The Nation Newspaper

Tag: troops

  • Troops kill 19 bandits, lose two soldiers in Kano gun battle

    Troops kill 19 bandits, lose two soldiers in Kano gun battle

    Nineteen bandits were feared dead following a gun duel between troops of the Joint Task Force Operation MESA in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State.

    Two soldiers and a local vigilante also died during the operation, which was led by 3 Brigade Nigerian Army on Saturday night.

    An Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Capt. Babatunde Zubairu in a statement on Monday disclosed that the encounter followed a tip-off on the movement of bandits around Unguwan Tidu, Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of the state at about 5 pm on November 1, 2025.

    “Following a tip-off on movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, Goron Dutse axis of Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State at about 5:00pm on 1 November 2025, the troops of 3 Brigade supported by other security agencies raided the bandits and pushed them out of Shanono resulting in a heavy fire fight. It was further confirmed that the bandits who sustained several casualties arrived on motorcycles.

    Read Also: Troops kill two terrorists, arrest 20, rescue 17 kidnap victims in nationwide military operations

    “The intervention commenced when gallant troops swiftly responded to reports of bandits’ movements in the area. Own troops deployed at Tsaure came in contact with the bandits which led to exchange of fire where own troops successfully pursued the bandits and recovered several motorcycles and two mobile phones from the criminals. It was confirmed that 19 bandits were neutralized during the encounter. Regrettably, 2 gallant soldiers and one local Vigilante paid the supreme sacrifice.

    “Additionally, further operations are ongoing in the general area as efforts are made to protect vulnerable communities who have been prone to cattle rustling from the bandits. The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.

    “The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the security agencies for prompt response.

    “The Commander 3 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Ahmed Tukur, assures law-abiding citizens of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the State, while working together with the sister services and security agencies,” the statement reads. 

  • Troops kill two terrorists, arrest 20, rescue 17 kidnap victims in nationwide military operations

    Troops kill two terrorists, arrest 20, rescue 17 kidnap victims in nationwide military operations

    The Nigerian Army has neutralised two terrorists, arrested 20 others, and rescued 17 kidnap victims in a series of coordinated operations conducted across several regions of the country within the past 48 hours.

    A top military source, who disclosed this to The Nation yesterday, said the operations also led to the surrender of three fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Borno State.

    According to the source, the surrendered insurgents were identified as Fannami Ari (also known as Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (also known as Abu Yusuf), and one unnamed trainee.

    The source said troops of 192 Battalion, in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), launched a well-coordinated offensive against ISWAP and Jama’at Ahl as-Sunnah (JAS) fighters at Hudugum village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, resulting in the death of two terrorists.

    READ ALSO: Obi Cubana blames solo-ownership culture for African business failures

    “Three terrorists identified as Fannami Ari (aka Abu Dujana), Hussaini Hassan Modu (aka Abu Yusuf) and another trainee surrendered to troops in Kukawa and Damboa Local Government Areas, citing disillusionment with terrorist leadership and deteriorating living conditions within their enclaves,” the source added.

    In the North West, troops of 1 Brigade thwarted two kidnap attempts in Zamfara State, rescuing 11 hostages in separate operations along the Magami–Jan Gemi and Kucheri–Bilbis routes. The rescued victims have since been reunited with their families, while troops maintain aggressive patrols to deny terrorists freedom of movement and dismantle their logistics networks.

    Across the North Central zone, combined clearance operations under Operations ENDURING PEACE and WHIRL STROKE in Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, and Kaduna states led to the arrest of 15 suspected kidnappers, cultists, and cattle rustlers. Four additional kidnap victims were rescued, and several weapons and rounds of ammunition were recovered during the raids.

    In the South-South region, troops of 29 Battalion uncovered and destroyed two illegal oil refining sites at Biseni in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, disrupting the operations of oil thieves in the area. Similarly, troops of 34 Artillery Brigade intercepted 62 sacks of stolen crude oil—estimated at over 3,000 litres—at Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State.

    According to the military source, the ongoing nationwide offensives reflect the Nigerian Army’s renewed determination under its current leadership to eradicate terrorism, curb criminal activities, and consolidate peace across the country.

    “These sustained operations underscore the Army’s unflinching resolve to dismantle terrorist networks, decimate criminal elements, and restore enduring peace and stability nationwide,” the source said.

  • Troops neutralise 10 terrorists in fresh encounter, recover arms in Borno

    Troops neutralise 10 terrorists in fresh encounter, recover arms in Borno

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised 10 terrorists and recovered arms, ammunition and equipment in fresh encounters along the Gamboru–Dikwa–Marte axis of Borno.

    This is contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer, OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Sunday.

    Uba said the operation followed an earlier offensive around the Katarko axis where over 50 insurgents were eliminated.

    He said the troops of Sector 1 under 24 Task Force Brigade conducted a precision night operation that foiled a terrorist attempt to infiltrate Gamboru Ngala from the Flatari axis.

    Read Also: Troops kill over 50 terrorists, repel multiple attacks in Borno, Yobe — military

    He said the fleeing terrorists later ran into another ambush along the Dikwa–Marte road where they were engaged and neutralised.

    According to him, items recovered included; five AK-47 rifles, one PKT machine gun, three dane guns, two fabricated pistols, five AK-47 magazines, linked ammunition, motorcycles, bicycles, and a radio set.

    Uba said the Military High Command commended the troops for their gallantry and reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining offensive operations to restore peace and stability in the North- East.

    (NAN)

  • Troops kill over 50 terrorists, repel multiple attacks in Borno, Yobe — military

    Troops kill over 50 terrorists, repel multiple attacks in Borno, Yobe — military

     Troops of the Operation “Hadin Kai” (OPHK) have killed more than 50 terrorists and repelled multiple coordinated attacks on military locations in Borno and Yobe.

    The military said the simultaneous attacks occurred between midnight and 0400 hours on Thursday when terrorists launched assaults on troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo and Katarko, situated within Sectors I and II of the Joint Operations Area.

    Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force North East (OPHK), in a statement on Thursday in Maiduguri, said the troops fought gallantly and professionally, repelling the attacks and inflicting devastating losses on the terrorists.

    “In all instances, troops stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy, decisive and bloody blow,” Uba stated.

    He said the coordinated ground and air operations, backed by precision strikes from the Air Component of OPHK, led to the neutralisation of over 50 terrorists across all the locations.

    According to him, troops also recovered 38 AK-47 rifles, seven PKT machine guns, five RPG tubes, two GPMGs, hand grenades, and thousands of assorted rounds of ammunition after the clashes.

    Read Also: Troops arrest 28 oil thieves, recover 290,000 litres of products

    “The precision strikes, coupled with enhanced battlefield awareness provided by the Theatre’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) assets, gave troops additional leverage and impetus to respond with overwhelming and lethal force,” Uba added.

    He disclosed that over 70 wounded terrorists were being pursued by ground troops, with the Air Component maintaining close coordination to ensure total clearance of the fleeing remnants.

    Intelligence reports, he said, indicated that the attackers who stormed Dikwa and Gajibo manoeuvred from the Cameroon axis, while those who attacked Katarko emerged from the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious terrorist enclave.

    Uba said some gallant troops sustained injuries but were in stable condition, while some vehicles and buildings in Mafa and Dikwa were gutted by fire following RPG and drone attacks by the terrorists.

    He noted that despite the heavy onslaught, the troops maintained control of all their positions and repelled the coordinated strikes with renewed strength and professionalism.

    “The Military High Command has commended the gallantry, doggedness and renewed charge of the troops. Their steadfast performance once again reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve and capacity to defend the nation’s territorial integrity,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • Troops arrest 28 oil thieves, recover 290,000 litres of products in Niger Delta

    Troops arrest 28 oil thieves, recover 290,000 litres of products in Niger Delta

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies have arrested 28 suspected oil thieves, dismantled four illegal refineries and seized over 290,000 litres of stolen products in the Niger Delta.

    The acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development in a statement he released in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

    Danjuma said at Okrika in Okrika Local Government Area, the operatives intercepted two wooden boats which were  loading Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from a vessel offloading the product at a jetty.

    He said two boats were also intercepted at Okrika, with one loaded with over 33,000 litres of stolen products at a jetty in Okrika, adding that another wooden boat loaded with over 5,000 litres of stolen products was also found in the area.

    Danjuma noted that following a tip-off on illegal oil bunkering activities around a pipeline after Sterling Global Company Road, Akpabo, at Elele Alimini in Emohua LGA, the troops stormed the area and impounded a tanker with registration number Rivers JJN 287 ZU coming out of the pipeline right of way.

    He said the vehicle was suspected to have loaded about 90,000 litres of stolen products from the site and confirmed that two suspects, the driver and his motor boy, were taken into custody. 

    He further explained that at Okolomade in Abua/Odual LGA, over 2,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered by the troops.

    Danjuma said along Imo River, the troops deactivated two illegal refining sites and seized three drum pots, three receivers, and over 2,500 litres of stolen crude around Obuzor, Asa Asa in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. 

    He noted that at Orashi River waterside, two wooden boats were intercepted with over 700 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene recovered adding that six suspects were arrested in connection with the seizures.

    In Delta State, the troops, who were said to have acted on credible intelligence on the activities of oil thieves along the PAN Ocean Pipeline right of way in Ethiope East LGA, closed in on criminals, who on sighting them fled the area.

    “However, one suspect was arrested and various items recovered. These included vandalized pipes, hoses, a large quantity of Bagco sacks, and leather materials. Others included one Peugeot 406 car, a Camry car, one Toyota Jeep, as well as a lorry van loaded with over 1,650 litres of stolen products”, the statement said.

    He added that the troops on pipeline surveillance along the Midwestern Oil and Gas Pipeline Rright of way at Umusan-Obodogwa in Ndokwa West LGA intercepted a Mercedes-Benz truck with registration number Enugu VE 174 ENU conveying 24 pieces of 14-inch pipes and three gas cylinders.

    While saying that two persons were arrested, Danjuma explained that the pipes were suspected to have been vandalized from the SEPCO Oil and Gas pipeline at Kwale. 

    He said that around Eruemukohwarien in Ughelli North LGA, a Toyota Hiace bus with registration number Delta PTN 926 XA was intercepted for conveying 10 drums filled with 2,500 litres of condensates, adding that the driver was arrested.

    Danjuma said in Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states, the troops scaled up both kinetic and non-kinetic operations, effectively dominating the operational landscape and denying criminal elements the freedom of action.

    He quoted the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen..Emmanuel Eric Emekah, as commending the troops for their exploits.

     The GOC further charged them to sustain the operational tempo in clamping down on economic saboteurs and other associated crimes in the Niger Delta Region.

  • Troops kill 17 terrorists, apprehend 85 suspects, rescue 10 victims

    Troops kill 17 terrorists, apprehend 85 suspects, rescue 10 victims

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed 17 terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 10 kidnapped victims in a series of coordinated operations across the country within the last 48 hours.

    A credible source at the Army Headquarters told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the feats were recorded across several theatres of operation nationwide.

    The source said the apprehended suspects included Boko Haram informants, logistics suppliers, terrorist collaborators, drug peddlers, and kidnappers, while the rescued victims were safely evacuated and undergoing profiling and medical evaluation.

    In the North East, the source said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai sustained aggressive counter-terrorism operations under Operations Desert Sanity IV and Diligent Search, leading to multiple encounters with Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno and Adamawa States.

    The source disclosed that troops of 202 and 222 Battalions came under ambush during an operation around Goni Kurmi and Kashomri villages in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno, fought gallantly and neutralised several terrorists.

    He added that troops of 195 Battalion, working with the Department of State Services (DSS), apprehended a notorious Boko Haram/ISWAP informant and ransom collector at Customs IDP Camp in Jere Local Government Area.

    The suspect, he said, was tracked through monitored calls and bank transactions.

    He added that in troops recovered an AK-47 rifle earlier stolen by terrorists, rescued two kidnapped escapees, and apprehended three major logistics suppliers with food items and materials meant for ISWAP cells in Alagarno.

    “Similarly, in Adamawa, troops of 144 Battalion intercepted seven vehicles and nine motorcycles conveying 368 bags of cement suspected to be heading to terrorist enclaves in Madagali Local Government Area.

    “Troops also foiled infiltration attempts in Buratai, Biu Local Government Area of Borno, with air support from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    “Other units recovered ₦4.77 million cash, six mobile phones and two bicycles abandoned by fleeing insurgents along the Maiduguri–Damboa Road,” he said.

    In the North West, the source revealed that troops under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted clearance and stabilization operations in Sokoto and Zamfara States.

    According to him, 69 suspected drug peddlers were apprehended in raids on communities in Sokoto South Local Government Area, while another five terrorist collaborators were apprehended in Gudu Local Government Area.

    He added that troops also rescued one civilian injured in a terrorist attack along Faru–Bagabbuzi Road in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    In North Central, the source said the troops of Operation Enduring Peace rescued one kidnapped victim at Dorowa in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau.

    According to him, another operation at Rawaya Village, Gashish District, led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one revolver pistol, six magazines, and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition.

    He said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also apprehended two suspected kidnappers at Idadu Town in Doma Local Government Area of Nasarawa State.

    Read Also: Troops rescue 23 kidnap victims, nab key terrorists’ collaborators

    He added that troops also destroyed a terrorist camp and seizing mobile phones and customized vehicle plates at Gbagir in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.

    “In the South South, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified operations against oil thieves. Omoku in Rivers intercepted a wooden boat carrying 840 litres of illegally refined Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and arrested one suspect.

    “Another patrol in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta, seized a vehicle conveying 2,500 litres of illegal condensate.

    “Across all theatres, troops recovered no fewer than 15 assorted weapons, 21 magazines and over 1,200 rounds of ammunition, alongside cash and logistics materials.

    “The Nigerian Army remains committed to maintaining the operational momentum and will continue to deny terrorists and criminal elements any freedom of action across the country,” the source added.

    He commended the troops for their professionalism and resilience, noting that morale remains high across all formations and units.

    (NAN)

  • Troops neutralise dozens of terrorists, nab 62 suspects, rescue 30 victims — DHQ

    Troops neutralise dozens of terrorists, nab 62 suspects, rescue 30 victims — DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces have neutralised dozens of insurgents, apprehended 62 suspects and rescued 30 kidnapped victims within the past two weeks across theatres.

    The Director of  Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on ongoing military operations across all theatres.

    Kangye said the troops had sustained tempo of operation against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

    In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major successes between Oct. 8 and 16 through coordinated land and air offensives in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

    “During the encounters, several terrorists were neutralised, 16 collaborators and informants arrested, and seven kidnapped victims rescued.

    “Troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition, vehicles, fuel, and ₦5.14 million cash, while terrorists’ hideouts were destroyed,” he said.

    In the North West, Kangye said the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI killed several bandits, apprehended 14 suspects, and rescued six kidnapped victims.

    He added that troops also apprehended a suspected gunrunner and two members of a drug cartel in Kaduna and Zamfara States, recovering 1,307 rounds of ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cannabis, and ₦227,000 cash.

    In the North Central zone, Kangye said the troops of Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke foiled terror attacks and intensified patrols in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

    “Troops arrested 11 suspects and recovered weapons and motorcycles, while four others earlier apprehended were convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment each for conspiracy and theft,” he said.

    Kangye added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised several armed criminals, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued 17 kidnapped victims during offensive patrols in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi States.

    Read Also: Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, wife in Kaduna

    “In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander identified as Gentle and eight of his associates in Imo and Ebonyi States.

    “Troops also apprehended a female logistics supplier in Abia and three minors linked to a wanted IPOB leader, Maduabuchi Uwankwo, alias Emergency.

    “Recovered items include arms, ammunition and vehicles, while investigations are ongoing,” he said.

    Kangye commended the troops for their professionalism and courage, assuring that the Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.

    (NAN)

  • Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, wife in Kaduna

    Troops arrest suspected gunrunner, wife in Kaduna

    Troops of Joint Task Force, Operation Enduring Peace (JTF-OPEP) have arrested a suspected gunrunner and his wife in Saminaka, Lere Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State.

    Maj. Samson Zhakom, the Media Officer of the operation disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday in Jos.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that JTF-OPEP is a special task force saddled with the responsibility of maintaining peace in Plateau and parts of Kaduna and Bauchi states.

    Zhakom said that the 40 and 18 years-old suspects were apprehended on Oct. 8, by its troops in collaboration with Operation Fansan Yamma (OPFY).

    Read Also: Bandits never overran our troops, we gave them a bloody nose – Army

    “In a coordinated operation to enhance security across the Joint Operations Area, troops JTF OPEP in collaboration with that of OPFY tracked and apprehended two notorious gunrunners.

    “The suspects were intercepted at a snap checkpoint established by the joint troops of JTF OPEP and OPFY at the outskirts of Saminaka in Lere LGA.

    “The operation, prompted by auctionable intelligence from an intelligence agency in Plateau, led to the recovery of 1,207 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition.

    “The ammunition was believed to be bound for armed groups operating in the North West region of the country,”he said.

    The media officer said that suspects and other items recovered are currently in its custody undergoing further investigation.

    (NAN)

  • Troops destroy eight illegal refineries, seize 18,000 litres of stolen crude in Niger Delta operations

    Troops destroy eight illegal refineries, seize 18,000 litres of stolen crude in Niger Delta operations

    Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have intensified their fight against oil theft in the Niger Delta, destroying eight illegal refineries and seizing over 18,000 litres of stolen crude oil in a series of coordinated operations across Rivers, Akwa Ibom, and Bayelsa states.

    The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the development in a statement, noting that the operations — carried out in collaboration with other security agencies — also led to the arrest of several suspects.

    According to him, troops dismantled a newly constructed illegal refining site around Joinkrama 4 in Ahoada West Local Government Area of Rivers State, recovering over 3,500 litres of stolen crude oil. Other items destroyed included receivers, ovens, drums, and connecting pipes used for illicit refining.

    “Additionally, acting on credible intelligence, troops intercepted a red Mercedes-Benz vacuum truck with registration number AHD 925 XA loaded with over 3,200 litres of stolen crude along Aba Road in Oyigbo LGA. The driver abandoned the vehicle and fled upon sighting the troops,” Danjuma said.

    He added that clearance operations conducted along the fringes of the Imo River also resulted in the deactivation of another illegal refining site, where troops recovered three drum pots, two drum receivers, and over 2,000 litres of stolen crude oil stored in sacks. Further seizures were made at Odogwa in Etche LGA, Obeama Uzomiri Waterside in Oyigbo LGA, and Obiafor Oil Field in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA.

    Read Also: Tinubu hails ex-CDS Irabor at 60, describes him as a true war commander

    In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry vehicles with registration numbers ANA 495 CK and AKD 233 EQ, conveying 120 nylon bags containing more than 3,600 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) along Ikot Okoro, Abak LGA. Two suspects were arrested in connection with the operation.

    Similarly, in Bayelsa State, around Biseni Community along Kemezia Road, troops discovered over 950 litres of stolen petroleum products hidden in an abandoned building at No. 70, Yenagoa LGA.

    Danjuma said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Emmanuel Eric Emekah commended the troops for their commitment and resilience, urging them to sustain the momentum.

    He also warned criminal elements to desist from acts of economic sabotage and embrace legitimate means of livelihood, affirming that the division would continue to ensure that “the forests remain green and the waters blue” through zero tolerance for oil theft and related crimes.

  • Troops destroy 41 Illegal Refineries, foil oil theft in September – DHQ

    Troops destroy 41 Illegal Refineries, foil oil theft in September – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the troops of Operation Delta Safe have destroyed 41 illegal refining sites and foiled oil theft worth over ₦112.1 million in the Niger Delta in September.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the troops had maintained aggressive patrols and air reconnaissance to curb crude oil theft, pipeline vandalism, and other forms of economic sabotage.

    According to him,the troops had also recovered 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK) and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) from criminals during the period under review.

    “Troops also destroyed 41 illegal refining sites, 21 cooking ovens, 9 dugout pits, 11 storage tanks, seven boats and arrested several suspects involved in the illegal trade,” he said.

    Kangye added that troops dismantled multiple oil theft networks and seized equipment used for large-scale bunkering, including pumping machines, hoses, and generators.

    Read Also: Troops rescue two kidnapped Immigration officers in Benue

    He said the operations were carried out in Delta, Bayelsa, and Rivers States, with support from other security agencies.

    The defence spokesman reaffirmed the military’s resolve to sustain its onslaught against crude oil theft, adding that the fight against economic saboteurs remains a national priority due to its direct impact on Nigeria’s economy and environmental safety.

    He urged the host communities to support the security forces with timely information to help identify and disrupt oil theft networks operating in their areas.

    “Our operations will continue to target the sources, storage facilities, and transportation channels used by oil thieves until these criminal enterprises are completely dismantled,” he said.

    (NAN)