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Tag: troops

  • Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Yobe

    The Nigerian Army on Tuesday said its troops had repelled attack coordinated by Boko Haram insurgents at a military formation in Kukareta, Damaturu Local Government Area of Yobe.

    In a statement, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, said the insurgents had on Monday at about 6: 30 pm, attacked a Military Forward Operational Base, in Kukareta community of Yobe.

    Nwachukwu said that the gallant troops engaged the insurgents in fierce battle and repelled the attack, killing many of them, adding that a soldier was wounded in the attack.

    He disclosed that 13 soldiers and two police personnel also lost their lives when they run into an ambush by the insurgents on Damaturu-Maiduguri Road.

    “In another encounter; troops of 1 Division on escort duty along Damaturu – Maiduguri Road, yesterday fought through an ambush staged by Boko Haram terrorists.

    “The gallant troops engaged the terrorists in a fire fight, courageously wading through the ambush. Sadly, thirteen military and a police personnel including an officer, paid the supreme price while extricating themselves from the ambush.

    “A clearance operation to pursue and eliminate the Boko Haram terrorists’ ambush party is still ongoing,” he said.

    According to him, bodies of the gallant soldiers and the wounded were evacuated, adding that the wounded soldier was currently receiving treatment.  (NAN)

  • Soldier dies as troops kill four terrorists in Borno

    The Army said one soldier was killed on Sunday when troops neutralised four Boko Haram terrorists, who came to attack Maibukarti village on Maiduguri-Damboa road.

    Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the Director of Army Public Relations confirmed this in a statement on Monday.

    Read Also: Gunmen terrorise motorists, others in Ondo

    Usman said weapons recovered from the terrorists include four AK-47 rifles, 45 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 5 AK-47 rifle magazines. Also recovered were two motorcycles and one bicycle.

    Other items recovered were one bandolier, one cell phone, three SIM cards, an earpiece, some phone accessories, kolanuts, gloves and drugs.

  • Troops repel attacks by insurgents disguised as aid workers

    The Nigerian Army has repelled attack by Boko Haram insurgents who disguised as humanitarian workers at Gudunbali community in Borno.

    In a statement on Sunday, Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation Lafiya Dole, disclosed that the insurgents, on Dec. 14, attempted to infiltrate the community, disguising as a humanitarian assistance team.

    Nwachukwu said that the insurgents took advantage of the ongoing distribution of relief items in the community and opened fire on troops’ location.

    He revealed that another set of insurgents on mounted gun truck engaged the troops in fierce gun duel, adding that the troops successfully repelled the attack.

    Nwachukwu said: “Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, located at Gudumbali in northern Borno, on Friday Dec. 14, repelled infiltration attempt by suspected Boko Haram terrorists that disguised as humanitarian assistance team.

    “The terrorists took advantage of the ongoing distribution of relief materials at Gudumbali and opened fire on troops’ location, which was followed by rapid fire from other terrorists in gun trucks along Gudumbali-Kukawa axis.

    “The troops, however, fought gallantly and out maneuvered the attackers inflicting heavy casualties on them.

    “Unfortunately, a soldier paid the supreme price during the encounter and one other wounded in action, while a Cobra Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) and a truck belonging to the unit were damaged.”

    The army spokesperson added that the troops recovered bodies of some of the neutralised terrorists, large quantity of ammunition and 8 Rocket Propelled Grenades (RPG) charges.

    According to him, the troops have been reinforced and normalcy restored to the area. (NAN)

  • Troops arrest three suspected gunrunners

    Troops of 1 Division, deployed for Operation Whirl Punch, have arrested three suspected gunrunners, Aminu Umar, 32, Shehu Samaila, 25, and Bilyaminu Abdullahi, 22, in Niger State.

    The army said the suspects were nabbed while heading for Bena in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, which shares boundary with Zamfara State.

    A statement by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Col. Muhammad Dole, in Kaduna said the suspects were arrested on Tuesday during a stop-and- search at Rijau in Niger State.

    He said the troops recovered from the suspects, 44 fabricated locally made single barrel rifles and 351 cartridges being conveyed in a Toyota Corolla car with registration number ZUR 28DX Kebbi.

    Read also: Facebook post: Court admits FRCN reporter to N2m bail

    The army said: “Preliminary investigation shows that the suspected gunrunners were heading for Bena in Danko/Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, which shares boundary with Zamfara State. This arrest is similar to that of Mr. Rabi’u Akilu, who was found in possession of 36 rifles and 343 rounds of ammunition concealed in another Toyota Corolla car heading for Zamfara State last month.”

    It said interrogation was on.

  • Troops repel Boko Haram attack in Borno community

    Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have repelled Boko Haram insurgents’ attack at Jakana village in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State,according to the  News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

    The insurgents reportedly coordinated the attack at Jakana barely 12 hours after the troops repelled them in Bama and Rann communities.

    Although there were no official comments either by the military and government agencies, reports said the troops engaged the insurgents in gun duel to repel the attacks.

    A competent source at the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), said heavily armed insurgents attacked Jakana at about 8 p.m. Friday.

    The source said the troops, with support of other security personnel and members of the vigilante, engaged the hoodlums in serious gun battle, which lasted for over an hour.

    It said that the troops routed the insurgents and many of them escaped with gunshot wounds.

    The vigilance fighter added that there were no casualties on the part of the troops and members of the public in the attack.

    Troops had earlier repelled attacks by the insurgents at Bama and Rann on Friday morning.

    The insurgents burned houses and a Malnourishment Treatment Centre, operated by an NGO at Rann community.

    The military authorities were yet to comment on the incidents as at press time.

     

  • Troops recover weapons in raid on insurgents hideouts

    •New Commanders for Operation LAFIYA DOLE

    TROOPS of 117 Battalion, 28 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with some members of Civilian Joint Task Force, have neutralised some suspected Boko Haram terrorists in their hideouts.

    According to a statement by the Director of Army Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, the raid followed a report on the presence of some suspected Boko Haram insurgents in Yachida, Korongelen, Bombula and Forfor axis in Damboa local government area of Borno State on Tuesday.

    The troops engaged them at Forfor village.

    One of the terrorists was neutralised,  two arrested and several others fled with gunshot wounds. The gallant patrol team recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine, 21 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, a 36 hand grenade, magazine pouch and a motorcycle.

    Two soldiers were injured. They  have since been evacuated to 28 Task Force Brigade Field Ambulance, Brig-Gen Usman said.

    He announced the appointment of new commanders for Operation Lafiya Dole in a major reorganisation .

    Some senior officers were deployed; several others were appointed to head the command structures of various sectors of the operation.

    Brig-Gen Usman said the postings were meant to inject fresh hands into the fight against terrorism in the Northeast.

    His words: “In order to inject new hands in the fight against terrorism and other operations, the Nigerian Army has today (yesterday) authorised the posting and appointments of some of its senior officers.

    “Those affected by the new posting and appointments include some staff officers and commanders at various levels.

    “Specifically,  the newly promoted Maj.- Gen. OT Akinjobi, Head of the Operations Monitoring Team at the Office of the Chief of Army Staff, has been appointed Commander, Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE;  Maj.Gen MG Ali,  Commander 9 Brigade has been appointed Commander of the newly created Nigerian Army Special Forces Command, Brig.-Gen BR Sinjen, Commander, Integrated Fire Support and Brig.-Gen FO Omoigui, has been moved from 2 Division Nigerian Army to Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations and appointed Director of Operations.

    “Brig.-Gen.  TA Lagbaja is to take over as Commander 9 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Aiyenigba, Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College is to move to the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Head of Operations Monitoring Team. Brig.-Gen. AU Kuliya is to take over as Director Land Warfare at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College.”

     

  • Buratai to troops: be wary of fake news

    TROOPS deployed to the Northeast against Boko Haram terrorists have been cautioned by Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai to be wary of Boko Haram terrorists and their sympathisers, especially in the way and manner they employ propaganda to achieve certain objectives.

    Lt-Gen. Buratai said if troops get expose to social media and fake news, there was the likelihood that it would demoralise their fighting spirits and undermine national security.

    The Army chief spoke at a dinner for the troops of Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion (AFSF Bn) and Army Headquarters Strike Group in Maiduguri at the weekend.

    He stressed that the troops should be mindful of what they see and read on the social media as most of the stories were either doctored or fake.

    Believing these stories would demoralise their fighting spirit, thus undermining national security, the COAS added.

    Buratai was also quoted as saying that the armed forces and other security agencies are now fighting terrorism as the days of insurgency has long gone.

    Lt.-Gen. Buratai, according to a statement by Army spokesman Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, emphasised that Boko Haram terrorists have no claim to any territory in Nigeria as of today and, therefore, enjoined the troops to flush out remnants of the terrorists wherever they are hiding..

    The Army boss, who asked the troops to use tactics acquired at different stages of their training as special forces, added that more attention would be given to in-theatre training and intelligence gathering and capabilities of personnel would be enhanced.

    He urged them to maintain the country’s peace and work hand in hand with other security agencies to defend the democratic system.

    “Every commander is already aware of what is expected of him especially, in the upcoming general elections of 2019, therefore you should live up to expectations of the authorities,” Buratai said.

    In his vote of thanks on behalf of the officers and men of both units after the dinner, the Commanding Officer of the AFSF Bn, Navy Commander G. B. Osuobeni, hailed the Army Chief for the visit and the kind gesture of hosting them to a dinner.

    He said the event signifies the COAS appreciation and support of their efforts in the fight against terrorism in the Northeast under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE.

    The Commanding Officer stated that the occasion would remain indelible in their minds and that the troops of both units were highly motivated by the visits and interaction, assuring that they would continue to do their best to clear the remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the border areas and other areas of the Northeast.

  • Buhari reiterates commitment toward improved welfare for Army

    President Muhammadu Burhari on Wednesday reiterated his commitment to improve the welfare of Nigerian Army to enable them discharge their constitutional mandate of protecting the nation’s territorial integrity.

    Buhari gave the assurance while addressing troops at Maimalari Cantonment, Maiduguri.

    He said the troops were always on his mind, adding that he had always woken up thinking about them and the conditions they operated.

    “I will support you to play your constitutional role of defending the integrity of the country from both internal and external forces.
    “This is the oath you have taken just as I took an oath as the President and Commander-In-Chief.

    “I assure you that I go to bed and always wake up thinking about you and the conditions under which you operate.

    “Please, maintain your loyalty and defend the country. Whatever happens, a military no matter how equip or how well led, without discipline is no use to the country,’’ he said.

    Read ALso: PHOTOS: Buhari arrives Maiduguri for COAS conference

    While commending the troops over their gallantry and sacrifices, Buhari urged them to increase their commitment in engaging the outlaw Boko Haram insurgents, without further delay.

    He said plans were on to adopt a new enhanced salary structure for the military in recognition of their contributions to security, social and economic development of the country.

    The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the president also visit injured troops on admission at the Military Medical Centre. Maimalari Barracks, Maiduguri.

    Buhari had earlier inaugurated the 2018 Chief of Army Staff (COAS) conference and paid courtesy visit on the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Ibn Garbai Elkanemi.

  • Troops nab notorious gun runner in Niger

    Troops of Operation Whirl Punch, under the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army has arrested a notorious gun runner, identified as Rabiu Akilu in Niger state.
    Colonel Muhammad Dole, the Deputy Director Army Public Relations 1 Division in a statement said that the the notorious gun runner was apprehended at Garoji Army Check point in Bargu general area of New Bussa LGA of Niger state, while acting on intelligence received.
    He said  the troop that carefully trailed the suspect intercepted his vehicle and the following items such as “21 fabricated locally made single barrels, 15 fabricated locally made barrels Ghana made, 10 fabricated locally made pistols, 343 Cartridges and  one Toyota Corolla with registration number ZUR 416 DX KEBBI.”
    He added that Akilu who hails from Dangulbi village of Maru LGA of Zamfara state  is currently assisting security operatives in the investigation.
    While assuring that  troops of Operation Whirl Punch will ensure safety passage on the roads and major highways, as well as elimination of bandits, kidnappers and cattle rustlers in its areas of operation, he urged the  general public, especially motorists,  to please cooperate with the troops during any stop and search operation and continue to volunteer information on the activities of the criminals in the society.

  • Troops kill two Boko Haram commanders

    The Army yesterday said its troops had killed two Boko Haram commanders and reclaimed some communities in the current clearance operations in Borno State.

    In its twitter handles, the Army also said the commanders, identified as Abu Rajal and Tuja Sa’inna Banki, were killed in the operation.

    “Recall that troops of 25 Task Force Brigade, Chibok and 28 Task Force Brigade, Damboa, embarked on Joint Clearance Operations from Gumsuri to Gambori in Borno State on November 9; they successfully cleared and liberated some villages.

    “Reports just reaching the Army headquarters confirmed that two high profile Boko Haram terrorists’ commanders, named Abu Rajal and Tuja Sa’inna Banki, were killed during the clearance operations,” it twitted.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, hailed the gallant troops and urged them to carry out further incursions and clearance operations to ensure that the remnants of the insurgents were completely wiped out,” the Army said.

    Also yesterday, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said Boko Haram insurgents on a robbery mission on Saturday night at Bale Shuwa village in Jere Local Government Area of Borno State stole cows, sheep and goats.

    A statement in Maiduguri, the state capital, by NEMA’s Northeast Zonal Coordinator Bashir Garga said: “Suspected Boko Haram insurgents attacked Bale-Shuwa village in Jere Local Government Area at 7.30 p.m on Saturday.

    “One disabled person was allegedly killed and 65 houses were burnt, while 200 cows, 300 sheep and goats were carted away.”

    Garga said those wounded in the attack were treated, adding that humanitarian needs assessment was being conducted to ensure mobilisation of immediate relief assistance to the victims.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that normalcy has been restored in the area as people who earlier fled the communities returned to their homes after the military repelled the insurgents’ attack.