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Tag: troops

  • Troops arrest suspected pipeline bombers in N’Delta

    Troops arrest suspected pipeline bombers in N’Delta

    Troops of Operation Pulo Shield (OPS), formerly known as Joint Task Force (JTF) have arrested some suspects for the recent attacks of oil pipelines and installations in the Niger Delta region.

    The Commander, OPS, Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola, in a statement signed by the Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre, Col. Ado Isa, said the suspects were undergoing investigations.

    Okunlola said the investigations would determine the culpability of suspects before transferring them to relevant prosecuting agencies.

    He said the troops were on manhunt for other hoodlums who were on the run.

    But the commander failed to indicate the number of persons arrested by the operatives.

    He said: “The success of the arrest was due to highly intensified patrols and cordon-and-search operations on the waterways, creeks and communities by the outfit.”

    Suspected militants recently vandalised some oil and gas pipelines across the Niger Delta including the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation gas pipeline in Egwa 1, Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State and Agip pipelines in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State.

    Okunlola further said that the troops had intensified patrols and cordon-and-search within their Area of Responsibility (AoR).

    The commander also assured the people of Niger Delta of the OPS’ determination to tackle all acts of illegalities in the region.

    He appealed to them to give useful information that would aid the Joint Force in its operations in line with its mandate in the Niger Delta.

    He further warned the perpetrators of the crimes to desist from further destruction of oil facilities or be ready to face the full wrath of the law.

    Also, the Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ) called on the host communities to protect oil and gas pipelines in their domains against vandalism to save the environment from widespread pollution.

    The National Coordinator, CEPEJ, Mr. Sheriff Mulade, urged oil-rich communities to see the installations in their domain as theirs and ensure vandals steer clear of them.

    Mulade bemoaned incessant destruction of pipelines by vandals insisting that the quest for ill-gotten wealth was destroying the environment.

    He said the damage done to the environment by pipeline vandals would take many years to reclaim and warned against self-destruction arising from illegal bunkering by the locals.

    He said: “People should know that they are polluting their environment through vandalism and this illicit trade.  The effect of pollution on the environment is massive especially the health hazards, erosion of livelihoods and all that.

    “Therefore, we should know that when we destroy the environment, we are intentionally destroying ourselves because the environment is our only heritage.”

    Mulade said adequate measures should be put in place to check the unwholesome activities of oil thieves and vandals and advised security agencies to adopt intelligence gathering mechanism to track the perpetrators.

    He also advised the Federal Government to investigate security agents stationed at the facilities following allegations that they were conniving with vandals for their selfish interest.

  • Troops storm militants’ den, foil attack on more facilities

    Troops storm militants’ den, foil attack on more facilities

    A combined military task force on Sunday launched a manhunt for Chief Government Ekpemupolo (also known as Tompolo), his associates and other believed to be masterminds of attacks on crude production and export from the Warri area of Delta State.

    It was gathered that at least one suspect was arrested in connection with the attacks.

    The gang had hit major gas and crude oil trunk lines, including the major Escravos-Warri-Lagos-Abuja gas trunk line of the Nigerian Gas Company and several platforms of oil multinationals operating in the region.

    Plans to hit more oil facilities, including the Opumami location of Con Oil Limited, on Sunday morning were foiled by the security operatives.

    The latest violence in the region began after a Federal High Court issued an arrest order on Tompolo who failed to appear in court for trial on a N34bn fraud.

  • Troops arrest five as pirates kill one, injure seven in Bayelsa

    Troops arrest five as pirates kill one, injure seven in Bayelsa

    Troops of Operation Pulo Shield (OPS) formerly known as Joint Task Force (JTF), have arrested five suspected sea pirates and oil thieves in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State.

    The suspects were nabbed by the troops of Sector 2 who were on patrol on the Sangana Creek on December 21 and 22.

    Parading the suspects at the headquarters of OPS in Yenagoa, the state capital, the Coordinator, Joint Media Campaign Centre (JMCC), Col. lsa Ado, named the suspects as Gabriel Abel and Ebiaredia Godday. Others are Samson Ezekiel, Gift Enihus and Richard Christian.

    Ado also paraded four short guns, four cartridges, 12 mobile phones and other stolen personal effects allegedly recovered from the suspects.

    He said the suspects and the recovered items were in the custody of the OPS for preliminary investigations before they are handed over to prosecuting agencies.

    The alleged pirates were paraded a day after another seven-man gang of sea pirates attacked a local boat killing a 25-year old man identified simply as ThankGod, and injuring six other passengers.

    The incident occurred along the Brass waterways, it was learnt. Some of the victims who spoke in Yenagoa said the incident took place at 2pm on Wednesday along the Borma rice farm axis of the Brass/Ogbia/Yenagoa route.

    The manager of the boat, Mr. Kemelayefa Gabriel, said that they were on their way to Yenagoa from Brass when the bandits shot directly at the boat hitting Thankgod.

    He said the gunmen appeared from a narrow creek along the waterways and started shooting at their boat.

    He said: “In the process, a bullet hit ThankGod on the head and he died on the spot. After minutes of shooting at us, they stopped and entered the boat and started beating us with their guns, robbed us and sped-off afterwards.”

    The Chairman of Maritime Workers Union (MWU), Mr. Lloyd Sese lamented the rising waves of pirate attacks on Bayelsa waterways.

    He described the situation as crude and called on the federal government to come to their aid, as efforts by state government to curb the menace have not yielded any positive result.

    He said: “What is baffling is the fact that sea pirates spend over three hours robbing one boat without any form of resistance from waterway security personnel. In some cases after robbing their helpless victims, they even spend time raping women and even force their victims to conduct prayer session on board the boat before leaving.

    “As far as we are concerned, the situation has gone out of hand and it is time we invite the federal government to come to our aid.”

    The body of late ThankGod who hailed from Igbomotoru community in Southern Ijaw LGA has reportedly been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Medical Center (FMC) in Yenagoa.

  • Troops arrest three suspected militants, vandals in Delta

    Troops arrest three suspected militants, vandals in Delta

    Troops of Operation Pulo Shield (OPS), formerly the Joint Task Force (JTF), have arrested three suspected militants and vandals, following a raid on camps in the creeks in Delta State.

    The troops recovered explosives, identified as dynamites and a cache of arms from the  suspects, who allegedly operated on the Benin River and adjoining creeks in Itagbene, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State.

    Parading the suspects and arms at the OPS headquarters in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital, Commander of OPS Maj.-Gen. Alani Okunlola named the suspects as Mako Ajigidi (aka Sorsor), Godspower Alebi and Okiti Ariri.

    The commander listed the arms recovered as: Light Machine Gun (LMG), five AK-47, G3 rifle, LAR rifle, 20 AK-47 magazines, 415 rounds special and other ammunition.

    He said 10 explosives, identified as dynamites and bundles of detonating cords, were also recovered from the suspects.

    Okunlola said the OPS achieved the feat through intensive patrols and raids on suspected militants’ camps.

    He said: “The operation will be continuous; it is aimed at recovering illegal arms in the Niger Delta.

    “I call on the people of the region to key into our zero tolerance campaign against illegalities and give information that will aid troops to track down and arrest miscreants.”

    The commander said the joint force was determined to fight crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism and other criminal activities in Niger Delta.

  • Troops begin final push against Boko Haram in Sambisa forest

    Troops begin final push against Boko Haram in Sambisa forest

    The army announced yesterday that its men “have advanced deep” into the Sambisa forest in Borno State in the bid to deliver the final blow on Boko Haram.

    They are  “clearing most of the camps therein, rescuing persons held captive, arresting some terrorists and destroying most of their weapons and equipment,” Acting Director Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman, said in a statement.

    He added: “advancing troops of the Nigerian Army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force were able to clear and destroy Boko Haram terrorists’ camps at Shuari, Adembe, Yerimari Kura, Yerimari Gana, Gonin Kurmi, Kore, Mainya Kore, and Lopere.

    “Additionally, the Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher Regiment has destroyed the terrorists’ camps at Dure, Dure Kore, Jokwa, as well as several other camps.

    “The troops recovered foodstuffs, motorcycles, flags, Improvised Explosive Making Devices (IED) materials and military uniforms. Among other discoveries were the terrorists’ tunnels, weapons and equipment.

    “The soldiers also recovered 2,000 cows rustled from various persons over time and rescued women and children held captives by the Boko Haram. While the animals have been moved to Kanwuri, the rescued persons have been evacuated and are being given all the necessary support and assistance.

    “During the encounter with the terrorists at Yerimari Gana a number of Boko Haram terrorists were killed and some suspected terrorists were arrested who are being interrogated. However, a soldier sustained gunshot wound and fracture on the leg.

    “Similarly, while advancing to destroy Nefari terrorists camp, troops discovered and cleared 3 IEDs laid along the route. The camp was successfully cleared and troops have continued their advance while a blocking force has been deployed to prevent infiltration and possible escape by the terrorists.

    “Unfortunately during another encounter with the terrorists along the axis of advance, three soldiers made the supreme sacrifice, while an officer and two soldiers were wounded in action.

     

    “It is instructive to note that the troops’ morale is very high and being conscious of their set objective, they are unrelenting in their determination to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists.”

    Troops have also reportedly destroyed Boko Haram terrorists’ camps Bulagaije and Disa, Gwoza Local Government Area, Borno State and recovered motorcycles, Dane guns and ammunitions.

    The claims could not be independently confirmed.

     

  • Troops after fleeing terrorists in North East – Army

    Troops after fleeing terrorists in North East – Army

    The Nigerian Army has said that its troops are pursuing escaping terrorists and also moving to further block any incursion by the terrorists in the North East.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, on Wednesday in Maiduguri.

    Usman said locations recently attacked by terrorists had also been reinforced and the troops were poised to contain any eventuality.

    He said the coming weeks would be critical in the operation geared toward destroying all known locations of the terrorists.

    “As we enter the month of December, it is important to state that we have also entered a very critical part of the fight against terrorism in our country.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate its total commitment and determination to the war against the Boko Haram terrorists.

    “Consequently, we solicit for the continued support, cooperation and understanding of all Nigerians in this regard,” the statement quoted Usman as saying.

    He said troops in the recent operation in Gulak recovered a Toyota Hilux, several arms and items from the insurgents.

    “Some of the arms include one PKM gun, one General Purpose Machine Gun, three AK-47 rifles, one Rocket Propelled Grenade tube and one Rocket Propelled Grenade bomb.

    “Other recoveries include one charger, seven boxes of 7.62mm link, one GP 340 Hand Held Radio, four boxes of 7.62mm X 54mm ammunition, three Anti Riot Hand Held Grenade, as well as 30 Cleaning Kits, two Packets of Artillery Primers and 97 pieces of Zela fuse.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that suspected insurgents recently attacked Gulak in Adamawa and Gajigana in Borno.

  • Troops capture two wanted Boko Haram kingpins

    Troops capture two wanted Boko Haram kingpins

    Troops have captured two more Boko Haram leaders – among the 100 recently declared wanted by Army chief Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai.

    A sect’s factory has also been destroyed, the army announced yesterday.

    Army spokesman Col. Sani Usman said troops captured a Boko Haram leader posing as a ‘maiguard’ (watchman) while another suspect on the list was arrested in Maiduguri metropolis.

    He added that troops from 154 Task Force Battalion of 29 Task Force Brigade dismantled the sect’s camp at Matali in Damboa Local Government Area, Borno State.

    During the operation, some insurgents were killed and some weapons and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) were recovered.

    “The troops of 111 Special Forces Battalion, 7 Division Garrison, Nigerian Army, during a special raid carried out on Tuesday at Delwa general area, discovered and knocked out Boko Haram terrorists’ rocket factory at Jamrari, Borno State.

    “This unprecedented development has put paid to the much-touted ability of the terrorists to fabricate rockets and their launchers using rudimentary materials.

    “This has further crippled the terrorists and greatly emboldened the troops in carrying out more offensive actions against the terrorists till they are defeated.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai, who is on constant communication with the troops, commended them for this singular act and other similar feats and encouraged them to do more so that the terrorists are on the verge of being defeated,” he stated.

    According to Usman, soldiers and policemen, in separate operations, captured two of Nigeria’s most wanted Boko Haram leaders.

    “Yesterday, troops of 101 Task Force Battalion, 7 Division Garrison, along Lagos Street Maiduguri, Borno State, arrested yet another declared wanted Boko Haram terrorists leader.

    “The suspect who gave his name as Abubakar Sadiq, works as night watchman to one Muhammad Daggash; a closer look at him shows that he was suspect number 28 among the suspected Boko Haram terrorists that were declared wanted by the Nigerian Army last month.

    “The Nigeria Police, Borno State Command, arrested yet another suspected Boko Haram kingpin, Mohammed Usman, at Abuja Talakawa Ward of Maiduguri metropolis, Borno state yesterday.

    “The suspect who matches the photograph of suspect Number 40 on the poster containing the photographs of the 100 wanted suspected Boko Haraam terrorists, was arrested after painstaking effort and tracking by the police.

    “There is no doubt that the arrests of the suspected terrorists are important milestones which show the synergy of effort in the fight against terrorism and insurgency in Nigeria among the security agencies and the public.

    “The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai commended the vigilant troops and the Nigeria Police in particular, Borno State Command, for their great efforts.

    “The Nigerian Army wishes to reiterate that as we move for the final onslaught against Boko Haram terrorists, there is the urgent need for all of us to be more vigilant and security conscious,” Usman stated.

    Yesterday, top officials from Nigeria and Cameroun began another round of discussions on trans-border military operations.

    At the opening ceremony of the Fourth Session of Nigeria-Cameroun Trans-Border Security Committee Meeting in Abuja, , National Security Adviser (NSA), Maj-Gen. Babagana Mongunu (rtd), Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama and the Camerounian Minister of Territorial Administration and Decentralisation, Rene Emmanuel Sadi reaffirmed the two countries’ determination towards defeating Boko Haram.

    Mongunu said the Fourth Session of the meeting was timely with regard to the resolve of President Muhammadu Buhari and President Paul Biya of Cameroun, for peace and stability of the two countries, in particular and the sub-region in general.

    “To put an end to the scourge of terrorist activities, the Nigerian Government recently issued a marching order to the Nigerian military to defeat the Boko Haram terrorists by the end of this year 2015.

    “ It should be noted that the order is presently being carried out with military precision,” he said.

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Onyeama, who was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Hajia Khadija Bukar Abba said:”Nigeria and Cameroun remain resolute and determined to defeat Boko Haram; the terror attacks over the weekend in Paris, France draws, once again, into sharp focus the global dimension and reach of terror.

    “We must remain resolute and very determined to stand with the rest of the world to defeat these evil purveyors of hate and extremism.”

  • Troops destroy Boko Haram arms factory

    Troops destroy Boko Haram arms factory

    •Kingpin held

    Troops have uncovered and destroyed a factory being used by Boko Haram insurgents to fabricate rockets and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs),  Army spokesperson Col. Sani Usman said yesterday.

    Col. Usman said the Nigeria Air Force’s aerial support facilitated the destruction of the factory located at Bama-Gonin Kurmi on the outskirts of Bama town, Borno State.

    In a statement, he added that gas cylinders, welding machine, pipes and poles as well as locally made rocket shells, large quantity of assorted chemicals, unprimed IEDs and various laboratory equipment suspected to have been stolen from schools’ laboratories around Bama, which was once under the control of Boko Haram.

    He added that troops also arrested a Boko Haram kingpin.

    “Troops of the Seventh Division Garrison of the Nigerian Army engaged in Operation Lafiya Dole on Sunday made remarkable progress by arresting a Boko Haram terrorist kingpin, John Trankil, at Kasuwar Shanu in Maiduguri metropolis”.

    He said the timely arrest of Trankil averted what would have been multiple bombings in Maiduguri, the Borno state capital.

    ”Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect said that nine of them were sneaked into the Maiduguri, armed with AK 47 assault rifle each and a Hilux vehicle laden with 20 Improvised Explosive Devices meant to be detonated at some selected targets in the city.

    “The Theatre Commander operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General Yusha’u Mahmood Abubakar, commended the efforts of the troops and renewed calls for troops and the public to be more vigilant and security conscious particularly at all check points, markets, worship centres, motor parks and schools,” he added

     

  • Troops arrest top Boko Haram suspect

    Troops arrest top Boko Haram suspect

    The Army now has two of the 100 wanted Boko Haram suspects in its custody.

    A man suspected to be Chindo Bello, one of the wanted suspects, was arrested at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja on Sunday.

    On Monday, Army spokesman, Col. Sani Usman said a second suspect whose name is yet to be revealed, has also been apprehended.

    The suspect, a Camerounian, was nabbed in Maiha, close to the nation’s border with Cameroun in Adamawa State.

    “As all hands are on deck to finally defeat Boko Haram terrorists. Today in the morning, another declared wanted suspected Boko Haram terrorist, Ishaku Wardifen, was nabbed by vigilant troops of 23 Brigade Special Battalion at a check point in Maiha, Adamawa state.

    “Preliminary interrogation revealed that the suspected terrorist is a Cameroonian.

    “Visual matching with photographs on the poster of the 100 declared suspected Boko Haram terrorists wanted list released by the Army last month, shows that he clearly resembles the suspect on serial number 22 on the list.

    “The suspect has been handed over to military intelligence for further investigation and possible prosecution”, the Army said.

  • Troops rescues 14 children, six women

    Troops rescues 14 children, six women

    •Continue assault on terrorists’ camps in Borno

    Soldiers attached to the 103 Battalion under the 21 Brigade in Borno State yesterday rescued 20 held captive by Boko Haram in the Bama axis of the state.

    Rescued, according to the Media Coordinator of Operation Lafiya Dole, Col. Sani Tukur, were 14 children and six women.

    Tukur also said that four Boko Haram enclaves were cleared in the course of the operation, while  two suspected  terrorists  were arrested.

    Some others were killed.

    He said: “In continuation of the offensive operations to clear the North East of Boko Haram terrorists activities, the Troops of 103 Battalion under 21 Brigade early this morning (yesterday) conducted 23 kilometer wide clearance operations in Rigaga and its adjourning villages in Bama axis.

    “The operation recorded a major success. Four Boko Haram terrorists’ enclaves along the route of the operations were cleared and a number of terrorists were killed while two were captured alive and currently undergoing investigation in accordance with the Nigerian Army rules of engagement.

    “Similarly, in furtherance to offensive operations towards the clearance of Lagaran Fulani and Ango  Baya villages, troops of 28 Task Force Brigade conducted reconnaissance patrol to identify possible blocking positions along Bitta Yamteke Road.

    “During the conduct of the operation troops recovered the following items at Sasawa terrorists’ camp. The items include IEDS making materials, two cylinders, one Motorola Radio, one Garmin GPS Detonating Cords and one RPG bombs.”