The Nation Newspaper

Tag: troops

  • Troops foil terrorists’ attack

    Soldiers of 3 Battalion 22 Brigade yesterday foiled attempt by Boko Haram terrorists to attack the military and civilians at Wunbi in Kala Balge Local Government Area of Borno State.

    The Army acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, who spoke in Abuja, said the attempt was made after information was received about the intention and location of the insurgents.

    He said: “While on a patrol to foil the attack, troops encountered the terrorists at Tatakura village, 20 kilometres Southwest of Wumbi. There was exchange of fire at the end of which nine Boko Haram terrorists were killed.

    “Troops seized three AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique  Nationale rifle, one General Purpose Machine Gun, a 60mm Mortar Tube, one Rocket Propelled Grenade 7 (RPG 7) Tube, one G3-Machine Gun and seven Fabrique Nationale magazines.

    Other recovered items included 108 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one Energa grenade, an RPG 7 bomb, three 60mm mortar bombs and two motorcycles.”

    Usman added: “Unfortunately, six of our men sustained gunshot injuries and have been evacuated for treatment. They are in a stable condition and responding to treatment.”

    He urged people to give information about the insurgents to security agencies.

  • Troops clear Doksa of Boko Haram remnants

    Troops clear Doksa of Boko Haram remnants

    The Army said yesterday that its men have cleared Doksa 1, 2 and 3 as well as Sabon Garin Doksa all in Borno State of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists hiding in the area.

    The operation was conducted by troops of the 231, 331 Battalions, members of the Armed Forces Special Forces Battalion and some vigilantes.

    The army said the troops dominated the area with heavy artillery shelling against other registered locations of Boko Haram terrorists    at Buga Dam, Golgore and Lariski villages.

    “The Boko Haram casualties are enormous and troops have also intensified shelling other hideouts,” the army said in a statement.

    Recovered during the patrol were one pick up van, several motorcycles, several bicycles as well as drugs, foodstuff and books.

    Other items recovered include a laptop, two mini laptop computers, four Dane Guns, three rifle magazines, a large quantity of ammunition, a Nokia mobile phone and SIM cards. They also rescued four women and two children.

    Besides, the 7 Division Strike Group Team B attached to 22 Brigade engaged Boko Haram terrorists in Yerwa and Kaluketu.

    They reportedly cleared an enclave called Abuja.

    Four suspected terrorists were killed in that operation.

    The claims could not be independently confirmed.

     

  • Troops begin manhunt for killer herdsmen

    Troops begin manhunt for killer herdsmen

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Yusuf Buratai, has ordered immediate deployment of soldiers to all communities that are being ravaged by killer herdsmen.

    The order is in compliance with President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that the security agencies should track down the culprits.

    Confirming this to The Nation, the Army Deputy Director of Public Relations, Col. Hamza Gambo, said that soldiers have been deployed in all the affected areas, adding that effort was being intensified to track down the errant herdsmen.

    Gambo said: “Our men have been deployed to secure all the affected areas.

    “They are combing up to Atani to ensure there is no hiding place for those people.

    “The search is continuing up to Kogi State.”

    Continuing, Gambo said the military was working in conjunction with both the Enugu State Government and other security agencies to halt the ugly incident.

    He warned that the Nigerian Army would not tolerate any act of lawlessness at any level.”

    President Buhari had on April 27 ordered the security chiefs to secure areas where the suspected killer herdsmen are operating.

    He also directed the Chief of Defence Staff, Maj-Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin, and the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to go after the herdsmen who are terrorizing people in parts of the country.

    The President in an address delivered by the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, at the public presentation of a book authored by the Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, condemned the attacks in strong terms.

    In the address, the President had said: “Let me use this platform to condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the attack perpetrated on the Ukpabu Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani area of Enugu State on Monday.

    “I deeply sympathise with all those who lost dear ones as well as those who lost their properties in the attack.

    “I have directed the Chief of Defence Staff and the Inspector-General of Police to secure all communities under attacks by herdsmen, and to go after all the groups terrorising innocent people all over the country.

    “This government will not allow these attacks to continue. Ending the recent upsurge of attacks on communities by herdsmen reportedly armed with sophisticated weapons is now a priority on the Buhari administration’s agenda for enhanced national security and the Armed Forces and Police have clear instructions to take all necessary action to stop the carnage.”

    Herdsmen attacks, a time bomb, says Anglican bishop

    From Nicholas Kalu, Calabar

     Bishop of the Anglican Diocese of Calabar, Rt. Rev. Tunde Adeleye, has described herdsmen attacks in parts of the country as a potential danger to the entire country.

    In an interview with our correspondent, the clergyman described the activities of the herdsmen as a time bomb waiting to explode, adding that. Boko Haram would be a child’s play if it does.

    “They have penetrated every part of this country where Boko Haram has not,” he said.

    “They are moving freely unhindered. I don’t think it is normal for someone to follow cows from Kano on foot to Warri.

    “I think it is more than just cow.

    “The kind of weapons they carry, is it lions they want to kill with them? The cows are everywhere, even where there is no grass to eat.”

    The cleric preferred that the herdsmen’s activities are regulated.

     He said: “Can’t these people be stopped? Is there no regulation to how they can move? We find the situation very helpless.

    “The President’s quietness is very disturbing and worrisome; that this kind of situation can be on ground and there is no one to help.

    “Non-herdsmen are helpless and vulnerable to these people, and it is unfair.”

  • Troops arrest Boko Haram leaders

    Troops arrest Boko Haram leaders

    Troops yesterday tracked and arrested six  terrorists kingpins  who sneaked into Kala Balge as a result of the onslaught of troops on terrorists in the Sambisa forest.

    The six  notorious Ameers (leaders), noted for getting logistics support and information for the Boko Haram terrorists, were arrested in a swift military operation by troops  of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade.

    The unrepentant and hardened insurgents which include Musa Kalile Sabakara (an Ameer), Babagana John  (an informant and also seller of foodstuffs), Isah Abakar (an Ameer) and Usman Abasa,  (who specializes on cattle rustling and selling of food stuffs), as well Bukar Gujja (a tailor who prepare clothes for the terrorists) and Bukar Kahalifa (also a tailor who prepares the dress for the Boko Haram terrorists), are presently undergoing interrogation, according to a military statement.

  • Troops arrest four Boko Haram strategists, eight others during recruitment

    Troops arrest four Boko Haram strategists, eight others during recruitment

    Soldiers attached to  26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, Borno State have intercepted eight suspected Boko Haram terrorists while trying to enter the town.

    The army said the men were on a recruitment drive.

    Four others described by the army as strategists for the terror sect were arrested in Kala Balge Local Government Area of the state by troops of  the 22 Task Force Brigade. Over N637, 000 was found on one of the suspects named Abdullahi Yakubu, who was arrested near Gwoza. The army said Yakubu was identified by another escapee/suspected Boko Haram terrorist as having trading links with the sect while the others were confirmed to have participated in carrying out various terrorists acts for the group.

    The suspects claimed to be farmers coming from  Shiadawey, Takwala and Amdaga Madachi villages.

    A 67-year-old resident of Gobara village, Ibrahim Bute, is also in security net on the suspicion of being a Boko Haram kingpin.

    The Acting Army Director of Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, confirmed the arrests and said troops of 21 Brigade carried out clearance operations at Bulari, Tori 1, 2 and 3 during which they  “cleared the general area of remnants of Boko Haram terrorists.” He said: “During the operation, 10 terrorists were killed and one was captured alive. Unfortunately, two Civilian JTF accompanying the troops lost their lives. The troops rescued seven civilians and recovered a Volkswagen Golf car, 15 bicycles and various bags of foodstuffs.

    “The troops of 22 Brigade, on the other hand, intercepted 26 persons, comprising mostly women and children, coming towards Adah village in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State, who on interrogation stated that they were held hostage by Boko Haram terrorists, but escaped as their captors were moving towards Lake Chad general area because of troops’ presence.”

    The troops also recovered five motorcycles, six Boko Haram terrorists flags and four bags of ground corn in Mane Gana village and rescued three women and five children at the same village.

    He said the rescued persons told the troops that their husbands were actually Boko Haram terrorists who had run away towards Lake Chad area owing  to “the immense pressure from the military clearance operations”.

    A separate operation resulted in the death of nine Boko Haram terrorists  and the recovery of  one AK-47 rifle. “They rescued 157 persons held hostages by the terrorists,” he said in conclusion.

    Also yesterday, the army said troops  of 3 Battalion, of 22 Task Force Brigade  “made an unprecedented catch with the arrest of four  Boko Haram terrorists Ameers (kingpins) at Rann, headquarters of Kala Balge Local Government Area.

    Usman said the  suspects  “ specialised in various aspects of criminality to sustain the Boko Haram terrorists group in their areas.”

    The suspects are: Umara Mai Gyaran Rediyo (Radio Technician), Umaru Mai Nama, (who specialises in cattle rustling and sales), Alifa Makinta (a specialist on stealing foodstuffs) and Balu Jugudum (in charge of stolen jewellery).

    “Presently the suspects are undergoing interrogation,” Usman said.

    The claims could not be independently verified.

  • Troops kill 30 Boko Haram insurgents

    Troops kill 30 Boko Haram insurgents

    More than 30 Boko Haram insurgents were killed when they ambushed an Army contingent in Kareto, Borno State, the Army said yesterday.

    The attack by about 100 Boko Haram members on Monday occurred during patrols by the 113 Battalion.

    The ground operation by the Army and a multinational force, with air cover by the Air Force, is to raid the North on a village-by-village basis, capture Boko Haram terrorists and free the captives.

    Cameroonian Gen. Bouba Dobekreo said this month that the ground forces were put in place to eradicate Boko Haram threat in Nigeria.

    In clashes last Friday, 34 suspected Boko Haram members were killed and 455 captives freed in Borno State.

    In Monday’s battle, 24 soldiers were injured, said Col. Sani Usman of the Nigerian Army.

    Military sources said: “Scores of Boko Haram insurgents escaped with gunshot wounds.”

    Yesterday, the Army reported a separate incident – a Boko Haram attack on the convoy of Brig.-Gen. Victor Ezugwu, the Acting GOC (General Officer Commanding) in the Borno city of Bama. One soldier was killed and two injured.

    Insurgents were killed, arms and ammunition were recovered. Gen. Ezugwu was not injured.

    More than 20,000 people have been killed by Boko Haram terrorists and 2.3 million displaced since the group began violent campaign in 2009.

     

  • Boko Haram attack troops at Kareto

    Boko Haram attack troops at Kareto

    Boko Haram terrorists in the early hours of Monday attacked the Nigerian troops of 113 Battalion at Kareto Northern Borno State.

    The troops have been battling the insurgents since the early hours day.

    Confirming this to the Nation, the Army Acting Director of Public Relations Colonel Sani Usman said the attack actually took place early in the morning “please be informed that our troops are currently engaged in fierce battle with Boko Haram terrorists at Kareto, Northern Borno State. I will get back to you with details later,” he promised.

     

  • Troops seize‘largest single cache of arms, ammunition’ at Alagarno forest

    Nigerians troops yesterday discovered the largest single cache of arms and ammunition dump at the Alagarno forest in the Northeast.

    The Theatre Commander, “Operation Lafiya Dole”, Maj.-Gen. Lucky Irabor, spoke yesterday at a news conference in Biu, Borno State.

    He said the arms and ammunition were hidden in bunkers made by the terrorists in the forest.

    “Following a tip-off, troops of “Operation Lafiya Dole’’, supported by some Civilian JTF today (yesterday) went on a clearance patrol to Borgozo-Alargano general area where they discovered large cache of arms and ammunition at Gursum village.

    “The patrol team also cleared remnants of the Boko Haram terrorists that were dislodged from the Alagarno forest and were hibernating at Kadari, Camp Abu Fatima, and Gursum.

    “The troops discovered a large cache of arms and ammunition that include 36 boxes of .51mm calibre, 5 x 20 Lyra beefcake mixture of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, large quantity of 7.62mm (special), ammunition and one 81mm mortar tube.

    “In addition, the troops recovered one Toyota Hilux, one generator and several motorcycles.

    “It will be correct to assert that this is, so far, the largest single cache of arms and ammunition to be discovered in the Northeast,” he said.

    Irabor said the arms and ammunition found were enough to dislodge a sizeable number of any enemy’s force.

    He said the discovery confirms the military’s earlier assertion that the Boko Haram group operates several underground logistic bases in the region.

    Gen. Irabor said troops operating in other locations in the Northeast have cleared more terrorist hideouts in the last three days.

    He acknowledged the support of the Air Force in the recent successes recorded by the military.

    Gen. Irabor said ground troops enjoyed tremendous support from the Air Force’s aerial surveillance and bombardments.

    The commander urged Nigerians, particularly residents of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe to remain vigilant and report suspicious movements to security agencies for prompt action.

  • Troops rescue 455

    Troops rescue 455

    • Kill 27 Boko Haram fighters

    No fewer than 455 persons abducted by Boko Haram fighters were rescued at the weekend by troops.

    The rescued persons were also escorted to Gamboru Internally Displaced Persons’ (IDPs) camp in an operation where one Civilian JTF was killed by Boko Haram terrorists.

    The Army Acting Director of Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman, confirmed the incidents.

    He said: “In the early hours of Friday, some elements of Boko Haram terrorists in five gun trucks, motorcycles and two Golf cars laden with Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) from Sambisa forest axis attempted an attack on 121 Task Force Battalion at Pulka.

    “The troops of 3 Battalion caught a suspected Boko Haram terrorists’ spy near the Battalion Headquarters at Gamboru Ngala.

    “On interrogation, he confessed that he was sent to spy on the troops from Wulge.

    “Consequent upon this, the troops organised a fighting patrol comprising elements of Army Headquarters Strike Group and Civilian JTF to Wulge and Walamari.”

    He went on:  “The troops had encounter with Boko Haram terrorists in which they killed 27 of them, recovered five motorcycles and eight bicycles.

    “They also cleared 12 terrorists’ camps and recovered 1 AK-47 rifles as well as 1 Dane gun.”

    Continuing, he said troops of 103 Battalion also ambushed Boko Haram terrorists at Mairimri village crossing point in which they killed quite a number of terrorists, recovered 15 bicycles and foodstuffs”.

     

  • Troops rout Boko Haram fighters in Borno

    Troops rout Boko Haram fighters in Borno

    •Kill suspected pirate in gun duel

    Troops of the Joint Force, Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) have recovered 14 AK-47 from gunmen suspected to be militants and pirates operating in Bayelsa and Delta states.

    The troops killed one of the suspected pirates, whose gang engaged them in a gun duel at Idema in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    Coordinator of the Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC) Col. Isa Ado said troops of Sector 2 were conducting a search operation on April 9 when they encountered the gunmen.

    He said: “The pirates engaged the troops in a gun battle but they were overpowered by the superior fire power of the troops. This led to the death of one of the gunmen; others escaped with gunshot injuries.

    “One AK-47 and two loaded magazines were recovered from the bandits with nine mobile phones and three walkie-talkies. Four suspects were arrested during the operation.”

    Ado said the troops of Sector 2 raided suspected militant camps in Gbarain, Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa State, and recovered three AK-47.

    The coordinator said other items recovered were Magnum double-barrelled gun, 273 rounds of 7.62 mm Special, empty magazines of AK-47, one empty magazine of FN rifle and nine packs of explosives.

    He said operatives of Sector 1 arrested Mr Thankgod Michael, Mr Umukoro Austin and Frank Jemedake, for alleged possession of four AK-47 in Kokori Ethiope East Local Government of Delta State.

    Ado said: “Following one of the suspect’s confessions that the weapon used by the gang was in the house of a  member, Mr Oruno, a search was conducted where six AK-47 magazines loaded with 36 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammunition and a bag containing coins of local and foreign currencies were found.

    “During the search, Mr Francis Akpovwovwo, Festus Ochiko and Emmanuel Ofuoma were arrested. The suspects and exhibits are in the custody of Operation Pulo Shield for preliminary investigation.