Nigerian Army

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

A Nigerian Army Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO), Abdulfatai Odutola, has been killed by kidnappers after a delay in the payment of his ransom.

Odutola, who was traveling to Yola, Adamawa State, was abducted on February 15, 2025, along the Abuja-Jos highway.

The kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of N20 million for his release.According to a military internal memo, Odutola had been en route from Ilorin and was staying in Abuja before continuing his journey when he was abducted.

The memo requested urgent assistance from the appropriate authorities to secure his release.

However, a subsequent update revealed that Odutola’s lifeless body was found by police in the Jos forest.

The kidnappers had reportedly killed him after the deadline for the ransom payment passed.

His car was also recovered at the scene.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of a soldier who was involved in an accident at the Myhoung barracks in the Yaba area of Lagos state.

At least 20 soldiers were seriously injured after a driver rammed his vehicle into them during a drill session earlier today.

Providing an update on the incident, Olabisi Ayeni, acting deputy director of army public relations, 81 Division, confirmed that the accident resulted in the death of a soldier, with others sustaining various degrees of injuries.

Ayeni said that the deceased has been deposited in the mortuary, while the injured are currently receiving medical care at 68 Nigerian Army Reference Hospital Yaba.

He added that the military police from the division and other relevant security agencies are conducting a “thorough” investigation into the circumstances that led to this incident.

“The General Officer Commanding 81 Division NA, Major General Farouk Mijinyawa, expressed his deepest condolences to the families of the deceased soldier while praying for the speedy recovery of the wounded,” the statement reads.

“The GOC also called for calm among the public as investigation into the sad occurrence has commenced.

“The Division remains steadfast in its commitment to training and readiness to discharge its duties despite this devastating event.

“Furthermore, this tragic loss will not deter the Division’s dedication to safeguarding the lives and properties within its area of operations in accordance with the NA’s constitutional mandate.”

By Uzair Adam

The Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai has announced a ban on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states, citing heightened security risks.

The directive, issued by Air Commodore U.U. Idris, the Air Component Commander of Operation Hadin Kai, highlights concerns over the proliferation of drones for both domestic and commercial purposes.

Idris warned that unauthorized drone operations could be exploited by non-state actors and criminal groups for subversive activities.

“The widespread use of drones without proper authorization has raised serious security concerns,” Idris said in a signal obtained by Daily Trust.

He added that drones have been increasingly deployed by adversaries to target military installations and critical infrastructure.

The statement also pointed out the frequent violation of regulations by private individuals and government agencies operating drones in the region without prior clearance from the Air Component.

A recent incident on January 7, 2025, involving the interception of a drone aboard an NGO flight from Maiduguri to Monguno, has intensified concerns.

The drone is currently under investigation, further emphasizing the risks posed by unauthorized UAV activities in the area.

In response to these threats, Operation Hadin Kai has reinforced its commitment to monitoring and regulating aerial operations within the region to ensure the safety of the airspace and security of the populace.

“The ban on drone operations in the North-East Theatre remains in effect as directed by the Superior Authority,” Idris stated. “Any violation of this restriction, regardless of its scale, will be dealt with severely.”

The Air Component Commander urged stakeholders to strictly comply with the directive to mitigate security threats and safeguard the region.

By Uzair Adam 

A video depicting Nigerian and French troops unloading supplies in a coordinated manner has garnered significant attention on social media.

The Daily Reality reports that the footage has sparked controversies surrounding France’s alleged intentions in Nigeria.  

The controversy intensified after Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, dismissed claims that the country had ceded any part of its territory to France. 

Idris issued a statement on Thursday addressing allegations that Nigeria was conspiring with France to destabilize the Niger Republic through terrorism.  

Mahdi Shehu, a public affairs commentator, had previously alleged plans to establish a French military base in northeastern Nigeria. 

He claimed the plans gained traction after Femi Oluyede, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), reportedly hosted French soldiers.  

In a video accompanying Shehu’s since-deleted social media post, Nigerian troops were seen offloading supplies, including bags of rice, from trucks while French soldiers unloaded a cargo plane. 

The scene included vehicles, personnel in uniform, and a bus displaying a French flag. In the video, a Nigerian soldier stated that the troops had recently left a counterterrorism training centre.  

However, investigations by TheCable revealed that the video has been online since January 2013. 

According to a report by the Associated Press (AP), the footage shows ECOWAS troops, including 156 Nigerians, arriving at Senou International Airport in Bamako, Mali. 

The mission was part of a regional peacekeeping effort to stabilize Mali during a crisis.  

Reacting to Idris’ statement, Shehu urged the government to halt its denials. 

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s defence headquarters dismissed the allegations as “baseless.”  

The resurfaced video highlights the challenges of misinformation in public discourse, underscoring the need for careful verification before making conclusions or spreading claims.

By Uzair Adam

The Nigerian Army has handed over housing units to 20 soldiers who sustained injuries in action, as part of efforts to enhance the welfare of its personnel.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, inaugurated the Nigerian Army Housing Units under the Affordable Home Ownership Option for All Soldiers Scheme in Abuja on Wednesday.

The keys to the newly constructed houses were presented to the beneficiaries during the ceremony.

In his remarks, Musa urged other military services to adopt similar schemes to provide housing for all personnel.

He commended the project as a testament to the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, who prioritized the welfare of soldiers during his tenure.

He also applauded the current Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for sustaining the initiative and ensuring more housing units would be built for interested personnel.

“The importance of owning a decent shelter in a soldier’s life cannot be overstated, as it promises stability, security, and peace of mind, enabling them to focus fully on their duties,” Musa stated.

The CDS noted that the project aligns with the federal government’s vision of affordable housing under the Renewed Hope Cities and Estate Scheme.

He called on the Nigerian Army to replicate such projects across the Federal Capital Territory and other regions, noting their potential to boost development, improve security, and foster socio-economic benefits for residents.

Musa also appealed to state governors to allocate land for similar projects, as the land available in Abuja may not suffice to meet the housing needs of all personnel.

The COAS, Lieutenant General Oluyede, revealed that the project was part of the administrative philosophy of the late Lieutenant General Lagbaja, who believed in placing soldiers at the core of the army’s welfare agenda.

The Idu Abuja Phase 1 of the scheme, which took 15 months to complete, represents a milestone in addressing the housing needs of soldiers and their families.

“This phase will house 400 subscribers and their families. The ultimate goal is to support every soldier’s dream of owning a suitable and befitting post-service living accommodation,” Oluyede said.

He pledged to oversee the immediate completion of subsequent phases in Benin City, Ibadan, and Uyo to fulfill the army’s promise of affordable housing for its personnel.

The initiative is expected to alleviate housing challenges and strengthen the bond between the military and the civilian population, which will further solidify the Nigerian Army’s role in national development.

By Uzair Adam  

Troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) under Sector 4 in Diffa, Republic of Niger, intercepted 174 Nigerian men attempting to cross into border communities in Niger.  

The suspects, stopped at Gueskeru, a strategic border town linking Yobe State to Niger, claimed they were travelling to the Lake Chad region for fishing activities.  

However, concerns were raised about the porous nature of the borders, often exploited by terrorist groups such as Lakurawa, notorious for attacks on border communities.  

In a statement, MNJTF spokesperson Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba noted that allowing such a large group of able-bodied men to access terrorist-prone areas could threaten regional security.  

The suspects are currently undergoing profiling and questioning to determine their motives and ensure they do not pose a security risk.  

The MNJTF noted its commitment to counterterrorism, civilian protection, and regional stability.  

It called for enhanced border vigilance and greater collaboration among troop-contributing countries to tackle cross-border terrorism effectively.

By Uzair Adam

Nigerian military troops have intensified their nationwide operations, eliminating 135 terrorists, apprehending 185 suspects, and rescuing 129 kidnapped victims within the past week.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, provided the update during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday.

He disclosed that in the North Central region, some terrorists have begun surrendering due to sustained military offensives and collaborative non-kinetic engagements with community stakeholders.

Among those who surrendered are notable figures such as Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida.

Buba emphasized that the military would maintain its operational momentum to dismantle terrorist networks and encourage further surrenders.

During the operations, troops recovered 113 weapons and 2,415 rounds of ammunition, including 72 AK-47 rifles, 11 fabricated guns, 15 Dane guns, eight pump-action shotguns, and four hand grenades. They also seized 46 motorcycles, 15 vehicles, 28 mobile phones, and various communication devices.

In the Niger Delta, troops destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, and 82 illegal refining sites.

They also recovered 909,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 71,060 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 13,580 litres of petrol.

Maj.-Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stating, “We remain in a winning position in this war and will continue to innovate in our approach.”

By Uzair Adam

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has denied recent reports about the appointment of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), dispelling speculation from certain media outlets.

The DHQ emphasized that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN).

In a statement on Monday, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director Defence Information, clarified that the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, is currently on his 2024 annual leave.

The Daily Reality reports that the statement emphasized there are no changes in the military leadership.

“The AFN is professionally managed and all the Service Chiefs are performing their duties as stipulated in the Constitution of the FGN.

“Major General Abdulsalam Bagudu Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, is providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures,” the statement read.

The DHQ urged individuals spreading rumors to stop immediately, clarifying that the COAS is “hale and hearty” and will resume duties at the end of his leave.

Media organizations were advised to verify information with the appropriate authorities before releasing “fake news.”

Gusau further noted that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) had spoken with the COAS only a few minutes before the statement.

Additionally, Gusau warned that those advocating for a military takeover, as seen in a viral video, should note that “such actions are treasonable under the Constitution.”

“The AFN is steadfastly committed to the preservation and advancement of our democracy and are loyal to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration,” Gusau added.

The Daily Reality gathered that the military remains focused on protecting the nation’s integrity. The relative peace being enjoyed is a result of the President’s support for the military and the dedication of AFN leadership.

“To this end, the AFN and relevant security agencies have been mandated to take necessary action against any individual or group advocating for unconstitutional changes in the country.

“The CDS appreciates Nigerians for their support and prayers. Victory is assured,” the statement concluded.

By Uzair Adam

In a continued effort to tackle crude oil theft and pipeline vandalism, Nigerian troops have successfully dismantled more than 30 illegal refinery sites and recovered over 230,000 litres of stolen crude products.

According to a statement from Army headquarters, the operation took place in several locations, including Assa, Lekuma, Abiama, and other creek areas.

Alongside the destruction of refining sites, the troops also confiscated 44 cooking pots, six wooden boats, and various equipment used in the illegal operations.

Collaboration between the Nigerian Army’s 6 Division and other security agencies in the Niger Delta Region (NDR) has led to increased success in thwarting attempts to steal crude oil.

In the past week, the troops intercepted 12 boats, nine vehicles, and four motorcycles used to transport stolen products, leading to the arrest of eight suspects.

Additionally, in Rivers State, an illegal refining site was destroyed in Akuku-Toru LGA, with 9,000 litres of stolen gas oil recovered.

More operations in the region also uncovered a criminal loading point in Eleme LGA, resulting in the arrest of five guards and the seizure of over 40,000 litres of stolen products.

By Uzair Adam

The Commander of the 3 Brigade in Kano, Brigadier General M.A. Sadiq, has been detained by military police in Abuja over allegations of diverting rice palliatives meant for soldiers and selling military equipment, including operational vehicles and generator sets, to scrap dealers.

According to sources, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters has distributed rice palliatives to soldiers in various brigades across the country on multiple occasions.

However, it is alleged that Brigadier General Sadiq provided only a 5kg bag of rice to the soldiers while selling the remaining supplies.

In addition to the rice diversion scandal, sources revealed that the embattled commander also allegedly sold equipment, including a MIKANO heavy-duty generator, from the Military Training Camp in Falgore, Kano, to scrap dealers.

Brigadier General Sadiq has been replaced by Brigadier General A.M. Tukur, the former registrar of the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA).

The detained officer is currently facing interrogation by the military police’s special investigation branch, and further investigations are underway. He is expected to face a court-martial once the probe is completed.

At the time of reporting, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Army, Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, had not responded to inquiries.