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Tag: troops

  • Troops recover militants’ rifles in Bayelsa

    Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS) have recovered a sack of assorted riffles from a speedboat belonging to suspected militants at Polako Waterfront, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

    The troops were said to have shot dead the driver of the boat identified simply as Mike and another unnamed suspect during the operation to retrieve the alleged weapons.

    Following a lead, the troops were said to have stormed the waterside in two patrol vehicles at the weekend.

    It was gathered that on arriving the waterfront, the soldiers disembarked their vehicles and took positions at strategic points.

    Their actions reportedly caused panic among indigenes, traders and  travelers at the waterside.

    On sighting the boat, the soldiers were said to have opened fire on its occupants and in the process shot dead one of the suspects.

    The boat driver reportedly jumped into the water shouting his innocence, but was hit by one of the bullets.

    The troops were said to have retrieved the sack of weapons, which sources said belonged to a gang of unrepentant militants in the area.

    A source who spoke in confidence said: “The indigenes of the community were surprised by the arrival of some patrol team of soldiers at Polako waterfront. When they arrived, they took positions. Upon sighting the boat with some passengers, they opened fire.

    “We suspected that the soldiers acted on tip off. But we were worried that the boat driver was shot instead of arresting him. Some arrest were also made in the process and they recovered the sack of rifles.”

    Other sources, however, said there was a shoot-out between the soldiers and the suspects, whom they described as gunrunners.

    According to the version, the gang was allegedly conveying a consignment containing materials suspected to be guns to Polaku from Igbedi community, Kolokuma/Opokuma Local Government Area of the state when the soldiers intercepted them.

    But the community sources claimed that the boat driver was not a member of the gang adding that he was only hired  by the hoodlums to convey them without knowing the reason for their mission.

    “He initially turned them down when they approached him but he only agreed to carry them to Igbedi after they promised to pay him a handsome fare.

    “It was when they were confronted  at Polaku by the ODS operatives who acted on  a tip-off that the boat driver got to know the dangerous nature of the movement”, a source, who spoke in confidence said.

    When contacted, the ODS’ Commander, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, said he would confirm the incident from the Sector 2 Command of the outfit in charge of Bayelsa and get back to The Nation.

  • Buhari to troops: you have made Nigeria proud

    Buhari to troops: you have made Nigeria proud

    •President, Osinbajo, others lay wreaths for heroes
    •Nigeria’s military contingent in Liberia to return by 2018

    President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday told troops on national and international assignments that they have made the country proud.

    He said the success they recorded was well-received by Nigerians, wishing them more success while maintaining high standard of efficiency in their assignments.

    He spoke while addressing the troops through a military gadget after he and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo led other top government officials and service chiefs to lay wreaths in honour of soldiers, who died on national and international assignments.

    Buhari urged the troops to pass his message to their families that the Federal Government was mindful of their patience and anxiety whenever they are on the battlefield.

    The ceremony was to mark the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

    January 15th is also dedicated to remembering and appreciating surviving Nigerian military men, who have retired from active service.

    It was the second time the President as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces was laying the wreath in a democratic setting.

    Buhari was clad in white Babanriga, just like Osinbajo, Senate President Bukola Saraki and Speaker of the House of Representatives Yakubu Dogara.

    The wreath-laying ceremony at the National Arcade in the Three Arms Zone in Abuja came after the Vice President launched the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day emblem and Appeal Fund in November 2016.

    The brief ceremony started at 10a.m. when the President arrived at the National Arcade and inspected the guard of honour.

    Christians and Muslims offered  prayers  for the departed souls and the nation.

    One minute silence was observed in honour of the departed souls and there was gun salute.

    Osinbajo, Saraki, Dogara, Acting Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Walter Onnoghen and Minister of Defence Dan Ali Mansur, were among top government officials, who laid wreaths.

    Others include Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Mohammed Bello, Chief of Army Staff Tukur Buratai, service chiefs, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris and National Chairman of the Nigerian Legion Col. Micah Gaya (rtd).

    Buhari signed the register and led dignitaries in releasing white pigeons at the ceremony.

    The President then spoke through military gadget with troops occupying the Sambisa forest in Borno State.

    He spoke with the Acting GOC, 7 Division Nigeria Army, Maj.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu.

    He said: “You have done Nigeria a great pride. Your success was well-received by all Nigerians. Well done.  I wish you more successes. And maintain the standard for efficiency in your assignment.”

    After briefing the President, the GOC led the troops to give three happy cheers to the President.

    The President also spoke with troops in Liberia, led by Force Commander of United Nations Mission in Liberia, Maj.-Gen. Salihu Zaway Uba.

    Buhari said the final batch of troops will exit from Liberia by 2018.

    He said: “Good morning General. We thank God and we thank technology. I can see you and I can hear you. I am impressed with the turnout of your men and I thank you for keeping the flag flying on the performance of Nigerian military in the United Nations (UN) peacekeeping operations.

    “God-willing as you briefed us, in 2018, the last contingent of Nigeria troops in Liberia will come back. I sincerely wish them a successful operation and I wish the General the best of luck.”

    The troop also gave three happy cheers to the President after the Force Commander briefed him.

    Through the Air Force video conference, the President spoke with Air Commodore Charles Owoh, who is the air  commander of Operation Lafia Dole at the Air Force base in Yola, Adamawa State.

    He said: “That was a good presentation. I get regular briefing from your Chief of Air Staff. Your performance speaks for itself and you have raised the morale of your colleagues in the military, especially the army. With your hi-tech performance and platforms, we have been able to restore the sanity and the territorial integrity of Nigeria. I congratulate you.

    “For the officers and men, you know you cannot be over-trained. With your hi-tech outfit, training has to be continuous and I am very pleased with the initiative that you have taken in maintenance of equipment. It is very encouraging and a boost to our morale here.

    “I congratulate you and please pass my message to your families that we are very cautious of their patience and anxiety whenever you are in the field. Thank you very much indeed,” he said.

    All Progressives Congress (APC) National Chairman John Odigie-Oyegun and other top government officials, including cabinet members, attended the ceremony.

  • Buratai extols officers, troops for ‘paying supreme price’

    Buratai extols officers, troops for ‘paying supreme price’

    •Dickson, Wike seek prompt payment of legionnaires, servicemen 

    Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt.-Gen. Tukur Burutai has extolled officers and men, who paid the supreme price in the service of the nation.

    Burutai gave the commendation yesterday at the Armed Forces Remembrance Day at the Lady Queen of Nigeria Catholic Church in Maimalari Cantonment in Maiduguri.

    The COAS, who was represented by  the Theatre Commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, said this year’s Remembrance Day was a “Year of Liberty and Emergence of Peace”.

    He said: “Let me on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff and, of course by extension, the Chief of Defence Staff, thank all officers and troops for all the sacrifices you have been making.

    “As we use this year to remember our fallen heroes, I also enjoined you all to seek the part of righteousness.

    “Righteousness is what we should always expect from us as a nation. In the end, peace will elude those who do not seek righteousness.

    “It is not for men to sing your praise and pray for you when you’re dead. It is what we do here when we are alive that really matters.”

    Irabor added: ”The COAS want me to assure you that all the sacrifices that you are making and that of our fallen heroes are not in vain.

    “The COAS also ask me to appreciate every one of you for all the good works you have been doing in Operation Lafiya Dole.

    “Yes, you have taken an oath of allegiance and you have shown your commitment in everything you have been doing.

    “We are ending the operation very soon. We’re going closer to the end. Where we are going to is closer to where we have come from.

    “This year is a year of liberty. Peace has come and so shall it be.”

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson and Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike yesterday called on relevant government agencies responsible for the payment of emoluments and entitlements of serving, retired and dead officers of the armed forces to live up to their responsibilities.

    Speaking through his deputy, Gboribiogha John Jonah, at an interdenominational church service at the King of Glory Chapel, Government House, Yenagoa as part of the weeklong activities marking the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Dickson noted with dismay the harrowing experiences the war veterans were passing through after their meritorious service to their fatherland.

    He said they deserved a better  treatment bearing in mind their contributions to unity, stability and defence of the nation’s territorial integrity.

    According to him, a situation where some families had to wait up to three or more years before getting the entitlements due to their deceased benefactors was quite appalling and discouraging.

    On his part, Wike suggested a more comprehensive reward package for servicemen and legionnaires to encourage them to always make sacrifices for the country.

    Speaking during an Inter-Denominational Church Service to mark the Remembrance Day Celebration at the First Baptist Church, Aggrey Road in Port Harcourt, the governor said the annual ritual for servicemen and legionnaires was not enough motivation.

    He said: “It is important that the Federal Government takes a second look to keep families of servicemen and ex-servicemen going.

    “I urge that steps be taken to make sure that the families left behind by the ex-servicemen are not allowed to suffer.”

    He hailed security personnel for promoting peace across the country.

    President of First Baptist Church, Rivers State Conference Rev Benjamin Avor called on Nigerians to live their lives in ways that would promote peace.

  • Troops to train in Sambisa forest, says Buratai 

    Troops to train in Sambisa forest, says Buratai 

    The conquered Sambisa forest will serve as training ground for troops from next year, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said yesterday.
    Gen. Buratai stated this in Damasak, Borno state, while celebrating Christmas with troops of 145 Battalion after the road leading to the town was reopened by Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima. The road was closed three years ago at the height of insurgency.
    He said troops were already conducting a mop up operation in the forest after the last strong hold of the Boko Haram terrorists was captured.
    “We are also opening up roads to Sambisa and Alagarno forest. Sambisa forest is going to be one of our training grounds.
    “I have already directed that we should conduct Nigerian Army small arms championship in that forest next year.
    “And we are going to use it also to test fire our fighting vehicles, other key equipment and weapons that requires testing whenever we want to induct new weapon and equipment into the Nigerian army inventory.
    “It will afford us very good ground for basic tactics and indeed advance tactics, including but not limited to tactics at the Platoon, company, battalion, Brigade and even division levels.
    “We are going to make it more robust to make sure that these criminals do not come back to that forest again.

  • Troops arrest youths with ammunitions in Kaduna

    Troops arrest youths with ammunitions in Kaduna

    •GOC deploys troop to Ninte

    TROOPS of the 1 Mechanized Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna State have intercepted two men carrying ýlive ammunitions in Kagoma Chiefdom in Southern Kaduna.
    The culprits were nabbed when they drove a maroon-colored Volkswagen in front of the Sarkin Kagoma’s palace.
    The General Officer Commanding (GOC), Major General Adeniyi Oyebade, and the troops were coming out of the palace after attending peace talks with the elders.
    The troops became suspicious when they tried to stop the men and they declined. The troops then approached them, only to discover there were live ammunitions in the vehicle.
    Meanwhile, the GOC has directed the immediate deployment of troops to Ninte, in Southern Kaduna. He gave the order during a meeting with youths of Kagoma Chiefdom.
    While assuring that the Army troops were on ground to restore peace without taking sides, the GOC appealed to both the Fulani communities and locals not to cause a religious crisis.
    He warned the youths not to allow anyone, especially politicians, use them to achieve their political agenda by causing crisis at the detriment of their own future.
    The Pop Gwong of Kagoma, Paul Zakka Gyon, who attended the meeting, said the recent attacks were not unconnected to the displaced natives’ inability to return home.
    He appealed that troops be deployed to restore the confidence of the displaced to return home and stabilise the community before security agents are withdrawn.

  • Christmas: More troops, operatives deployed to Kafanchan, others

    Ahead of Christmas and New Year celebrations, more troops have been deployed to troubled areas of Kaduna State.

    The 24-hour curfew imposed in the three Local Government Areas of Jema’a, Kaura and Zangon Kataf has however been relaxed to 12 hours.

    Spokesman to Governor Nasir El-Rufai, Mr. Samuel Aruwan in a statement said the development was after credible intelligence at the disposal of security agencies suggests a possible threat to peace and urgent need to nip it in the bud and the earlier imposition of 24-hour curfew in three local government areas of Jema’a, Kaura and Zangon Kataf.

    According to Aruwan, “In order to strengthen security in Southern Kaduna and the state at large, more troops and operatives comprising the Nigerian Army,DSS,and other intelligence personnel/investigators have been deployed to ensure thesecurity of citizenry and maintenance of law and order. The Nigerian Police has also deployed various units of Mobile Police, Counter TerrorismUnits (CTU) as well as many units of both conventional and undercover police to adequately provide security to the people.

    “You may recall that the Governor had met Mr. President regarding the security situation in the areas and the intelligence reports at the disposal of security agencies.”

    “Similarly, the 24-hour curfew imposed in three local government areas (Jema’a, Kaura and Zangon Kataf) will be relaxed to 12 hours from 6am to 6am with effect from 25th and 26th of December, 2016. However, the 24-hour curfew in the LGAs will continue on the 27th December 2016.

    “Citizens throughout the state can contact security agencies via the following emergency numbers: 0703-967-5856,  0807-539-1105.

    “You may contact the Area Commanders through the following numbers also:
    Kaduna Central Senatorial District: 0803-385-0043 or 0803-433-1872

    ” Kaduna North Senatorial District: Zaria:  0803-317-4270 and 0806-128-6619. Kaduna South Senatorial District: Kafanchan: 0813-262-0315 and 0803-632-9263“, he said.

  • Buhari hails troops for capturing Sambisa forest

    Buhari hails troops for capturing Sambisa forest

    President Mohammadu Buhari on Saturday commended the Nigerian troops for capturing Sambisa forest from the Islamic sect, Boko Haram.

    The commendation was contained in a goodwill message to the troops, which he personally signed.

    He said he was delighted that the terrorists are on the run and no longer have any place to hide in the forest.

    ” I am delighted at, and most proud of the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army, on receipt of the long-awaited and most gratifying news of the final crushing of Boko Haram terrorists in their last enclave in Sambisa Forest.

    “I want to use this opportunity to commend the determination, courage and resilience of troops of Operation Lafiya Dole at finally entering and crushing the remnants of the Boko Haram insurgents at “Camp Zero”, which is located deep within the heart of Sambisa Forest.

    “I was told by the Chief of Army Staff that the Camp fell at about 1:35pm on Friday, December 23, and that the terrorists are on the run, and no longer have a place to hide. ”

    Buhari urged the troops to maintain the tempo by pursuing the terrorists in order to bring them to justice.

    The President also called on all Nigerians to cooperate and support the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies by providing useful information that will expose all the terrorists hiding among the populace.

    He said that further efforts should be intensified to locate and free the remaining Chibok girls still in captivity.

    “I also want to congratulate and commend the able leadership of the Nigerian Army in particular and indeed, that of the Armed Forces in general, for making this possible.

    “This, no doubt, will go a long way in improving the security situation not only in the North East, but the country in general. But we must not let our guards down.

    “Once more, congratulations to our troops and all who, in one way or the other, contributed to this most commendable and momentous effort. May the Almighty continue to be with you.

    “I wish you a Merry Christmas and a most rewarding and peaceful Year 2017,” the President said.

  • Troops arrest notorious militant ‘General Eagle’

    Troops arrest notorious militant ‘General Eagle’

    •Suspects responsible for pipeline attacks in Bayelsa, Delta

    A suspected notorious militant identified as “General Eagle”, has been arrested by the troops of Joint Task Force (JTF), Operation Delta Safe (ODS).

    The kingpin, who was arrested by troops of ODS after months of being on the wanted list of security agencies in the Niger Delta region, was said to be the leader of a gang of militants, who serially attacked pipelines in Delta and Bayelsa states.

    Confirming the development at the weekend, the Commander, ODS, Rear Admiral Suleiman Apochi, said the hoodlum was arrested at his hideout along Captain Ayeni Road, Kpansia, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, alongside three other suspects.

    Narrating how the troops apprehended the suspected kingpin, he said: “The tenacity and resilience of Operation Delta Safe troop and personnel led to his arrest.

    “After gathering actionable intelligence, troops carried out surgical military operations at his hideout at Captain Ayeni Road, Kpansia Yenagoa.

    “He was arrested with three other suspects.  Items recovered from his hideout include seven mobiles phones, 15 identity cards, one First Bank ATM card and a jack knife.  Suspects are being interrogated for further actions”.

    Apochi explained that the suspect and his gang at various times masterminded the destruction of oil facilities to sabotage the operations of oil companies and the economy.

    He said the suspect, who already confessed to some of the criminal activities, also engaged in the abduction of high-profile individuals in the region.

    Apochi said: “The criminal and his group have at various times masterminded the destruction of oil infrastructures in order to sabotage the operation of the companies and the economy of the nation, engaged in illegal oil bunkering and kidnap of high profile victims.

    “The self-acclaimed “General Eagle” recently organised and blew one of the oil company’s risers at Golubokiri along Obama Brass pipeline in Bayelsa State. He claimed responsibility for the heinous crime.

    “The criminal was involved on the planting of explosives devices and threatened Tobie oil facilities at Golubokiri, Mansonkiri and others in the general area.

    “The text that accompanied one of his blasts indicated that the criminal had severally threatened oil companies and their staff and thereafter owned up to the sabotage with further threats to carry out more attacks. It would interest you to know that he has been on the watch list of security agencies for some time now.”

    Also, the commander further said following some tips, the troops raided a lodge and arrested one Mr. Funebi, whom he described as a henchman in charge of arms and one of the allies of a notorious militant popularly known as “VIP”.

    Funebi was said to be known in the creeks as a pirate, pipeline bleeding expert, responsible for destruction of oil facilities

    Apochi said that since his assumption of duty in November, he had maintained and improved the existing tempo in ODS by evolving result-oriented strategies to stop criminality in the region.

    He reinstated the commitment of the ODS to ensure peace and economic stability in the region and asked aggrieved persons in the region to take advantage of windows of opportunity provided by the Federal Government to amicably resolve their problems.

    “Rather than engage in heinous crimes for self-help, they should seize the opportunity and embrace peace or face full wrath of the law. No criminal would go free, wherever they are, be rest assured we will root them out and ensure they face justice.”

    He assured law abiding citizens to go about their normal businesses, adding that they would be adequately protected.

     

  • Buratai charges troops to finish-off Boko Haram quickly

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai has charged Nigerian soldiers to finish off Boko Haram remnants on time to enable Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) return to their homes.

    The Chief of Army Staff gave the charge when he visited troops of the 81 battalion in Damboa Local Government Area in Borno state.

    Buratai who reiterated the determination of the army towards enhancing the welfare of troops, said rotation of soldiers would take place after every six months of deployment.

    “I am sure you have read and heard the message I sent across. If you are aware of it then we must work to get out of this place. We must work to get out of this operation very quickly. We must defeat Boko Haram.

    “I was in one of the barracks and many of the troops were already there and I have assured your families that many of you will go back next Year.

    “81 battalion is my unit too when I was a lieutenant Colonel. This unit has seen it all. You fought along with the Cameroonian troops in this battle which means you are better placed to deal with this criminals.

    “We must continue with the aggressive actions, patrol and ambush. You must move into all the hideouts of these criminals and fish them out. Some of your colleagues in Sambisa Forest are dealing with them properly.

    “You are better equipped, better motivated and mobile.The army has provided you with better equipment to fish Boko Haram out and deal with them completely.

    “I wish to commend your effort and I urge you all to maintain the momentum and keep it high. Nigerians are proud of you. President Muhammadu Buhari the Commander in Chief is also pleased with you,” he said.

    The COAS also visited Alpha Company of 25 brigade in Damboa where he assessed the newly constructed permanent headquarters of the brigade. (NAN)

  • Troops enter the heart of Sambisa forest

    The troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have entered the heart of Sambisa forest from different fronts while recording huge successes clearing
    out the last frontier of Boko Haram terrorists hideouts.

    During several operations include Operation Rescue Finale which is the continuation of Operation Crackdown aimed at rescuing all the Chibok
    School Girls and other hostages held deep inside Sambisa Forest, troops have rescued a total of 801 hostages, between November 23 to
    December 5, 2016. However, it is still unclear if there are any Chibok girls among them.
    The theater commander of Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Leo Irabor on Wednesday gave a full account of the operations in Maiduguri
    saying the current offensive against Boko Haram has been successful.

    General Irabor said the current operation into the heart of Sambisa forest is in several fronts and it included collaborations with the
    Nigerian Air Force which has been deeply involved in the fight against the insurgency. He also revealed that the two Boko Haram factions have
    been fighting each other causing disarray in the rank and file of the insurgents.

    Irabor said: “On one of the fronts, on 30th November 2016 the troops cleared Goneri before harbouring at Goni Kurmi. While at harbour at
    Goni Kurmi the troops were attacked by the Boko Haram terrorists with the hope of slowing down their push.  The attack was successfully
    repelled with the Boko Haram terrorists suffering casualties. The troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, different calibers of ammunitions and magazines.

    “The advance continued the following day and our troops successfully cleared Alafa 1, 2 and 3 respectively before harbouring at Bula Bello.
    On 5th  December  2016 the troops cleared all Boko Haram terrorists delay positions before capturing Njimia. At Njimia our troops were
    attacked by the terrorists with Anti-Aircraft guns and small arms fire.  The attack lasted for about 30 minutes but was successfully
    repelled with Boko Haram terrorists suffering heavy casualties in both men and equipment before retreating. However, one soldier and 2
    Civilian JTF were wounded.  The soldier and one Civilian JTF later died while being evacuated to the hospital.

    “Yesterday, at about 4.00pm, Intelligence Surveillance  and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft identified Boko Haram terrorists massing
    up to attack own troops at Njimia.  Our Artillery and air assets were used to engage the Boko Haram terrorists which led to the destruction
    of 4 vehicles, a fuel tanker likely laden with Improvised Explosive Devices. The Air Force also strafed and killed many fleeing
    insurgents.

    “Meanwhile, I can confirm to you that the BHTs are in total disarray due to our current military operations. Even the Maman Nur and Shekau
    factions clashed again recently which has further forced the Boko Haram terrorists  remnants at Kafa to disperse in confusion and desperation.”