Nigerian Army

By Muhammad Sabiu

A soldier accidentally shot his comrade during a confrontation with suspected cultists in the Ibafo region of Ogun State, causing chaos.

Yahoo lads, a bunch of internet scammers, were said to have launched an attack on each other following a dispute.

One party hired cultists to attack the other, and the other hired soldiers to combat the other in a free-for-all battle.

When the cultists saw the military soldiers approaching in a private car,  they started pelting them with stones, bottles, and other things, according to one eyewitness.

This enraged the military personnel, one of whom attempted to cock his rifle, but accidentally fired his companions.

Abimbola Oyeyemi, the Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, confirmed the event when contacted.

The police spokesperson was quoted as saying: “Some internet fraudsters were having issues with one another over an issue. One group invited cultists, while the other some soldiers.

“The soldiers went to the scene of the incident in a private car. They were attacked by some hoodlums said to be cultists. We learnt that one of the soldiers mistakenly fired his colleague, who had been rushed to the hospital.

“Our officers are on top of the matter and normalcy has been restored to the place.”

By Ibrahim Nasidi Saal

Troops of 34 Brigade, Nigerian Army(NA) have captured a cache of arms and ammunition belonging to elements of the dissident group, Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network(ESN), after a gun battle at Amaifeke-Akkatta Road in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo state.

The fire arms and ammunition were recovered during troops’ operations to clear separatists’ hideouts in the general area of Amaifeke – Akkatta road.

Troops uncovered the weapons concealed in a black Toyota Camry, after they successfully surmounted ambushes staged by members of the outlawed dissident group, who, having been overpowered by the gallant troops, abandoned their vehicle and weapons in the heat of the combat and fled the scene.

After a thorough search, the troops recovered ten Pump Action Shotguns, seven locally fabricated guns, one locally made Revolver Pistol, eighty Live Cartridges, one Baofeng Radio and substance suspected to be gun powder.Others include Satchet of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and a Toyota Camry Saloon car.

This information was release through the verified Facebook page of the Nigerian Army Headquarter by the Director Army Public Relations, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu on Thursday, 19th May, 2022.

The Nigerian Army commends members of the public for their continued support to the military and security agencies, as they protect the citizens from attrocious activities of the outlawed dissident groups, who in defiance of law and good order have annihilated innocent Ndigbo and other Nigerians, in their enforcement of an illegal sit at home order, foisted on the good people of the South East.

The NA urges all to continue to provide timely and credible information in support of ongoing operations to restore peace and security in the South East and other troubled parts of the country.

By Ibrahim Nasidi Saal

Troops of the 93 Battalion have launched a  search and rescue mission for personnel missing in action while responding to a distress call of an attack on the Tati community in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State in the early hours of Tuesday, May 10, 2022.

The troops acted swiftly after receiving a distress call that the Tati community was under attack by suspected bandits. While pursuing the bandits, troops fell into an ambush staged by the criminals. The troops fought fiercely through the ambush neutralizing four of the bandits.  Sadly, six gallant soldiers paid the supreme price during the firefight, while one person was missing in action.

However, a reinforcement team from the 6 Brigade deployed against the fleeing bandits at Ananum village in Donga Local Government Area of the state, neutralized two additional bandits and recovered one Ak 47 rifle, one pistol, one locally fabricated gun, 2 AK 47 Magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62 mm special, seven rounds of 9 mm ammunition and three motorbikes.

Troops are currently pursuing the bandits and will leave no stone unturned in the ongoing search and rescue operations for the missing personnel.

The good people of Taraba state are urged to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement to security agencies.

By Ibrahim Nasidi Saal

The Chief of Army Staff(COAS),  Lieutenant General Faruk Yahaya, has commissioned two official residences for Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of  Headquarters 8 Division and Division Garrison, both in Giginya Barracks, Sokoto. 

The COAS commissioned the projects Thursday, 5 May 2022, as part of his operational tour of the 8 Division, Nigerian Army. Speaking during the event, Gen Yahaya maintained that RSMs constitute a vital link between officers and soldiers, stressing that they are the custodians of discipline and regimentation in the NA, without which command and control would have been cumbersome.  Therefore, he charged the RSMs to redouble their effort in entrenching discipline and regimentation among personnel. 

General Yahaya noted that bequeathing a befitting infrastructure to troops is a gesture that will boost their morale and encourage them to do their best while discharging their responsibilities. He reiterated his resolve to continue a deliberate policy, to improve the standard of infrastructure in all NA barracks.

The COAS also commissioned other projects, including remodelled 8 Division Garrison RSM’s office and road, Fire Fighting Truck and a Fuel Dump, among others. The projects were named after some Master Warrant Officers who had distinguished themselves in service.

While addressing officers of the Division, the Army Chief charged them to escalate operations against banditry and other criminalities in the North-West zone. 

Gen Yahaya urged them to be vigilant at all times to respond to distress calls effectively. He emphasized that troops must cooperate with other security agencies and stakeholders in their area of responsibility, noting that security is the collective business of all. 

The COAS later inspected ongoing projects in Giginya barracks, including the new Headquarters 8 Division Office  Complex and industrial waterworks.

It will be recalled that the COAS, on Saturday, 30 April 2022, commenced an operational tour of Joint Task Force North East Operation Hadin Kai, from where he proceeded to 8 Division and Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West.

Accompanying the COAS during the operational tour are the Chief of Operations (Army) Maj Gen Olufemi Akinjobi, the Coordinator Nigerian Army Special Projects Maj Gen Philip Eromosele, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division, Maj Gen Uwem Bassey, Provost Marshal Army Maj Gen Robert Aiyenigba and the Chief of Military Intelligence, Maj Gen Ibrahim Salihu.

By Mallam Musbabu Magayaki

I took this picture after seeing some unidentified gunmen not far away from us on Monday, April 25th, 2022, while plying the dreadful Birnin Gwari-Kagara and Kontagora roads. The road is full of uncertainty about the unavoidable fear of bandits. Fortunately, we arrived home safely (glory to God). Nonetheless, our hearts’ continued to rewind the dangerous nature of the road in a flashback format.

However, after spending a horrendous one-hour journey that looked like an eternity waiting for help, we were escorted by vigilantes and police officers stationed at Udawa-Buruku villages, particularly for travellers, with a fare of N1000 for each car. They would arrange all the cars in a straight line after collecting the charge of N1000 from each car’s driver for him to be part of the convoy. 

As we began the terrifying 30-km journey, the security operatives operating on the road arrived. They told us glad tiding of seizing three bandits’ motorcycles (TVS-like), which they distributed to three groups as a spoil of war: one for the vigilantes, one for the military personnel, and one for the police officers.

While plying, everyone was anxious and confused, saying various forms of supplications for fear of bandits’ retaliatory attacks. But, thank God, despite the dangerous nature of the short journey through the almost impenetrable bushy forest, we arrived safely in Buruku.

We thanked God and hailed the vigilantes who risked their lives to save us from any bandits’ attacks that might have come at us. 

I recommend that the Kaduna and Niger state governments for empowering those vigilantes in their regions with modern weapons. They are genuinely trying, without compromise, to safeguard the lives of innocent travellers. 

Mallam Musbabu Magayaki wrote from Sabob Fegi, Azare.

By  Ibrahim Nasidi Saal

The Joint Border Patrol Team, comprising Nigerian security operatives, on Thursday, April 28, 2022, handed over the duo of Ismail Ajibade and John Adewumi, a Beninoise, arrested with $285,000 (Two Hundred and Eighty-five Thousand Dollars) and CFA 18, 925,000 (Eighteen Million Nine Hundred and Twenty-five CFA) to the EFCC, for further investigation and possible prosecution. 

The suspects were arrested on April 15, 2022, by officers of the JBPT whilst on a routine patrol along the Ilashe/Ihambo axis of Ogun State. 

While handing over the suspects, A. Adamu, who led the team, said Ajibade, who is a driver, received the foreign currencies from one Taiwo Hassan in Ogun State.

Adamu added that Ajibade was on his way to convey the same to Adewumi, who had been directed to deliver the monies to one Oladimeji in the Benin Republic when they were intercepted. 

By Muhammad Sabiu

In a vicious fire battle along Orlu – Orsu Road on April 25, 2022, troops of the Nigerian Army’s 34 Artillery Brigade eliminated two gunmen and apprehended four other members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN).

This is contained in a Facebook statement signed by Onyema Nwachu (Brigadier General), the Director of Army Public Relations, via the verified handle of the Nigerian Army.

The statement read, “The troops, while on routine patrol, made contact with elements of IPOB/ESN around the general area of Aluminium Company and All Saints Church. On sighting the patrol team, the criminal elements opened fire and launched [a] grenade attack on the troops. The vigilant troops responded with superior firepower neutralizing two of the criminal elements, compelling others to flee in disarray. 

“In a hot pursuit that followed the encounter, troops arrested four of the fleeing gunmen and recovered one AK 47 rifle, two magazines, one Police grenade launcher, two Baofeng communication radios, five mobile phones, one IPOB Beret, two Motorcycles, four SIM cards, five wallets containing different ID cards, afrodisiac [sic], charms and the sum of Sixteen Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty Naira only.”

The southeastern part of the country, which houses the secessionist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been experiencing the violent activities of the Biafran agitators over the years.

By Uzair Adam Imam

 As part of the contribution toward global peace, Nigeria has deployed about 173 soldiers to keep peace in Guinea Bissau despite rising insecurity in the country. 

The Chief of Operations, Army Headquarters, Major General Oluwafemi Akinjobi, made the disclosure at the pre-deployment training graduation of the Nigerian contingent to the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea Bissau.

He stated that since independence Nigeria has contributed over 100,000 troops to over 40 countries on peacekeeping missions.

Akinjobi, who was reportedly represented by the Chief of Operations, Major General Zakari Abubakar, noted that Nigeria remains the beacon of peace and the gatekeeper of the ECOWAS sub-region.

He added that Nigeria has helped restore peace in many conflict areas around the world.

Akinjobi was quoted as saying: “The nation continues to strive to ensure security and stability in Africa through collective security by contributing to international peace and security, which is essential to Nigeria’s defence policy.”

By Uzair Adam Imam 

The House of Representatives decried the incessant security challenge in communities bordering Taraba and Plateau states, urging the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Leo Irabor, to begin joint security operations in the areas. 

This reportedly followed the adoption of a motion by a member from Taraba State, Abdulsalam Mubarak.

Mubarak raised an urgent need to mitigate the security challenge of banditry and kidnapping in the areas.

He lamented that banditry in the areas had skyrocketed with several reported cases of killings, rape and kidnappings.

However, the House also pleaded with the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development and the North East Development Commission to assess the damage cost by banditry and provide palliative to the victims.

Insecurity is one of the menacing challenges that militate against peace in communities bordering Taraba and Plateau and the entire northeastern and northwestern parts of the country. 

Several hundreds of people were reported dead due to the insecurity, with many others kidnapped, raped or displaced. 

By Muhammad Sabiu

Nigerian soldiers have captured a large sum of money intended to pay for the release of several captives held by armed bandits in Kaduna State.

Some of the ransom payment couriers are alleged to be security personnel, according to media reports.

Kidnapped victims, including women and children, were also rescued by troops participating in intelligence-driven military operations.

The operations, which were carried out concurrently by Nigerian Army ground soldiers and special forces from the Nigerian Air Force, NAF, resulted in eliminating several bandit terrorists.

According to an intelligence officer, troops from the synchronised operations from the 271 NAF Detachment in Birnin Gwari and the Nigerian Army FOB in Gwaska rescued dozens of kidnapped victims.

“The sum of N60,000,000 in cash, petroleum products and sophisticated weapons were recovered during the operations.

“Other items recovered by the troops from the suspects include vehicles, AK-47 rifles, magazines, various kinds of ammunition and mobile phones.

“Meanwhile, we will refer the case of the arrested couriers who mostly have identifications with security agencies to the Department of State Service (DSS) and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) for further investigation,” the intelligence officer was quoted as saying.