The Nation Newspaper

Tag: troops

  • MASSOB: troops have raided our office in Ebonyi

    MASSOB: troops have raided our office in Ebonyi

    The Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB)/Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) have condemned the alleged invasion and destruction of its office at Onueke in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State by troops of Operation Python Dance II.

    The Ebonyi Central MASSOB/BIM Leader Gideon Iloke told reporters yesterday that scores of solders raided the organisation’s Onueke office at the weekend.

    He said the invaders allegedly destroyed flags, emblems and other Biafra items and took away other valuables belonging to the group.

    Iloke, who described the attack as wicked and callous, maintained that MASSOB was committed to the realisation of Biafra independence.

    The MASSOB leader said no amount of intimidation from the Army or any other quarters would stop the organisation from pursuing its agenda.

    He said: “Last weekend, the enemies of Biafra attacked our office at Onueke, chased away our members, destroyed our flags and carted away other valuables. Everybody knows that MASSOB/BIM under the leadership of Chief Raph Uwazuruke is non-violent in its approach to the agitation for the realisation of Biafra independence.

    “Therefore, what was the reason for attacking our office? They should know that even though they attacked our office and scattered our men, I want them to know that MASSOB/BIM is everywhere in the world; no force is capable of killing all of us. Biafra has come to stay.”

    Iloke urged leadership of Ohaeze Ndigbo, under the chairmanship of Chief Nnia Nwodo, to protect Ndigbo from what he called the calculated onslaught of the military against pro-Biafra agitators.

    The MASSOB leader said this had been disguised as a fight against criminality in the zone.

    He added that if Ndigbo leaders failed to protect pro-Biafra agitators against attacks from the security agencies, the group may be forced to take actions, “no matter how extreme, to protect ourselves”.

    Iloke also urged the international community to beam its light on the activities of the military in the Southeast, especially in its Operation Python Dance II.

    According to him, the activities of solders in the zone do not conform to the rules of engagement anywhere in the world.

    Police spokesman Loveth Oda, a Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), said she was not aware of the incident.

    “I am not even aware that they have an office in Ebonyi,” she said.

    The spokesman of the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu, Col. Sagir Musa, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

     

  • Troops kill two insurgents in Sambisa Forest

    Troops of the Army Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs), a component of Operation Lafiya Dole, have killed two Boko Haram insurgents attempting to enter Sambisa forest in Borno State.

    A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Kingsley Samuel, said the insurgents were killed in an ambush.

    It said: “The Army Mobile Strike Teams (MSTs) of Operation Lafiya Dole’s resolve to rout remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) has yielded another result, with troops successfully ambushing unsuspecting terrorists, about 10.45 pm, on Friday, October 6, while they attempted to cross into Sambisa Forest, from Mayanti village in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “The troops sprung the ambush on the terrorists and neutralised two of them, while others escaped with injuries.

    “Two bags of maize were recovered from the site. The MSTs, particularly in Bama, since its inauguration by Lt.-Gen. Yusuf Buratai, has been a potent deadly mobile lethal force engaging and neutralising the BHTs in several staging areas.”

  • Troops avert disaster in Rann IDPs camp

    Troops avert disaster in Rann IDPs camp

    A humanitarian disaster was averted by troops of the 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade of the Nigerian Army on Operation Lafiya Dole on Sunday.

    The troops discovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted by the Boko Haram terrorists at Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) in Rann, Kala Balge local government of Borno state.

    According to the Director of Public Relations, Nigerian Army, Brig General Sani Usman, the troops were on routine patrol when they discovered and safely detonated the explosive.

    General Usman said in a statement last night: ” Troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE averted a disaster on Sunday 24th September 2017 when on routine patrol they discovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted near the Internally Displaced Persons’ camp in Rann, Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State by suspected Boko Haram terrorists long ago.

    “The IED which was carefully concealed and planted about 300 metres to the camp, was discovered and safely detonated by the Explosive Ordinance Device (EOD) team of the unit.”

  • Troops arrest armed bandits, cattle rustler

    Troops arrest armed bandits, cattle rustler

    Troops of the Nigerian Army, 1 Division together with men of Department of State Services (DSS) have arrested two illegal arm dealers and some cattle rustlers operating in the Northwest zone of the country.

    According to a statement by the Director of Public Relations, Nigerian Army, Brig. General Sani Usman, the illegal arm dealers were arrested while on “business trip” to supply arms to bandits operating along Funtua-Gusau road in Zamfara state.

    The statement which was made available to news men last night reads” On Sunday 24th September 2017 at about 2.00pm, troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army in conjunction with elements of Department of State Services trailed and arrested 2 illegal arms dealers; Abdulkarim Jibrin and Suleiman along Funtua-Gusau road in Zamfara State.

    “They were caught driving a Golf Volkswagen car with registration number AWE-534-AA (Nasarawa) containing 1,479 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition. Preliminary investigation shows that on their way to deliver the ammunition to armed bandits.

    “The suspects are in Department of State Services custody. In a related development, troops of 1 Brigade, 1 Division Nigerian Army, deployed at Rabah Local Government Area, Sokoto State, also on Sunday 24th September 2017, at about 1.00pm arrested suspected cattle rustler, Abdullahi Jummo Nakogiwo at Dalingen in Rabah Local Government Area (LGA).

    “Similarly, troops deployed at Dangulbi, Maru LGA, Zamfara State, on routine patrol apprehended 3 armed bandits at Gobirawan Chali. The team recovered 1 AK-47 rifle magazine, 40 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, the sum of N45, 500, Nokia mobile telephone handset battery and 3 Airtel SIM cards.

    “The suspects have been handed over to the Nigeria Police.”

  • Troops kill Boko Haram men

    Troops kill Boko Haram men

    Two Boko Haram Terrorists were killed in an ambush at the weekend by troops of the 202 Battalion of Operation Lafiya Dole operating in Bama local Government of Borno State.

    A statement last night by the Nigerian Army Director of Public Relation, Brig General Sani Usman said: ” On Friday 22nd September 2017, based on confirmed information, 202 Battalion, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, dispatched 2 ambush teams towards Feri-Feri and Tashan Goto axis in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State.

    “Both teams came in contact with suspected Boko Haram terrorists trying to cross and dealt decisively with them by neutralizing 2 terrorists and recovered 2 bicycles and 3 wheel barrows.

    “The teams also canalised suspected Boko Haram terrorists while trying to circumnavigate the ditch at Shetimari, causing them to flee into the bush with gunshot wounds as traces of blood were seen during exploitation.

    “In a related development, troops of 7 Brigade Garrison on 20th September 2017, arrested a suspected physically challenged Boko Haram terrorists’ informant, Mr. Audu Usman at Doron Baga, northern Borno State.”

  • Troops launch manhunt for Kanu as probe of foreign links begins

    Troops launch manhunt for Kanu as probe of foreign links begins

    TROOPS yesterday launched a manhunt for Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu , barely 24 hours after the group’s proscription.

    Nothing has been heard about Kanu since the proscription.

    Some sources yesterday said he had gone underground.

    Kanu is on bail for the alleged treason charges preferred against him.

    The Nation learnt  yesterday that  his bail sureties might be asked by the security agencies to account for him.

    Besides,  security agencies are  probing  IPOB leader’s alleged foreign links.

    Investigators are said to be analysing a  video clip of Kanu and a Turkish citizen  as part of the probe.

    A source, while confirming the search for Kanu, said: “Troops have been given a firm order to fish out and arrest the IPOB leader. As a prelude to it, the Defence Headquarters on Friday  declared IPOB as a terrorist organisation.

    “Intelligence has, however, revealed that Kanu might have gone underground. As I speak with you, troops have actually searched his house and he was not found there.Troops have a mandate to arrest him wherever he might be.”

    Asked what if he is not found the source said: “ We might follow legal process by holding his sureties responsible. These sureties will have to produce him.”

    On the probe of Kanu’s alleged foreign links , another source said:”We are looking into the allegations of foreign support for Kanu. We are doing a profiling of his foreign contacts. We have some clues but we need to dig deeper.”

    The Nation can also confirm that  government insisted on non-withdrawal of soldiers from Abia State to avoid a situation whereby the  IPOB will “take advantage and unleash mayhem” on innocent citizens.

    Sources said the   presidency overruled Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu on the withdrawal of troops because the police alone could not  cope with the “grave security” situation.

    “The governor wanted a political solution to a military matter. But the federal government cannot watch and allow the situation to degenerate,” one of the sources said.

    “Before Kanu was released on bail, these same governors in the Southeast, political leaders from the zone and others prevailed on the federal government to allow him home.

    “Some of these governors and Igbo leaders made a commitment that they would  ensure that Kanu did  not abuse his bail conditions.

    “The government bent backwards and ensured that Kanu was released on bail. But you can see what has happened. All those who gave the guarantee that Kanu would  respect his bail bond have been made to look foolish.

    “Intelligence on IPOB revealed that without troops on the streets, the situation would have been worse.”

    The  Embassy of the United States has asked Americans in Abia and Plateau states to review their security and maintain a high level of vigilance.

    The Embassy’s cautionary note was contained in its travel alert.

    It said: “Curfews have been declared in Abia and Plateau states because of violent attacks accompanied by threats of reprisals.

    “Exercise caution in these areas; review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings, including local events; and monitor local news stations for updates.

    “Maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security.”

    The  National Leader (Southsouth) of Action Democratic Party (ADP), Senator Roland Owie,  yesterday  faulted the declaration of IPOB as a terrorist organisation.

    In a statement in Abuja, Owie said the declaration smacked of double standards.

    He said: “Now that IPOB has been declared ‘Terrorist group, the government should immediately declare Fulani herdsmen, Terrorist group.”

    Owie added: “I urge President Muhammadu Buhari-led federal government to walk the way of justice and equity in handling the affairs of Nigeria and stop pretending that all is well.

    “The gravest mistake of non-equitable administrations all over the world is the denial of wrongdoings on their part.  Unfortunately for such administrations, they forget that God cannot be mocked.”

    “Gravitation will help a person if he builds the side of his house straight and plumb; but gravitation will oppose him and make his house fall down if he builds it out of plumb.”

  • Southeast elders forum cautions IPOB, troops

    The elders in the South East have expressed worry over the faceoff between the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the military.

    The elders spoke yesterday at Nnewi, Anambra state through its convener and former president of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Dr Dozie Ikedife under the aegis of South East Elders Forum.

    Ikedife, said they were still ruminating over what happened in Umuahia, Abia state last Sunday when the news of another problem between IPOB and soldiers in Rivers state came to them where civilian casualties were reportedly recorded.

    Dr Ikedife noted that it should not appear like expeditious or punitive army turned against citizens they were paid to protect, adding that in the democratic dispensation Nigeria had, the army had full command at the barracks and war fronts, “but South East geopolitical zone is not a war zone.”

    However, the former Ohaneze boss, pleaded that the soldiers should as much as possible avoid civilian casualties or accidental discharges while the military exercises lasted.

    According to him, “I advise the civilian population to be calm, go about their normal businesses peacefully and lawfully”

    “The army should ensure that their exercise inflict minimum interference at civilian traffic on the roads, lanes, by-ways and water –ways”

    “To the best of my knowledge, there is no war in the South East geological zone,”

  • Troops kill suspected insurgents, recover weapons

    •Defence minister visits Northeast

    The Army yesterday said it killed two suspected Boko Haram terrorists in an ambush on Alagarno forest in Borno State.

    A statement by the Director of Public Relations, Brig.-Gen. Sani Usman, said the operation was carried out by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole deployed in Forward Operation Base, Mainok, on Saturday.

    According to him, the insurgents were conveying logistics to their colleagues when the troops ambushed them.

    Two weapons, motorcycles, Jerry cans and grinded guinea corn were recovered from them, he said.

    Gen. Usman added that troops of 151 Battalion, 21 Brigade, on routine clearing of bushes, discovered multiple Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) connected together and laid on the shoulder of the road “at a suspected terrorist ambush site on road Banki Junction, Bama.

    Troops disconnected and recovered the devices.

    On August 5, three suicide bombers were killed in the Simari area of Maiduguri, the police and a vigilance group said.

    The incident occurred about 10 pm., when a male and two female suicide bombers tried to infiltrate the town.

    Minister of Defence Mansur Dan-Ali yesterday began a two-day assessment visit to the Northeast.

    Dan-Ali will visit troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, to encourage and boost their morale.

    His media aide, Col. Tukur Gusau, told reporters the visit was part of operational engagement to enable the minister meet and interact with troops in the frontline.

    Gusau said the visit would appraise the performance of troops, to improve their effectiveness and capacity in counter-insurgency.

    He added that the minister will also visit the Theatre Command headquarters, and other military formations.

    “The minister will go to the front and interact with soldiers to know how government can support them to accomplish their mission of ending insurgency.

    “It will also facilitate implementation of proactive measures to address problems affecting the operation,” he said.

  • …as troops vow to capture Boko Haram leader Shekau

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, yesterday met with troops of 27 Task Force Brigade, Buni Yadi in Yobe State and also went through a special training with troops of Nigerian Army Special Force School.

    The commandant of the school, Brig-Gen. Moundhey Gadzama Ali, who drilled the COAS through the special training, later presented him with a certificate at a ceremony where the soldiers promised to deliver Shekau to the COAS dead or alive.

    Buratai embarked on the visit to troops in the frontline of Operation Lafiya Dole to raise their morale, following the marching orders from the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, for the service chiefs to relocate to the Military Command Centre in Maiduguri, the headquarters of Operation Lafiya Dole.

    Buratai has since Tuesday left Maiduguri for Damaturu after a strategic meeting with other chiefs in Maiduguri where they brainstormed on new tactics to route the remnants of Boko Haram insurgents.

    While at Buni Yadi, the COAS interacted with the troops to get first hand information on their problems, which he promised to correct in no distant time.

    Some of the soldiers who spoke to journalists expressed delight over the visit and the close interaction of the COAS with them.

    According to them, the visit gave them hope and confidence to end the fight against the insurgents within a very short time.

    A soldier said: “The visit of the chief has increased our fighting spirit. The reason is that the chief used to come without any close interaction with us like he did today.

    “Everybody had the opportunity to air his views on the problems that are bordering us in the operation and the COAS listened to all of us and has promised to take immediate action.

    “This, for us, is the hope for the end of Boko Haram.”

    Another soldier said: “The importance of the COAS visiting us today is morale boosting. Anytime we are fighting, we also feel he is with us. Seeing him today has brightened our spirit to fight to the finish.

  • More troops needed in N’ east to fight Boko Haram, says group

    Coalition of Civil Society Monitoring Groups on Insurgency in the North-East, said, Wednesday that Nigerian military needed more troops to ensure effective performance in the fight against Boko Haram.

    They also called for improved recruitment into the various security forces in the country.

    The CSOs in Abuja, said a request to this effect should be presented to the Federal Government by the Military.

    The CSOs urged the federal government to treat the increase of troops in the region as a national emergency.

    Secretary General and Convener of the group, Comrade Sabo Odeh, also called on the Nigerian Air Force to do more of air support especially in surveillance to avoid the issue of ambush of troops.

    He said the Nigeria Police Force and the internal security agencies must stand up to their responsibilities to carry out more of intelligence work against suicide bombings, deradicalization and profiling of suspected persons whose missions in the society especially in the north east are questionable.

    Odeh urged the Nigerian government to discard political considerations and make conscious efforts to arrest sponsors, financiers and collaborators of Boko Haram.

    They commended the Military for coming out to set the record straight after the mix-up in communication, describing it as the hallmark of integrity and a genuine sign that the military remains totally committed to sustaining the tempo of its successes against the insurgents.

    “Troops are needed to deal with secessionists that are making life unbearable for Nigerians in the Southeast, Niger Delta militants in the south-south, farmers-herders clashes on the Mambilla Plateau, kidnappers that are running riot on the highways.

    “The presence of troops to confront these insurgencies across the country has ensured things are not getting worse than they could have been.

    “Our staunch belief is that is that instead of engaging in the simplistic ritual of criticizing the military and ignoring the sacrifices they are making for the security of the country, Nigerians should rather be dispassionate in reviewing the prevailing situation and making the right calls,” the CSOs said.

    The CSOs condemned any attempt to further demonize the institution of the military aimed at distracting the fighting force and lowering their morale in the war against insurgency‎.

    The CSOs expressed confidence in the military to flush insurgents out of the north-east.

    “Nigerian military needs more troops and recruitment into the various forces should be immediately scaled up by the Service Chiefs. Request to this effect should be presented to the Federal Government, which should ion turn treat the increase of troops as a national emergency,” the groups added.