operations with the DSS to the hideout of railway vandals and economic saboteurs in Plateau State and made huge significant breakthroughs. 

    “Before I proceed, it is important to note that Operation SAFE HAVEN (OPSH) and indeed all security agencies are now better equipped to track and resolve isolated killings, kidnapping and other criminal activities within the Joint Operations Area. Even when you evade our radar to perpetrate these acts, it’s only a matter of time before you are brought to justice”

    He added: “Following the gruesome murder of the Ardo of Kamuru Alhaji Saleh Umar on 27 February 2024 who was earlier kidnapped and a ransom of N2 million paid, security agencies ramped up covert operations and successfully arrested the key perpetrators.

    ” They  are Bokolo Mohammed from Laduga village in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State and two other suspects Mr Shuaibu Mohammed and Abdulkareem Suleiman both arrested at Kamaru market under Ikulu chiefdom in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Confessional statements obtained from the suspects revealed that the late Ardo was ambushed while on transit and moved to Ungwan Zomo where he was killed.

    Read Also: Troops kill scores of IPOB/ESN members in Anambra

    “Preliminary investigation also revealed that the late Ardo was murdered even after a ransom of 2 Million Naira was paid due to his unbiased stance and insistence on peaceful coexistence in the Zango Kataf general area. The arrested suspects would be charged to court for prosecution immediately investigations are concluded.”

    The troop also said: “Similarly, a retired personnel of the Nigerian Air Force MWO Hamza Musa was murdered in his residence at Dutsen Bako village under Ikulu chiefdom in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State by his two sons, Mr Timothy Musa and Mr Yaro Musa as well as Mr Samson Moses a cousin to the deceased.

    “A sum of money was stolen from his residence during the incident and shared by the suspects”. 

    In another breakthrough, the troops on 25 February 24, received information on the attempted kidnap of the Sarki of Ikulu, His Highness Sidi Kukah in his place. Personnel mobilised to the location and thwarted the kidnapping attempt. 

    “Preliminary investigations showed that  Shuaibu Mohammed who was responsible for the murder of the Ardo of Kamuru and two others also masterminded the kidnapping attempt. 

     “Furthermore, On 6 March 2024, personnel were able to capture the shooter of Mr Istifanus Musa 55 years in Bokkos. His actions also inflicted gunshot injuries on Mr Irimiya David 45 years at Kop village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. He is Yakubu Abdulrahman 18 years from Daffo community and has confessed to the crime.

    ” In another significant development, Operation SAFE HAVEN in collaboration with the tactical team of the Department of State Services (DSS) Plateau State Command acting on human intelligence raided an identified railway vandals/economic saboteurs’ hideout around NEPA area in Jos North LGA of Plateau State and recovered vandalised metallic railway slippers, 2 articulated trucks, 5 car batteries and one 12.5kg gas cylinder. Other items include 1 Yamaha generator, one 315 X 80 Austone tyre and 1 vehicle registration number plate.  Meanwhile, preliminary findings reveals that the saboteurs operate in syndicates with the aid of unscrupulous elements  who facilitate the discreet conveyance of the vandalised items for onward processing in far away Lagos and Kwara States.”

  • Troops kill two terrorists in Sokoto, rescue four in Edo

    Troops kill two terrorists in Sokoto, rescue four in Edo

    Troops on operation in North West Nigeria have killed two terrorists while protecting Damba Dikko village, a community in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    The troops also rescued two villagers in the encounter that occured on Wednesday, March 6.

    Army spokesperson, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, announced this in a statement on Thursday. 

    Nwachukwu said some villagers who suffered minor injuries as a result of the incident have also been treated by the Army medical personnel.

    The army spokesperson also said troops on operation in South South Nigeria, “in an audacious” operation” rescued four kdnap victims abducted in Edo State. 

    Read Also: Troops kill five IPOB/ESN fighters in Imo, rescue 15 kidnap victims in Zamfara

    He said the kidnappers had forcefully taken their captives, including a lady and three men into Ososo forest in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of the state.

    According to him, the kidnappers were tracked and intercepted by the troops who engaged the criminals in firefight and extricated the abductees. 

    Nwachukwu said: “The troops apprehended one of the kidnappers, who is currently undergoing preliminary investigation and will be subsequently handed over to the appropriate prosecuting agency. 

    “One of the rescued victims who suffered from shock and fatigue has been evacuated to a medical facility, where he is receiving treatment, while others have been handed over to their families.” 

  • Troops neutralise ESN terrorists, clear  hideouts in Imo – Army

    Troops neutralise ESN terrorists, clear  hideouts in Imo – Army

    The Nigerian Army troops have  successfully cleared IPOB/ESN hideout at Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Local  Government Area of Imo State, neutralising one IPOB/ESN terrorist after an intense firefight on Saturday.

    The Director of Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    Nwachukwu said the troops conducted a search in their hideout and recovered three Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), one Toyota Highlander SUV and one Hilux vehicle after overpowering the criminals.

    He said that other items recovered include eight rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, six rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and one locally fabricated single barrel gun.

    “Other items recovered from the terrorists’ hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniform, one solar panel and one CCTV camera.

    “Troops also recovered 10 mobile phones,  batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran Currency, three solar street lights, three jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said the troops had in another encounter engaged IPOB/ESN terrorists at their crossing point in Akawa Nneato area of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia.

    Read Also: Troops clear IPOB enclaves, kill one fighter, recover arms

    He said the troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight resulting in the terrorists scampering in disarray into nearby bushes.

    “On exploiting further after the shootout, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, two empty magazines and one FN Rifle loaded with four rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition.

    “In another development, troops operating in the Kawara general area of Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State have cleared and destroyed a series of terrorists’ camps in the area.

    “During the operation, troops recovered three motorbikes, one PKT Gun link containing 246 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, one woodland camouflage and a pair of Desert boots.

    “Other items recovered include three magazine carriers and one Boafeng Radio.

    “Troops have dominated the general area and conducting further exploits in pursuit of the insurgents.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and will continue to sustain operations to sanitize troubled areas in order to restore peace and stability in the country,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • Troops kill 10 terrorist leaders, 964 fighters in February, say DHQ

    Troops kill 10 terrorist leaders, 964 fighters in February, say DHQ

    …rescue 466 kidnap victims

    The Defence Headquarters says troops on operations across the country neutralized 10 terrorist leaders and 964 fighters in February.

    The troops also arrested 621 terrorists, and rescued 466 kidnap victims, while 1,157 Boko Haram terrorists and their members of their families surrendered to troops.

    The military high command said this through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen Edward Buba, at a briefing at the Defence Headquarters Abuja on Thursday, February 29.

    The Defence spokesperson also said troops recovered 1,573 weapons, 23,345 ammunitions, 8,993,245 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,062,635 litres of diesel, 18,950 litres of kerosene, and 45,950 litres of petrol.

    Giving details of the success of troops in the different battlefields across the country, Gen. Buba said troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the northeast killed 242 terrorists neutralized, arrested 57 suspects, and rescued 42 kidnap victims. He also said 1,157 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families surrendered to the troops.

    “Troops also covered 198 AK47 rifles, 61 fabricated, 30 dane guns, 45 assorted arms, 3,692 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,854 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 339 assorted ammunitions,” Buba said.

    Read Also: JTF warns troops against sabotage, involvement in illegal activities

    On troops’ successes in the North Central zone, the military high command said troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE killed 131 terrorists, arrested 254 suspects and rescued 72 kidnap victims.

    He said the troops also recovered 113 rifles, 205 fabricated and assorted weapons, and 5, 619 ammunition.

    Speaking on troops’ successes in the northeast in February, the military high command said troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation While Punch killed 495 terrorists, arrested 241 others, and rescued 333 kidnap victims.

    He said: “Notable terrorist warlords killed during the month of February in Operation Hadarin Daji are ASHIRU and KACHAMBI, neutralized early Feb 24 by troops in conjunction with vigilantes around Faru, Maradun local government area of Zamfara State, DOGON RAƘUMI neutralized by troops on February 3, during operation in Ƙungurki area of Ƙaura Namoda LGA.

    “Others are Sulen NAGALA, LAUSHI and BANGIS neutralized on February 11 during an encounter at Gandaya area of Bingi District of Maru, MALAM was eliminated on 18 February 18 along Koluwai Road in Zurmi LGA, Alhaji BALDU, Baban YARA and Alhaji KABIRU killed on February 24 during rival gang clash in Hayin Alhaji area of Tsafe LGA.”

    On operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South, Gen. Buba said troops killed 10 terrorists and neutralized and arrested 359 oil thieves and other suspected violent extremists.

    The Defence spokesperson said troops in the South East Operation UDO KA in February killed 106 terrorists, arrested 69 suspects, and rescued 19 kidnap victims.

    He said troops also recovered 19 AK47 rifles, 46 pump action guns, 1,717 rounds of 7.62mm special, 586 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 864 live cartridges, 263 assorted ammunitions, and 60 other equipment.

  • JTF warns troops against sabotage, involvement in illegal activities

    JTF warns troops against sabotage, involvement in illegal activities

    The Joint Military Task Force (JTF) deployed to protect oil and gas assets in the Niger Delta has warned troops against sabotage and engagement in any illegal activities in the region in the course of discharging their duties.

    The new Commander, JTF, codenamed Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), Rear Admiral John Okeke, gave the warning on Thursday, February 29, during a familiarisation tour of security formations in Bayelsa state.

    He warned that stiff disciplinary actions await whoever is caught for such unprofessional conduct.

    Okeke also sought enhanced support and collaboration from military formations in Bayelsa.

    At a courtesy call on the Flag Officer Commanding, Central Naval Command (CNC), Rear Admiral Samson Bura, the OPDS Commander solicited further guidance and support from the FOC against oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and allied criminalities in the region.

    In his remarks, the FOC promised to sustain and improve existing support and collaboration between JTF and the Naval Command.

    Read Also: Troops rescue 10 kidnap travellers, kill IPOB fighter

    He noted that the synergy would enable the country to have a free maritime domain for legitimate activities.

    Okeke also visited the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Mobility Command, Yenagoa, Air Vice Marshall Tajudeen Yusuf, and requested the same support and synergy from the Command.

    The AOC expressed his readiness to continue to support JTF as the military is focused on the same aims and objectives for a safe environment for Nigerians to carry out their lawful activities. 

    Okeke thanked the FOC and AOC for their support and promised not to lower the guards as he remained poised to provide an enabling environment for the seamless operations of both international and local oil companies and other legitimate stakeholders in the Niger Delta.

    During the operational visit to the Nigerian Naval Ship (NNS SOROH), the JTF boss was received by its Commander, Commodore Nanmar Lakan, where he was briefed on the ship’s operational activities in combating threats within its Area of Responsibility (AoR), achievements among others.

    Okeke commended the troops for their efforts which had led to increased oil production and urged the troops not to relax on their laurels.

    He said: “We wish to warn the troops against sabotage and engagement in any illegal activities while discharging their duties. Stiff disciplinary actions await whoever is caught engaging in such unprofessional conduct.”

    The JTF Commander was accompanied on the tours by Component Commanders and some Principal Staff Officers of the OPD