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Tag: Military

  • Military eliminates 30 terrorists, rescues dozens of victims in 1 week

    Military eliminates 30 terrorists, rescues dozens of victims in 1 week

     

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja:  Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to deliver decisive strikes against terrorist and criminal elements across multiple regions killing over 30 terrorists, including high-value targets.

    The troops also rescued dozens of abducted victims during the coordinated operations between March 7 and March 12.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a weekly brief on the operations of the military in Abuja.

    Onoja said that the troops of Operation HADIN KAI successfully curtailed terrorists’ movements and disrupted key supply lines across Yobe, Borno, and Adamawa.

    He said the operations led to the apprehension of several key operatives, including logistics suppliers, tax collectors, and informants.

    According to him, on March 9, troops recovered arms cache following repelled attacks in Mafa and Jere Local Government Areas of Borno.

    “The following day, simultaneous assaults on FOB Tuba and Doro Baga were decisively thwarted.

    “In Goniri, Yobe, troops repelled a multi-directional night attack, neutralising more than 20 terrorists, including Abu Yusu, the Munzir of Dursula, while recovering weapons, IEDs, and ammunition.

    “Troops also rescued kidnapped victims and seized supplies meant for insurgents.

    “In Adamawa, swift responses to distress calls in Madagali and Maiha Local Government Areas led to the recovery of 23 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) intended for terrorist operations.

    “Since 2015, Operation HADIN KAI has recorded the surrender of 122,843 insurgents, highlighting the sustained pressure on terrorist networks,” he said.

    In North West, Onoja said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA struck terrorists in Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

    According to him, key operations include the rescue of abducted victims from Mpape-Kuyeri Forest along the Abuja–Kaduna corridor, the destruction of a terrorist enclave in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    He said there was also the interception of ammunition and rustled cattle in Gudu and Dagozawa villages.

    “In the North Central region, the troops under Operations SAVANNAH SHIELD, ENDURING PEACE, and WHIRL STROKE maintained pressure on criminal and terrorist elements across Kwara, Niger, Plateau, Bauchi, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa, and Kogi States.

    “The operations led to the neutralisation of terrorists, recovery of arms, and rescue of kidnapped victims.

    “Notable successes include the rescue of multiple victims in Edu Local Government Area of Kwara, Riyom and Mangu Local Government Areas of Plateau, and the interception of explosives in Bauchi State,” he added.

    He further said that in the South-South and South-East regions, troops of Operations DELTA SAFE and UDO KA targeted criminal and separatist networks, including the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN).

    “The operations resulted in the dismantling of illegal oil refining sites in Egbema West Local Government Area of Imo.

    “Suspected kidnappers were also neutralised in Egoro Forest in Edo, and the disarming of IEDs along contested routes in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo, improving civilian access and safety,” he said.

    Onoja emphasised that the ongoing operations, in spite of the challenges, reflected the courage and professionalism of the armed forces.

    He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had commended the public for providing timely intelligence.

    Oluyede had also reaffirmed the military’s commitment to troop welfare, collaboration with other security agencies, and restoring lasting stability across the country. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

  • IMPI reviews Tinubu’s record military assets acquisition in 18 months from the US

    IMPI reviews Tinubu’s record military assets acquisition in 18 months from the US

    IMPI reviews Tinubu’s record military assets acquisition in 18 months from the U

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    ‎The Independent Media and Policy Initiative (IMPI) says the President Bola Tinubu-led federal administration has committed an impressive total of $801 million (over N1.15 trillion), to arms deals with the United States alone between 2024 and 2025 as part of its military modernization programme.
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    ‎In a policy statement signed by its Chairman Omoniyi Akinsiju, the policy group posited that this is contrary to the impression created in the US President Donald Trump’s decision to redesignate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC).
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    ‎It said: “In 2024 alone, Nigeria recorded its highest single-year expenditure on arms import in recent times with over N520 billion spent, representing a record-breaking surge in military asset acquisition for the country.
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    ‎”This figure accounts for approximately 67% of the total arms import bill over the five-year period from 2020 to 2024, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). A substantial portion of this amount, ₦483.85 billion, was spent in the final quarter of the year.
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    ‎”The military assets procurement includes the acquisition of 12 AH-1Z Viper attack helicopters, regarded as the world’s deadliest attack helicopter, a $455 million deal aimed at strengthening counterinsurgency capabilities.

    ‎The contract was awarded to Bell Textron, an American aerospace company, in March 2024.
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    ‎”These helicopters are part of broader investments in military equipment and technology, intended to aid in tackling terrorism, piracy, and other forms of violent crimes across the nation, enhancing Nigeria’s ability to collaborate with international partners on security initiatives.”
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    ‎”In addition, Nigeria completed a historic $346 million arms deal with the United States in August 2025, marking another impressive large single purchase of military hardware with objective on strengthening the military precision capabilities.
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    ‎”The contract involves more than 1,000 MK-82 500-pound bombs, over 5,000 Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) rounds, programmable fuzes, airfoil groups, and extensive logistical and technical assistance.
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    ‎”The acquisition will complement the existing counterinsurgency operations that Nigeria has been waging against Boko Haram, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and bandits which are still operational in some northern states.
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    ‎”This, for us, underlines the administration’s commitment to boosting the operational readiness of security agencies in the war against terrorism and insurgency in the country.”
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    ‎IMPI added that there has also been a clear demonstration of political will by the federal government to combat terrorism and safeguard the lives of Nigerians, as well as to guarantee unrestricted religious freedom and practices in the country.
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    ‎According to the policy group, the US President may be holding out for more arms transactions between the two countries after claiming that the country is not doing enough to protect Christians from extremist attacks.
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    ‎”Our consideration is that with a threat to storm Nigeria with “gun-a-blazing,” the US  President may be out to compel the Nigerian government to engage more with American arms manufacturers.
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    ‎“This is especially so with the place of China, US perennial competitor in all sphere of engagements, in Nigeria’s arms supplies eco-system.
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    ‎”In 2024, China supplied up to $152 million worth of VT-4 main battle tanks, ST1 light tanks, and SH-5 self-propelled howitzers.
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    ‎ “This position is further reinforced by the American government’s call to its military hardware and software manufacturing sector to explore opportunities available in Nigeria for the supply of sophisticated tools and systems, such as surveillance technology, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and advanced detection equipment.
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    ‎”This apparent business pitch coming from the US International Trade Commission holds much weight for an increased market share maneuver than a declaration of war on Nigeria by the US,” the think tank said.
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  • Niger Delta ex-agitator congratulates newly appointed service chiefs, seeks fresh probe into Okuama killings

    Niger Delta ex-agitator congratulates newly appointed service chiefs, seeks fresh probe into Okuama killings

     

     

    Niger Delta ex-agitator congratulates newly appointed service chiefs, seeks fresh probe into Okuama killings

    Niger Delta ex-agitator, Endurance Amagbein, has congratulated the newly appointed service chiefs.

    Amagbein, the self-styled General, in a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja, also commended President Bola Tinubu on the appointment.

    He described the appointment as “necessary and one intended to arrest the growing trend of insecurity in some parts of the country.”

    Amagbein, popularly known as Adaka Boro the Second, said he had faith in the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

    He, therefore, expressed optimism that the development would result in a more formidable armed forces that would put Nigeria on the global map because of the pedigree of those at the helm of affairs.

    “I congratulate the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Ataff, Major-General W. Shaibu, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, and the new Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Iddi Abbas, for their emergence,” he said.

    Amagbein, however, urged the CDS to re-open investigation into the Okuama incident in Delta State where soldiers were killed.

    According to him, till now, no one has ever faced prosecution despite the mass arrests, detention and manhunt for innocent people wrongly accused by some unscrupulous surveillance contractors.

    He stressed the need for collective synergy between the armed forces and major stakeholders of the Niger Delta region whose track records had sustained peace, urging them to be fair to all.

    Speaking on security intelligence, Amagbein said “the truth is never complete in the mouth of only one man.”

    He urged the service chiefs to avoid partisan politics in order to promote the integrity of the military in securing the nation.

    He pledged to support and work with the Tinubu-led government and anyone appointed by the president to render selfless service to the masses.

    The ex-agitator said he knew the integrity and track records of the newly appointed service chiefs, “especially the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Iddi Abbas, who was once Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command.”

    “I am confident that the security of the nation is in safe hands,” he said.

    Amagbein, therefore, prayed God Almighty to grant them wisdom, courage and strength to lead the nation’s security system.

    Niger Delta ex-agitator, Endurance Amagbein, has congratulated the newly appointed service chiefs.

    Amagbein, the self-styled General, in a statement he made available to newsmen in Abuja, also commended President Bola Tinubu on the appointment.

    He described the appointment as “necessary and one intended to arrest the growing trend of insecurity in some parts of the country.”

    Amagbein, popularly known as Adaka Boro the Second, said he had faith in the Tinubu-led Federal Government.

    He, therefore, expressed optimism that the development would result in a more formidable armed forces that would put Nigeria on the global map because of the pedigree of those at the helm of affairs.

    “I congratulate the new Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Army Ataff, Major-General W. Shaibu, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal S.K. Aneke, and the new Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Iddi Abbas, for their emergence,” he said.

    Amagbein, however, urged the CDS to re-open investigation into the Okuama incident in Delta State where soldiers were killed.

    According to him, till now, no one has ever faced prosecution despite the mass arrests, detention and manhunt for innocent people wrongly accused by some unscrupulous surveillance contractors.

    He stressed the need for collective synergy between the armed forces and major stakeholders of the Niger Delta region whose track records had sustained peace, urging them to be fair to all.

    Speaking on security intelligence, Amagbein said “the truth is never complete in the mouth of only one man.”

    He urged the service chiefs to avoid partisan politics in order to promote the integrity of the military in securing the nation.

    He pledged to support and work with the Tinubu-led government and anyone appointed by the president to render selfless service to the masses.

    The ex-agitator said he knew the integrity and track records of the newly appointed service chiefs, “especially the Chief of the Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Iddi Abbas, who was once Flag Officer Commanding (FOC) Central Naval Command.”

    “I am confident that the security of the nation is in safe hands,” he said.

    Amagbein, therefore, prayed God Almighty to grant them wisdom, courage and strength to lead the nation’s security system.

  • Military air strike kills ‘20 bandits, five vigilantes’ in Zamfara

    Military air strike kills ‘20 bandits, five vigilantes’ in Zamfara

     

    The Nigerian army has reportedly killed over 20 bandits in a coordinated air strike in Maraya and Wabi villages, Maru LGA of Zamfara state.

    The operation, which took place on Saturday, also resulted in the deaths of five vigilante members due to their failure to comply with withdrawal orders.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the air strike was followed by a ground exploitation mission on June 1 by troops of Operation Fansan Yanma.

    Makama said the mission confirmed the neutralisation of over 20 bandits and the destruction of several motorcycles and other equipment.

    “Unfortunately, five vigilante members were killed, while two others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment in the hospital. A few others sustained minor injuries and did not require hospitalisation,” the publication said.

    The leader of the vigilante group has taken “full responsibility” for the casualties, admitting that some members disregarded instructions to withdraw from the outskirts of the village before the air strike.

    “He admitted that despite being informed of the imminent air operation, some of the vigilante youths insisted on pursuing the fleeing bandits and were still within the target area when the aircraft struck,” the publication added.

    In February, a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet killed six members of a family following an air strike targeting armed gangs in Katsina state.

    Sources told TheCable that the jet dropped a bomb on a cluster of huts on Saturday, on the outskirts of Zakka village, in Safana district.

  • Army denies allegations of neglect on widows’ welfare, lists welfare packages

    Army denies allegations of neglect on widows’ welfare, lists welfare packages

     

    By Sumaila Ogbaje

    Abuja: (NAN/FBN) The Nigerian Army has denied allegations of neglect of widows of fallen soldiers, saying it has institutionalised a robust welfare system that provides death benefits to the next-of-kin (NOK) of deceased personnel.

    This is contained in a statement by the Acting Director of Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Appolonia Anele, on Sunday in Abuja.

    Anele said the clarification was necessary to address a publication alleging neglect of widows of fallen soldiers and raising concerns about sexual harassment and bribery during the processing of death benefits.

    She said that while the Nigerian army recognised the emotional and socio-economic challenges faced by the families whenever their breadwinners passed on, the army found the publication disturbing.

    According to her, the welfare benefits include the Gratuity paid by Military Pension Board while the Nigerian Army pays for the burial expenses, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) financial support and Group Personnel Accident Insurance.

    “Others are the Nigerian Army Welfare Insurance Scheme (NAWIS), Benevolent Funds, Group Life Insurance and death gratuity.

    “It also facilitates the withdrawal of the late personnel’s contribution from the Federal Housing Scheme and renders the same to the NOK.

    “These schemes are systematically disbursed to widows and NOK upon completion of due documentation and verification.

    “In addition to the highlighted financial benefits, the Nigerian Army runs a robust scholarship programme for the children of deceased personnel.

    “This programme supports beneficiaries up to the tertiary education level,” she said.

    Anele said the welfare programme simply reinforced the Nigerian army’s ongoing commitment to the long-term welfare of fallen soldiers’ families.

    “Nonetheless, Nigerian army requests the individual(s) making these allegations to kindly come forward with facts specifying details of the benefit(s) that have not been received with the identity of the deceased personnel involved, so that the appropriate records can be checked and any legitimate concern(s) addressed accordingly.

    “Without concrete details or formal complaints submitted through official channels, it is challenging to verify or resolve any case effectively if any,” she added.

    On the allegations of sexual harassment in the course of processing deceased personnel’s benefits, Anele said the army takes all allegations of sexual harassment or extortion very seriously.

    She said that no formal complaints had been received through its Human Rights Desks or investigative channels as at the time of the response.

    Army spokesperson encouraged anyone with credible evidence to report such misconduct through established complaint mechanisms to enable prompt disciplinary action.

    She reiterated the Nigerian army’s firm commitment to transparency, accountability and zero tolerance for abuse or exploitation.

    “While we sympathise with the emotional and socio-economic challenges faced by some widows of our fallen heroes, we will appreciate the cooperation of concerned individuals to verify facts and engage officially before disseminating unverified claims that could undermine public trust or cause distress to other affected families.

    “The Nigerian army remains steadfast in supporting the welfare of its personnel and their families, both in service and after death,” she said.