Nigerian Army

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.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have successfully prevented multiple terrorist attacks and disrupted insurgents’ logistics networks across the North East between 28 and 30 March 2026.

This is contained in a Facebook statement signed by
Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) on 30 March 2026.

According to the statement, the soldiers stationed at Damboa stopped a planned Boko Haram/ISWAP attack after monitoring suspicious movements through surveillance systems.

The troops engaged the insurgents, forcing them to retreat in disarray. Follow-up operations confirmed that the attackers had withdrawn. Similarly, troops repelled assaults on farmers and communities in Gwoza and Askira Uba Local Government Areas of Borno State, pushing insurgents toward the Mandara Mountains and nearby areas.

The troops also discovered and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) along the Goniri–Ngamdu axis. “Recovered materials, including rail tracks used to canalise vehicles into a killing zone, highlight ongoing terrorist efforts to disrupt movement along critical routes,” the statement noted.

In operations targeting terrorist supply chains, two suspected Boko Haram collaborators were arrested in Molai while acting suspiciously in a defensive area.

In Maiduguri, troops intercepted vehicles carrying large quantities of suspected terrorist logistics along the Maiduguri–Mafa road. The items, concealed in sacks and equivalent to two truckloads, included medical drugs, motorcycle tubes and tyres, mosquito nets, rolls of mats, air filter cylinders, and detergents.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the supplies were being transported without clearance toward Kusuri, a border community near Chad. The vehicles, drivers, and goods were handed over for further investigation.

Additionally, OPHK troops, working with Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) operatives, arrested Mohammed Adamu (26) at Muna Garage. “Items recovered from him include 25 litres of engine oil concealed in sacks, the sum of N624,900, a mobile phone, power bank, national identity card, and ATM cards. Preliminary findings indicate he had been supplying logistics, including motorcycle parts, to terrorists over an extended period,” the release said.

In Gubio, troops, intelligence operatives, and CJTF conducted targeted operations that resulted in the arrest of 13 suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and collaborators. Two additional suspects confessed to long-term involvement in supplying materials to insurgents.

Troops also apprehended Abubakar Ali, alias “Saina,” a suspected member of JAS/ISWAP, at Kilo Papa checkpoint while en route to Maiduguri. Interrogation suggested he was conducting a reconnaissance mission. He has been handed over to authorities for detailed investigation.

In other operations, a suspected kidnapper was arrested in Azir, Damboa Local Government Area. Clearance and cordon-and-search missions in Wulgo Junction, Gamboru Motor Park, and surrounding areas led to the recovery of 450 wraps of suspected marijuana and other illicit substances, while suspected drug peddlers fled on sighting troops.

The Military High Command commended the troops for their “resilience, vigilance, and professional conduct,” urging them to maintain the operational pace to deny terrorists freedom of action, which is critical for security and economic stability in the North East.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops under the Joint Task Force, North East, Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), have eliminated 38 ISWAP fighters during a military operation in Borno State.

The development was confirmed in a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba. He said the incident occurred on Saturday morning.

According to the statement, the insurgents launched an attack on the Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mandaragirau, located in Sector 2 of the state. However, the troops resisted the assault and gained the upper hand.

The military explained that its personnel responded with coordinated ambushes and a combined offensive and defensive strategy. This forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

Air support also played a role in the operation. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided close assistance, which improved the precision of strikes against the fleeing insurgents.

“Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further heavy losses.

“A total of about 38 terrorists were neutralized with 8 bodies recovered so far within the immediate engagement area and human intelligence from locals confirming over 30 additional terrorists’ bodies and weapons strewn along Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle.

“This was evidenced by blood trails and abandoned equipment. Troops also recovered 7 AK-47 rifles, 8 magazines, 4 RPG bombs and assorted ammunition, while recording no fatalities; one MRAP was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel promptly stabilized.

“The scale of enemy losses has triggered widespread jubilation among local communities and highlights the sustained dominance of OPHK troops in denying terrorists freedom of action,” the statement added.

The military noted that the operation has boosted morale among residents in the affected communities, as troops continue efforts to restrict the activities of insurgents in the region.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA have thwarted an attempted terrorist attack on Maiwa village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.

The incident occurred on March 25, 2026, after security operatives received a distress call from residents of the community. The troops responded promptly and moved to the scene around 5:30 pm.

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post on X, where he detailed how the operation unfolded.

According to him, troops met local vigilantes already in a gun battle with the attackers upon arrival. The soldiers then joined forces with the vigilantes, which forced the assailants to retreat into nearby bushes.

Sources within the security circle revealed that a follow-up sweep of the area led to a grim discovery. Two villagers were found dead after the exchange of gunfire.

“Troops maintained a sustained presence in the area and continued aggressive patrols aimed at denying the terrorists freedom of movement and preventing further attacks,” Makama said.

Security forces have since intensified patrols in the area to forestall further attacks and restore calm in the affected community.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE have arrested three suspected criminals and recovered weapons during a clearance operation carried out on March 26, 2026.

This is contained in a statement issued by Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer at the Headquarters of JTF Operation WHIRL STROKE, on March 26, 2026.

The operation formed part of ongoing pre-wet season activities aimed at securing farming communities.

Soldiers of the COAS Intervention Battalion XI acted on credible intelligence about the presence of suspected terrorists around the Agasha area.

They moved to the location and secured the surroundings, which led to the arrest of the suspects.

The individuals were identified as Mr Sule Ibrahim and Mr Salmanu Risko from Nasarawa State, alongside Mr Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos.

Security personnel recovered one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 27 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition during the operation. Other items found include a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, ten sachets of alcohol, and various charms.

The suspects remain in custody as preliminary investigations continue. Authorities have indicated that they will face prosecution after the investigation is concluded.

Troops have sustained a strong presence in the area. They continue to patrol and monitor key locations to prevent criminal activities and ensure safety ahead of the farming season.

The Force Commander of the Joint Task Force Operation WHIRL STROKE, Major General Moses Gara, praised the troops for their dedication and professionalism. He also commended their efforts in protecting law-abiding citizens within the Joint Operations Area.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of 18 individuals accused of supplying logistics to Boko Haram insurgents in the North-East, highlighting what it described as an expanding network of civilian support for terrorist activities.

In a statement released on Wednesday, the Army said troops of Operation HADIN KAI apprehended the suspects while they were travelling through Gubio towards the Gudumbali axis, an area known for insurgent operations.

According to the military, early findings showed that the group was allegedly on a mission to deliver supplies to Boko Haram fighters.

The Army also revealed that initial confessions from the suspects pointed to economic hardship as a major reason behind their involvement.

“Initial findings indicate that the individuals were drawn into the illicit trade largely due to personal economic challenges,” the statement said, adding that insurgent groups often take advantage of vulnerable civilians to sustain their activities.

The military warned Nigerians against supporting terrorist groups in any form, stressing that such actions carry serious consequences.

“The Nigerian Army strongly warns all citizens against any form of collaboration with terrorist groups,” it stated.

“Providing logistics, intelligence, or assistance to such elements remains a serious offence, with grave consequences for national security and the safety of innocent lives.”

The Army stressed that cooperation from local communities remains vital in tackling insurgency.

“The effectiveness of ongoing operations depends greatly on the vigilance, cooperation, and active support of host communities,” the statement added, as it urged residents to report suspicious activities and resist inducements from criminal elements.

It also pointed to the need for broader socio-economic measures to address the underlying causes of insurgency.

“It is equally important to recognise the need for sustained socio-economic support and community-focused initiatives that can strengthen resilience and reduce vulnerabilities,” the statement noted.

Reaffirming its resolve, the Army said it remains committed to protecting communities and restoring peace, while calling for collective national efforts.

“Lasting peace and stability can only be achieved through a unified approach, where security operations are complemented by development efforts and strong community partnerships,” it said.