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Tag: troops

  • Troops kill 21 bandits, capture 17 in Zamfara, Katsina

    Troops of Operation Sharan Daji have between Jan. 22 and Jan. 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 on Tuesday, 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.

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

    He also disclosed that two bandits’ informants, Musa Amadu and Auwalu Mutairu, were arrested at Danfumi village in Birnin Magaji and were currently assisting troops with intelligence.

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

    Read Also: Troops neutrilise four terrorists in Borno

    “It is also important to state that six persons were kidnapped at Asoula village in Tsafe Local Government Area 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,’’ he said.

  • Troops neutralise four terrorists

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have neutralised four Boko Haram terrorists in their hideout in Makinta Meleri, Borno state, the Nigerian Army announced on Friday.

    According to the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Ado Isa, the troops also recovered arms from the terrorists.

    A statement by Colonel Isa reads: “Troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army in Operation LAFIYA DOLE based on credible information today conducted a clearance operation on suspected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) hideout along Makinta Meleri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “During the operation, the gallant troops neutralised four terrorists and recovered 4 AK-47 Rifles with registration numbers 58012289, 565240898 and 58006027, respectively.

    “They also recovered 3 Rifle Magazines containing 32 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition and 3 Bicycles.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise 58 bandits, rescue 78

    “While commending their gallantry, the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig Gen Abdulmalik Bulama Biu told them the Chief of Army Staff is proud of their doggedness and they should sustain the offensive until the BHTs are flushed out and total peace and security restored

    “We wish to solicit for more information on suspected Boko Haram terrorist hideout”.

  • Boko Haram: Troops kill four, recover weapons in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Friday said its troops killed four Boko Haram insurgents in the
    ongoing clearance operation at Makinta-Meleri in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno.

    Col. Ado Isa, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations 7 Division, in a statement in Maiduguri, said that the troops also recovered weapons from the insurgents.

    He disclosed that troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army of Operation Lafiya Dole based on credible information conducted clearance operation on suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ hideout at Makinta-Meleri area of Konduga Local Government Area.

    “During the operation, the gallant troops neutralised four terrorists and recovered AK-47 rifles with registration
    numbers: 58012289, 565240898 and 58006027.

    “They also recovered three Rifle Magazines containing 32 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and three bicycles.”

    Isa quoted the acting General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division, and Commander Sector 1 Operation Lafiya Dole, Brig.-Gen. Bulama Biu, as commending the troops for their gallantry.

    Biu told the troops that the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, was proud of their doggedness and urged them to sustain the offensive until the insurgents were flushed out to ensure total restoration of peace and security to the region.

    The army spokesman also called on the people to provide useful information on suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts.

  • Troops kill 58 bandits

    The Army said yesterday that 58 bandits had been killed by troops in clearance operations within Kaduna, Katsina and Zamfara axis.

    It said 78 kidnap victims were rescued.

    The Army said 18 camps of the bandits operating in forests within the area were destroyed by troops of Operation Sharan Daji, adding that arms and ammunition were recovered from them.

    It said two soldiers and two members of a vigilance group were killed during the encounter.

    A statement by the Acting Force Information Officer for Operation Sharan Daji, Major Clement Abiade, said eight soldiers and six vigilance group members were injured during the clearance operation.

    Read also: Experts seek truly ‘independent’ electoral umpire

    He said: “In line with the mandate of Operation Sharan Daji, troops began clearance operations into bandits’ enclaves in Zamfara and Katsina states on January 19, to last till June. The operation is being conducted simultaneously in collaboration with security agencies and vigilance groups to achieve synergy. The offensive is designed to identify and destroy bandits’ camps/enclaves in the area of operation.

    “Already, the operation has recorded some successes. On 20 January, troops came into contact with a large gang of bandits armed with sophisticated firearms and rocket-propelled grenades at Dumburum and Gando forests leading to fierce gun battle, which lasted several hours. The bandits were forced to abandon their camps due to superior firepower during these encounters.

    “The items recovered from the bandits include, five fabric national rifles, four AK 47 rifles, 10 locally-made rifles, one locally- fabricated pistol and 40 motorcycles.

    “The casualty figures on the bandits’ side were 58 bandits neutralised, while one was captured alive. Troops also destroyed 18 camps and rescued 75 kidnap victims held in some of these camps. The freed captives, who were mostly from local communities in Zamfara State, were debriefed and reunited with their families.”

  • Troops neutralise activities of bandits, lost 2 soldiers

    Troops have neutralised activities of some bandits in Zamfara, in an operation to rid the state of criminal elements.

    The troops also captured one of the bandits alive.

    A statement by Maj. Clement Abiade, the Acting Force Information Officer of the ongoing Operation Sharan Daji, however, said two soldiers and two members of the vigilante were killed in the encounter.

    Abiade said eight other soldiers and six vigilantes sustained various degrees of gunshot injuries.

    According to him, troops also rescued 75 people taken captives by the bandits after destroying 18 of their camps in the state.

    Read Also: Troops neutralise Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe

    He said that the freed captives mostly from local communities in Zamfara, had been debriefed and reunited with their families.

    Abiade listed items recovered from the bandits to include five Fabric National Rifles, four AK Rifles, 10 locally made rifles, one locally fabricated pistol and 40 motorcycles.

    He said clearance operations of bandits’ enclaves in Zamfara and Katsina States which began on Jan. 20 would continue till June.

  • Troops neutralise Boko Haram terrorists in Yobe

    The Army yesterday said its troops have repelled Boko Haram terrorists during their attacks at Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.

    It said scores of the insurgents were killed during the encounter.

    A statement by the Assistant Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, Major Nureni Alimi, said four soldiers sustained injuries during the encounter.

    The statement said: “Troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade and Nigerian Army Special Forces School at Buni Yadi in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State successfully defeated Boko Haram terrorists that launched an attack on the military base.

    “The terrorists came to engage the Brigade around 4.15 p.m on Sunday, January 20, daring the troops for almost two and a half hours. The gallant troops stood their ground and thoroughly dealt with them.

    “Two gun trucks of the terrorists were collected from them and some of them were neutralised in the process while several others were seen taking to their heels with gunshot injuries. A cache of anti-aircraft ammunitions and bombs of rocket-propelled guns were also recovered.

    “The troops were in high spirit as they all started jubilating with high morale. Only four soldiers sustained minor injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the Brigade medical facility.”

  • Troops repel insurgents’ attack in Borno

    The Nigerian Army on Thursday said its troops had successfully repelled attacks coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents at Gajiram community in Ngazai Local Government Area of Borno.

    Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, said in a statement that the troops killed several insurgents and recovered weapons when the terrorists tried to infiltrate the community on Tuesday.

    “Troops of Operation LAfIYA DOLE deployed in the Forward Operational Base at Gajiram, fiercely countered a group of Boko Haram terrorists, who made frantic attempts to infiltrate the community on Tuesday Jan. 15, 2019.

    Read Also: Army uncovers Boko Haram logistics suppliers in Borno

    “The terrorists want to take advantage of the cover of darkness to attack the town. They met with prompt response of the vigilant troops, who fiercely engage them in combat, killing several of the insurgents,” he said.

    Nwachukwu said that the troops also recovered one Ak-47 rifle, two Ak-47 Magazines, one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) tube, three Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, four Bomb Chargers and Light Machine Gun belt links.

    The army spokesman said the gallant troops were on the pursuit of the terrorists who fled the scene of the encounter.

  • Boko Haram: Troops, fallen soldiers’ relatives need greater support, says Dickson

    A Bayelsa State governor, Hon. Henry Seriake Dickson, has pleaded with the nation’s political leaders and the entire citizenry to give more support to the armed forces in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents in the North East.

    A statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media Relations, Mr. Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the governor as making the call while paying a condolence visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal SadiqueAbubakar, at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) headquarters yesterday on the death of Bayelsa-born Flt-Lt. Pereowei Jacob and four others in a helicopter crash on January 2.

    Dickson said that it was necessary for leaders across Nigeria to give priority to supporting the efforts of the men of the armed forces, some of whom he said have paid the supreme price in the process of defending the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    He said that the government and people of Bayelsa State were particularly saddened by the loss of the pilot, Flt-Lt. Pereowei Jacob, and four others in the crash.

    He said the condolence visit paid to NAF headquarters was meant not only to mourn and grieve with NAF, but to also encourage the military and security agencies on the ongoing battle against Boko Haram insurgents.

    Dickson, who said he would be visiting the widow of the late pilot to announce the support of the Bayelsa State government to her, also called on Nigerian leaders to give necessary support to the loved ones left behind by military officers and others who were killed in action.

    He said: “I am here because of the recent tragedy that befell your service, our nation and our state also.

    “I am referring to the unfortunate incident as a result of which you lost some of your gallant officers who have been at the forefront in the efforts aimed at containing insurgency.

    “We are saddened by the loss of these very brilliant, dedicated, promising officers.

    “The government and people of Bayelsa are further saddened that the pilot who died in that incident, Pereowei Jacob, was a Bayelsan.

    “The government feels that we should visit you to condole with you, your officers, the airmen and women.

    “I will also be visiting the family, especially the young widow who was married and stayed with her husband for just about three weeks before the sad incident.

    “Bayelsa mourns with you. Bayelsa grieves with you. But, above all, we are here to show solidarity with you the Air Force and indeed the military in the efforts that are being made to keep the country safe.

    “I want to use this opportunity to call for more support for the Armed Forces.

    “I call on all Nigerians and leaders to join hands to support the work of the military and security agencies in containing the insurgency.

    “Everyone is paying a price. Your officers and men have once again paid the supreme price, and we are here to acknowledge the contributions and sacrifices of your men and, indeed, all the officers, to keep the country safe.”

    In his remarks, the Chief of Air Staff said that the helicopter crash that led to the unfortunate death of the Air Force personnel would not discourage the service from intensifying the onslaught against the insurgents.

    He said that NAF was focused and working hard to carry out its statutory responsibility of protecting the territorial integrity of Nigeria.

    The governor was accompanied on the visit by a former member of the Armed Forces Ruling Council, AVM Larry Koinyan (rtd); a former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Power, Ambassador GodknowsIgali; Major Lancelot Anyanya (rtd) and others.

  • Boko Haram: Army buries 13 soldiers, one officer in Kaduna

    A Captain of the Nigerian Army and 13 soldiers recently ambushed and killed by the insurgents in the troubled North East part of Nigeria have on Friday been buried in Kaduna.

    The Nation learnt that the officer and soldiers were ambushed by Boko Haram terrorists while on escort duty along Damaturu Maiduguri road on the 24th of December, 2018.

    The 14 officers and soldiers who were until their death under thebed1 Division Nigerian Army, we’re buried at Commonwealth Military Cemetry, Kaduna amidst tears.

    Speaking at the burial, the General Officer Commanding, (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj-Gen Mohammed Mohammed said, it has been a grim day in the Division and the entire Army since the departure of the fallen heroes.

    While consoling the family members of the deceased at the Commonwealth cemetery in Kaduna where he said that the slain soldiers exemplified the values of the nation and the military.

    “Your husband and children paid the ultimate sacrifice in the defence of this great country. They did not die in vain as they given the ultimate duty to Nigeria. We will remember them forever as the brave soldiers,” he said

    He urged that the gallant troops should not to relent in their efforts to ensure that they get rid of kidnappers, bandits and other criminal elements.

    “These enthusiastic and inspiring men exemplified the values of our nation and the military which, loyalty, courage selfless service, respect, honour dignity.

    Read Also: Troops arrest wanted Boko Haram terrorists

    He said the slain soldiers have achieved in keeping Nigeria as one. “And we are so very proud of them. Your labour will never be in vain”.

    Major General Mohammed, while assuring the gallant troops said: ” I want to assure you of the unwavering support of the Chief of Army Staff and the leadership of our dear nation in ensuring that you are provided with necessary equipment as well as adequate welfare to carry out your duty effectively and efficiently”.

    However, Commandant of Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Major Gen. Adeniyi Oyebade who was at the burial approved the sum of N500,000 (five hundred thousand naira) to each of the family of the slain soldiers.

  • Boko Haram battle: Go on the offensive, CAS tells troops

    THE time for the military to be on the offensive on insurgents is now, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar has said.

    In his New Year message, Air Marshal Abubakar urged directed troops to take the battle to Boko Haram Terrorists and other criminal elements and smoke them out from the hideouts.

    The CAS, in a New Year message to Nigerian Air Force (NAF) personnel, said the military should act decisively not minding the malicious propaganda of terrorists and their sympathisers.

    He lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his administration’s support to the military in the past three and half years, saying a lot of grounds have been covered in the process.

    The Air Force chief also enjoined airmen and air women as well as officers, to remain apolitical as the country prepares for the general election next month.

    Air Marshal Abubakar said: “Let me congratulate us all for entering into this New Year full of hope and expectations, and also express my profound thanks to you, for your patriotism, dedication to duty, commitment and hard work, as well as your countless sacrifices made in service to our great nation.

    ”Over the past three-and-a-half years, the NAF has made giant strides and recorded significant achievements in the ongoing fight against terrorism, insurgency and other forms of criminality in the country.

    “In this regard, our modest accomplishments have been greatly facilitated by the enhancement of our aircraft holdings through acquisition of new platforms and reactivation of existing ones.

    “In addition, we have raised the standards of professionalism in the Service through robust human capacity development, coupled with the expansion of NAF organisational structure and systematic ugmentation of our personnel strength.

    “Also of note has been the focus on improving personnel welfare and result-oriented Research and Development (R&D) which have had a marked positive impact on our operational effectiveness.

    “The totality of these achievements enabled us to project Air Power, not only within our country in the various theatres of conflict but also beyond our shores.

    “Our Alpha Jets were the first and only fighter aircraft deployed in the Gambia to actualise the mandate of the Gambian people and facilitate the peaceful handover of political power to President Adama Barrow.

    “The C-130s, flying the Nigerian flag, also transported humanitarian relief materials to the Sierra Leonean people after the unfortunate mudslides that affected that country in August 2017.

    “The NAF thus stands ready to continue to fulfil its primary responsibilities whilst also providing aid to civil authority in whatever roles that may from time to time be required.

    “The outgone Year 2018 was indeed marked by both challenges and opportunities; however, the NAF, with the vital support of all stakeholders, was able to exploit the opportunities while overcoming the challenges encountered along the way.

    “In the fight against Boko Haram, we saw the emergence of new tactics as well as the introduction of highly experienced and skilled fighters and technology, as ISIS elements, dislodged from Syria, relocated to the North East of our country.

    Read also: Govt orders $877m arms to fight Boko Haram, others

    “Our gallant fighter and helicopter gunship pilots are adapting creditably to these emerging nuances and making good progress, despite recent setbacks.

    “The Year 2019 similarly promises to be filled with challenges and opportunities, and we must gear up to make the most of the opportunities for greater service delivery, whilst leveraging our collective resolve to surmount the inherent challenges.

    “I, therefore, enjoin all NAF personnel to march into the future with the rugged and optimistic determination for which we are known, while remaining professional in the discharge of your constitutional duty of ensuring the security of our Beloved Nation and its Good People.

    “You must be courageous, take the battle to the terrorists and fight them to the finish not minding the malicious propaganda of the terrorists and their sympathisers.

    “You must also remember, in the course of your duties, to always show compassion and respect for all law-abiding citizens.

    “Furthermore, as the 2019 general elections draw near, I urge you all to remain apolitical in your professional duties, and firmly resist any entreaties to be used against the interest of our beloved nation by any unscrupulous elements.

    “Nonetheless, you are encouraged to exercise your legitimate rights to vote for the candidates of your choice on Election Day.

    “The various achievements recorded by the NAF over the years would not have been possible without the enabling environment and resources provided by the Federal Government under the leadership of the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

    “We, therefore, thank Mr. President, for the confidence reposed in the Service and pledge our commitment to even greater output in this New Year.

    “We also appreciate the tremendous support from the National Assembly, Ministry of Defence, Defence Headquarters, Nigerian Army and Navy as well as other security agencies, and, of course, the Nigerian people.”