Nigerian Army

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.

By Uzair Adam Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested a notorious militia leader, Haruna Abdulhamid, during a covert operation in Gidan Waya, Nasarawa State.

According to a reliable source, the operation was carried out by personnel of Sector II, Operation Whirl Stroke, deployed to Nasarawa Eggon.

The arrest followed actionable intelligence that led troops to the suspect, who was reportedly on his way to collect cash from a criminal deal.

Abdulhamid had long been on the radar of security agencies for his involvement in multiple criminal acts, including attacks on communities, kidnapping, and illegal arms trade.

He is currently in custody undergoing further interrogation.Elsewhere in the North East, troops working with local hunters and Hybrid Forces engaged terrorists during a patrol in Pambula Village, Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State.

One terrorist was neutralised, and troops recovered a weapon along with four abandoned motorcycles.

Troops deployed in Bama, Borno State, also engaged insurgents in a gunfight, neutralised one, recovered weapons, and destroyed makeshift terrorist camps and shelters.

During the operation, three family members of the ISWAP/JAS faction—an adult woman and two children—surrendered.

Additionally, an unexploded 40mm mortar bomb was discovered during a patrol along the Damboa–Azir road in Borno.

The area was immediately secured, and the bomb was safely recovered by an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

In the North West, troops in Kebbi State conducted an ambush at River Kaa, rescuing six kidnapped victims and recovering four rustled cattle after a clash with terrorists.

Meanwhile, in the South East, soldiers arrested a suspected member of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) at a checkpoint in Ehime Mbano, Imo State.

The suspect is believed to have links with previous attacks on security personnel and government facilities.

In the South-South region, troops from 34 Artillery Brigade and 197 Special Forces Battalion uncovered an illegal refining site in Delta State.

The site contained 60 cooking drums, 15,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and reservoirs of illegally refined products, which were dismantled in line with Operation Delta Safe guidelines.

Similarly, troops from 3 Battalion, working with Tantita Security Services, intercepted boats carrying 1,720 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum products along the Jeddo Waterways in Warri South.

The suspects fled on sighting the troops, and the recovered items were secured.

The source reaffirmed the military’s continued commitment to national security through sustained and coordinated operations across all regions.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Lieutenant Colonel Onyechi Appolonia Anele has made history as the first female Acting Director of Army Public Relations (DAPR) in the Nigerian Army.

She assumed command today in a brief ceremony at the Army Headquarters, Abuja, taking over from Major General Onyema Nwachukwu, who has been redeployed to the Nigerian Army Heritage and Future Centre.

In her remarks, Lt. Col. Anele thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, for the opportunity and pledged to uphold professionalism in her new role.

She also acknowledged the contributions of her predecessor, Major General Nwachukwu, in strengthening the directorate’s operations. Major General Nwachukwu, in his farewell speech, highlighted key achievements under his leadership, including enhanced training for personnel in strategic communication and improved public perception of the Nigerian Army.

The ceremony featured the signing of handover notes, the presentation of the command flag, and the decoration of Lt. Col. Anele with the directorate’s insignia. Senior officers and defence correspondents witnessed the event.

Lt. Col. Anele, a member of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), previously served as Public Relations Officer to a former Chief of Army Staff and at the Defence Headquarters’ Department of Civil-Military Relations.

By Uzair Adam 

Troops of the Joint Task Force have arrested a 55-year-old man suspected to be a notorious kidnapper during a security operation in Sumana village, Tundun Wada Local Government Area of Kano State.

The arrest was disclosed in a statement issued to journalists by Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, on Tuesday. According to the statement, the suspect was apprehended on April 20.

He was later paraded before the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, during the commander’s Easter visit to troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Falgore, Doguwa LGA.

The commander commended the troops for their courage and professionalism, describing the operation as a significant success in the ongoing campaign against criminality in the region.

A cache of arms and other items were recovered during the operation. These include a fabricated AK-47 rifle, one Den gun, nine rounds of 9mm pistol ammunition, a woodland camouflage uniform, a desert camouflage outfit, a camouflage vest, and a Bajaj motorcycle seat suspected to be used for concealing weapons.

Brig.-Gen. Tukur reiterated the Nigerian Army’s commitment to working with other security agencies and local authorities to restore peace and order in troubled areas.

“The army remains dedicated to its mandate of safeguarding lives and properties. We will not relent in our efforts to bring perpetrators of criminal acts to justice,” the statement read.

The suspect is currently in custody and undergoing a preliminary investigation.

By Anwar Usman

The Nigerian Army has commenced the recruitment of tradesmen, non-tradesmen, and women for its 89th regular recruits intake.

The Nigerian Army made revealed this on its X handle on Tuesday.

The statement read, “The Nigerian Army wishes to inform the general public that the online application for 89 Regular Recruits Intake for Non-Tradesmen and Women will commence for all interested candidates.

According to the statement, “Application is free for interested candidates. Applicants are advised to apply once, as multiple applications will lead to disqualification. Interested applicants can log on to http://recruitment.army.mil.ng to complete online registration from March 31 to May 17, 2025.

“Shortlisted candidates are expected to report to their respective states of origin for the screening exercise, which will take place from 2– 16 June 2025.”

The statement further revealed that, the application website offers additional instructions for eligible candidates on the application process, detailing the required criteria.

“Applicants must be single and Nigerian citizens by birth, and must possess a National Identity Card/NIN and BVN printout, and must be medically, physically, and psychologically fit by Nigerian Army Standards.

“Applicants must be free of any criminal conviction by the court of law. They must possess a valid birth certificate endorsed by the National Population Commission, Hospital, or Local Government Council, or an age declaration.

“Applicants must possess a valid certificate of state of origin and must not be less than 1.68 metres and 1.65 metres tall for male and female candidates respectively,” the post read.

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.