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Tag: troops

  • Troops rescue 11,595 hostages, says Army

    Troops rescue 11,595 hostages, says Army

    The Army has said troops fighting insurgency in the Northeast rescued 11,595 Boko Haram hostages between February 26 and end of March.

    A statement in Abuja yesterday by spokesman Col. Sani Usman said the hostages were rescued during clearance operations.

    He said most hostages were rescued in areas where remnants of Boko Haram insurgents were hiding, while others came from Cameroonian authorities.

    Col. Usman said on March 1, troops of 155 Task Force Battalion received 10,000 hostages from Cameroon at Banki and Bama.

    He added that 63 persons held captive at Maleri were rescued two days later by the Army Headquarters Special Forces (AHQ SF) Battalion.

    The Army spokesman said on March 5, the unit rescued 779 persons at Fotokol, a border town between Nigeria and Cameroon.

    He noted that 45 people were released from Boko Haram in Kuaguru by the  254 Task Force Battalion in the first week of March.

    Usman said troops of 143 Battalion rescued 27 at Gadayamo; 15 at Galadadani Dam in Madagali and 10 from Disa village.

    He said on March 11, the 231 Battalion and Armed Forces Strike Force (AFSF) rescued seven, comprising five elderly women and two girls at Betso village.

    According to the statement, the 117 Task Force Battalion received 14 hostages from Sahuda, a border town with Cameroon, on March 15.

    Col. Usman said the battalion rescued 59 hostages at Bitta on March 19.

    He said troops of 22 Brigade, in conjunction with Army Headquarters Strike Group (AHQ SG), rescued 309 from Kala Balge on March 23.

    According to him, on March 30, the 25 Task Force Brigade rescued 45 men; 85 women and 137 children from Boko Haram insurgents at Zahdra and Weige villages.

    Usman said more persons would be released from captivity as the troops continue clearance and mop-up operations.

  • Troops arrest pirates’ medical doctor in Bayelsa

    Troops arrest pirates’ medical doctor in Bayelsa

    •Rescue kidnap soldier

    An unnamed medical doctor specialising in the treatment of injured sea pirates and kidnappers has been arrested by troops of the Joint Force (JF), Operation Pulo Shield (OPS).

    The Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Col. Isa Ado, who confirmed the development, said the troops rescued a soldier kidnapped by pirates along Nembe Creek on March 24.

    Ado said the soldier was freed by troops of Sector 2 patrolling the creek of Otakeme in Ogbia Local Government of Bayelsa State.

    He said the soldier was taken to a medical facility for treatment while efforts were on to apprehend the fleeing gunmen.

    On the arrested doctor, he said: “Toops deployed in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State arrested a medical worker, who specialised in treating militants and sea pirates, who were injured after a shoot out with security operatives in the region.

    “It was revealed from the source that the medical worker, who has been on the business for a long, was responsible for the treatment of the injured sea pirates and their leader, who engaged troops of the Joint Force in a shootout along Nembe waterways in Bayelsa State.

    “During the encounter, four sea pirates were killed while others sustained injuries.  Among them is the leader of the gang, popularly known as IDIAGBON, who was taken to the medical facility belonging to the arrested medical worker at Okiama village in Southern Ijaw Local Government of Bayelsa State, where treatment was administered on them.

    “However, he got unlucky as troops on getting the information cordoned off the area and arrested the medical worker while the injured pirates escaped before the arrival of troops.  The arrested suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation.”

    He said the troops also carried out anti-illegal oil bunkering around Igbematoru, Ogu-Bolo  and Bille axis of Bayelsa and Rivers states, where some oil thieves operated with  seven wooden boats, two Cotonou boats, four surface tanks  loaded with suspected stolen products, and seven storage tanks, each loaded with 30,000 litres.

    The coordinator named other items discovered at the sites as pumping machines and underground tank filled with illegally refined AGO, saying one suspect was arrested during the operation. The sites and the items were subsequently destroyed.

    He said: “In another development, troops of Sector 1 Operation Pulo Shield deployed in Afiesere Flow Station in Ughelli North Local Government of Delta State on March 18, 2016, foiled an attempt by unscrupulous elements to vandalise and steal valves from Nigeria Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) wellhead 18/37 at Afiesere in Ughelli North.

    “Troops on getting information responded swiftly and recovered two valves supposedly abandoned by fleeing suspects. The recovered exhibits are in the custody of the Joint Force while efforts are on to apprehend the perpetrators.

    “Meanwhile, troops while on land trotting along NPDC Erhoike Flow Station Kokori Ethiope East LGA of Delta State, arrested Vincent Egedegbe and Jackson Egedegbe, who vandalised wellheads 3 and 19 Oil field.

    “The suspects, on completion of preliminary investigation, were handed over to the Police at Ughelli Area A for further action.”

    “A car snatcher who gave his name as Michael Wilson was also  arrested on 26 March 2016 at Ogbe Ijaw market square in Warri South LGA of Delta State while attempting to snatch an ash coloured Toyota 4 Runner Jeep with registration number Delta GG 683 BB  belonging to one Mark (real name withheld). The suspect will be handed over to prosecuting agency on completion of preliminary investigation.

    “The Maritime component of the Joint Force also arrested a notorious pipeline vandal around Ogbe Ijaw axis on 25 March 2016.   Items recovered from the suspect include explosives, wires and empty AK 47 Rifle magazine. The suspect and the recovered items are in the custody of the Joint Force for preliminary investigation before handing over to prosecuting agency.”

  • Army rescues abducted women in Madagali

    Army rescues abducted women in Madagali

    Capt A.O. Fadare, the Public Relations Officer of 28 Task Force Brigade Mubi in Adamawa, said some of the women abducted by insurgents in Madagali had been rescued.

    Fadare told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in a telephone interview that soldiers rescued the women while pursuing the insurgents.

    Fadare, who did not give the number of the rescued women, however, said he was still trying to verify.

    “I am still trying to verify from Madagali as you know, the operation is still on,” Fadare said.

    NAN recalls that about 16 women who went to fetch firewood in the forest around Sabongari village of Madagali on Wednesday, were kidnapped by insurgents

     

  • Troops kill 58 Boko Haram fighters in Borno

    Troops kill 58 Boko Haram fighters in Borno

    Troops have killed 58 Boko Haram fighters in the latest military operation in Borno State, spokesman of the Army Col. Sani Usman, said yesterday

    Two hand grenades, 52 motorcycles, several bags of foodstuff were also recovered during the operation carried out by troops in Nigeria’s northeast Borno State late Monday, said Col. Usman, adding that the military also lost a soldier in the gunfight.

    The announcement followed the killing of 27 Boko Haram terrorists in separate raids last weekend by the military.

    With the latest development, the Nigerian government said it is winning the war against terrorism and has “technically defeated” Boko Haram

  • Army denies beating 51-year-old woman

    The 4 Brigade Command of the Nigerian Army has denied reports that its troop attached to the headquarters of the Benin Electricity Distribution Company beat up a 51-year old woman identified as Joy Agboghidi.

    It said its troop stepped into the scuffle to separate the fighting between two women.

    A statement signed by the 4 Brigade Public Relations Officer, Captain Jonathan Unuakhalu said the fight was between a man who claimed to be an Air Commodore in the Air force and his wife against Mrs. Joy over the right of way.

    According to the statement, “The scuffle resulted in the damaging of the wind screens of both vehicles by the parties. At that point troops stationed for guard duties at BEDC took steps to resolve and separate the fighting women before the situation degenerates to a free for all. The troops only maintained peace and security within the area.”

    “This headquarters viewed the report as an attempt to cast aspersions on the good name of the Nigerian Army and damage the good reputation of 4 Brigade which she has laboured to build over the years.”

  • Troops kill seven Boko Haram fighters

    Troops kill seven Boko Haram fighters

    Seven Boko Haram terrorists have been killed in an ambush at Dawashi by troops of 7 Brigade in Maiduguri.

    A statement yesterday by Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman, said some items recovered from the terrorists include petrol, IEDs, 1 AK-47 and a Peugeot Station Wagon.

    The statement said: “Troops of 7 Brigade have ambushed and killed seven Boko Haram terrorists at Dawashi early this morning. The gallant troops that laid in wait at the terrorists suspected crossing point engaged them on sight, killed the seven terrorists and recovered One Peugeot Station Wagon loaded with 2,010 litres of Premium Motor Spirit packed in 67 Jerri cans, uniforms, some materials and Improvised Explosive making Devices (IEDs).

    “Others items recovered include, dry cell batteries, 1 AK-47 rifle, tools and fish”.

  • Troops kill 35, arrest 39 armed bandits in North West

    Troops kill 35, arrest 39 armed bandits in North West

    The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigeria Army, Major General Adeniyi Oyebade Friday disclosed that in their operations focusing on an anti-cattle rustling and armed banditry within the north west zone code named Operation SHARAN DAJI, no fewer than 35 armed bandits have been killed while 38 of them have been arrested and handed over to the police in the various states of their arrest.

    The ‎GOC who made the disclosure while briefing Journalists Friday on their activities within the past 2 months which he said is aimed at ridding off the north West zone of all forms of arm banditry, cattle rustling and all forms of criminality also disclosed that 6009 various animals have equally been recovered within the zone.

    Also recovered from the armed bandits the GOC said, are several AK 47 riffles, dane guns, short barrel locally made guns, machetes, bows and arrows, G3 rifles, AK 47 rifle Mags, AK 47 Bayonet, 91 rounds of 7.62mm special and 3 cartridges and N45,000.4.

    In the course of the operations carried out in Kaduna, Zamfara, Niger, Kano and Katsina states, the GOC also disclosed that 49 camps of the bandits were destroyed.

    He said,‎ arrested suspects within Kaduna state were handed over to the Kaduna State police command and the animals handed over to the Kaduna State Government, while those arrested in Zamfara, Katsina and Kano States where equally handed over to their state police commands and governments accordingly.

    ‎In Niger State, the GOC said, the 31 Artillery Brigade which covers the axis are deployed as a blocking force to intercept escaping cattle rustlers and bandits while also conducting fighting patrols around Pandogari-Kusheuki Gidigori and Pandogari-Mai Kujeri roads which serves as escape routes for the bandits.

    “In Kaduna State, ‎465 recovered animals, 16 bandits arrested, 9 bandits killed, 7 weapons recovered and 8 camps destroyed.

    “In Zamfara State‎, 1,443 animals recovered, 19 bandits arrested, 13 bandits killed, 8 weapons recovered and 20 camps destroyed.

    “In Katsina/ Kano State, 4101 animals recovered, 4 bandits arrested, 13 bandits killed, 21 assorted guns, including 3 AK 47 Rifles local weapons and bows and arrows and 10 and 11 camps destroyed in Katsina and Kano respectively,” he disclosed.

    During the course of the various operations, the GOC also disclosed that one Sergeant Nansel Dangnap of 2 battalion was killed by armed bandits while 3 soldiers sustained varying degrees of injuries.

    General Oyebade also disclosed that fleeing terrorists from the North East to North West are being tracked and quite a lot of them arrested while assuring that the security operatives are on top of all security situations within the zone.

    He however warned organizations and groups to desist from any act capable of causing a breakdown of law and order within the zone, stressing that “under my watch any act that threatens the rule of law will not be tolerated”.

    “1 Division will continue to work hard to ensure the security of lives and property within our area of responsibility to enhance socio-economic growth and development in line with the vision of Mr President,” he assured.

     

  • Boko Haram: Troops rescue 1,890 hostages

    Boko Haram: Troops rescue 1,890 hostages

    The Nigerian Army said on Friday that 1,890 Boko Haram hostages, including women and children, were rescued in the last two weeks by troops fighting insurgency in the North East Zone.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman.

    He said the hostages were rescued in different locations in Borno following massive mop up operations conducted by different units in the state.

    According to the statement, some of those rescued include 800 Nigerians who had initially crossed to Cameroon but were brought back to Banki town in Nigeria by troops of the 21 Brigade on Thursday.

    The statement said: “Troops of 121 Task Force conducted joint patrols with Cameroonian forces at Mararraba, Angwan Fada, Dale and Wizha Bokko Timit, Bokko Nasanu and Bokko Hidde up to Ngoshe in which they rescued 17 women and 28 children.

    “Similarly, troops of 7 Division Garrison carried out joint operations with 112 Battalion, Army Headquarters Support Group and Armed Forces Special Forces at Gajibo, Maula, Gamai, Gamare.

    “Maiwa, Warsale, Tangli, Tushi, Sowa, Hasanari, Changuwa, Malamaja, and Marya in Dikwa and Mafa Local Government areas and rescued 350 people, including five Cameroonian girls.

    “In a similar operation, troops of 7 Division Garrison in conjunction with troops of 112 Task Force Battalion, and Armed Forces Special Forces on Feb. 17, conducted clearance operations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas in which they rescued 195 hostages.”

    Usman said on Feb. 23, troops of 21 Brigade in conjunction with troops of MNJTF on clearance operations at Kumshe general area rescued 250 persons, mainly women and children.

    He said troops of 7 Division rescued 150 persons at Kodo on the same day.

    Usman added that troops of the 25 Task Force Brigade in clearance operations on Thursday at Galmasku, Muli, Chiralia, Maisani, Talala, Ajigin, Shetimalau, 1 and 2 and Dalomi also rescued 250 civilians held hostage.

  • Troops rescue 195 Boko Haram victims

    Troops rescue 195 Boko Haram victims

    Troops yesterday destroyed a patent medicine outlet and a major market operated by Boko Haram insurgents and rescued 195 captives at various locations in Borno State.

    A statement by spokesman Col. Sani Usman, said: “quite a number” of insurgents were killed and a lot of items were recovered during the raid.

    “The Nigerian troops of 7 Division Garrison comprising 112 Battalion and Armed Forces Special Forces yesterday carried out a joint clearance patrol on suspected Boko Haram terrorists locations at Kwaptara, Mijigete, Garin Boka, Mosole, Ngubdori, Ma’asa, Dukje and Gulumba in Dikwa and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State.

    “The troops discovered Boko Haram terrorists camp, patent medicine outfit and major market at Gulumba.

    “Quite a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and several items were recovered. This includes two logistic trucks, 180 motorcycles, 750 bicycles and various perishable and non-perishable items such as a 100 KVA Mikano generator and grinding machine.

    “In addition, they also rescued 195 persons held hostage, recovered 300 cows, 200 sheep and 130 goats rustled by the insurgents.

    “The troops also recovered military items such as camouflage uniforms as well as rifle magazines and grenades.

    “The unprecedented feat was achieved through the renewed cooperation and support of the public who provide timely information to the troops.

    “Consequently, we would like to thank all those good citizens who provide the timely information and enjoin all to see the fight against Boko Haram terrorists as a collective responsibility to enable us clear the remnants of the insurgents in the north east and other parts of the country,” Col. Usman said.

  • ‘Troops record success against Boko Haram’

    ‘Troops record success against Boko Haram’

    Nigerian troops have recorded success in the fight against terrorists and insurgency in the Northeast, Army Director of Public Relations Sani Usman said yesterday.

    In one operation, he claimed that troops of 7 Brigade Quick Reaction Force (QRF), Multinational Joint Task Force, inflicted casualties on Boko Haram terrorists when the troops staged an ambush against them at Kekeno, Kukawa Local Government Area.

    The operation caused a major setback to the insurgents, the army spokesperson added.

    Col. Usman said: “During the operation, the gallant troops killed five suspected Boko Haram terrorists, recovered one Toyota Buffalo vehicle, three AK-47 rifles, two knives, a horse and other locally fabricated weapons.

    “The insurgents were believed to be on a retaliatory mission following the killing of a suspected Boko Haram Ameer during an ambush by our troops at Kekeno.

    “In another development, troops of 118 Task Force Battalion patrolling Mile 90-Kekeno general area, have killed one suspected Boko Haram terrorist and captured two other insurgents.

    “Similarly, troops of Army Headquarters Special Forces on patrol to Yale came across Boko Haram terrorists’ camp at Bulagana, cleared the camp and rescued 40 civilians held hostage. Unfortunately, one soldier sustained gunshot wounds during the operation. He has since been evacuated and is responding to treatment.”

    He added that the 151 Task Force Battalion of 21 Brigade while on patrol encountered Boko Haram terrorists at Budumri village during which they killed 25 Boko Haram terrorists and arrested eight others. “The troops also rescued 103 civilians held hostage by the terrorists. They also recovered one Golf car and motorcycles and bicycles. The troops also cleared terrorists’ camp at Bolungu village. The same unit also rescued 181 persons and captured eight Boko Haram terrorists. Among those rescued were 18 men, 90 women and 77 children,” Col. Usman said.