Nigeria Army

By Uzair Adam Imam

The Nigerian Army has revealed ongoing efforts to revamp its training methods as part of a proactive strategy to curb the activities of insurgents, bandits, and other armed groups causing unrest in the country.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen T. A. Lagbaja, conveyed this message through the Chief of Training, Army, Major Gen SG Mohammed, during a 5-Day Doctrine and Training Conference held at the Headquarters of the Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army in Minna, Niger State.

Lt. Gen Lagbaja emphasized that the updated training approaches would specifically target contemporary security challenges within a Joint Environment.

He urged all commandants of Army Training Schools to actively engage in discussions at the conference and ensure the full implementation of the new strategies in their respective schools.

The Commander of Training and Doctrine Command, Nigerian Army, Maj. Gen. K. O. Aligbe, explained that the conference aimed to set an agenda for all Nigerian Army Schools and Divisional Training Schools.

The goal is to draw inspiration for courses and training activities throughout 2024 to effectively address the prevailing security challenges in the country.

Aligbe highlighted the importance of training, stating, “Without training, you cannot fight.” He emphasized the need for increased training to enhance operational effectiveness, ensuring that adversaries do not continue to threaten law-abiding citizens.

The conference will also focus on applying the Nigerian Army Doctrine 22 to enable effective training and operations, aligning with the goal of liberating the country from insecurity.

The commander acknowledged gaps in previous operations and stated that all training in 2024 would concentrate on addressing these gaps to achieve operational effectiveness.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

An Islamic Organization, Ummah for Da’awa & Humanitarian Services, has called on the government to do justice to the victims of the airstrike by the Nigerian Army.

The group demanded thorough investigation into the matter and requested that the victims and the families of the deceased be compensated.

The group made their stance known while expressing their pain and sadness over the matter in a statement on Thursday.

The statement reads in part: “We call on the relevant authorities to exercise a deep investigation into the matter to know
the factors that caused the unfortunate
event and to take good actions against the forces that played a role.

“We also advise the government, both at the state and federal levels to pay ransom to the affected families to alleviate the pains and plights that accompanied the incident. We all know that lost lives cannot be returned but their families can be consoled.”

The airstrike dubbed as mistake by the Nigerian Army killed scores of Muslims observing Maulud in Tudun Biri Village, Kaduna State.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

One hundred and twenty (120) villagers were reportedly struck dead at Tudun-Biri, Igabi Local Government of Kaduna State, by the Nigerian Army on Sunday night, 3rd December, 2023, as they celebrated the Maulud an-Nabiyy. The Nigerian Army has accepted responsibility for the attack.

Meanwhile, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned the attack. In a statement issued by its Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola on Tuesday, 5th December 2023, the group described the incident as sad and unprofessional. MURIC also demanded proper investigation and compensation for the victims. 

The full statement reads:

“Army drones killed 120 innocent villagers at Tudun-Biri, Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, 3rd December, 2023.  The victims were celebrating the birthday of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) when the ugly incident occurred. 

“Although the Nigerian Army has accepted responsibility for the attack. We strongly condemn the killing of unarmed and innocent villagers. The incident reflects carelessness and a lack of professionalism.

“MURIC demands full investigation into the circumstances surrounding this disaster. Those found responsible for the callous murder of these innocent Muslim villagers must be made to face the full wrath of the law. 

“We also demand full compensation for lives lost and properties destroyed in this thoughtless attack. Live is sacred and soldiers should not turn innocent civilians to lawful targets of their killing machines.”

By MMuhammad Sabiu

The wreckage of a crashed Alpha Jet aircraft has been discovered in Sambisa Forest, Borno State, according to the Nigerian Army’s Operation Desert Sanity forces.

The Army reported in a brief statement that the plane (NAF 475) went off the radar on March 31, 2021, with two crew members aboard.

“Troops of Operation Desert Sanity on [a] clearance patrol in Sambisa Forest, Borno State, have uncovered the wreckage of crashed Alpha Jet aircraft (NAF475) that went off the radar with two crew members on 31 March 2021. Further exploitation ongoing,” the statement reads.

There are no further details regarding the discovery of the missing plane as of the time of filing this report.

By Muhammad Sabiu

The Nigerian Army’s 32 Artillery Brigade said on Tuesday that it had begun a field training exercise in Ondo State to address any security concerns.

The “Exercise Crocodile Smile IV” training was also part of the Nigerian Army’s response to security concerns and civil disobedience in the state, Major Victor Olukoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement.

The drill, according to Olukoya, was also in line with the army’s constitutional mandate of assisting civil authorities.

He stated that the exercise, which began on November 8 and will end on December 23, 2019, would be completed.

He said, “The exercise will be conducted in conjunction with other security agencies to further sustain the existing synergy between the Nigerian Army and other sister agencies in the state.

“This is a military exercise aimed at curbing various security threats such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, pipeline vandalism, hooliganism, and banditry.

“The exercise which is people-oriented shall be conducted in line with the Nigerian Army rules of engagement and code of conduct, guiding exercises of this nature.”

By Muhammad Sabiu

Nigerian soldiers have killed 6 ISWAP terrorists in 2 separate operations, recovered, arms, ammunition and other items in Borno State.

Brigadier-General Onyema Nwachukwu, who is Director Army Public Relations made the disclosure in a statement on Thursday via Nigerian Army’s official Facebook page.

“Troops of 25 Brigade operating under the aegis of Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have neutralised 4 terrorists of the Islamic State West Africa Province: (ISWAP) on Wednesday 31 August 2021. The terrorists who were on espionage along Damboa -Bulabulin-Maiduguri road ran into a fighting patrol team at Kukawa and were neutralised in the firefight that ensued with the troops. On further exploitation after the encounter, the gallant troops recovered from the terrorists, four AK 47 rifles and four Magazines, each loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition,” the statement indicated.

The brigadier-general further recounted how troops killed 2 more terrorists and recovered some logistic items.

He said, “In a separate operation, troops of 195 Battalion, Sector 1 OPHK in conjunction with elements of Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) at Dusman Muna Garage, Borno state have eliminated two ISWAP terrorists in an ambush operation conducted along an identified ISWAP terrorists crossing point at Musari village. 

“The troops also captured and destroyed an ISWAP logistics vehicle conveying assorted goods and contraband items belonging to members of the terrorist group. Items recovered by troops from the terrorists’ vehicle are two bags of Hemp (Cannabis Sativa), 2 bags of Detergent, 120 packets of mosquito coils, 12 mosquito nets and five textile materials. Other items recovered are two bycicles, two bags of beans, a bag of corn and some quantity of fish.”

By Muhammadu Sabiu

In what would be tagged as “tremendous success” in the fight against insurgency in the northeastern part of Nigeria, members of the two terrorist groups operating in the region, Boko Haram and ISWAP, have engaged in a deadly battle, which left many dead.

The incident occurred in northern Abadam, Borno State, last weekend (Sunday, August 22, 2021), when some members of Boko Haram, who attempted to surrender, came under a heavy attack by irate members of the ISWAP in the Dumbawa community.

Angered by the decision of Boko Haram members to surrender to Nigerian troops, the leadership of the ISWAP “placed a death sentence on any fleeing member in the Lake Chad axis,” an intelligence source in the know of incident disclosed.

PRNigeria quoted the source as saying, “The deadly attack was coordinated by one Abba-Kaka, a self-acclaimed ISWAP Governor of Tumbumma, Commanding Marte, Abadam, Kukawa and Magumeri, leading to a heavy gun battle that lasted for hours which resulted in the killing of over 25 terrorists including three Commanders while many other militants, who ran in different directions with their families were left with bullets wounds.”

According to PRNigeria, the rift between the two groups has deteriorated following the execution of Boko Haram members by ISWAP members and the refusal of the latter to include the former in the appointment of some key positions.

Another source was also quoted as stating, “Some high ranking Commanders bearing the titles of ‘Amir’ and ‘Khaid’ (Chiefs) at under the Shekau’s Caliphate in Sambisa were reduced to ordinary militants fighters after paying allegiance to the ISWAP leadership.

“Some JAS Commanders and their loyalists were already contemplating pitching their tents against the ISWAP by joining forces with the Bakura and Krimima Led-JAS Factions that have been battling the ISWAP around the axes of Lelewa, Duwa, Wallal and Hauwa Bulumwa villages in the Niger Republic.”

Recall that in the past weeks, scores of members of Boko Haram have laid down their arms and surrendered to Nigerian troops.

The military officer identified as Major Dalung abducted Tuesday at the Nigerian Defence Academy, Kaduna, was reportedly found dead.

The officials of the Academy or the Army Headquarters, Abuja, have yet to confirm the murder of the officer.

The Chronicle, among other news channels, reports that other victims of the daring attack include a Lieutenant Commander, Wulah and a Flying Lieutenant, CM Okoronwo. They were shot dead during the invasion of Afaka barracks of the NDA. Another victim, 2nd Lieutenant Onah, sustained is currently at the NDA hospital with injuries from gunshots.

Recall that the Defence Academy earlier promised to track the shooters and rescue the kidnapped officer after the attack.

The attack was the first of its kind, which the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) described as “embarrassing” to the nation.

By Muhammad Abdurrahman

A statement signed by the Academy Public Relations Officer, Major Bashir Muhd Jajira, confirmed the early morning reports of the deadly attack at the Kaduna facility.

It states that “the security architecture of the Nigerian Defence Academy was compromised early this morning by unknown gunmen who gained access into the residential area within the Academy in Afaka. During the unfortunate incident, we lost two personnel and one was abducted.

“The Academy in collaboration with the 1Division Nigerian Army and Air Training Command as well as other security agencies in Kaduna state has since commenced pursuit of the unknown gunmen within the general area with a view to tracking them and rescue the abducted personnel.”

The statement adds that the community and the cadets undergoing training at the military school are safe. It finally assures the public that the shooters will be arrested and the abducted officer rescued.

The security situation continues to deteriorate in especially parts of Kaduna and other northwestern states of Nigeria. However, the government and its security operative claim to be doing everything to tackle the situation.

By Sumayyah Auwal Usman

The remains of late Maj. Gen. Hassan Ahmed, who was assassinated yesterday (Thursday), was buried in Abuja this afternoon. It’s reported that the incident happened while the late Major General was returning to Abuja from Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. Some yet-to-be identified shooters attacked his car around the Abaji area council, killing him. The attackers took away the wife of the senior military officer.

Many sympathisers described the situation surrounding the demise of Hassan as very unfortunate. Until his death, he was a director at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.