Defence and Security

Troops Killed 715 Terrorists, Rescue 465 Hostages In April — DHQ

Published

2 weeks ago

May 2, 2024

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops across the country killed 715 terrorists, arrested 146 others and rescued 465 kidnapped hostages in April.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this on Thursday during an update on military operations.

Maj.-Gen. Buba said troops recovered 937 assorted weapons, 23,034 assorted ammunitions and stolen products worth over N2,572,397,190.00 during the period.

The military spokesman gave a breakdown of recovered weapons as 495 AK-47 rifles, 190 locally fabricated guns, 43 pump action guns, 151 dane guns, 11,549 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo; 6,722 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 511 rounds of 9mm and 941 live cartridges.

Others include 2,563,335 litres of stolen crude oil, 254,620 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,050 litres of DPK and 8,000 litres of PMS amongst other item.

The Director also stressed that troops’ commitment to defeat the terrorist groups is non-negotiable as it would deny them the opportunity to terrorize or hurt citizens of this country.

General Buba said troops in the month under review conducted offensive operations ranging from ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and other covert operations.

“Tactically, whenever there is a clash between troops and terrorist on the ground, troops clearly win in the fire fight, though sadly in certain operations, casualties are sustained.

However, each and every engagement ends with troops victory, with several dead or surrendered terrorist in every location,” Buba said.

He said the air component carried out air offensives on identified terrorist leaders’ enclaves including that of terrorist Nasanda and his loyalist in Zurmi LGA of Katsina State.

He disclosed that three senior terrorist commanders – Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah and Mallam Ari were all killed in air strikes carried out on 13 April 2024 at Kolleram Village along Lake Chad.

Also on 15 April 2024, air strike destroyed enclave of terrorist commander, Babaru in Kankara LGA of Katsina State.

Similarly, on 19 April 24, the terrorist hideout belonging to a senior terrorist commander, Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was decimated.

Furthermore, air strike on 20 April 2024, neutralised a gathering of senior terrorist commander, Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State.

Other terrorist commanders engaged within the period under review include Mallam Yadee at Mariga LGA of Niger State, Abdullahi Nasanda and Mallam Tukur in Zurmi and Gusau LGAs of Zamfara State.

The enclave of Mallam Umar and several other commanders located in the Alawa Forest area of Niger State and Bello Turji’s Camp in Kagara Forest located between Shinkafi in Zamfara and Isa LGA in Sokoto were also dislodged.

“All the surviving terrorist Commanders and leaders are walking corpses as we would get them, sooner than later.

“Overall, the armed forces is building and maintaining the momentum against the terrorists and their cohorts across the country,” he said.

Defence and Security

NSCDC Vows Enhanced School Security in Kogi Following Student Abductions

Published

4 days ago

May 14, 2024

Chijioke Njoku

The Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) has promised to put in place a strong system to protect schools and students from kidnappers in response to recent student abductions in Kogi state.

Dr. Hammed Abodunrin, Commander of the National Safe School Response Coordination Centre (NSSRCC), gave this guarantee during a visit to the Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) in Osara.

Expressing deep concern over the abduction of CUSTECH students by suspected bandits, Mr. Abodunrin emphasized the urgency of fortifying security measures around educational institutions to ensure the safety of students.

The recent incident at CUSTECH, where an unspecified number of students were abducted and 14 have since been rescued, underscores the pressing need for enhanced security protocols.

During his visit, Mr. Abodunrin reiterated the NSCDC’s commitment to supporting the management and community of CUSTECH in their time of distress.

He emphasized the gravity of the situation and stressed the importance of solidarity and collaboration in addressing security challenges facing educational institutions.

Highlighting the establishment of the NSSRCC at the NSCDC Headquarters, Mr. Abodunrin emphasized the government’s determination to tackle the scourge of school attacks and the consequent disruption of education across Nigeria.

The NSSRCC serves as a strategic initiative aimed at proactively addressing security threats to schools and ensuring the safety of students and staff.

In emphasizing the need for proactive measures, the NSSRCC commander urged stakeholders to remain vigilant and attentive to their surroundings. He emphasized the importance of proactive security measures in preventing and mitigating the risk of future incidents.

Defence and Security

Troops Rescue 17, Boko Haram Kingpin Surrenders

Published

5 days ago

May 13, 2024

Patrick Idowu

Nigerian Army troops have successfully rescued 17 individuals abducted by terrorists in the Solar General Area of Batsari Local Government Area in Katsina State. Engaging the terrorists in a fierce gun battle, the troops compelled the assailants to abandon their captives, who were subsequently returned safely to the care of Batsari Local Government officials.

The Army’s official communication on Sunday highlighted a series of successful operations across the nation, dealing significant blows to terrorist groups and resulting in the rescue of several kidnapped victims. Notably, a notorious militant identified as Alhaji Wosai, operating within Garno Village in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, voluntarily surrendered to the troops. Wosai surrendered his AK-47 rifle along with a magazine containing two rounds of ammunition.

Additionally, troops collaborated with other security agencies and local vigilantes to rescue nine abducted students of the Confluence University of Science and Technology in Osara, Kogi State. A fierce confrontation with kidnappers’ scouts in the vicinity of Osara Forests led to the successful rescue of the students, demonstrating the superior firepower and rapid response capabilities of the troops.

In another operation in the North West, troops rescued two individuals abducted by terrorists in Danzara Village, Kanoma District, Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Responding swiftly to a distress call, the troops pursued the abductors who fled and abandoned the hostages unharmed during the confrontation.

The Nigerian Army’s relentless efforts in combating terrorism and kidnapping underscore their unwavering commitment to the safety and security of all citizens. These operations exemplify the troops’ resolve in addressing the threats posed by terrorists and kidnappers, as they continue their efforts to restore peace and stability in the affected regions.

Defence and Security

More Escapees from Suleja Custodial Centre Recaptured, Minister Assures Heightened Security Measures

Published

1 week ago

May 10, 2024

Alvin Terhile

Following the escape of inmates from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre two weeks ago, more individuals have been successfully recaptured. The Interior Minister, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, revealed this development during his inspection of security projects at the Medium Security Custodial facility in Kuje, Abuja, on Thursday, May 9.

In his statement, the Minister assured the public, stating, “Yes, we have recaptured a lot of people and work is actually going on. We are working with other sister agencies but the details of that, I won’t be able to disclose in front of camera for security reasons so as to avoid jeopardising the hard work of that our men in uniform are actually putting in. But Nigerians can be rest assured that it is not going to be business as usual but business unusual.”

The initial escape, which occurred on April 24, 2024, saw a total of 119 inmates fleeing from the Suleja Medium Security Custodial Centre in Niger State. However, swift action led to the re-arrest of 10 inmates on April 25, with an additional three captured later that same day. On April 29, three more fleeing inmates were successfully rearrested.