Nigerian Army

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.

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.”