Nigerian Army

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), Sector 2, have neutralised no fewer than 24 terrorists following a fierce encounter during an attack on Kukareta area.

The military disclosed that the engagement followed a “determined terrorist attack on Kukareta location” in the early hours of Thursday.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, the attack began shortly after midnight and continued until about 03:00 hours. He noted that troops responded immediately with what he described as a coordinated counter-operation that forced the attackers into retreat.

The statement read: the troops “executed a deliberate offensive-defensive action, effectively containing the assault and forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal.”

It added that the troops inflicted heavy losses on the attackers, confirming that “24 terrorists neutralised so far.”

Following the encounter, troops recovered a large stockpile of weapons and ammunition during ongoing clearance operations. The items include “18 AK-47 rifles, 3 General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMG), 2 PKT automatic anti-aircraft guns, 3 RPG tubes, 2 mortar tubes, 4 hand grenades, 18 AK-47 magazines, and large quantities of belted 7.62mm ammunition for PKT systems.”

The statement also confirmed that two soldiers sustained injuries during the battle and have since received medical attention. It further disclosed that an armoured tank deployed for reinforcement suffered damage after its tyres were destroyed during the confrontation.

It stated that troops have continued to track the withdrawal routes of the fleeing terrorists, where blood trails and abandoned medical supplies were discovered.

The military described the operation as a demonstration of combat strength and preparedness, adding that it reflects the troops’ capacity to deny terrorist groups freedom of movement.

It further assured that operations will continue with sustained pressure aimed at clearing remaining terrorist elements within the theatre of operations.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Security forces have arrested a notorious commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), over his alleged role in the fatal attack on a police officer in Delta State two months ago.

Troops of Sector 2, Operation UDO KA, acting under the broader military offensive code-named Operation EASTERN SANITY, raided a terrorist hideout in Nwofe, Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, in the early hours of Tuesday, 21 April 2026.

The prime suspect, widely known by his alias “Calamity,” was arrested alongside four other key members of the outlawed group.

According to a statement issued by Lieutenant Colonel Olabisi Olalekan Ayeni, Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for the 82 Division, the operation was triggered by credible intelligence linking “Calamity” and his cell to a brazen attack at Okuku-Igbo in Oshimili North LGA, Delta State, on 26 February 2026.

During that assault, the assailants shot dead a police officer and wounded another before escaping with two AK-47 rifles.

Following intensified security sweeps in Delta State, “Calamity” and his men reportedly fled to Ebonyi State, where they set up a new camp to evade capture and continue their violent activities.

Authorities say actionable intelligence led troops directly to the hideout, where the five suspects were apprehended without immediate casualties. At the time of his arrest, “Calamity” was found carrying a black handbag containing five mobile phones and numerous keys. A black Kcsanya motorcycle was also recovered.

The suspects are currently in custody, and investigations are ongoing to dismantle their wider network and recover additional weapons.

“This successful operation underscores the determination of the Nigerian Armed Forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, to neutralize terrorist threats, restore peace, and protect law-abiding citizens across the region,” the statement read.

The military reiterated its call for public support, urging citizens to provide timely information to aid ongoing security operations.

The Nigerian Army on Wednesday held a burial ceremony for Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other soldiers who lost their lives in a recent insurgent attack in Borno State.

The funeral took place at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, where the fallen personnel received full military honours in recognition of their service to the nation.

The officers were killed on April 9 after suspected Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province fighters launched coordinated assaults on military positions in Benisheikh. The town lies in Kaga Local Government Area along the Maiduguri–Damaturu highway, a key route in the North-East.

The Army, in a statement on its official Facebook page, described the ceremony as one marked by deep emotion and national reflection.

The statement read:

“In a solemn and emotionally charged ceremony, the nation on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, laid to rest late Brigadier General Omo Braimah, Captain Ismail, and other gallant soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

“The burial, held at the Maimalari Cantonment Cemetery in Maiduguri, Borno State, was marked by deep sorrow, honour, and reflection,” the statement read.

The military further explained that the ceremony reflected the respect given to personnel who died in active service. It noted that the honours accorded the deceased represented recognition of their commitment to national security.

The statement added:

“Their sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the heavy price paid daily by members of the Armed Forces to safeguard the peace, unity, and security of Nigeria,” it said.

Dignitaries present at the burial included Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, and several senior military officers. They described the deceased soldiers as patriots who showed courage in defence of the country.

Religious rites were observed for the repose of the souls of the fallen officers and soldiers. Military officials also read out citations highlighting their service records before their families and colleagues.

The Army stated that the grief expressed by families reflected the human toll of ongoing security operations in the North-East. It added that the bravery of the deceased would remain a source of honour within the Armed Forces.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

The Nigerian Army has intensified its onslaught against banditry, recording major breakthroughs in clearance operations across Bauchi State, with troops overrunning key terrorist camps, capturing families of fleeing criminals, and destroying vital logistics in the Dajin Madam Forest.

In a statement issued today, the Army confirmed that troops of 33 Artillery Brigade, working in coordination with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), conducted a fierce clearance operation deep inside the forest. The operation led to the destruction of several bandit enclaves, including the notorious Azuge and Hari camps.

During the offensive, troops neutralized an unspecified number of bandits, while many others fled under heavy military pressure. In a significant development, security forces took into custody six women and thirteen children, family members of the bandits. Several motorcycles used by the criminals for mobility were destroyed, severely limiting their ability to launch further attacks.

A cache of items recovered from the camps includes one AK-47 magazine, packs of tramadol, a pair of police uniform, multiple military uniforms, and two horses, items the Army said were indicative of the group’s criminal enterprise and attempts at impersonation.

“Troops are currently maintaining a firm hold position within the Dajin Madam Forest to consolidate the gains achieved and prevent any re-infiltration by fleeing bandits,” the statement read.

In a related follow-up clearance operation to Mainamaji, conducted after recent air strikes on bandit hideouts, troops made no contact with the enemy—a further indication that sustained military pressure has significantly degraded bandit presence and movement in the area.

The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the offensive until lasting peace and security are restored. Citizens are encouraged to continue supporting security agencies with timely and credible information.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigeria’s military has suffered another devastating loss after a senior army officer was killed in a coordinated attack by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State.

Colonel I.A. Mohammed, Commander of the 242 Battalion, died when his convoy was ambushed by fighters in the Moguno area, near the town of Boron. According to military sources, the troops were reinforcing a military camp under attack when their formation was struck by an improvised explosive device (IED), followed by heavy gunfire from insurgents hidden along the route.

Several other soldiers also lost their lives in the attack. Casualty figures have not been officially released, but a military source confirmed that the death toll includes the commanding officer and other ranks.

Colonel Mohammed’s death marks the fifth loss of a top-ranking military officer in Nigeria in 2026 alone — all within the first four months of the year. The repeated targeting of senior commanders has raised urgent questions about operational security and the resilience of the military’s command structure in the northeast counterinsurgency campaign.

As of press time, the Nigerian Army has not issued an official statement, but an internal security briefing described the incident as a “well-planned ambush with high-grade explosives.”

The insurgency in Borno, which has persisted for over a decade, continues to exact a heavy toll on both combatants and civilians, despite repeated government claims that Boko Haram has been largely defeated.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A dismissed Nigerian soldier, Rotimi Olamilekan, widely known as Soja Boi, has raised concerns over the absence of children of political leaders in the Nigerian Army, saying their involvement could lead to meaningful changes in the system.

Olamilekan made the remarks in a viral video while reacting to reports about ongoing recruitment into the armed forces. He described the recruitment exercise as positive but expressed doubts about its fairness and transparency.

“I’m seeing some news online that the military is recruiting new people, and it’s very good,” he said. “But I’m still asking: why are politicians’ children not joining them?”

He also questioned why public office holders, including ministers, lawmakers and local government officials, do not allow their children to enlist in the military.

The former lance corporal argued that the absence of children of the elite contributes to persistent challenges within the armed forces.

“If politicians send their children to join the army, many things will change in this country,” he added. “Suffering will reduce, and a lot will improve inside the military.”

Olamilekan has made similar remarks in the past. He linked his concerns to personal experiences during service and the losses recorded in counter-insurgency operations.

“The way I keep losing my colleagues brings tears to my eyes every day,” he had said in a previous video.

He also pointed to welfare issues within the military. He earlier challenged the Nigerian Army to make its payroll public. He shared bank transaction alerts, which he claimed showed modest earnings by soldiers.

Olamilekan was recently dismissed from service over alleged indiscipline and violation of the Armed Forces Social Media Policy. The Nigerian Army had earlier dismissed his claims as false and misleading, but he maintained that his statements were accurate.

“I am not trying to spoil the Nigerian Army’s image or make people look at them as if they are not good. But I am just speaking the facts and I will be backing them with evidence,” he said.

He insisted that real reforms in the military would be easier to achieve if political leaders had direct personal stakes, especially through the participation of their children in military service.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Terrorists launched a coordinated attack on the headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade in Benisheikh, Borno State, in the early hours of Thursday, but were repelled by military troops, the Defence Headquarters has said.

The assault began at approximately 12:30 a.m. on 9 April 2026, when insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the military installation, according to a statement from the DHQ.

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, led by Brigade Commander Brigadier General Oseni Braimah, responded with superior firepower and forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“A few brave and gallant soldiers paid the supreme price” during the encounter, the military said, without disclosing the exact number of casualties.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, honoured the fallen soldiers, describing their courage as “a source of pride and inspiration” to the armed forces and the nation.

The military described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements who have suffered significant losses in recent operations.

Clearance and exploitation operations are ongoing in the area to track fleeing insurgents, the DHQ added.

The public was urged to disregard misinformation and unverified content on social media, and to allow the military to formally notify the families of the deceased before further details are released.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Theatre Command of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), has apprehended five individuals linked to the unlawful discharge of firearms at a social gathering, which resulted in the death of a teenage girl.

Reports show that a stray bullet, allegedly fired by members of a vigilante group, claimed the life of a 14-year-old girl last Saturday inside her family home at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) quarters.

In a statement released Monday, the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt. Col. Sani Uba, said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI, together with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), arrested the five suspects in the Ngomari general area.

“The incident occurred at about 2:00pm on April 4, when vigilantes, later identified as members of an escorts team attached to the Chairman of a Local Government Area engaged in sporadic firing into the air during a wedding celebration at Umaru Musa Yar’Adua Teachers Staff Quarters.

“The reckless act led to the death of a young girl. The troops acted swiftly, traced and apprehended five suspects identified as Muhammad Husaini (28), Abba Jiddu (25), Abba Kolo Mohammed (20), Ali Adam (20), and Nura Mohammed (18).”

Lt. Col. Uba added that the suspects are currently in custody and will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and prosecution in accordance with extant laws.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Military forces have dealt a fresh blow to insurgent groups operating in central Nigeria, neutralizing two suspected terrorists and arresting a kidnapper during back-to-back clearance operations in Plateau State.

The raids, conducted by troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE under the special mandate of Operation WUTAN DAJI, targeted known insurgent corridors in Wase Local Government Area on April 4, 2026. Local vigilantes joined the coordinated mission across Babangida, Adua, and Bokayi villages within the dense Dutsen Zaki forest.

A fierce firefight erupted along the Babangida–Adua road, where troops engaged armed terrorists. Two suspects were killed on the spot, while others fled into the forest with gunshot wounds, according to military sources. A subsequent search recovered one locally fabricated firearm, a belt containing 105 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammunition, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a cutlass.

In a separate operation early Sunday, troops in Namu District of Qua’an Pan Local Government Area intercepted four suspected armed individuals based on credible intelligence. A search revealed 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in their possession.

When troops moved to dismantle the suspects’ hideout, they came under heavy fire from the terrorists’ associates. In the ensuing chaos, three of the four apprehended suspects attempted to escape and were struck down by their own accomplices’ gunfire.

Meanwhile, in Shendam Local Government Area at about 9:35 a.m., troops working with local residents arrested a suspected kidnapper at Gidan Mangoro village. The suspect is linked to a kidnapping incident that occurred in the area on April 3.

All suspects are now in custody facing further investigation and potential legal action. The military has called on citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity as clearance operations continue.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

A 14-year-old secondary school student has lost her life after a stray bullet struck her in Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State.

The incident took place on Saturday, April 4, at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH) staff quarters, where the girl lived with her family. She was said to be inside the house when the bullet hit her.

Amnesty International alleged that the bullet was discharged by military personnel who were firing shots in celebration at a nearby wedding.

However, a social media account known for sharing updates on military activities presented a different account. It linked the shooting to members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), a local vigilante group.

“CJTF, not military personnel, were allegedly responsible for the stray bullet that killed a 14-year-old girl in Maiduguri’s Costain area, according to Operation Hadin Kai.”

“The Theatre Command said preliminary findings showed some CJTF members were firing weapons during a social event in a nearby compound when the incident occurred.

“The act was described as unauthorised and unprofessional, with authorities launching an investigation to identify those responsible and prevent future occurrences. Operation Hadin Kai also expressed condolences to the family of the deceased and urged the public to avoid spreading unverified information,” the post read.

A family acquaintance described the girl’s final moments as cheerful, as she had been preparing for a wedding ceremony scheduled for that day.

“She lived in the UMTH quarters with her family and was inside her home when the tragedy occurred. She had just finished applying henna for her mother and herself, joyfully preparing for a family wedding scheduled for that same day,” the source said.

The remains of the teenager were laid to rest on Sunday at a cemetery in Maiduguri. Family members and sympathisers have called for accountability. They described the incident as avoidable.

Amnesty International has also condemned the killing. The organisation urged authorities to carry out a thorough probe.

In its statement, Amnesty International called for a transparent and impartial investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting. It stressed the need to protect civilians and ensure that anyone found responsible is held accountable.

The tragedy has again drawn attention to the risks linked to celebratory gunfire, especially in civilian areas within conflict-affected regions such as Borno State.