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Tag: troops

  • Air Force Chief, Senators, mark Eid el Fitr with troops

    The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on the Nigerian Air Force, Senator Duro Faseyi and other top NAF officers marked the Eid-el Fitr celebrations at the front-line to boost the morale of troops in the fight against insurgents in the Northeast.
    According to a statement signed by the Director of Public Relations and Information of the NAF, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the visit to the war fronts was in line with the tradition already established by the present leadership of the NAF in furtherance of the commitment towards professionalism.
    AVM Adesanya also disclosed that during the visit, a multipurpose hall built by the NAF leadership in hounour of the late AVM Emmanuel Edem was commissioned by the Air Force Chief.
    The statement reads: “In keeping with the tradition established since becoming the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) in July 2015, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, yesterday 15 June 2018, arrived in Maiduguri to celebrate the Eid-el-Fitr with Nigerian Air Force (NAF) frontline troops serving in Maiduguri. He was accompanied by senior officers from NAF Headquarters, Abuja.
    ” The visit also provided an avenue for the NAF to commission a newly built multipurpose hall at NAF’s 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri. The hall, which was named after late Air Vice Marshal Emmanuel Edem, a one time Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command, was commissioned by Senator Duro Faseyi, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Air Force. Also present at the occasion was Mrs Bernardette Edem, wife of the late senior NAF officer that was honoured.
    “While commissioning the AVM EE Edem Hall, Senator Faseyi observed that the construction of the hall for use by the frontline troops was another significant achievement by NAF. He therefore praised the CAS and the rest of the NAF leadership for their unflinching commitment, which had resulted in the repositioning of the NAF for better service delivery.
    http://staging.thenationonlineng.net/naf-neutralises-boko-haram/
    “He stated that the Senate Committee on Air Force was a witness to the commissioning of several projects across all NAF units, geared towards enhancing NAF’s operational effectiveness and raising the morale of personnel.
    “On the naming of the newly built hall after late AVM Edem, Senator Faseyi was of the view that it was an indication that the NAF, and the country at large, would forever be grateful to those who had served the nation well, even in death. He then charged personnel of 105 Composite Group to properly maintain and make good use of the new facilities.
    “He also saluted the personnel for their bravery, which according to him, was responsible for the relative peace being enjoyed in Maiduguri and the overall corporate existence of Nigeria. He then stated that the nation truly appreciates their daily sacrifices and therefore urged them to remain committed in the interest of the nation.
    “In his remarks, the CAS said he had come with other senior NAF officers to celebrate the Sallah with the personnel, in appreciation of their efforts towards ensuring that Nigerians are secured and are able to pursue their legitimate aspirations without any hindrance.
    ” He therefore thanked guests, particularly Senator Faseyi and Mrs Edem, who came to join in celebrating with the frontline troops, who constantly put their lives on the line to ensure the security of our communities.
    “He recollected his promise in the preceding year that the troops would no longer have to eat under the hot sun while collectively celebrating festive seasons. Air Marshal Abubakar therefore expressed his delight that the promise had been fulfilled with the commissioning of the hall, which had created a more conducive environment for the troops to celebrate.
    “The CAS informed the troops that the NAF had made a lot of gains in the efforts to re-professionalize the NAF. He disclosed that the NAF had been expanded for enhanced operational effectiveness, administrative efficiency and better service delivery. In particular, he mentioned that several Special Forces personnel had been trained and already deployed to newly established NAF units all over the country.
    ” In addition, the NAF has largely addressed the welfare needs of personnel, especially through the provision of residential accommodation, distribution of uniforms, among others. He added that the Federal Government had also been quite supportive in the efforts to enhance the capability of the NAF through the acquisition of new aircraft and reactivation of grounded ones.
    “He therefore expressed the gratitude of the NAF to President Muhammadu Buhari, members of the National Assembly and other government agencies for facilitating the re-professionalization of the NAF. Air Marshal Abubakar also disclosed that, earlier in the day, President Buhari had specifically directed that he should convey his appreciation to the troops, for their daily sacrifices while reminding them that we had no other country but Nigeria and we should therefore work harder to ensure its unity and safeguard its territorial integrity.
    “On late AVM Edem, the CAS revealed that the late senior officer was a highly committed and detribalized individual, who was only interested in the values that personnel could add to the Service and not their tribes or religious inclination.
    “He then recounted some deeds by the late Snr Offr, who he reported to be a man who exhibited much integrity. According to Air Marshal Abubakar, those were some of the reasons the late senior officer was being honoured by naming the new hall after him. He then encouraged all NAF personnel to emulate those unique values exhibited by late AVM Edem”.

  • Your sacrifices will not be in vain, GOC assures troops

    Maj.-Gen Muhammad Muhammad, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division, Nigerian Army, has assured troops serving in Operation Zaman Lafiya Dole in the Northeast that their sacrifices will not be in vain.

    Also, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has tasked officers and men engaged in the fight against insurgency and banditry to ensure strict professionalism in their dealings.

    Muhammad gave the assurance yesterday when he visited some wounded soldiers and officers of the operation at 44 Reference Hospital, Kaduna.

    He said in Operation Zaman Dole ward, where the 106 wounded personnel were receiving treatment: “We are here because of this Sallah (Eid-el-fitr) period.

    “A lot of us are out there enjoying the Sallah, unknown to us there are some of our colleagues, who are not able to.

    “The only way to make them feel that they belong to the society is to be with them and share with them so that we give them that sense of belonging and comfort them.

    “Because some of them don’t have limbs, others are with so many challenges; it is by this we comfort them.

    “If we don’t also address them this period of time, it means we have abandoned them. We assure them that their sacrifices are not in vain that is why we are here.’’

    Muhammad assured the personnel that in the next visit, the army would do all within its resources to alleviate their sufferings.

    “Those of them that are in need of immediate evacuation, we will also make concrete steps to make it known to the army authority that this particular patient needs particular attention.

    “You could see from the degree of their ailments, some of them need to be prioritised and based on availability of funds, they will be channelled to the respective medical facilities for medical care,” he said

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), during the visit, the GOC donated 10 cartoons of noodles, 10 cartons of sardine, 20 cartons of biscuits, sugar, beverages, among others to the patients.

    Air Marshal Abubakar while while playing host to members of the Air Component of “Operation Lafiya Dole” at Eid El-Fitr lunch at the Yola Air Force Base expressed satisfaction with the troop.

    Represented by the Commander of the Air Task Force of Operation Lafiya Dole, AVM Idi Lubo, the air chief said he was satisfied with the commitment shown by the Force in the fight against insurgency and urged officers to sustain the tempo.

    He said the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) remained committed to supporting ground troops in ensuring total elimination of the insurgents and bandits.

    He extended the goodwill message of the President and Commander in Chief to the troops and assured them of sustained support in areas of equipment and welfare to continue to deliver in containing security challenges.

    The commander of the Yola NAF Base, Air Commodore Anthony Ndace, lauded the CAS for the lunch, which he described as part of gesture to motivate officers and men.

    He listed the recent launch of accommodation quarters and other projects in the base by the CAS and assured him of personnel loyalty and commitment toward discharging their duties.

    He noted that “This shows commitment of the CAS to motivate personnel. We, the commanders are learning on your exemplary leadership.

    “I want to pledge our loyalty to the President and Commander in Chief, and to assure you of our total commitment to the discharge of our assigned tasks.”

     

     

  • Troops arrest man for aiding bandits

    The Nigerian Army said troops have arrested a man suspected to be a logistic supplier to bandits in some villages in Kaduna state.
    In a statement issued by the Army Director of  Public Relations, Brig. Gen Texas Chukwu, the Army gave the name of the man as Abdulkadir Samaila.
    The statement reads: ” Troops of 1 Division Garrison Nigerian Army Kaduna, deployed in operation IDON RAINI on 6 June 2018 while carrying out cordon and search at Dogon Dawa arrested one Abdulkadri Samaila a logistics supplier to bandits.
    “Also arrested is Alhaji Yahaya who is also responsible for supplying some items to the criminals.
    “Items recovered from the suspect include: One Opel car, Two handsets and Thirty four thousand naira Cash only.
    “Similarly, troops also conducting raid operation at Sabonfilin village  encountered some bandits.
    ‘Three of the bandits were neutralized following a superior fire power from the troops.
    “Items recovered include: Four motorcycles ,  Four handsets A substance suspected to be solution”.

  • Five soldiers killed as troops neutralise Boko Haram fighters

    The army last night said five soldiers were killed as troops fought through an ambush laid by Boko Haram terrorists in Borno state.

    According to a statement by the Director of Army public relations Brig Gen Texas Chukwu,  scores of Boko Haram terrorists were killed during the encounter.

    Brig Gen. Chukwu said the bodies were evacuated to a military hospital.

    He said: “Troops of 271 Tasks Force Battalion deployed in Operation Lafiya Dole today Thursday 31 May 2018, while on clearance operation along Pridang – Bitta in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, fought through an ambush staged by elements of Boko Haram Terrorists.

    “During the fight troops ran into Improvised Explosive Device (IED) buried along Pridang – Bitta road by Boko Haram Terrorists before encountering the ambush.

    ” In the fire fight that ensued, the gallant troops fought through the ambush, they neutralized several Boko Haram Terrorists, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    “Sadly,  five military personnel paid the supreme price as a result of the Improvised Explosive Device attack.

    “The remains of the deceased personnel have been promptly evacuated to 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital.”

  • 146 Boko Haram members surrender to troops in Borno

    ONE hundred and forty-six suspected Boko Haram members have willingly given up their arms and surrendered to troops.

    Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole Maj-Gen. Roger Nicholas gave the figure at a news conference while parading 17 suspects, who renounced their membership of Boko Haram at the military command in Maiduguri.

    Maj-Gen. Rogers said: “Seventy of them had surrendered in Munguno, 60 in Bama and this set of 17 just willingly surrendered to our troops.”

    He explained that Operation Safe Corridor has urged the insurgents to repent.

    The operation, the Theatre Commander noted, is yielding results as many of the insurgents are coming out from their fighting camps to surrender.

    He added that the army had established designated centres at various commands and formations, where the insurgents can surrender.

    He promised that they would be treated with respect.

    According to him, the 17 insurgents said they were no longer interested in staying in the bush as Boko Haram fighters but to come out and live a better life.

    He added that the repentant insurgents would be properly profiled, de-radicalised and re-integrated into the society.

    Some of the paraded Boko Haram insurgents, who spoke to reporters, said they were tired of the crimes they had committed fighting as Boko Haram insurgents.

    One of the suspects, Mustapha Umar, said:  “I’m a commander at the Lake area. My operation was mainly on the water. My regret was the number of persons I have killed and took their money. I have killed many people, but I am asking for forgiveness.”

     

  • Troops kill 36 herdsmen in Benue, others

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops eliminated 36 militia herdsmen at the weekend in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara states.

    Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) has begun in the two states.

    A statement by Acting Director of Defence Information Brig.-Gen. John Agim said  a soldier was killed and two others injured.

    They have, however, been treated and discharged from hospital.

    Gen. Agim said eight bandits were arrested and handed over to officials of the Department of State Sevices (DSS)  in Taraba State, adding that arms were recovered from the militia gang.

    The statement reads: “Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara States, conducted a four prong clearance operations at the weekend. At Umaisha and Toto villages of Nasarawa State, troops ambushed the militia following a tip off.

    “In the ensuing melee, 1xG3 rifle; 193×17.62 mm NATO; 81xG3 rifle ammunition; a locally-made pistol and a FN magazine were recovered. One militia was killed.

    “A suspected herdsman, Adamu Abdullahi, was arrested at Rukubi, Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. He was in possession of an ID card of the Vigilance Group of Nigeria, Nasarawa State Command, and a photograph where he posed with an AK-47 rifle.

    “The suspect is being interrogated and will be handed over to the police thereafter

    “Similarly, clearance operations across Gwer West, Logo and Guma councils of Benue State was conducted at the weekend. Troops made contact with armed herdsmen around lower Benue and a militia camp at Chetarer village.

    “The troops engaged the militia and followed the pursuit with M135 Helicopter of their air component. This led to a many of them being neutralised.

    “In all, 35 herdsmen were neutralised and many of them escaped with injuries.

    “However, a soldier was killed in action (KIA), two sustained injuries but have been treated and discharged. Also, one soldier is still missing in action.

    “Musa Habu (32) was also arrested at Kolo, Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Items recovered from him include one-locally made pistol; 2xcartridges; a mobile phone and N130 cash.

    “Preliminary investigation showed that the suspect is linked with some suspected militia in that locality. He has been handed over to the DSS for necessary action.

    “Troops of OPWS sector 3 Taraba, on patrol through Kwesati, Manya-Garagun axis, made contact with eight bandits who were arrested and armed with two AK-47 rifles; 1xK2 rifle and 2 x locally-made guns.

    “Ammunition recovered from them include 56 rounds of 7.6mm, 25 rounds of k2, 3x cartridge, charms, and phones, among others. The suspects and items will be handed over to DSS for further investigation.”

  • 40 held for pipeline vandalism, cultism, impersonation

    Forty persons have been arrested for pipeline vandalism, cultism and impersonation, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division Maj. Gen. Enobong Udoh said yesterday.

    They were arrested by a combined team of soldiers, Department of State Service (DSS), police task force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC) officials.

    Parading the suspects at the 174 Battalion, Odogunyan in Ikorodu, Lagos, Udoh said 12 of them were arrested early Wednesday in Magboro, Ogun State, during a patrol by the anti-illegal bunkering and anti-pipeline vandalism team.

    The suspects, he said, were scooping petrol from a vandalised pipeline when they sighted the patrolling security team. The suspects allegedly shot sporadically to escape from the scene.

    Udoh said: “On sighting the troops, the armed vandals fired sporadically before abandoning their vehicles loaded with the refined petroleum products and some empty jerry cans. They fled to avoid being arrested. Notwithstanding, the troops arrested 12 of the vandals during a cordon-and-search operation conducted around the vicinity.”

    The GOC said 8,300 litres of PMS (patrol) and 24 vehicles, including three trucks, nine buses, eight space wagon cars, one Hilux van, three saloon cars and four motorcycles were recovered from the suspects.

    According to him, five persons were arrested with 19,600 litres of petrol in a similar operation by troops at a Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in Akute.

    Udoh said the 12 suspected impostors among them were picked up at some locations in Lagos and Ogun states. The suspects, he said, were in military uniform.

    Eleven, he said, were arrested for cultism in Ibeshe and Odokekere areas of Ikorodu, Lagos.

    Four of the suspected cultists, the GOC said, had been on the wanted list after their escape during a raid carried out last month by Operation Cordon-and-Search in Ejirin Depression area.

    Udoh said the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigations after which they would be handed over to the appropriate security agencies. He praised Lagos and Ogun residents for giving out information on the activities of the suspects.

    He said: “Special operations set up by the Nigerian Army will not relent until our communities are ridding of all forms of cultism, vandalism and other violent criminal activities and their perpetrators. I enjoin members of the public to continue to reach out to our men to give useful information that will assist us in ridding vulnerable areas of the activities of criminal elements.”

  • Troops arrest 40 for pipeline vandalism, cultism

    12 impostors held in military uniform

     

    A team of security agencies, led by troops of 81 Division of the Nigerian army, has arrested 40 suspected criminals for offences bordering pipeline vandalism, cultism, and impersonation.

    Some of the suspects were apprehended after gun battle with the security team, comprising soldiers, Department of State Service (DSS) operatives, police task force, Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Lagos Neighbourhood Safety Corps.

    Parading the suspects on Thursday at the 174 Battalion, Odogunyan in Ikorodu, Lagos, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Major-General Enobong Udoh, said 12 suspected pipeline vandals were arrested in early hours of Wednesday in Magboro, Ogun State, during anti-illegal bunkering and anti-pipeline vandalism patrol.

    The suspected vandals, he said, were scooping Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a pipeline they severed when they sighted the security team on patrol.

    The armed vandals allegedly fired shots sporadically to escape from the scene.

    Read Also: Suspected cultists arraigned for firearms possession

    Udoh said: “On sighting the troops, the armed vandals fired sporadically before abandoning their vehicles loaded with the refined petroleum products and some empty jerry cans.

    They fled to avoid being arrested. Notwithstanding, the troops arrested 12 of the vandals during a cordon and search operation conducted around the vicinity.”

    The GOC said 8,300 litres of PMS and 24 vehicles, including three trucks, nine buses, eight space wagon cars, one Hilux van, three salon cars and four motorcycles, were recovered from the suspected vandals.

    In similar operation carried out by troops of 81 Division at the location of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline in Akute, five suspects were arrested with 19,600 litres of PMS as vandals loaded their vehicles with filled jerry cans.

    Also paraded were 12 suspected impostors arrested by special military team codenamed Operation Checkmate. The suspects, Udoh said, were picked up at various locations in Lagos and Ogun states while perpetrating illegalities in military uniforms.

    Troops also arrested 11 suspected cultists, while combing Reshe and Odokekere areas of Ikorodu. Four of the suspected cultists, the GOC said, had been on the wanted list after their escape from a raid carried out last month by Operation Cordon and Search in Egirin Depression area.

    Udoh said all the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigations after which they would be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigation and prosecution. He praised Lagos and Ogun residents for cooperating with security agencies and giving information on the activities of the suspects.

    He said: “Special operations set up by the Nigerian Army will not relent until our communities are rid of all forms of cultism, vandalism and other violent criminal activities and their perpetrators. I enjoin members of the public to continue to reach out our men to give useful information that will assist us in ridding vulnerable areas of the activities of criminal elements.”

  • Troops kill 15 Boko Haram fighters, rescue 49

    No fewer than 15 Boko Haram fighters have been killed by the military and rescued 49 women and children in Borno state.

    The Nigerian Army said on Wednesday that the incidents took place in separate encounters between Boko Haram and troops in the Southern Lake Chad Basin.

    Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director Public Relations Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole, said a statement issued in Maiduguri that some of the insurgents were killed in the Lake Chad Island while others were neutralised in villages in Northern Borno on Tuesday.

    “Troops dislodged the insurgents from their hideout after a fierce battle, killing 11 insurgents in Gomaran village of Southern Lake Chad Basin”, he said.

    He explained that the troops also ambushed and killed four terrorists who were escaping from the military onslaught in Northern Borno.

    Nwachukwu said that the troops further engaged fleeing insurgents in Firgi and Moula, both in Bama and Dikwa council.

    “The clearance operations also led to the recovery of one Single Barrel Gun, one Dane gun and one locally made pistol.

    Other items recovered from the dislodged insurgents include four motorcycles, motorcycle spare parts, 2 tricycles, 6 water pumping machines, and two power generating sets.

    “Additionally, the troops captured 2 Boko Haram flags, a pair of Camouflage uniform, a pair of combat boots, a Camera, a bag of mechanical tools and medications.

    “Four men, 33 women and 16 children were rescued by the troops from the insurgents’ hideouts .

    “The rescued hostages are currently being profiled for subsequent hand over to officials of the Internally Displaced Persons Camp for documentation and administering”, Nwachukwu said. (NAN)

  • Troops nab militia gang’s leader

    The Army said yesterday a militia camp was destroyed during a raid at Ugya village in Toto Local Government of Nasarawa State.

    It said the spiritual leader of the gang was arrested.

    Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Texas Chukwu said in a statement that the operation was carried out by troops of 177 Guards Battalion.

    He said: “Troops of 177 Guards Battalion, in an operation at Ugya village in Toto Local Government of Nasarawa State, destroyed a militia’s camp.

    “The spiritual head of the group, Angulu Idaku, was arrested.

    “Items recovered include seven locally-made guns, 12 cartridges, 200 rounds of 7.62MM special ammunition, 76 rounds of 7.62MM NATO special ammunition, four knives, 15 cutlasses, six mobile phones, one DSTV decoder and four solar panel sets.”

    Chukwu urged the public to report suspicious activities to security agents.