DEFENCE
Be Decisive, Alert Against Terrorists – COAS Charges Troops
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Maj.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has charged troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), to be decisive and alert against terrorism and insurgency in the North-East.
Yahaya gave the charge during his maiden operational visit to the troops of Sector 3 OPHK/Multinational Joint Task Force in Monguno, fighting against Islamic State West Africa (ISWAP), Boko Haram and others.
The Director, Army Public Relations, Brig.
-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.He credits the COAS as also lauding the level of discipline and commitment exhibited by the troops, in the ongoing fight against insurgency in the zone.
He also admonished them to be apolitical, decisive and circumspect in all their operational engagements, as well as sustain the tempo of aggression to bring insurgency to an end. (NAN)
DEFENCE
CDS Promises Improved Security in 2025
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has pledged to improve the security of lives and property in Nigeria in 2025.
Musa made the commitment during a visit to troops of Sector Seven, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), in Samaru, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, on Thursday.
The CDS was in company of Maj.
-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos and Commander OPSH.He acknowledged that 2024 had been a challenging year for the military but assured that 2025 would bring better outcomes.
“2024 was challenging, but we made remarkable improvements. 2025 will be better.
“Our plan is to do more to bring lasting peace to Nigerians; the enemy is not sleeping, and we will not rest until we get it right,”he said.
Musa expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support, urging them to continue collaborating with the military to defeat the enemies of the country.
“We want to thank Nigerians for their support; we are appealing to them to collaborate with us to defeat the enemies of our land,” he appealed.
The CDS also thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary resources and environment for military operations, and commended the National Assembly for approving the 2025 budget, particularly for the procurement of sophisticated military equipment.
Musa lauded the troops of Sector Seven for their commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region, advising them to avoid any unprofessional conduct.
“The president is proud of what we are doing, and Nigerians are relying on us to make the country safe.
“We cannot fail. We are on the right track, but we must do more to fully secure Nigerians this year.”he said
He further urged the troops not to engage in illegal activities, to cooperate with other security agencies, and to build trust with the civil populace.
“You must be fair and impartial, that’s the only way to deal with criminals. Go after the criminals, not innocent civilians,” he advised.
Also speaking, Sen. Sunday Marshall, representing Kaduna South, commended the military for the relative peace currently enjoyed in the area.
He promised to collaborate with and support the security agencies in achieving lasting peace in the region and the state.(NAN)
DEFENCE
Army Destroys 22 Lakurawa Camps, Recover Arms in Sokoto, Kebbi
The special brigade of the Nigerian Army has neutralised scores of Lukurawa bandits and destroyed about 22 camps in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.- Gen. Oluyinka Soyele, disclosed this to the newsmen on Friday in Sokoto.
Speaking through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of Nigerian Army Sokoto, Brig.
Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, Soyele said the special operation brigade was deployed by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for the exercise.He noted that the successes were recorded through a fresh onslaughts lunched against Lakurawa bandits that led to the destruction of bandits camps.
Soyele said that the operation was to consolidate successes achieved in the ongoing operation under ” FOREST SANITY III CHASE LAKURAWAS OUT. ”
He charged the troops to ensure total destruction of the Lakurawas sects and enjoined them to abide by the rules of engagement and ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding citizens.
Soyele further highlighted that troops have been selected and trained for this mission, hence Nigerians are counting on their ability and professionalism to flush out the Lakurawas.
He added that the special operation was to ensure total elimination of the Lakurawas sects in Sokoto and Kebbi states.
He explained that the operation reached forests and enclaves at Rumji Dutse East of Sarma, Tsauna and Bauni, Malgatawa, Gargao, Tsauna and Magara forests in Kebbi state.
Other areas raided included; Kaideji, Nakuru, Sama, Sanyinna, Kadidda, Kolo and Dancha villages in Illela, Tangaza and Binji local government areas of Sokoto state.
The operation, he said led to the recovery of four rifles and 409 PKT 7.62mm NATO and 94 pieces of 7.62mm special rounds ammunition besides destruction of about 22 camps, neutralization of several members of the sect members.
He stressed that the deployment of the brigade would be an added impetus in frustrating the activities of the bandits and restoring normalcy to the affected communities and the Northwest states.
Soyele added that prior to the deployment of the Brigade, troops of 8 Division under Operation FANSAN YAMMA had begun precursor and shaping the areas. (NAN)
DEFENCE
Army Destroys Bandits Camps, Recover Ammunition in Taraba
The troops of 6 Brigade, Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), have destroyed several bandits camps and recovered ammunition in Taraba.This is contained in a statement on Sunday in Jalingo signed by Capt. Olubodunde Oni, Acting Assistant Director Army Public Relations.It said the successes were recorded in a series of clearance operations under Commander of the Brigade, Brig.
Gen. Kingsley Uwa, across multiple bandits hideouts in Taraba. “The operation code named OP GOLDEN PEACE commenced after extensive confidence building patrols, clearance missions, and stakeholder engagements, which proved effective in the northern part of the state.“The latest phase of the operation began on 28 November 2024 in Takum Local Government Area (LGA), focusing on known bandit and terrorist hideouts around Lijam High Ground.”The statement indicated that during the operations, several bandit camps were destroyed, and troops recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one AK 47 Magazine, one handheld Baofeng radio and 2 motorcycles.“To further solidify the safety of residents, troops projected force into the Akume and Ananum areas of Donga LGA on 30 November 2024, reinforcing the Brigade’s commitment to securing lives and property throughout Taraba State.”The statement quoted the Commander of the 6 Brigade who commended the troops, urging them to remain vigilant.“Together, we will ensure peace and security across Taraba State and beyond.“This is our determined effort to ensure a safe and secure environment for the ongoing farm harvest season and the forthcoming yuletide and to ensure that the state does not become a safe haven for criminals,” the commander is quoted as saying.(NAN)