The Nation Newspaper

Tag: troops

  • Adamawa: troops neutralise Boko Haram terrorists in Michika

    The Army said on Tuesday that troops of 115 Task Force Battalion and 143 Battalion in two front coordinated attacks have successfully repelled Boko Haram terrorists in Michika, Adamawa State.

    According to the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Colonel Sagir Musa, scores of Boko Haram terrorists were neutralised during the encounter, with some of them fleeing with gunshot wounds.

    Colonel Musa said in a statement issued in Abuja that the terrorists attacked Michika late night on Monday, but were dealt with severely by troops who organized blocking positions against them.

    He said the terrorists also hurriedly made away with dead bodies of some of their fighters.

    Colonel Musa said: “Boko Haram terrorists met their Waterloo and suffered heavy casualties yesterday evening the 18th of March 2019 when they attempted to infiltrate Michika in Adamawa State.

    Read Also: Boko Haram terrorists attack Adamawa community

    “At about 7.20 pm, gallant troops of 115 Task Force Battalion deployed at Lassa in Borno State received a distress call from vigilantes at Maikadiri village on movement of suspected Boko Haram terrorists along Road Maikadiri – Shuwari enroute Michika.

    “The troops immediately organized blocking positions and swooped on the terrorists which led to an exchange of fire. The terrorists attempted to escape but were intercepted and suppressed with heavy volume of fire.

    “Consequently, the troops with reinforcement from 143 Battalion Gulak engaged the terrorists on Two Front Coordinated Attacks.

    “The BHTs were completely routed by the troops, neutralizing many of them, while others fled in disarray due to superior firepower.

    “As a result, they hastily evacuated most of their corpses under the cover of darkness. The entire area has been dominated by own troops and the situation is completely under control. Items captured from the terrorists include One Ford vehicle, two Toyota Starlet vehicles loaded with foodstuffs, one motorcycle and one tyre inflating machine.

    “Further exploitation is to be conducted this morning. Calm has since returned to the city and inhabitants of the town are hereby enjoined to report the presence of strange faces in their localities and go about their normal businesses. “

  • Troops deployed in Kaduna community after attack

    A COMBINED team of soldiers and mobile policemen have been deployed to troubled Nandu Gbok community in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna, the state police command said yesterday.

    The community was on Saturday morning invaded by gunmen, who killed nine persons and burnt down over 30 houses.

    Spokesman of the Kaduna State Police Command Yakubu Sabo, who dropped the hint in a statement yesterday, said that troops were deployed in the community and its environs to forestall any further break down of law and order.

    He also revealed that efforts were being intensified to apprehend the attackers and bring them to justice.

    Sabo counselled law-abiding residents against resulting to self-help but allow law enforcement justice to take its course.

  • Troops neutralise 33 Boko Haram terrorists in Lake Chad region

    The Multinational Joint Task Force troops operating in the fringes of Lake Chad have again neutralized 33 Boko Haram terrorists with a stern warning to others to surrender forthwith.

    According to its spokesman, Colonel Timothy Antigha, the Task Force using it extensive networks together with Air and ground components raided and mopped up the insurgents in their hideouts within the Theatre of Operation.

    Colonel Antigha explained Thursday in a statement that Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms were also used by the coalition troops of Nigeria, Niger, Cameroun and Chad to deal a deadly blow on the terrorists.

    Antigha said: “In consonance with the determination of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to unhinge the structures of Boko Haram and dismantle its terror networks in the Lake Chad Area, Air and Ground Components of the Task Force have intensified air interdictions and mop up activities in the Area of Operation.

    “In a recent engagement, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance platforms as well as ground attack aircrafts from a coalition of Cameroonian, Niger and Nigerian Air Forces intercepted and destroyed Boko Haram Terrorists in Tunbum Rego, a prominent island in Lake Chad, believed to harbor High Valued Boko Haram Targets.

    “In a related development, MNJTF troops from Sector 4 attacked Boko Haram assets in Arege, killing scores of terrorists in the process. A summary of personnel and equipment casualties suffered by Boko Haram in the last 2 days alone are shown below:

    Thirty three terrorists killed in Action, Two Gun Trucks recovered, One Armoured Personnel Carrier destroyed and Two Motor Cycles destroyed.

    “One 120MM Motar Tube, Twelve AK 47 Riffles, Two 60MM Motar Bombs and Three Thousand Seven Hundred and Thirty Six (3736) rounds of assorted ammunition were recovered. In addition, one Binocular and Two Hand Grenades were also recovered.

    “The MNJTF wishes to warn individuals still associated with Boko Haram to surrender themselves for demobilization and rehabilitation, while the opportunity still exists.”

  • Troops recovered four AK47, one rocket propelled gun, others in Zamfara

    THE troops of “Operation Sharar Daji” in Zamfara State have recovered four AK47, 168 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunitions from bandits that are terrorising and kidnapping villagers.

    The operation’s spokesman, Major Clement Abiade, said from February 15 and March 11, the troops recovered 47 motorcycles, a golf wagon, one rocket-propelled gun and three pounds of marijuana from the bandits in towns and villages.

    He stated that the army neutralised 55 suspects and 24 bandits’ informants were arrested.

    Also, cattle rustlers, logistics suppliers and kidnappers were also arrested and handed over to the police for prosecution.

    Abiade, in a  WhatsApp message, added that air component of “Operation Sharar Daji” carried out several air strikes around Kagara, Gando, Fankama, Fete and Dumburun forests, which resulted in the recovery of 61 rustled cattle and rescue of 760 men, women and children abducted from various communities across the state.

    The troops’ operation has led to the return of over 1,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from Maru Local Government Area to the Bini village deep into the forest.

    Read also: Killings: Zamfara Govt. donates N60m to victims’ families

    Abiade lamented that the feats achieved led to one officer, two soldiers and members of the vigilance group being killed during an encounter with bandits in Kadara forest.

    He added that the last one week had been very traumatic for the people of Zamfara State, especially in Shinkafi, Anka and Zurmi local government areas, where bandits carried out coordinated attacks that led to the death of civilians.

    Abiade stated that the operation’s Force Commander and men were resolute in tackling armed banditry in Zamfara State.

  • Troops neutralise scores of insurgents in Borno, Yobe

    The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that scores of Boko Haram terrorists have been neutralized between Borno and Yobe axis when they attempted to overrun a military base.

    The Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa said following the feat the Chief of Army staff; Lt Gen Tukur Buratai sent words of encouragement to the troops for their gallantry.

    Colonel Isa explained in a statement that some of the fleeing terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds, while their gun trucks and weapons were destroyed.

    He said: “The dogged troops of 152 Battalion successfully crushed some members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) when they attempted to infiltrate their location Wednesday, 11 March 2019 at about 1900hrs around Bula – Yobe, Banki axis in Borno State.

    “The Terrorists in their futile attempt came in with several Gun Trucks mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns and Motorcycles.

    “The troops engaged the terrorists with superior fire power and inflicted heavy casualty on the BHTs and their equipment.

    “The fierce gun battle set confusion and disorganisation in the terrorists’ camp, withdrawing in disarray while the troops gave them a hot pursuit.

    “In that process, unconfirmed numbers of terrorists were neutralized while several others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “A Gun Truck mounted with Anti-Aircraft Gun and several Motorcycles belonging to the BHTs were destroyed while one Gun truck mounted with Anti -Aircraft Gun and Mortar Carrier were captured from the terrorists.

    “The Theatre Commander, Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Benson Akinroluyo through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu extolled their effort and sacrifice and also conveyed the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai’s special commendation for their dogged fighting spirit and brilliance. He urged them to maintain the aggressive posture and sustain the offensive.”

  • Troops kill 41 suspected Boko Haram terrorists

    FORTY-ONE suspected Boko Haram terrorists were at the weekend killed by the Multinational Joint Task Force Troops (MNJTF), the military announced yesterday.

    The terrorists were neutralised in clearance operations by troops who destroyed six gun trucks and other equipment belonging to the insurgents.

    According to the Chief Military Information Officer of the Force, Col. Timothy Antigha, the feat was achieved following the launch of Operation Yancin Tafki last month.

    Col. Antigha explained in a statement that the troops of the MNJTF, comprising of air and land components, would continue to pursue and raid the hideouts of fleeing terrorists until they are wiped out.

    The Force spokesman said: “In continuation of Operation YANCIN TAFKI which was launched last month, troops of the MNJTF, comprising Air and Land Components from Chad, Cameroon, Niger Republic and Nigeria have for the second time in about 10 days, dealt a devastating blow on Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “Last night, Boko Haram Terrorists operating on the Kamadougou River, between Niger and Nigeria, attacked troops location in Gueskerou, about 30 kilometers from Diffa in Niger Republic.

    “However, troops showed valour and gallantry by fiercely defending their location and killing 27 terrorists, destroying six gun trucks and capturing equipment, arms and ammunition.

    “A few terrorists who escaped the fire fight were observed running towards Gashigar in Nigerian territory and were being pursued as at the time of issuing this press release.

    “In a related development, between 3 and 6 pm today (Saturday), MNJTF troops also confronted Boko Haram Terrorists around Abadam, in the general area of Mallam Fatori.

    “A summary of human and equipment casualty suffered by Boko Haram during the engagement is stated below:

    13 Boko Haram Terrorists killed;

    20 AK 47 Rifles, five AA Gun, and another 12 AK 47 Rifles were seized from them.”

    He listed others as: 1000 by 7.62 MM ammunition and 500 by 12.7MM ammunition, adding that one Boko Haram Terrorist was captured alive.

    Col. Antigha also said five motor cycles were seized and another one destroyed by troops.

    According to him four gun trucks were destroyed, three gun trucks captured, three general purpose machine guns captured and three hand grenades were also captured from the terrorists.

    He said: “It would be recalled that about 10 days ago, MNJTF troops also struck Boko Haram Terrorists in Dorou in Niger Republic, neutralising many of them in the process.

    “The MNJTF is therefore determined to intensify subsidiary operations such as raids, ambushes and fighting patrols among others until the last strong hold of Boko Haram in the Lake Chad Basin is neutralised.”

  • Troops inflict more casualties on Boko Haram terrorists

    The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that troops have inflicted heavy casualty on fleeing Boko Haram terrorist after an attack at Gajigana on Saturday.

    Its Deputy Director of Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa, said in a statement that the troops recovered weapons from the terrorists.

    Colonel Isa said :”Following the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) attack at Gajigana on Saturday 16 February 2019 at about 1850hrs and successfully repelled and fatally dealt with by the gallant troops deployed at Gajigana Forward Operating Base (FOB), an early hours exploitation operation was conducted today 17 February 2019 through their withdrawal route to mob up and clear the general area of the remnant elements of the BHTs.

    “During the exploits, it was confirmed that members of the BHTs suffered heavy casualty based on the splits and flow of bloods around the parapets and the tracks where their deads were dragged away through the escape route.

    “Items recovered along the route includes: One 36 hand grenade, Five 60 Millimetre (mm) Mortar rounds, 13 X 12.7mm rounds, 142 X 7.62mm rounds, one AK 47 magazine and a Night Vision Goggle.

    “Based on the occurrence, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brigadier General Abdulmalik Bulama Biu and his team visited the location on Sunday 17 February 2019 to assess the situation and the success of the operation.

    “General Bulama addressed the troops and salute their fighting spirit and urge them to maintain the momentum with assurance that the Division will promptly support them at all times.

    “In that regards, the troops were replenished with more ammunitions and other logistical support on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai to boost their morale and effort in the fight against terrorism and insurgency.“

  • Troops kill several terrorists in Adamawa operation

    The Army said yesterday that several Boko Haram terrorists were killed in Madagali, Adamawa State, by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    According to the Deputy Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa, the terrorists were neutralised by troops of 143 Battalion when the insurgents attempted to infiltrate a military camp.

    Isa said: “Troops of 143 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Sector 1 of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Madagali, Adamawa State, on Saturday, February 9, successfully dealt a big blow to Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs), following an attempted attack by the terrorists to infiltrate the camp at 1803hours (6.03 p.m).

    “The terrorists stormed the location in gun trucks and met their waterloo through stiff resistance coupled with massive fire power from the troops. Troops inflicted serious casualty on the terrorists and their equipment.

    “The troops successfully held their ground, disorganised the terrorists, who later lost momentum and retreated in disarray.

    “During the encounter, the resilient troops neutralised many insurgents, captured one alive while several others scampered for their lives and fled with gunshot wounds.

    “The gallant troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, four magazines, one hand-held grenade, 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 45 rounds of anti-aircraft gun ammunition. Also recovered are two mobile phones and one Sony camcorder camera from the BHTs.

    “Sadly, one soldier and a civilian paid the supreme sacrifice while five others sustained injuries and are receiving medical attention.

     

     

     

  • Troops foil insurgents attack in Adamawa

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said its troops successfully repelled attack coordinated by the Boko Haram insurgents at Madagali town in Adamawa.

    Col. Ado Isa, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 7 Division, said in a statement that the troops killed several insurgents and recovered ammunition when they attempted to attack a military formation in the area.

    Ado disclosed that troops of 143 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade had on Feb. 9, at about 18:00 p.m. successfully repelled the insurgents’ attack when they attempted to infiltrate its location.

    “The terrorists, who stormed the location in gun trucks, met their waterloo through stiff resistance coupled with massive fire power from the troops and inflicted serious casualty on the terrorists and their equipment.

    “The gallant troops held their ground, disorganised the terrorists who later lost momentum and retreated in disarray.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise four terrorists in Borno

    “During the encounter, the resilient troops neutralised many insurgents, captured one alive while several others scampered for their lives and fled with gunshot wounds,” he said.

    Ado listed the ammunition recovered to include five AK-47 rifles, four magazines, one Hand-held grenade, 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 45 rounds of Ant-Aircraft gun ammunition, two cell phones and one video camera.

    The army spokesman also said one soldier and a civilian were killed while five others sustained injuries, adding that they were receiving medical attention.

    According to him, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, and Commander Sector 1, Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig.-Gen. Abdulmalik Biu commended the troops for their doggedness, gallantry, while commiserating with the families of the fallen heroes.

  • Troops kill 21 bandits, capture 17, rescue 89

    Troops of Operation Sharan Daji have between January 22 and 28 neutralised 21 bandits, captured 17 and rescued 89 persons taken hostage by the bandits in Zamfara and Katsina states.

    Giving an update on the operation in a statement yesterday, Maj. Clement Abiade, the Acting Force Information Officer, Operation Sharan Daji, said 55 of the freed captives were held captives in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    He said they had been debriefed and reunited with their families, adding that most of them are from communities in Zamfara.

    Abiade said two bandits’ informants, Musa Amadu and Auwalu Mutairu, were arrested at Danfumi village in Birnin Magaji and were assisting troops with intelligence.

    “It is significant to inform the public that 11 civilians and one vigilante were killed by bandits during the period in focus.

    “It is also important to state that six persons were kidnapped at Asoula village in Tsafe Local Government and not in Birnin Magaji as reported by some media houses,” he said.

    The information officer said during the period under review, one single barrel gun, two locally- made pistols and 20 cartridges of double barrel bullets were recovered from the bandits.

    He listed other recovered arms as 60 rounds of 7.62mm, special one AK-47 magazine containing 18 rounds of 7.62mm special, two Dane guns, four motorcycles and large quantity of Indian hemp and illicit drugs.

    “The operation is designed to identify and destroy bandits’ camps/enclaves,” Abiade said.

    In line with the mandate of Operation SHARAN DAJI (OPSD), troops are conducting operations into bandits’ enclaves in Zamfara and Katsina states. The operation is being conducted simultaneously in collaboration with all security agencies and local vigilantes to achieve synergy. The current offensive is designed to identify and destroy bandits’ camps/enclaves in the area of operation.

    The operation has recorded some successes. On January 22, troops on clearance operation in Gando forest came into contact with a large gang of bandits armed with sophisticated firearms and rocket propelled grenades, leading to fierce gun battles, which lasted several hours. The bandits were forced to abandon their camps due to superior firepower during these encounters. Troops also made contact with bandits operating in Shinkafi, Birnin Magaji and some isolated villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

    Troops of OPSD operating in Katsina State made contact with bandits at different locations around Safana, Runka, Kukan Sama between January 25 and 28.

    The following items were recovered from the bandits during the period: one single barrel gun, two locally-made pistols, 20 cartridges of double barrel bullets, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special, one AK 47 magazine containing 18 rounds of 7.62mm special, two Dane guns, four motorcycles, large quantity of Indian hemp and illicit drugs.

    Umaru, who gave the directive through spokesman Haruna Mohammed, said the measure became necessary following recent upsurge in cultism.

    He asked those involved to desist or have themselves to blame, regardless of their positions.

    “The CP has ordered aggressive manhunt for perpetrators, including their sponsors, in order to stem the tide of the menace. The clamp down has begun with immediate effect.

    “The command is determined to ensure that criminals in whatever guise have no hiding place in the state, no matter how highly placed they may be, especially during this period of campaigns,” he said.

    While vowing to deal with anyone apprehended in accordance with the law, the CP reassured residents of the command’s determination to provide safety and security.

    “The command implores parents/guardians to caution their children and wards to refrain from indulging in cultism and other nefarious activities or face severe legal consequences when arrested,” he added.