The Nation Newspaper

Tag: troops

  • Troops ‘battle weather in Northeast’

    Troops ‘battle weather in Northeast’

    Troops battling Boko Haram insurgents in the Northeast are contending with weather and logistics challenges, it was learnt yesterday.

    But, Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Gabriel Abayomi Olonisakin and Permanent Secretary Ministry of Defence Aliyu Ismaila assured Nigerians yesterday that the presidential deadline to end the insurgency by December would be met.

    They spoke after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari along with Service chiefs on the troops’ challenges.

    The CDS said they had to brief the President on the security situation after a 60-day review.

    He said: “It is a normal consultation to intimate him of the issues on ground.  We briefed him on the security situation after a 60-day review and we had to brief him on the challenges we have and ensure that the mandate we have is properly delivered.

    “Of course, the challenges we are looking at are the issues of probably the weather as it were and some other logistics that we feel we should have so that the mandate can be quickly delivered.

    On the president’s response, he said: “He is very excited, very happy. As for our request, he gave the mandate”.

    Asked if extension of the December deadline is being considered, he said: “We have not said that. The mandate is that we should clear Boko Haram from the occupied territories and ensure that we reclaim all the lost grounds. That is exactly what we are doing”.

    On whether the December mandate is feasible, he said: “It is a military operation and military operations have time-lines and we are working on them assiduously.

    He said the United Sates (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) were involved in capacity building as part of their support to the government.

    “When we get there, we will let you know. They have been involved in some capacity building and of course when we get the tangible ones, we will let you know about them,” he said

    Ismaila said the Service chiefs would meet again with the President in the next few days.

    He said: “We are here to brief the president on what the armed forces have been doing in the Northeast and the Southsouth. That is exactly what we discussed with Mr President.

    “The directive is that we should continue what we have been doing and in the next few days, there will be another meeting.

    “But by and large the president is excited and confident that the leadership of the armed forces that he puts in place will do us proud.”

    Army chief Lt Gen. Tukur Buratai also yesterday reiterated that terrorism would soon be a thing of the past, pointing out the army is a force to be reckoned with.

    He spoke while receiving  the Netherlands Defence Attaché to Nigeria, Col. Eric Adriaan de Landmeter and delegations from Total Plc and Arik Air in his office.

    Gen. Buratai stressed that the Army is making  steady progress in the fight against terror, oil theft and other forms of criminality.

    A statement by Army spokesman Col. Sani  Usman said Gen. Buratai told his visitors that  Multinational Joint Task Force operations were going on fine. Troops from contributing countries are expected to operate within their territories, he added.

    Noting that both Nigeria and the Netherlands have been participating in Peace Support Operations for long, he praised Netherland’s demonstration of concern for Nigeria’s security challenges.

    Col. Landmeter  hailed  the Nigerian Army for its effort in the fight against insurgency.

    Receiving the Managing Director of  Total, Nigeria Plc, Mr Nicolas Terraz, Gen. Buratai said the challenges facing the country, including oil theft, piracy and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta as well as Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast would soon be a thing of the past.

    Mr. Terraz said oil theft and pipeline vandalism were major challenges for his company.

    During another visit by the Managing Director of Arik, Mr Chris Ndulue, Gen. Buratai promised  Army’s partnership with the company.

     

  • Security tightened as Boko Haram infiltrates Lagos

    Security tightened as Boko Haram infiltrates Lagos

    The military and other security agencies have beefed up surveillance around critical infrastructures in Lagos.

    This move, it was learnt was as a result of the infiltration of some Boko Haram commanders and elements into Lagos and other southern states.

    Following the offensive launched by the military in the Northeast theatre zone, many of the fleeing terrorists, according to security agencies have infiltrated the southern parts of the country where they are said to be regrouping.

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai hinted on the infiltration at the weekend in Lagos, while addressing troops of the Nine Brigade.

    He called on his personnel to collaborate with other security agencies, whom he disclosed have already arrested a handful of the terrorists.

    But a security source who does not want to be named told The Nation that security has been beefed up around the ports to forestall an attack.

    He said all vehicles going in and out of the various ports, as well as other critical government infrastructures are being thoroughly searched because Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) could be hidden in anyone.

    The source stated that even tankers and trailers entering the Apapa and Tin Can ports are being thoroughly searched because the military does not want unpleasant surprises.

    “IEDs could be hidden in anything or any car, so there is nothing wrong with security being beefed up. People should consider the catastrophe should any bomb explodes around the ports.

    “The damage that would be done to lives and properties cannot be innumerate.  Aside that, foreign ships will not want to berth in Lagos again, resulting to serious economic loss.

    “It is in the interest of all that a combined team of military and civil security agents are work in tirelessly to avoid any unpleasant surprise in Lagos.

    “We are aware the terrorists have infiltrated and that is why we are acting ahead of them, beefing up intelligence and clearing all areas that they could hide without raising suspicion,” he said.

    Meanwhile The Nation also gathered that the newly introduced Treasury Single Account (TSA) has been affecting the military and other security agencies adversely.

    It was learnt that even the ongoing joint operations being carried out at Ikorodu, which started over the weekend, was being impeded by logistics.

    Security sources who lamented the difficulties they were experiencing, wondered why the federal government included them in the TSA, since they do not generate revenue.

    A very senior security officer who spoke in confidence said that the President should understand that security operations are usually spontaneous, adding that no one could estimate the amount that will be required.

    He disclosed that nearly all security agencies have been crippled by the TSA, adding that providing welfare for foot soldiers in the Ikorodu operation has not been easy.

    Another source who hinted that both air and land patrols have been conducted with military crafts, boats, wondered how effective it would be for security agencies to have to apply to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), before fuelling operational vehicles to pursue criminals.

    He said: “This TSA has almost crippled our operations. Security agencies should have been exempted from it since we are not money generating. It is very difficult to keep men and material intact in an operation without enough resources.

    “There are certain emergency situations that require spontaneous action. But with this TSA, one has to apply to the CBN, which may not understand the importance of urgency.

    “I just hope that the President, who also has security background, will understand that it cannot work in our situation.

    “We are not a money generating sector, at least, not yet, so, they should weigh the options and consider that which is most suitable especially at this critical time.”

  • AU Troops capture senior al-Shabaab commanders

    A top Al-Shabaab Commander and two other senior members of the Islamist group have been captured by Somali and AU troops in the country, intelligence sources said on Monday.

    The three were captured near the central town of Elbur late Sunday, senior Somali intelligence officer Mohamed Hasan said.

    Commander Ali Yusuf, also known as Ali Ganey, who is thought to be responsible for the killings of civilians and attacks against Somali and AU troops in the area, was also among those captured, Somali military commander Mohamed Kahiye said.

    Al-Shabaab is yet to react to the development.

    The AU has more than 22,000 troops in Somalia to help the government battle al-Shabaab, which has campaigned for nearly a decade for a state governed under the strictest interpretation of Islamic law.

  • Troops warn Jos residents of Boko Haram’s presence

    Federal troops code-named ‘Operation Safe Haven’ (OPSH), have alerted Jos residents to the presence of Boko Haram insurgents in the city.

    They said the terrorists might be planning to use suicide bombers at crowded places, such as markets, relaxation centres, termini, schools, etc.

    There had been multiple explosions in the city, which led to deaths.

    The last of such attacks was during the Ramadan fast when worshippers were killed at Dilimi Mosque, Jos.

    In a statement yesterday in Jos, OPSH spokesman Capt. Ikedichi Iweha urged people to be vigilant.

    The statement said: “Park operators and managers of relaxation spots, market unions, mosques, churches, etc are enjoined to put in place security measures.

    “This is because of intelligence report, which shows the intention of the insurgents to attack the Jos metropolis.”

    The troops reiterated their readiness to respond to breach of security.

    They urged the public to supply information to security agencies, assuring of that such sensitive information would be treated with confidentially.

  • Syria extends offensive to retake territory in west

    Syrian troops and allied militia backed by a fresh wave of Russian air strikes and cruise missiles fired from warships attacked rebel forces and hope to recapture a major territory in the west of the country.

    The assault focused on western areas where rebel advances earlier this year had threatened the coastal region vital to President Bashar al-Assad’s support base.

    The Russian Defence Ministry said it fired missiles from ships in the Caspian Sea for a second day and had hit weapons factories, arms dumps, command centres and training camps.

    Meanwhile, U.S. officials said they believed four Russian cruise missiles bound for Syria had crashed en route in Iran, however, Russia’s Defence Ministry insisted the missiles had reached their targets in Syria.

    Since Russia began air strikes last week it has described all its targets as belonging to the Islamic State group, although most have been in areas controlled by other rebel movements where Islamic State has little or no presence.

    On Thursday, Moscow said its air force hit 27 Islamic State targets in the provinces of Homs, Hama and Raqqa, while Kirby said Secretary of State John Kerry had expressed his concern to Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov by telephone that most of the targets hit so far were not related to Islamic State.

    The U.S. has been leading a separate air campaign against Islamic State targets for a year, and the arrival of Russian war planes last week means the Cold War superpower foes are now flying combat missions in the same air space for the first time since World War Two.

    Washington and its allies who want Assad to leave power have accused Moscow of using a campaign against Islamic State as a pretext to target Assad’s other enemies, many of which receive help from countries that oppose him.

    But Russia, allied to Damascus since the Cold War, says Assad’s government should be part of an international campaign against extremists.

  • Troops raid Boko Haram fuel dump

    Troops raid Boko Haram fuel dump

    Troops have discovered and raided another Boko Haram fuel dump at Abbaganaram area of Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

    Army Spokesman, Col. Sani Usman, said yesterday that the fuel dump was raided on Wednesday, following a tip-off by well- meaning citizens.

    Col. Usman said one person was arrested while several items were confiscated during the operation in the city.

    “During the operation, one person, Musa Abba, was arrested and the following items were discovered and confiscated; 11 drums of AGO and one empty drum.

    “Other items include 192 of 25 litres jerrycans, out of which 70 were loaded with AGO, PMS and DPK, a Toyota bus, one Peugeot car, a motorcycle and an air conditioner.’’, he said.

    The spokesman said the fuel depot was used to stockpile Petroleum, oil and Lubricants for Boko Haram terrorists for onward movement to the terrorists’ camps in Sambisa forest.

    He expressed satisfaction with the level of public support which he said was partly responsible for the level of successes recorded in the renewed operations.

    “Over time we have been exhorting the public especially the residents of parts of the North Easte affected by the insurgency to cooperate fully with the military and the security agencies.

    “It is gratifying to note that such call is being heeded to by overwhelming majority of people as exemplified by the courageous and patriotic efforts of the good citizens that exposed this fuel dump in their midst.

    “It is important that people should see the fight against the security menace of Boko Haram terrorism as collective responsibility.

    “Therefore the public are kindly requested to be more vigilant and assist with useful information that would assist in preventing Boko Haram terrorists from carrying out their nefarious activities against the society,” he advised.

    Also yesterday, the sect used the opportunity of the independence anniversary to attack a village in  Adamawa State.

    Adamu Kamale, spokesman of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, said to carry out that cruel action against the small village of Kirchinga, the extremists took advantage of the reduction of the security levels in that area, amid the commemorative celebrations.

  • Troops gun down notorious terrorist, arrest Boko Haram kingpin

    Troops gun down notorious terrorist, arrest Boko Haram kingpin

    The Nigeria Army has announced the capture of Alhaji Tijjani Usman Damagum whom it describes as a high profile member of the Boko Haram group.

    Army spokesman, Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman stated that Damagum is currently undergoing interrogation while another member of the group was gunned down on Monday afternoon.

    “Troops of 3 Division have arrested a suspected Boko Haram terrorists group kingpin, Alhaji Tijjani Usman Damagum.

    “He was tracked down and arrested at Damagum town, Yobe State yesterday.

    “A high profile Boko Haram terrorists’ group member, he has led Boko Haram members on various attacks especially in Yobe State.
    “The suspect is currently undergoing interrogation with a view to arraign him soon,” he stated.

    He also gave insight into the operation that led to the Army’s killing of an unnamed terrorist from whom soldiers allegedly recovered an AK-47 rifle.

    “In an offensive operation to clear Boko Haram terrorists enclave around Kwatarha and Torikwaptir general area of Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, a notorious Boko Haram terrorist that had been wrecking havoc among the communities was gunned by our troops on Monday afternoon.

    “During the operation, four other terrorists were believed to have escaped with gunshot wounds,” he added.

  • Troops rescue women, children

    Troops rescue women, children

    The Army said yesterday that scores of women and children held captive by Boko Haram insurgents have been rescued by troops along Banki, Kumashe and Bama axis in Borno State.

    Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col. Sani Usman, in a statement said the advancing troops cleared four camps along the axis, while several others were cleared in Bolungu 1 and 2, Bula Doye and Cheehi Dare areas in the state.

    “Nigerian troops advancing to clear all known Boko Haram terrorists camps towards Banki, Kumshe axis and Bama axis cleared four more camps earlier on Tuesday.

    “They were able to clear the terrorists’ camps at Bolungu 1 and 2, Bula Doye and Cheehi Dare and secured a very important bridge linking the towns of Miyanti and Banki in Borno State.

    “The gallant troops also rescued dozens of kidnapped women and children held captive by Boko Haram terrorists.’’

    It said more enclaves of the insurgents would be cleared as troops involved in the operations advanced towards more areas previously occupied by the insurgents.

    The statement said the offensive operations by ground troops and aerial bombardments by the Air Force would continue in the region until the insurgency was ended.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the military had intensified offensive against the insurgents with the aim of ending their reign of terror in the North East.

  • Troops rescue more women, children held by Boko Haram

    Troops rescue more women, children held by Boko Haram

    The Nigerian Army said on Tuesday that scores of women and children held captive by Boko Haram insurgents have been rescued by troops along Banki, Kumashe and Bama axis in Borno.

    The acting Director of Army Public Relations, Col. Sani Usman confirmed the development in a statement issued in Abuja.

    He said the advancing troops cleared four camps along the axis, while several others were cleared in Bolungu 1 and 2, Bula Doye and Cheehi Dare areas also in Borno.

    “Nigerian troops advancing to clear all known Boko Haram terrorists camps towards Banki, Kumshe axis and Bama axis have cleared 4 more camps earlier on Tuesday.

    “They were able to clear the terrorists’ camps at Bolungu 1 and 2, Bula Doye and Cheehi Dare and secured a very important bridge linking the towns of Miyanti and Banki in Borno State.

    “The gallant troops also rescued dozen of kidnapped women and children held captive by Boko Haram terrorists.’’

    It said more enclaves of the insurgents would be cleared as troops involved in the operations advanced towards more areas previously occupied by the insurgents.

    The statement said the offensive operations by ground troops and aerial bombardments by the Nigerian Air Force would continue in the region until the insurgency was ended.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the military had intensified offensive against the insurgents with the aim of ending their reign of terror in the North East.

  • Troops kill 10 bandits, recover 7119 animals

    Troops kill 10 bandits, recover 7119 animals

    Troops under the 1 Division of the Nigeria Army have killed no fewer than 10 bandits and suspected terrorists in various joint operations tagged “Operation Restore Peace II” in the Northwest zone of the country.

    During the military operations about 64 suspected terrorists and bandits have also been arrested and handed over to the Police for further investigations and prosecution while 7119 cattles, sheep and goats were also recovered from rustlers and bandits who have been terrorising people from the zone.

    The zone comprises of Jigawa, Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Kaduna, and Kano, while the operations extended to Niger and Kogi states in the north-central.

    [ad id=”403656″]According to a statement issued by the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations of the 1 Division Headquaters in Kaduna, Colonel Usman Abdul, the operations were carried out by combined team of Nigeria Army, Nigeria Air Force, Police, DSS and Customs personnel among others.

    Colonel Abdul said: “in Kaduna state and its immediate environs, the expanded security outfit involved in the operation have made recovery of 2081 animals like cattles, sheep and goats. 27 suspects were arrested and lots of weapons of different calibers were recovered from the bandits.

    “In the axis of Sokoto, Zamfara, and Kebbi states over 3027 animals which included cattles, goats and shhep were recovered. 33 suspected bandits were arrested with 11 weapons seized in the course of the operation. All the suspects were handed over to Zamfara DSS and the Police Command while the animals were handed over to Zamfara state government officials.

    “In the area covering Kano, Katsina and Jigawa states , the joint operation recovered a total of 2011 animals, 4 suspects arrested and 10 bandits were killed during encounters and 8 assorted weapons recovered.

    “Arrested suspects were handed over to Katsina police command, while animals recovered were handed over to Katsina state government officials.”

    Colonel Abdul noted in the statement that since the commencement of the operations, confidence has been restored to the locals who have since resumed their normal farming and commercial activities.

    He said the army and other security agencies and the men of operation Yaki in Kaduna have through various operations been able to reduce and subdue activities of bandits and insurgents.