Nigerian Army

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Fresh details have confirmed that ISWAP terrorists assassinated Brigadier General Yu Uba during an attack in Borno State, even though the Nigerian Army initially rejected reports about his capture.

Uba was travelling in a convoy with troops and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force near Sabon Gari in Damboa Local Government Area on Friday when insurgents launched a heavy assault at about 5 pm.

Two soldiers and two CJTF operatives were killed in the ambush.

Shortly after the incident, the army dismissed early reports about the abduction. One of those reports was published by HumAngle.

On Saturday, Appolonis Anele, director of army public relations, issued a formal rebuttal.

His statement said in part, “The Army Headquarters also wishes to debunk the fake narrative going round some media platforms online alleging the abduction of the Brigade Commander. The general public is hereby advised to disregard the fake news regarding the incident while praying for the continuous success of our gallant service men and women.”

Following this statement, several online pages circulated claims that the senior officer had safely returned to base.

That narrative shifted on Monday when ISWAP released a photo of Uba in their custody and declared that they had killed him afterwards.

Sources within the military told FIJ that the image was genuine.

They explained that the denial issued on Saturday was premature.

One of the insiders said, “Uba had taken videos to show he was alive and on his way back from the ambush. However, he never made it. These videos were what we relied on originally, but nobody waited to see him first before going to discredit.”

Another source confirmed that insurgents captured the senior officer only minutes after the initial attack.

Uba is now the highest-ranking Nigerian military officer ever taken by ISWAP since the group’s emergence.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Major General Waidi Shaibu has formally taken over as Nigeria’s 25th Chief of Army Staff (COAS) in a ceremony at the Army Headquarters in Abuja.

The event on Thursday marked a transition of leadership from the former COAS, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, who is now the incoming Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

In his inaugural address, Major General Shaibu commended his predecessor for his “outstanding leadership,” highlighting achievements in equipment procurement, infrastructure, and the “Soldier First” welfare initiative.

He pledged to sustain this legacy and enhance cooperation among security agencies to tackle national security challenges.

“I salute the courage, passion, resilience and discipline of our troops in the field. Their sacrifices remain the cornerstone of our collective success,” the new Army Chief stated.

Shaibu also thanked President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the appointment and promised to carefully review the security situation to respond swiftly to emerging threats.

In his valedictory speech, Lieutenant General Oluyede thanked the President for the opportunity to serve and urged army personnel to extend the same loyalty and commitment to the new COAS.

“The mission remains the same — to ensure the security of lives and defend the territorial integrity of our nation,” he affirmed.

The ceremony featured the signing of handover notes, the decoration of the new Chief with the Army Headquarters insignia, and an inspection of the quarter guard.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian forces operating under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Borno and Yobe states, neutralizing over 50 fighters in fierce overnight battles.

According to a press release from the military, the assaults occurred between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, targeting troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko.

The military stated that its troops “stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy decisive and bloody blow.”

The defence was bolstered by air support from the Air Component, which provided precision strikes. Enhanced intelligence and reconnaissance assets also gave ground forces a critical advantage, enabling a lethal response.

The combined ground and air efforts led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, 7 machine guns, 5 RPG tubes, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Intelligence reports suggest the terrorists who attacked Dikwa and Gajibo came from neighbouring Cameroon, while those in Katarko emerged from the notorious Timbuktu Triangle enclave.

While the military scored a major victory, it acknowledged some costs. Several soldiers were wounded but are reported to be in stable condition.

Additionally, terrorist attacks involving armed drones and RPGs set vehicles and buildings on fire, with defences in Mafa and Dikwa being “momentarily breached.”

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and doggedness, stating that their performance reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

By Anwar Usman

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have killed nine terrorists and rescued two people carrying ransoms to the insurgents in Gagiram and Magumeri areas of Borno state.

In a statement issued on Saturday by the spokesperson of Operation Hadin Kai, Lt Col Uba Sani, said the terrorists were neutralised in separate operations.

Sani noted that aside from the recovery of weapons, many of the insurgents also suffered significant injuries, dispersing in disarray.

The statement in part reads “In continuation of ongoing counter-terrorism operations in the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) conducted a successful fighting patrol in response to credible intelligence on the movement of Boko Haram terrorists around Goni Dunari in Magumeri LGA of Borno State on October 10, 2025.”

“The terrorists, reportedly moving on two vehicles and 24-foot fighters, were observed setting houses ablaze and terrorising locals. Acting swiftly, our troops launched an aggressive fighting patrol to intercept the threat.”

He said as the troops advanced towards the objective, the terrorists attempted to flee towards Damjiyakiri village.

The statement further revealed that “a frontal attack was immediately launched, and troops engaged the terrorists with a heavy barrage of fire, resulting in the neutralisation of five terrorists, while the remaining 19 dispersed in disarray.

“Some were wounded as blood trails were observed at the contact scene,” he said.

He listed the recovered items to include 1 x AK-47 rifle (Reg. No. 06798), 5 x Magazines (3 empty, 2 loaded), 31 x 7.62mm rounds, 1 x Itel mobile phone, 1 x dagger.

The spokesperson also stated that, in separate operations, troops mounted on motorcycles engaged Boko Haram fighters along the Gajiram–Bolori–Mile 40–Gajiganna axis near Zundur village of the state.

He said during the firefight, four terrorists were neutralised, while others dispersed into the surrounding bush.

“Troops also successfully rescued Mr Modu Kinnami (55 years old) and Mr Bukar (57 years old), both from Guzamala, along with a sack containing Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N750,000),” he noted.

On Friday, four soldiers were killed and five others injured when Boko Haram fighters attacked a military stand in Ngamdu, along the Damaturu–Maiduguri Road in Kaga Local Government Area of Borno State.

He noted that, operations are ongoing on all fronts to maintain pressure on the terrorists and deny them freedom of movement.

By Anwar Usman

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that a commuter bus belonging to Big Joe Ventures Ltd was attacked on Friday, and all twelve occupants were abducted.

However, SP William Aya, the Police Public Relations Officer, revealed that the police, in collaboration with the military, were able to rescue eight of the victims, while efforts are ongoing to locate and rescue the remaining four still held by the kidnappers.

A statement issued by the command late on Friday evening in response to an enquiry confirmed the abduction but noted that about eight of the victims were rescued, with the police and army searching for the remaining four.

The statement reads, “kidnappers attacked a Big Joe Ventures Ltd Toyota Hiace commuter bus (Edo FUG 13 XY) along Okene–Auchi road. During the incident, the kidnappers abducted all 12 passengers commuting from Abuja to Benin in Edo State.”

He said that subsequently, the DPO Okene Division, CSP Nasir Muhammad, immediately mobilised police personnel in conjunction with the military and vigilantes in pursuit of the kidnappers.

“In the process, eight victims, including the driver, were rescued, while efforts are still underway to rescue the remaining four victims and possibly arrest the perpetrators”, the statement added.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has approved a sweeping reorganization of the Nigerian Army’s leadership, appointing new commanders to key positions in a bid to enhance operational effectiveness.

Senior officers have been reassigned to critical roles, including Principal Staff Officers at the Army Headquarters, General Officers Commanding (GOCs), Corps Commanders, and heads of training institutions.

Among the changes, Major General AA Adeyinka moves to the Department of Army Logistics as Chief of Logistics, while Major General ASM Wase takes command of 1 Division, overseeing counterterrorism operations in the North West.

Other notable appointments include Major General CR Nnebeife as GOC 2 Division and Major General MO Erebulu as Provost Marshal of the Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police.

Several officers have also been named as commandants of training schools, including the Nigerian Army College of Logistics and Management.

The COAS charged the newly appointed leaders to intensify efforts in the fight against insurgency and terrorism, emphasizing the importance of troop welfare in achieving operational success.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has called for special funding to address the Nigerian Army’s accommodation crisis as it prepares to receive 13,000 new recruits.

Speaking during a visit by the Senate Committee on Army to the Army Headquarters in Abuja, Oluyede lamented that current budgetary allocations under the envelope system are insufficient to meet operational and welfare needs.

“We lack the resources to house these new personnel, and the problem keeps growing,” he said, urging lawmakers to approve dedicated funds for military infrastructure.

Senate Committee Chairman Abdulaziz Yar’Adua pledged support, stating, “The Army should be exempted from envelope budgeting to enhance its capabilities.”

The committee also conducted oversight inspections of projects in multiple states, vowing to push for improved funding before year-end.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Armed bandits have killed at least 130 security personnel, including police officers, soldiers, and members of the Katsina Community Watch Corps, in a series of violent attacks.

Nasir Muazu, the state’s Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, confirmed the casualties in a statement on Monday.

He said over 100 officers of the state-backed Community Watch Corps and more than 30 policemen had been killed, alongside several soldiers.

Muazu condemned social media mockery of the fallen officers, stating that their sacrifices demonstrated the government’s commitment to tackling banditry.

He assured that the state was providing support to victims’ families and rescued persons.

The commissioner urged citizens to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified reports, emphasizing that security operations in remote forest areas require time and coordination.

He noted that the Katsina Community Watch Corps was established to assist in such challenging terrains.

While acknowledging improvements in security since Governor Dikko Radda took office in 2023, Muazu admitted that bandit attacks persist in some areas, including Faskari, Kankara, and Matazu.

He called for public support and prayers to sustain the fight against insecurity.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security forces in Katsina State, Northern Nigeria, have announced the killing of 30 bandits following a counter-operation in Faskari Local Government Area.

The action came in response to attacks launched by the terrorists on three villages within the state on Tuesday.

The bandits had targeted the villages of Kadisau, Raudama, and Sabon Layi.

This prompted a coordinated response involving ground troops from the police and army, supported by the Nigerian Air Force.

The joint operation successfully neutralized 30 terrorists.

However, the engagement resulted in the loss of five security personnel and one civilian.Katsina State Commissioner for Internal Security, Dr. Nasir Mu’azu, confirmed the success.

He stated that security forces, acting on prior intelligence about the bandits’ planned attack, deployed personnel from Dandume and the Nigerian Air Force to intercept the assailants.

“After a prolonged gunfight involving ground and air assets,” Mu’azu said, “the bandits’ attempted attack was successfully repelled.”

Katsina State is located in Nigeria’s troubled North-West region, which has endured persistent bandit attacks leading to significant loss of lives and property.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian military forces operating in the restive northeast have killed at least 24 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents during a series of intense offensives conducted between July 4th and 9th, the Army announced Wednesday.

Troops from Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), supported by air power and local forces including the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) and hunters, executed multiple successful ambushes, patrols, and clearance operations across Borno and Adamawa states.

According to a statement by Captain Reuben Kovangiya, Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations for the Theatre Command, the operations targeted terrorist movements, logistics networks, and hideouts.

Key engagements included:

1.Ambush at Platari (July 4): Troops killed 3 insurgents on bicycles moving from Sambisa Forest towards the Timbuktu Triangle.

2.Ambush near Komala (July 4):One terrorist was neutralized; troops recovered motorcycles, sprayers, pesticides, and food.

3.Night Ambush near Kawuri (July 4): 2 terrorists transporting logistics were killed; salt, seasoning, and detergents seized.

4.IDP Camp Interception, Madarari (July 5): Troops prevented terrorists from accessing a camp, killing one and recovering ammunition.

5.Fighting Patrol at Leno Kura (July 5): 3 insurgents killed during an assault on their enclave.

6.Night Ambush near Ngoshe/Gava (July 6): One terrorist neutralized at a suspected crossing point.

7.Ambush near Sabsawa (July 7): 2 logistics suppliers killed; bicycles, slippers, torchlights, and other items recovered.

8.Clearance Operation at Bula Marwa (July 8): One insurgent killed, gun and uniforms recovered, camp destroyed (air support involved).

9.Joint Patrol at Pambula, Adamawa (July 8): One terrorist killed; four motorcycles and a weapon captured.

10.Tangalanga & Bula Marwa Clearance (July 9): 3 insurgents killed; camp destroyed; six AK-47 rifles, 47 magazines, and 90 rounds of ammunition recovered (air support involved).

11.Ambush at Ngailda, Manjim, Wulle (July 9): 6 terrorists killed; motorcycles and bicycles seized.

Captain Kovangiya emphasized the significance of air support and collaboration with local forces like the CJTF and hunters in the success of the operations.

He stated the offensive demonstrates the troops’ determination to cripple the insurgents and restore security for socio-economic activities in the region.

Exploitation of the areas after clashes led to the recovery of significant weapons, ammunition, logistics supplies, and the destruction of terrorist camps and life-supporting structures.