Tag: troops

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have seized 6,009,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 425,715 litres of illegally refined diesel, 38,100 litres of kerosene and 4,500 litres of petrol in the past week.

It said troops also destroyed 56 illegal refining sites, 234 cooking ovens, and arrested 19 oil thieves.

Giving further updates on troops operations in other parts of the country, the Defence spokesperson said troops killed 37 terrorists, attested 95 others and rescued 53 kidnap victims.

Buba said troops also recovered 100 assorted weapons, comprising 45 AK47 rifles, 11 locally fabricated AK47 rifles, six pump action guns, 12 Dane guns, two AK47 rifles, two locally made guns, two locally fabricated pistols, and two locally made revolvers.

He said: Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in North East Nigeria killed 20 terrorists, arrested 57 and rescued 16 kidnap victims.

“The troops also recovered 13 AK47 rifles, five Dane guns, four magazines, and two fabricated guns, among other items.”

On operations in the North Central, Buba said troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE killed five terrorists, arrested 59 and rescued 29 kidnap victims.

Read Also: Be patient, pray for Tinubu’s administration, Buratai’s foundation tells Nigerians

He said the troops also recovered five AK47 rifles, one Dane gun, and other items.

Buba noted: “In the North West, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages.

“Troop’s also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, several burnt AK47 rifles, and 7 burnt magazines, 158 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 17 motorcycles.

“Also in the North West, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH eliminated 10 terrorists, arrested 31 suspected terrorists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.

“The troops recovered nine locally made guns, 17 Dane guns, three locally made pistols, among other items.”

On troops operations in the South East, Buba said troops of Operation UDO KA killed four IPOB/ESN fighters, arrested 21 criminals and rescued one kidnap victim.

He said: “Troops recovered six pump action guns, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 113 live cartridges, and 33,000 litres of illegal refined AGO among others.”

The Defence spokesperson said all recovered weapons, ammunition and other items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

The troops of Joint Task Force South-East Operation, code-named “Operation UDO KA II”, have conducted clearance operations in terrorists’ camps within Imo and Anambra States in the South-East.

The troops also arrested one suspected terrorist and recovered several items in their camps, which included: Improvised Explosive Device (IEDs) making materials, motorcycles, stored foods and other logistics items.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday in Enugu by Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, for the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II.

Unuakhalu said that the troops of Operation UDO KA II based on intelligence continued with its clearance operations to Lilu community, Mother Valley and Orsumoghu Forest in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo and Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State respectively.

He said that the clearance operation was conducted simultaneously in the respective locations in the two states on Saturday, Oct. 14, 2023. 

He said: “During the clearance operations, troops encountered and detonated many Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) instantly as well as various types of obstacles.

Read Also: Troops rescue six kidnap victims, neutralise one bandit in Kaduna

“The undeterred troops also came in contact with the terrorists who fled into the nearby bushes with gunshot wounds due to superior fire power.

“Several camps and shrines of the terrorists were destroyed,” he said.

According to him, Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA II, therefore, calls on the law abiding and good citizens of the South-East region not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information.

The army spokesman said that such reliable information would help in apprehending those that escaped with different degrees of injuries.

He added: “We also wish to use this medium to urge the good people of the South-East region to ignore the deceitful tweet of the self-acclaimed Biafra leader, Simon Ekpa.

“The law-abiding residents should be rest assured that the South-East region will be free of all forms of criminality.

“Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with the extant rules and regulations guiding its operations.”

It would be recalled that troops of Operation UDO KA II within some weeks had carried out several clearance operations in terrorist groups’ camps within the South-East with outstanding successes and recovery of incriminating deadly items.

The One Division Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued six kidnapped victims and neutralized one bandit in Kaduna State.

The acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division Nigerian Army, Lt.-Col. Musa Yahaya, who confirmed the development in a statement issued in Kaduna, said that the victims were rescued on Friday.

Yahaya said that the ongoing clearance operation by the troops of the division had continued to yield positive results.

He said, “The troop acted on credible and timely intelligence on the kidnap of 6 persons at Hayin Tsando general area of Maraban Jos, in Igabi Local Government  Area of the state.

“The gallant troops quickly mobilized, embarked on a search and rescue operation. The troops made contact with the bandits and criminal elements and a heavy fire fight ensued.

Read Also: Troops seize 983,350ltrs stolen crude

“During the operation, troops successfully rescued six kidnapped victims, captured two AK 47 rifles and neutralized one bandit while others escaped with several degrees of gunshot wounds.

“The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Force Commander Operation Whirl Punch Maj.- Gen. Valentine Okoro, has commended the troops for their resilience.”

Yahaya also charged them to continue the aggressive tempo until all criminal elements in the division’s ‘Area of Responsibility’ are completely eradicated.

He also appealed to all paramedics to be on the lookout for persons with gunshot wounds, and report to the Nigerian Army and other sister security services for prompt action.

(NAN)

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) have seized 983,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 144,980 litres of diesel, and 71,650 litres of kerosene in the past two weeks.

It said troops also destroyed 53 illegal refineries, and 253 cooking ovens and arrested 19 suspected oil thieves.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba disclosed this during a press briefing at the DHQ on Thursday, October 12.

He said the military would continue to fine-tune its operations to meet the changing security challenges in the country.

Giving further updates on troops operations in other parts of the country, Buba said troops of Operation HADIN KAI in North East Nigeria killed 12 terrorists, arrested 26, and rescued six kidnap victims during several operations in the past two weeks.

On troops operations in the North Central zone, he said troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE killed six terrorists, arrested 40 others, and rescued four kidnap victims.

Buba said: “In the North West troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized nine terrorists, arrested 12 others, and rescued 25 kidnapped hostages.

“Troop’s also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine and one vehicle.

“Also troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH eliminated four terrorists, arrested 31 suspected terrorists, and rescued seven kidnapped hostages.

Read Also: Troops eliminate 31 terrorists, apprehend 81 in one week, says DHQ

“Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 2 pump action guns, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 empty cases of 9 mm ammo, 6 empty cases of 7.62 mm NATO ammo (blank ammo), 10 empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo among others.”

On troops operations in South East, Buba said “troops of Operation UDO KA five IPOB/ESN fighters, arrested 12 suspected criminals and rescued seven kidnap victims.

“Troops also recovered two locally made guns, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one FN rifle barrel, IED materials, 10 water gel explosives, 3 detonators, one detonating cord among others.”

The Defence spokesperson said all recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

Troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), a military operation against oil thieves and other criminals in the Niger Delta region, have recovered 367,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 11,353 litres of illegally refined diesel, 12,500 litres of kerosene and 5,000 litres of petrol, in the past one week.

The troops also arrested 11 oil thieves and rescued them during several operations in the region.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba disclosed this in a statement on Friday, October 6.

Buba said the troops also destroyed 14 illegal refineries, seven dugout pits, nine boats, 25 storage tanks, 39 cooking ovens, and three pumping machines.

Giving updates on troops operations in other parts of the country, the Defence spokesperson said troops killed a total of 31 terrorists and arrested 81 others in the past week.

He said troops also rescued 10 kidnap victims, while a total of 63 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across theatres of operation. 

Buba said: “Additionally, troops recovered 65 assorted weapons and 391 assorted ammunition.”

“The breakdown is 26 AK47 rifles, four locally made rifles, six Dane guns, two locally made pistols, seven magazines, and body armour ammo among others.

“Others are 345 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 7 rounds of 9mm ammo, 36 live cartridges, 10 rounds 7.62 x 39mm warheads, 48 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones and 43 and the sum of N327,960.00.”

Read Also: Army probes alleged diversion of funds for troops’ feeding

According to the Defence spokesperson, the ongoing military operations across the country have set the stage for social and economic progress with the ultimate goal “to secure the country through the defeat of those threatening the safety of citizens and perpetrating insecurity.”

Buba said: “The armed forces and citizens are partners in combating a common enemy which are the terrorist and violent extremist groups.

“Accordingly, the military through its operations continues to prevail against the effects of insurgency and terrorism with an ultimate goal of securing the country against perpetrators of insecurity for national progress.”

ReplyForward

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has ordered investigation into allegation of poor feeding of frontline troops in the North East Theatre of operations.

The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, made this known in a statement on Tuesday in Abuja.

Nwachukwu said that the welfare of troops has been given premium by the present leadership of the Nigerian Army and was one of the vital pillars of the COAS Command Philosophy targeted at motivating the force.

”The Nigerian army therefore takes these allegations very seriously and COAS has directed immediate investigation into the complaints to ascertain its veracity and unravel the circumstances,” the army spokesman said.

Nwachukwu assured the public and all army personnel that a thorough investigation would be conducted to get to the bottom of the claims.

He said the Nigerian army had always prioritised the welfare of troops, including their nutrition, adding that it has a comprehensive feeding system for troops, especially those serving at the frontline.

“We, however, acknowledge that there may be isolated incidents where lapses occur, and we are determined to squarely address them.

“An internal investigation has already been initiated to ascertain the truth behind these allegations.

”We will thoroughly examine the supply chain, the quality of food provided, and any other factors that may have contributed to this situation,” he said.

Nwachukwu stressed that the Nigerian army remained committed to transparency and accountability, and would not condone any form of negligence or misconduct.

Read Also: Tinubu okays payment for 12 attack helicopters for Army aviation, says COAS

“If any culpability is detected, it will attract appropriate disciplinary action and immediate corrective measures to ensure that such incidents do not recur in the future,” he assured.

Nwachukwu called on personnel to report any grievances or concerns they might have regarding their feeding arrangements through the established channels for feedback, assuring that prompt action would be taken to address any legitimate complaints.

He said that the army would continue to be resolute in the fight against insurgency and other security challenges, and would ensure that its soldiers were provided with the necessary support and care to carry out their duties effectively.

“We are committed to ensuring that our troops are well-fed, motivated, and equipped to defend our nation,” he added.

(NAN)

The Defence Headquarters says that troops on operations across the country have killed 814 terrorists and arrested 1,326 others in the past three months.

It also said that troops recovered 6,652,250 litres of stolen crude, 3,577 livestock, 501 weapons, 3,600 ammunition and rescued 721 kidnap victims within the period under review.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba said this on Thursday, September 7, during a briefing in Abuja.

Buba said troops killed 80 indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) fighters in southeast Nigeria, arrested 42 kidnappers while a total of 4, 560 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to troops at different locations in North East Nigeria.

Given the breakdown of troops operations, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North West killed 240 terrorists, arrested 276 collaborators, and rescued 249 kidnap victims.

He said the troops also recovered 169 different calibre weapons and 1,196 ammunition.

Read Also: Troops neutralise six ‘kidnappers’, arrest gunrunners, others

On troops operations in the North Central zone, Buba said troops killed 94 terrorists, arrested 477 others, rescued 76 kidnap victims and recovered 76 arms and ammunition and 1,722 livestock.

The Defence spokesperson also said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Whirl Punch in the North West killed 105 terrorists and arrested 104 collaborators.

On troops operations against oil thieves and bunkerers in South-South, the Defence spokesperson said troops killed 69 criminals and arrested 191 others.

He also said that troops recovered 6,652,250 litres of stolen crude oil worth over N4 billion naira.

Buba noted that the military would continue to apply strong pressure on criminal groups undermining the national security of the country.

He said: “It is clear that the terrorists and their cohorts cannot win in the face of ongoing military pressure against them.

“Accordingly, the terrorists and their cohorts are encouraged to drop their arms and rejoin society to provide a better life for themselves and their children. They risk annihilation if they fail to do so.”