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Tag: troops

  • Troops arrest 42 oil thieves, recover stolen products

    Troops arrest 42 oil thieves, recover stolen products

    Troops of Operation Delta Safe have apprehended 42 suspected oil thieves and recovered large quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products in the past week.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye announced this while briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters on Thursday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the troops recovered 201,345 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,730 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 1,759 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK).

    He added that troops also discovered and destroyed 18 crude oil cooking ovens, 32 dugout pits, 16 boats, 21 storage tanks, 17 drums and 19 illegal refining sites.

    He said, “Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 13 vehicles.

    “Furthermore, 42 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested, while assorted arms and ammunition and some explosives were also recovered.”

    Read Also: Troops arrest 50 suspected oil thieves, impound 25,000 litres of stolen products

    Kangye further disclosed that troops also apprehended a notorious cult leader identified as Prince Johnson Ishirim, otherwise known as Commander Junior and 13 other suspected criminals/Kidnappers in Ahoada East Local Government Area of Rivers, Oshimiri, Warri South and Ukwani Local Government Areas of Delta.

    “Weapons and ammunition, as well as vehicles and motorcycles, were recovered from them,” he said.

    According to him, troops also raided a criminal’s hideout in the Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa and arrested 28 oil thieves and some drug dealers on July 10.

  • Troops nab notorious militia kingpin in Nasarawa

    Troops nab notorious militia kingpin in Nasarawa

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have apprehended a wanted militia leader, Haruna Abdulhamid, during a sting operation in Gidan Waya in Nasarawa State.

    A credible source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that troops of the Sector II Operation Whirl Stroke deployed to Nasarawa Eggon, achieved the major breakthrough following a tip off.

    The source said that the suspect had been on wanted list of security agencies for his involvement in coordinated criminal activities, including attacks on communities, kidnapping and arms deal.

    According to the source, Abdulhamid was arrested following a credible human intelligence about his movement to collect cash as proceed from one of his nefarious engagements.

    “He is currently in custody and undergoing further investigation,” he said.

    In the North East, he said the troops in conjunction with hunters and Hybrid Forces engaged terrorists during a fighting patrol to Pambula Village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa.

    He added that one terrorist was neutralised, while a weapon and four motorcycles abandoned by the terrorists were recovered.

    The source further revealed that troops deployed in Bama Local Government Area of Borno engaged terrorists in a firefight, neutralised one, recovered weapons and destroyed terrorist hideouts and life support structures.

    According to him, the sting operation also led to the surrender of three ISWAP/JAS family members, comprising an adult female and two minors,

    “The troops also discovered a 40mm unexploded mortar bomb during a patrol along Damboa–Azir road in Damboa Local Government Area.

    “The area was immediately cordoned off and the device safely recovered by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

    In the North West, the source said the troops of troops deployed in Kebbi State conducted a successful ambush operation at River Kaa following reports of cattle rustling by terrorists.

    According to him, troops rescued six kidnapped victims and recovered four rustled cattle.

    “In the South East, troops acting on credible information arrested a suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) at a checkpoint in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of Imo.

    “The suspect is linked to past attacks on security personnel and infrastructure.

    “He is being interrogation interrogated and providing useful information to the security agencies,” he added.

    In the South-South, he said the troops of 34 Artillery Brigade and 197 Special Forces Battalion uncovered an illegal refining site containing 60 cooking drums with about 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil, as well as reservoirs with illegally refined petroleum products.

    He said the illegal infrastructure was dismantled in accordance with Operation Delta Safe directives.

    He added that troops of 3 Battalion in collaboration with Tantita Security Services intercepted boats transporting 1,720 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products along Jeddo Waterways in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta.

    “The suspects fled on sighting troops, and the recovered items were appropriately handled.

    “The Nigerian army remains committed to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of citizens through aggressive and coordinated operations across all theatres,” the source added.

    (NAN)

  • 210 terrorists surrender to troops in Lake Chad region

    210 terrorists surrender to troops in Lake Chad region

    No fewer than 210 Boko Haram fighters and their family members have surrendered to troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) Sector 2, along the Lake Chad region.

    MNJTF spokesman Lt.-Col. Olaniyi Osoba said in a statement on Wednesday that the mass surrender follows intensified kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the region.

    The surrendered terrorists confessed to having participated in various terrorist acts along the Bakatolerom, Barkalam, Litri, and Kaiga Ngbouboun axis of Lake Chad, according to Lt.-Col. Osoba.

    Ten assorted weapons of various calibres were recovered from the terrorists during the operation.

    The spokesman described the feat as a “major blow” to Boko Haram fighters hibernating in the region, underscoring the effectiveness of the MNJTF’s comprehensive approach to the operation.

    The spokesman said the Commander of Sector 2/Operation Lake Chad, Maj.-Gen Moussa Haussa, had since commended the troops for their commitment to fighting terrorists and urged them to maintain the momentum.

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    Maj.-Gen Haussa assured that those who surrendered will be treated humanely and will participate in the MNJTF’s deradicalisation programme,” Osoba said

    According to Osoba, the Governor of the Region of Lake Chad, Brig.- Gen Saleh Haggar Tidjani, had welcomed the surrendered terrorists and promised to provide the repentant terrorists with a skill acquisition programme that will facilitate their reintegration into society. 

    “This initiative aims to provide them with sustainable livelihoods and support their transition back to peaceful civilian life,” he said.

  • Troops kill 10 terrorists along Nigeria- Cameroon border

    Troops kill 10 terrorists along Nigeria- Cameroon border

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in Northeast Nigeria in collaboration with the Multinational Joint Task Force (MJNTF) have killed 10 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) during a fierce battle along Rann – Gamboru Ngala axis, close to the Nigeria – Cameroon border.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, revealed this in a statement on Monday night.

    Kangye said the operation was strategically designed and executed to flush out remnants of Boko Haram/ISAWP terrorists operating within the border communities.

    According to him, troops, acting on credible intelligence, “masterfully” stormed the terrorists’ hideout between Rann and Gamboru, resulting in an intense gun battle, where 10 terrorists met their waterloo, as a result of the troops superior firepower.

    Read Also: Troops kill one in fierce encounter with fleeing bandits

    “After the firefight, a huge cache of arms and ammunition were recovered from the scene, including some quantity of anti-aircraft ammunition,” Kangye said. 

    “The operation was part of a broader strategy to dominate the Southern Lake Chad axis and prevent cross-border movement of BH/ISWAP terrorists.”

    He said several arms and ammunition were recovered from the terrorists, which were being subjected to further technical analysis, “while search efforts are ongoing to locate possible escapees and other terrorists’ hideouts in the area.” 

  • Troops kill one in fierce encounter with fleeing bandits

    Troops kill one in fierce encounter with fleeing bandits

    Troops of 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation WHIRL STROKE (OPWS) in Taraba state, have engaged some bandits in an exchange of gunfire, killing one in the process while others escaped with gunshot injuries.

    The encounter which took place n Ussa Local Government Area of the State resulted in the recovery of one AK 47 rifle and some ammunition abandoned by the fleeing bandits.

    According to a press statement made available to The Nation by Spokesman of the brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni, the troops acting on intelligence, positioned themselves on a suspected crossing route of the bandits where they made contact with the bandits.

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    The statement read: “Acting on credible intelligence regarding the movement of suspected bandits, troops stationed at Kwesati swiftly deployed and tactically established a position along a suspected crossing route.

    “During the operation, the troops made contact with the criminals and engaged them with superior firepower. The intensity of the engagement forced the bandits to flee in disarray, with several suspected to have escaped into the surrounding forest with gunshot wounds. One bandit was neutralized during the encounter.

    “Following the operation, troops conducted a thorough exploitation of the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine containing three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and two mobile phones”.

    Speaking on the successful operation, Commander 6 Brigade Nigerian Army, Brigadier General Kingsley Chidiebere Uwa, reiterated the Brigade’s resolve to sustain aggressive operations until all threats are neutralized within the state.

  • Troops foil terrorists’ attempt to establish base in Katsina, rescue 19

    Troops foil terrorists’ attempt to establish base in Katsina, rescue 19

    Attempts by the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP/JAS terrorist group to open a base in Katsina State, has been foiled by the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma.

    The troops arrested several members of the group and rescued  19 victims in their captivity.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Markus Kangye, made this known yesterday.

    Following ongoing non-kinetic initiative of the troops, he said “scores of terrorists surrendered and unconditionally released 19 victims in their captivity in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State on 14 June 2025. Weapons and ammunition were also recovered from the surrendered terrorists.”

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    Major Kangye noted that between 11 and 18 of this month, the  troops made contact with terrorists during fighting patrols conducted in Tsafe, Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Tangaza, Wurno, Silame and Sabon Birni LGAs of Sokoto State.

    “They also conducted operations in Sabuwa, Kankara, Malumfashi and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State.During the encounters, some terrorists were killed, 3 of them were arrested. Also, 3 kidnapped victims were rescued. Some weapons, as well as assorted ammunition and motorcycles, were also recovered.

    “Troops responded to information about terrorists’ activities in Talata Mafara, Gusau, and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Shinkafi and Isa LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto State respectively.”

  • Troops kill eight terrorists in Katsina

    Troops kill eight terrorists in Katsina

    Troops of 17 Brigade, operating under Operation Fasan Yamma at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Kurfi in Katsina State, have on Wednesday, eliminated eight terrorists in an encounter along Kurfi – Batsari Road.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, on Thursday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the troops swiftly engaged the terrorists and thwarted their plans after a prolonged duel.

    He said the terrorists suffered significant casualties, with recovery of five AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, and 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

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    According to him, a soldier was however, wounded in action and evacuated to 17 Brigade Medical Centre for treatment.

    “The situation remains calm, while troops’ morale and fighting efficiency remain high.

    “The Defence Headquarters commends the bravery and professionalism of the troops involved in the operation.

    “We reassure Nigerians of our continued efforts to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” he said. (NAN)

  • Troops nab Chinese national during counter-terrorism operation

    Troops nab Chinese national during counter-terrorism operation

    The Defence Headquarters says the troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have apprehended terrorists logistics suppliers, collaborators and a Chinese national claiming to be a miner in Borno and Yobe.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces on Friday in Abuja.

    Kangye said the Chinese was apprehended during well-coordinated operations conducted in Kukawa and Ngala Local Government Areas of Borno.

    He said that investigation was being carried out to unravel the motive of the suspect and his involvement in illegal activities.

    Read Also: Troops kill three notorious terrorist kingpins, 13 others in Zamfara

    “The Chinese national has been detained and he is undergoing interrogation.

    “When the interrogation is completed, we will be able to furnish the public with the details of why he was there in the first place, how he was arrested, whether he was the only one there, or he had accomplices.

    “All this will be unfolded after thorough investigation has been carried out,” he said.

    Kangye said that scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists comprising adult males and females as well as children surrendered between June 6 and June 11, as a result of heightened operational tempo.

    He said that the troops had intensified operational tempo in all the theatres of operation to address the myriad of security challenges across the country.

    He reaffirmed the resolve of the military to protect the lives and property of citizens, uphold the rule of law, and foster a safe and secure environment for all Nigerians.

    “We remain dedicated to transparency and will keep the public informed of our ongoing efforts to ensure the stability and security of our great nation,” he added.

    (NAN)

  • Troops kill three notorious terrorist kingpins, 13 others in Zamfara

    Troops kill three notorious terrorist kingpins, 13 others in Zamfara

    Troops of Operation Fansan Yamma, a military ouslaught against bandits and terrorists in the Northwest, have killed three notorious terrorist kingpins, Auta, Babayé and one other and 10 fighters in Zamfara State.

    The troops also eliminate other notorious bandits, Abdul Jamilu, Salisu, and Sale Ado Madele (alias Sarki), son of bandit leader Ado Alieru.

    They were killed on June 10, during an offensive operation in Kunchin Kalgo town, Tsafe Local Government Area of state.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Markus Kangye, announced this in a statement yesterday.

    According to Maj-Gen Kangye, the terrorists and their foot soldiers were linked to multiple acts of violence and terrorism in Zamfara.

    He said the military operation marked a significant blow to criminal elements that were destabilizing peace and security in the area.

    Kangye said: “Among those killed was a notorious terrorist known as Auta, alongside his associates Abdul Jamilu and Salisu. These terrorists were linked to multiple acts of violence and terrorism within the general area. The operation marks a significant blow to criminal elements, destabilizing peace and security in the area.

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    “Preliminary intelligence indicates that two additional terrorist kingpins, including one identified as Babayé, were eliminated during the operation. In a separate incident, Sale Ado Madele (alias Sarki), the eldest son of known bandit leader Ado Alieru, was also reportedly killed.

    “In a related development, troops also killed additional 10 terrorists who congregated near a filling station in Danjibga. The terrorist were believed to be part of a syndicate brought together by Dogo Sule for a planned attack.”

    He assured that the military remained committed to safeguarding lives and restore lasting peace across Zamfara State and the Northwest region.

    “This operation underscores our resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and bring perpetrators of violence to justice. Below are pictures of the eliminated terrorist, Auta,” he said.

  • Troops neutralise terrorist kingpin Jidda, dozens in Yobe, Borno

    Troops neutralise terrorist kingpin Jidda, dozens in Yobe, Borno

    Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) have neutralised a notorious Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) terrorist commander, Malam Jidda, along with scores of his fighters in a coordinated air and ground operations in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and the Timbuktu Triangle in Borno State.

    This is contained in a statement issued in Maiduguri yesterday by Capt. Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Headquarters Theatre Command, Operation Hadin Kai.

    According to the statement, the operation was launched on June 9 in Ngazalgana area of Gujba council, with close air support from the Air Component of OPHK.

    “Malam Jidda, who was identified as the Ameer of Ngorgore and Malumti villages, met his end during a fierce engagement with troops, who overpowered the terrorists with superior firepower,” the statement said.

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    The statement noted that some terrorists escaped with gunshot wounds, while others were neutralised during a follow-up encounter in the Timbuktu Triangle, where troops conducted a snap ambush operation.

    “In the course of continued exploitation in the Mallamfatori general area of Abadam Local Government Area, where recent offensives had been recorded, troops discovered more bodies of neutralised terrorists and recovered array of arms and equipment,”it added.

    It listed recovered items to include: AK-47 rifles, motorcycles, rocket-propelled gun tubes, magazines, large quantities of ammunition, hand grenades, hand-held radios, and other logistical items.

    The army spokesman noted that the renewed offensive underlines the effectiveness of the ongoing counter-insurgency efforts by Operation Hadin Kai, supported by precise and timely air strikes.

    He reaffirmed the Theatre Command’s commitment to the completely defeat  Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents and the resto