Troops

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) ambushed a Nigerian Army convoy in Borno State on Friday night, reportedly kidnapping a serving brigadier general and killing several soldiers.

According to a report from HumAngle, a publication focused on conflict zones, the senior officer is a brigade commander who was leading the troops at the time of the attack.

Members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) were also among the casualties.If verified, this incident would mark the first known instance of an extremist group in Nigeria capturing a serving general directly from the front lines.

While insurgents have killed high-ranking officers in the past, the abduction of one is exceptionally rare.

Nigerian military authorities have not yet issued an official statement on the ambush.

The number of soldiers killed remains unclear, and the Army spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation MESA, in Shanono Local Government Area of Kano State, have successfully repelled a bandits’ attack, safeguarding vulnerable communities in the area.

The operation, conducted by personnel of the 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, followed a credible tip-off on the movement of bandits around Ungwan Tudu, Ungwan Tsamiya, and Goron Dutse axis of Shanono at about 5 p.m. on November 1.

According to a statement issued by Capt. Babatunde Zubairu, Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, 3 Brigade, the troops, supported by other security agencies, engaged the bandits in a fierce gun duel, forcing them to flee.

“It was confirmed that the bandits, who arrived on motorcycles, sustained several casualties during the encounter,” Zubairu stated.

He added that troops stationed at Tsaure community made contact with the attackers, leading to an exchange of fire that resulted in the recovery of several motorcycles and two mobile phones.

Zubairu disclosed that 19 bandits were neutralised in the operation, while two soldiers and a local vigilante lost their lives.

He said further operations were ongoing in the area to ensure the safety of residents and to prevent future attacks often linked to cattle rustling and other criminal activities.

“The Nigerian Army urges citizens to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious movements to security agencies,” Zubairu added.

Meanwhile, the Commander of 3 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Ahmed Tukur, reassured residents of the Army’s unwavering commitment to maintaining peace and security across Kano State in collaboration with other security agencies.

By Sabiu Abdullahi

Troops of the Joint Task Force (North East), Operation Hadin Kai, have eliminated two Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters during an ambush around Hudugum village in the Hambagda area along the Gwoza–Limankara road in Borno State.

The operation, which occurred on Wednesday evening, was conducted under Operation Desert Sanity IV/Diligent Search by soldiers of the 192 Battalion (Main) in collaboration with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF).

Security analyst Zagazola Makama disclosed the development in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday. He explained that the troops encountered the terrorists’ logistics team at about 6:30 p.m. and engaged them with superior firepower.

According to Makama, “two insurgents were neutralised while several others escaped with gunshot wounds towards the foothills of the Mandara Mountains.”

He quoted sources as saying, “There was no casualty on the side of the troops, and no equipment was lost during the encounter.”

After the gun battle, the soldiers recovered several items believed to belong to the fleeing terrorists.

These included three bicycles, clothing materials, mats, food seasoning, salt, and other personal belongings.

The troops reportedly returned to base safely around 7:50 p.m. after what was described as a “hitch-free” mission.

The report added that the army plans to conduct further search operations along the escape routes of the terrorists.

It also noted that while the general security situation in the area remains calm, it is still considered unpredictable.

By Abdullahi Mukhtar Algasgaini

Nigerian forces operating under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have thwarted a series of coordinated terrorist attacks across Borno and Yobe states, neutralizing over 50 fighters in fierce overnight battles.

According to a press release from the military, the assaults occurred between midnight and 4:00 a.m. on Thursday, targeting troops’ positions in Dikwa, Mafa, Gajibo, and Katarko.

The military stated that its troops “stood firm, fought gallantly, and professionally repelled the attacks, dealing the terrorists a heavy decisive and bloody blow.”

The defence was bolstered by air support from the Air Component, which provided precision strikes. Enhanced intelligence and reconnaissance assets also gave ground forces a critical advantage, enabling a lethal response.

The combined ground and air efforts led to the recovery of a significant cache of weapons, including 38 AK-47 rifles, 7 machine guns, 5 RPG tubes, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Intelligence reports suggest the terrorists who attacked Dikwa and Gajibo came from neighbouring Cameroon, while those in Katarko emerged from the notorious Timbuktu Triangle enclave.

While the military scored a major victory, it acknowledged some costs. Several soldiers were wounded but are reported to be in stable condition.

Additionally, terrorist attacks involving armed drones and RPGs set vehicles and buildings on fire, with defences in Mafa and Dikwa being “momentarily breached.”

The Military High Command has commended the troops for their gallantry and doggedness, stating that their performance reaffirms the military’s unwavering resolve to defend the nation’s territorial integrity.

By Anwar Usman

The Defence Headquarters on Saturday said troops arrested about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals across the country last month.

This was disclosed in a statement by Maj. Gen. Markus Kangye, the Director of Defence Media Operations, he said 39 terrorists surrendered while 180 civilians were rescued during the operations.

He said 63 arms, 4,475 rounds of ammunition and 294 items including grenades, improvised explosive device materials, handheld radios, motorcycles and vehicles were recovered.

Kangye added that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft valued at N112,175,220, consisting of 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of automotive gas oil, 1,900 litres of dual-purpose kerosene and 1,475 litres of premium motor spirit.

“For the month of September, about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals were arrested, 39 of them were surrendered, while 180 civilians were rescued. Quantity 63 arms, 4,475 ammunition were recovered, 294 items such as grenades, IED marking materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, vehicles and other items used in perpetrating crimes were also recovered.

“Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth N112,175,220.00 representing 49,321 litres of crude oil, 6,970 litres of AGO, 1,900 litres of DPK and 1,475 litres of PMS. 41 Illegal refining sites were also destroyed” the statement reads.

He further stated that, troops also seized automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, live cartridges and assorted ammunition in different operations.

“Overall, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices making material. Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered” the statement concluded.

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 Uzair Adam The Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Nigerian troops captured Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, a notorious terrorist leader, at Rumji Village in Illela Local Government Area, Sokoto State.

The arrest follows intensified efforts over the past week, which also led to the apprehension of seven key commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Nigeria’s South-East.

Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared in a Saturday statement that Habu Dogo was a wanted figure on watchlists in both Nigeria and Niger due to his cross-border activities.

The IPOB/ESN operatives arrested include Dr. Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, known as “Chapet,” in Ihiala, Anambra State. In Abia State’s Umuahia South Local Government Area, authorities detained Mrs. Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr. Oyekachi Ohia, while Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, and Onyedikachi Udemba were apprehended in Umunneochi.

Another suspect, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, was captured in Orsu, Imo State.Major-General Buba noted that ongoing counter-terrorism operations are steadily degrading terrorist capabilities across the country.

By Uzair Adam

Troops from Sector 3 of the Multinational Joint Task Force successfully intercepted and prevented a Boko Haram assault on Magumeri Community in Borno State over the weekend.

Lt. Col. Olaniyi Osoba, the MNJTF spokesperson, shared the details on Sunday. He explained that based on credible intelligence, the troops set up a tactical ambush and engaged the terrorists as they attempted to launch an attack along the Magumeri-Maiduguri axis.

The terrorists, using motorcycles and an alternative route, were met with heavy gunfire from the well-positioned troops. In the face of this, they abandoned their weapons and fled.

The troops recovered an arms cache, including AK-47 rifles, ammunition, and contraband such as marijuana and Tramadol.

This operation, Osoba added, not only thwarted the planned attack but also reinforced the security efforts in the Lake Chad region.

The MNJTF continues to intensify patrols to ensure stability in the area.

By Uzair Adam

Troops of the 6 Brigade, Nigerian Army, have arrested a suspected female informant involved in kidnapping activities in Taraba State.

The suspect, identified as Miss Markus Grace, was apprehended in Sondi Village, Wukari Local Government Area (LGA).

According to a statement by Captain Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director of 6 Brigade Army Public Relations, Grace is believed to be the girlfriend of a notorious kidnapper known as Chen, who has been terrorizing the region.

The arrest occurred following the abduction of one Malam Saidu in the Vesee community of Ukum LGA, Benue State.

Troops acted on intelligence to carry out the operation on September 6, 2024.

Captain Oni disclosed that the suspect is currently in custody, and further investigations are ongoing to determine her involvement in criminal activities in the area.

In a separate operation on September 5, 2024, troops stopped a suspicious Blue Toyota Yaris vehicle during routine patrols in Bantaje town, Wukari LGA.

The driver abandoned the car and fled into nearby bushes.

A search of the vehicle revealed an AK-47 rifle, an AK-47 magazine, and two identity cards belonging to individuals associated with the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mutum Biyu Branch, Gassol LGA, Taraba State.

Investigations are ongoing to track down the driver and other involved parties.

 By Anwar Usman 

The troops of the Nigerian Army killed a kidnap kingpin and arrested two other notorious terrorists during multiple raids of IPOB hideouts in the state, the army said in a statement on their X account formally known as twitter on Monday. 

One of the operations was conducted at a suspected IPOB hideout in Ezeinyen Okwe Umucheke, a community in Onuimo Local Government Area of the state.

The operation was targeted at the suspected IPOB Bigwig identified as Chinemerem, popularly known as “Bam Bam” in the community. 

“The operation led to the neutralisation of Chinemerem, as he attempted to reach for his weapon and the arrest of several of his accomplices,” the army said on their X handle. 

“A substantial amount of weapons, ammunition, and IPOB/ESN equipment were seized, and the hideout was subsequently destroyed.” 

The statement said the troops subsequently intercepted other suspected IPOB/ESN members at another hideout in Ama Hausa in Okigwe Local Government Area of the state. 

Tyey added that, “Overpowered in the ensuing shootout, the (suspected) terrorists were forced to flee in unruliness, abandoning a collection of ammunition and motorcycles”. 

Seventy-two rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammunition, four rounds of 7.62 mm (special), three rounds of 5.56mm, one FN rifle, a pair of military desert boots and one green beret were recovered from the hoodlums, according to the army. 

Though the army did not identify the security operatives who took part in the operations, it said the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies. 

A similar operation was conducted in Orlu Local Government Area of Imo State, which targeted two other notorious Bigwigs – Izuchukwu Emejuru, otherwise known as “Kingkong,” and Chibuzor Chikwe, also known as ‘’Onyema.” 

During the operation, some valuables reportedly belonging to Ugonna Iriele, the traditional ruler of Ogberuru in the Orlu Council Area, were recovered by the troops. 

Furthermore, “The raid resulted in the arrest of these suspects and the confiscation of a variety of weapons, including a Semi-automatic pump-action gun, a locally made gun, and a pistol,” it said. 

IPOB, a group seeking the independent state of Biafra to be carved out of the South-East and some parts of south-south, Nigeria, has been linked to the deadly attacks in the regions.