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  • Troops kill 39 terrorists in two weeks

    Troops kill 39 terrorists in two weeks

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops deployed to various theatres of operations across the country killed 39 terrorists and arrested 157 others in the last two weeks

    It also said troops rescued 109 kidnap victims, arrested 16 oil thieves and recovered 569,400 litres of stolen crude oil worth about N765,863,000.

    Director of Defence Media Operations Maj.- Gen. Edward Buba, who spoke during a briefing in Abuja, said troops also recovered 55 assorted weapons and 96 rounds of ammunition.

    Buba said the military would continue to pursue aggressive operations against violent extremist groups seeking to undermine the country’s security.

    “The armed forces remains focused on its core mission and would continually make adjustments along the way to better protect citizens, while isolating and annihilating those groups constituting a security nuisance to the country,” he added.

    The Defence spokesperson also said troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 71 dugout pits, 36 boats, 83 storage tanks, five vehicles, four motorcycles, 58 cooking ovens, five pumping machines, three generators, three speedboats and 34 illegal refining sites.

    Read Also: ECOWAS denies approving transition proposal for Niger

    “Also, troops recovered 569,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 486,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 59,500 litres of PMS,” he said.

    On troops operations in the North Central, Buba said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE operating arrested a member of a notorious violent extremist group in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state.

    According to him, the operations resulted in the killing of terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.

    He said: “The suspect identified as Lubem Atirga Abagu is a member of a notorious violent extremist group led by one Mr Chen. Detailed investigation is ongoing.

    “On 23 August 2023, following information of suspected kidnappers hibernating in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state. Troops conducted a raid, arresting three suspects.”

  • Troops kill 39 terrorists, arrest 157 others, says DHQ

    Troops kill 39 terrorists, arrest 157 others, says DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops deployed to various theatres of operations across the country have killed 39 terrorists and arrested 157 others.

    The military high command also said troops rescued 109 kidnapped hostages, arrested 16 perpetrators of oil theft, and recovered 569,400 litres of stolen crude oil, which it said was worth about N765,863,000.00.

    The director of Defence Media Operations Maj. – Gen. Edward Buba said this on Thursday, August 31, during a briefing in Abuja.

    He said that troops also recovered 55 assorted weapons and 96 ammunition.

    Buba said that the military would continue to pursue aggressive operations against violent extremist groups seeking to undermine the security of the country, adding that, “armed forces remain focused on its core mission and would continually make adjustments along the way to better protect citizens, while isolating and annihilating those groups constituting a security nuisance to the country.”

    The Defence spokesperson also said that troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 71 dugout pits, 36 boats, 83 storage tanks, 5 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 58 cooking ovens, 5 pumping machines, 3 generators, 3 speedboats and 34 illegal refining sites.

    He said: “Also, troops recovered 569,400 liters of stolen crude oil, 486,000 liters of illegally refined AGO and 59,500 liters of PMS.”

    On troops operations in the North Central, Buba said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE operating arrested a member of a notorious violent extremist group in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue state.

    Read Also: Troops arrests 17 murder suspects, neutralise bandits

    According to him, the operations resulted in the killing of terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.

    He said: “On 22 August 2023, following a tip-off about a member of a violent extremist group suspected of hibernating in Ukum LGA of Benue state. Troops raided the location and made an arrest. The suspect identified as Lubem Atirga Abagu is a member of a notorious violent extremist group led by one Mr Chen. Detailed investigation is ongoing.

    “On 23 August 2023, following information of suspected kidnappers hibernating in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba state. Troops conducted a raid, arresting 3 suspects.”

  • Troops arrests 17 murder suspects, neutralise bandits

    Troops arrests 17 murder suspects, neutralise bandits

    Troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) deployed for Operation HAKORIN DAMISA IV have arrested 17 suspects in connection with murder, kidnapping and armed robber.

    The troops also recovered arms, ammunition and illicit drugs from the operation that lasted between August 21 and 28, the Nigerian Army said yesterday.

    Read Also; Insecurity: TETFund releases N550m to Kaduna college

    It said five suspects were arrested over the murder of one Joshua Deme in his farm at Kassa village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, adding that a sting operation was conducted at Jagindi Tasha village in Jema’a LGA, Kaduna State, where a suspected kidnapper, Baba Yusuf Habu, who has been on the wanted list of OPSH was arrested.

    Another kidnap incident was foiled at Angwan Takai village in Bokkos LGA following prompt response to a distress call by the troops, said Captain James Oya, spokesman OPSH in a statement yesterday.

    He said the troops raided the hideout of criminals at Gwash and Kamantan villages in Jos North/Zango Kataf LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna states where they recovered a pistol, cartridges and rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

    “A notorious armed robber Mohammed Lawal was arrested in Kafanchan town by troops and two fabricated rifles and a pistol recovered. In the same vein, troops intercepted a truck with registration number EKY617XF conveying vandalised railway tracks along Gidan Ado village in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.

    “Also, a drug kingpin, Maxwell Dusu Davou was nabbed during a sting operation with substances suspected to be illicit drugs at Waye foundation Du in Jos South LGA.

    “Furthermore, a fighting patrol made contact around Alaghom and Mangu axis leading to the neutralisation of some bandits. Troops recovered one AK- 47 rifle and another fabricated rifle.

    “Additionally, troops arrested over 237 cows within the period for farm destruction/ cattle rustling activities especially within Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Fas and Riyom axis.

    “A total of 17 arrests were effected, nine  victims rescued from kidnappers, six armed robbery attempts foiled and four attacks on vulnerable communities deterred within the period,” he said.

  • Troops kill 23 terrorists, arrest 137 criminals in one week

    Troops kill 23 terrorists, arrest 137 criminals in one week

    …rescue one Chibok girl, 40 others

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that troops on operations across the country have killed 23 terrorists and rescued 41 kidnap victims, including a Chibok schoolgirl.

    It also said troops arrested 137 criminals, comprising 109 criminals, five kidnappers, one informant, and 22 suspected oil thieves within the past week.

    Director of Defence, Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, also said in a statement that 231 terrorists and their families, including 25 male, 63 female and 143 children surrendered to troops in different locations in the North East.

    “On the 14th August 2023, 8 Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and families, comprising 2 adult male, 3 adult female and 3 children surrendered to troops at Dikwa in Dikwa local government areas of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the adult female is Mary Nkeki, a missing Chibok School girl in Ser No 55 Chibok Girls poster. The identified missing Chibok School girl was evacuated to 7 DMSH for further action,” Buba said.

    Giving further updates on troops operations, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in North Central killed one terrorist, arrested nine suspects and rescued six kidnap victims, while troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE killed a terrorist during a firefight at Tor-Donga village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State.

    One troops operation in North West, Buba said troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation WHIRL PUNCH killed 10 terrorists, rescued 21 kidnap victims and recovered several arms and ammunition.

    Read Also: Niger crisis: National interest will guide our ECOWAS operation says Tinubu

    Buba said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South killed two criminals and recovered 228,900 l of stolen crude oil, 46,300 l of illegally refined AGO and 23,250 l of DPK

    “Troops destroyed 21 dugout pits, 14 boats, 56 storage tanks, 6 vehicles, 50 cooking ovens, five MCs, three pumping machines and 15 illegal refining sites,” he said.

    The Defence spokesperson said troops have continued their onslaughts against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network IPOB/ESN.

    He said in the course of its operation within the week under review, troops of Operation UDO killed two IPOB/ESN fighters and arrested 43 others during several raids on the criminal hideouts in Imo, Abia and Enugu State.

    “Troops recovered four locally fabricated pistols, five rounds of 9mm ammo, one empty case of 12.7mm ammo, two cartridges, one knife, 17 mobile phones, eight laptops, seven cutlasses, a pair of canvas, one belt, one CCTV one jungle hat, a bag and the sum of ₦2,000.00),” Buba said.

  • Troops kill 23 terrorists, arrest 137 criminals in one week

    Troops kill 23 terrorists, arrest 137 criminals in one week

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that troops on operations across the country have killed 23 terrorists and rescued 41 kidnap victims, including a Chibok schoolgirl.

    It also said that troops arrested 137 criminals, comprising 109 criminals, five kidnappers, one informant, and 22 suspected oil thefts within the past week.

    The director of Defence Media Operation, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba also said in a statement that 231 terrorist and their families, including 25 males, 63 females and 143 children surrendered to troops in different locations in the North East.

    He said: “On 14 August 2023, 8 Suspected Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and families comprising 2 adult males, 3 adult females and 3 children surrendered to troops at Dikwa in Dikwa local government areas of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the adult females is Mary Nkeki, a missing Chibok School girl in Ser No 55 Chibok Girls poster. The identified missing Chibok School girl was evacuated to 7 DMSH for further action.”

    Giving further updates on troops operations, the Defence spokesperson said troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in North Central killed one terrorist, arrested nine suspects and rescued six kidnap victims, while troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE killed a terrorist during a firefight at Tor-Donga village in Katsina-Ala local government areas of Benue State.

    Read Also: Troops sieze vessel with 250,000 litres of diesel

    One troops operation in North West, Buba said troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation WHIRL PUNCH killed 10 terrorists, rescued 21 kidnap victims and recovered several arms and ammunition.

    Buba said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South killed two criminals and recovered 228,900 l of stolen crude oil, 46,300 l of illegally refined AGO and 23,250 l of DPK

    He noted: “Troops destroyed 21 dugout pits, 14 boats, 56 storage tanks, 6 vehicles, 50 cooking ovens, five MCs, three pumping machines and 15 illegal refining sites,” he said.

    The Defence spokesperson said that troops have continued their onslaughts against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network IPOB/ESN.

    He said the cause of its operation within the week under review, troops of Operation UDO killed two IPOB/ESN fighters and arrested 43 others during several raids on the criminal hideouts in Imo, Abia and Enugu State.

    Buba added: “Troops recovered four locally fabricated pistols, five rounds of 9mm ammo, one empty case of 12.7mm ammo, two cartridges, one knife, 17 mobile phones, eight laptops, seven cutlasses, a pair of canvas, one belt, one CCTV one jungle hat, a bag and the sum of ₦2,000.00).”

  • Oil thieves flee as troops destroy illegal refinery in Delta

    Oil thieves flee as troops destroy illegal refinery in Delta

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army destroyed eight active ovens used for refining of stolen crude oil around Ogbokoko and Atu in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta on Wednesday.

    The troops also destroyed 14 reservoirs containing an estimated 200,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,000 litres of diesel, Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated on Thursday in Abuja.

    He stated that the destruction was conducted in a swoop on the area by troops conducting anti-oil theft operations.

    Read Also: Ukraine says special operation troops landed in Crimea

    Nwachukwu added that the oil thieves fled upon sighting the advancement of troops.

    “The illegal refining site was destroyed in line with extant guidelines of `Operation Delta Safe’. Investigation is on-going to arrest the fleeing criminals.

    “Members of the public are implored to report any suspected act of sabotage or criminality to security agencies to enhance on-going operations to curb economic sabotage in the country,’’ Nwachukwu stated. (NAN)

  • Troops kill 7 terrorists in Borno

    The Nigerian Army said yesterday that seven Boko Haram Terrorists have been neutralized by troops during a clearance operation in Borno State. Its spokesman Col. Sagir Musa said in a statement that troops also recovered arms from the terrorists. He said there was no casualty on the part of Nigerian soldiers or members of the civilian JTF during the operation. He said troops of 22 Brigade, 7 Division Nigerian Army on Operation Hard Strike in collaboration with some members of Civilian JTF, conducted the clearance operation along the deserted Fuye and Melere villages, where they encountered some Boko Haram terrorists.

    The exchange of fire resulted in the extermination of 7 terrorists and recovery of 7 Rifles (6 x AK 47 and 1 x FN Rifle), Col Musa added. He asserted that the “army is unwavering in its commitment and determination to end Boko Haram terrorism and any other form of insecurity in Nigeria, and will continue to sensitize and request members of the public to provide useful information to it and other security agencies for an effective and successful fight against the myriad of security challenges across the nation.”

     

  • Troops nab five suspected kidnappers

    Troops of the 32 Artillery Brigade, Owena Cantonment, Akure, the Ondo State capital, deployed in Owo Local Government, have arrested five suspected kidnappers said to have been terrorising residents.

    The troops made the arrest when they carried out an operation on Tuesday at about 1am, at the kidnappers’ hideout at Jugbere.

    Brigade’s spokesman Cpt. Victor Olukoya made this known in a statement to reporters in Akure.

    The statement said the hoodlums have been found to be the ones involved in the kidnap of people on the Owo/Ikare Road.

    Read also: Eliminate bandits, insurgents in your domain, CAS orders troops

    It was gathered that the operation was made successful, following a tip-off that the suspects had kidnapped nine farmers on a farm belonging to Mr. Godwin Ugu.

    During the raid, troops reportedly rescued five of the hostages, while four others escaped from the kidnappers’ den.

    The Nation learnt that the rescued hostages and some of the suspects, who sustained injuries, were undergoing first aid treatment at the 32 Artillery Brigade Medical Centre.

    Items recovered from the hoodlums were one Dane gun, one axe, two cutlasses, eight live cartridges, one phone and three ring charms.

    It was gathered that the suspects are to be handed over to the appropriate security agency at the conclusion of preliminary investigation.

    The Commander, 32 Artillery, Brig.-Gen. Z.L. Abubakar, has ordered patrols at Ekiti and Ondo to rid the states of hoodlums.

    The commander thanked the public for assisting security agencies and appealed to them to continue to give them information that will lead to the arrest of other criminals.

  • Boko Haram: Michika elders request for more troops, armoured tanks

    Community leaders in Michika, Adamawa State have  appealed to the Nigerian Army to deploy more troops and armoured tanks to the town to enhance security.

    The appeal followed  Monday’s  attack by Boko Haram insurgents on the only commercial bank building in the town on a robbery mission but were repelled by the army.

    Some of the leaders made the appeal yesterday during an operational visit to the town by Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, the acting General Officer Commanding,7 Division of the army, and Commander Sector 1.

    Muhammed Usman, an elder and Head of Muslim Community in Michika, said the call was imperative to fast track and revamp socio-economic activities in the community.

    He explained that additional checkpoints should be mounted in Kuburshosho Goni and Shuwa areas in the town to check future attacks.

    He also urged the army to furnish residents with means of reaching out to them when distressed, saying many locals heard the news of the Monday attack but were constrained to reach out to military authorities.

    He said: “sometimes we hear news of the movement of the insurgents just five kilometers away from the town but we don’t know how to communicate to army. There is the need for army to give us telephone numbers to call when distressed.”

    Mr Jidda Kwache, an elder and District Head of Michika, said that the deployment of more troops in the area would complement the efforts of the fighting troops on ground.

    Kwacha said that the last time the town witnessed any attack was in 2014, noting that the Monday attack left uncertainty in the minds of the people in the community.

    Yakubu Jaha-Michika, the Commander of Hunters in Michika, appealed to the Adamawa Government to deploy more security operatives to the area.

    Jaha-Michika said that the state government should arm and equip local hunters to help in providing local vigilance patrol.

    Reacting, Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu said he was in the town to sympathise with the people on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    He urged the community, traditional and religious leaders in the town to support the military’s effort to defeat Boko Haram and other undesirable elements.

    He said “security is everybody’s business and not for army alone, I, therefore, urge you to always provide prompt information on any suspicious activities.”

  • Boko Haram: Troops construct water, bread factories to support soldiers

    Troops of 115 Task Force Battalion, Operation Lafiya Dole, Nigerian Army in Askira-Uba, have constructed bread and sachet water factories to support soldiers fighting Boko Haram insurgents in Borno.

    Maj. Yusuf Salisu, 115 Task Force Commander, disclosed during Operational visit of Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the army on Friday.

    Salisu, who was represented by Maj. Godwin Ameh, said that the project was executed under the Battalion Commander Humanitarian Initiative.

    He said that the initiative came as part of the modality toward protecting its soldiers from consuming unwholesome and poisonous foods or water from Boko Haram and their sympathisers.

    He explained that some of the bread sold daily in commercial places could contain cancer-causing chemicals, including Potassium Bromate and Potassium Iodate, which are banned substances in the country.

    According to him, the whole idea is to provide healthy food to our soldiers.

    “The initiative was also designed to provide humanitarian support and services to the less privileged in the hospitals, church, mosque and the entire host communities with a view to strengthen civic relationship.

    “So far we have provided bread for more than 2,000 patients in the hospitals in the communities.

    “Every Friday and Sunday we take bread and distribute free of charge to Muslim and Christian in the communities.

    “It has already yielded positive result because we were able to minimise cost of providing breakfast to our soldiers.

    “Also, potable drinking water, which used to pose great challenge in the past had also been addressed through our water factory,” he said.

    “All our factories had been accessed and licensed by NAFDAC and they have certified that the factories met best standard,” he said.

    Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division of the army, commended the troops for the initiative, noting that it would go a long way in reducing risk, illness and improving the health and safety of the troops.

    Biu said: “One of the core strategies of winning any war in the world was threatening civil-military relationship, I am happy that you are already done that here.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai is proud of you; we are all proud of you and this type of laudable initiative of yours cannot be ignored,” he said.

    He urged other brigades within the theatre to emulate the 155 battalion initiative and ideas that would add meaningful value to the welfare of troops while executing the counter terrorism campaign.

    The GOC also charged soldiers and officers in the battalion to be committed, focused and decisive in their duties.

    He assured the army under the leadership of COAS Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai, would work toward providing them with all the necessary support to enhance its operation and win the war. (NAN)