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Christmas: COAS Lauds Troops for Dedication, Sacrifice to Nigeria

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The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt..-Gen/ Taoreed Lagbaja, had expressed his
genuine respect and heartfelt gratitude to the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army for their unwavering dedication and
sacrifice in ensuring the safety and security of the nation.

Lagbaja made the salutations at a lunch organised for troops in the field of the 1 Division Nigerian Army area of responsibility to commemorate the Christmas celebration and fast approaching new year.

Reports says that the celebration was held at a Forward Operations Base
(FOB), in Afaka, Kaduna North LGA of the state.

Lagbaja, represented by the Corps Commander Infantry, Maj.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops courage and resilience in the face of adversity.

According to him, over fifty thousand troops would miss
wishing their families and loved ones a Merry Christmas and a happy
new year in person this season.

Lagbaja said,”This is not because they do not want to,
but because they will be on duty across difficult-to-access towns, villages,
and hamlets across the country and beyond.

“They are duty bound to
stand on guard while other families rejoice and celebrate together,
sometimes not knowing how similar celebrations are going on in their
families.”

Speaking further, Lagbaja stressed that judging by the policies and unfolding programmes of the Federal
Government, the Year ahead holds a lot of good prospects for Nigeria and
the military.

“In the coming year, the Nigerian Army expects to take delivery of its helicopters and other combat enablers that will see a better
security environment develop across the Country.

“Also, the Army
Headquarters has initiated several welfare projects that will directly
impact the lives of soldiers and their families. Your well-being is of utmost
importance, and we shall continue to work tirelessly to provide you with
the necessary resources and support to carry out your duties effectively,”he said

The Army chief also stressed that the Army was constantly confronted by some
challenges, which it is striving to fulfill its constitutional obligations.

Lagbaja expressed optimism that with the support
of the executive and legislative arms of government, the Army Headquarters would be able to boost the physical, moral, and conceptual
components of its fighting power toward becoming a more efficient force.

He said the Army aims to work with sister services, the Nigeria Police Force, and other
security agencies to create and maintain a peaceful, safe, and secured
environment for economic activities to thrive.

“As Chief of Army Staff, I desire to return our troops home to their
families and loved ones safely. To this end, we look forward to creating a more stable condition that will allow for a drawdown in the strength of
troops deployed on Internal security duties across the country.

“We shall endeavour to help build capacity in statutory security agencies to take
charge of our internal security effectively. At the same time, we hope to
recalibrate our efforts towards our primary constitutional duty of ensuring our territorial integrity,”Lagbaja said.

In celebration of the Christmas and coming new year, he urged the troops to spend time with
their comrades, share joyful moments, heartfelt conversations, and
find solace in the camaraderie that binds them together as a formidable

Earlier, the General Officer (GOC) Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Valentine Okoro, explained that the Christmas celebration provided a unique and solid
avenue to appreciate the sacrifices, loyalty and commitments of troops in
the division’s Area of Responsibility (AoR).

He stressed that the threat matrix in the Division’s AOR has remained volatile, uncertain,
complex and ambiguous.

Okoro said the Division has ensured stability in the
AOR as exemplified with the security being enjoyed along the strategic Abuja-Kaduna rail/road corridor.

He added that several kidnap victims have been
rescued while many other kidnap attempts were averted due to the Division’s proactive
kinetic engagements.

The GOC ,therefore, said the modest successes were made possible
through the troops’ dedication and sacrifices in the field.

He added that, in line with the Command
Philosophy of the COAS which is, “To Transform the Nigerian
Army into a Well-Trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force
Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint
Environment”, the Army as a whole must continue to ensure that troops are motivated to accomplish all statutory tasks.

He explained that this lunch was, therefore, organised
to appreciate the troops efforts and sacrifices during the year.

Okoro also said it was an avenue
to spur them not to rest on their oars but to redouble efforts to ensure
there is no safe haven for terrorists and insurgents within the 1 Division AOR.

He thanked the COAS who made the gathering possible and for providing the
needed resources to organise the event in the face of the competing demands of the Nigerian Army.(NAN)

DEFENCE

Police Nab 32 Suspects, Recover 10 Firearms, 43 Vehicles in September

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The Police Command in Lagos State says it apprehended 32 suspects and recovered 10 firearms, 43 vehicles and N2.5 million during various operations across the state in September.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police(CP), Fatai Tijani, disclosed this on Monday while briefing newsmen on the command’s achievements for the month at the Command Headquarters, Ikeja.

Tijani said the command also impounded 43 vehicles during an early-morning enforcement operation on Monday against vehicles with covered number plates and unregistered vehicles, adding that further checks were ongoing.

He said the command arrested the suspects in connection with armed robbery, cultism, unlawful possession of firearms, stealing, breaking and entering, public disturbance and other violent crimes.

The CP said the command recovered 20 live ammunition and cartridges, 15 expended ammunition, two cutlasses, suspected criminal charms and other incriminating exhibits.

He added that the firearms comprised five pump-action guns and five locally made pistols.

Tijani said a 32-year-old suspect was arrested during a routine patrol along Oko Oba Road after some suspected hoodlums allegedly fled on sighting the police.

“A search of the suspect led to the recovery of a locally made cut-to-size pistol, radiator, car jack, engine block and a bag containing vehicle spare parts and tools,” he said.

The commissioner said a 29-year-old suspected armed robber was also arrested in connection with the alleged robbery of a man at Ghost and Spirit Lounge, Ekoro Road, Abule Egba.

“The suspect was arrested at the Toll Gate, Lagos-Ogun boundary, following investigation into the Sept. 26 incident, in which armed men allegedly robbed the victim of his gold wrist chain and rings.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest other members of the gang and recover the remaining exhibits,” he said.

He said police also arrested a suspect in connection with an alleged conspiracy and stealing case involving a gang that reportedly travelled from Idi-Oro, Mushin, to the Chevron area of Lekki-Ajah.

According to him, the suspect led operatives to a hotel room in Idi-Oro, where N2.5 million and three mobile phones were recovered.

The CP said three suspected robbers were also arrested in Idi-Oro, while intelligence obtained during investigation led to the recovery of a pump-action gun and 11 live cartridges at Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

He added that another suspect was arrested in Olorunsogo, Mushin, where a locally made Beretta pistol and four live 9mm ammunition were recovered.

Tijani said the suspect allegedly confessed to membership of the Eiye Confraternity, while two other suspected cultists, aged 27 and 35, were arrested at Ganyigbo Beach Yard.

He said 12 suspected members of the Eiye Confraternity were also arrested in Imeke, Badagry, with a Mercedes-Benz vehicle, two vehicle keys, a locally made cut-to-size gun and suspected criminal charms recovered.

According to him, seven of the suspects had been charged to court, while investigation continued to apprehend other members and recover additional arms.

The commissioner further disclosed that police arrested a 15-year-old suspected arms courier at Capa, Oshodi, while allegedly transporting firearms and ammunition concealed inside a loaf of bread.

He said a locally made Beretta pistol, four rounds of unexpended 9mm ammunition and a locally made single-barrel cut-to-size gun were recovered from the suspect, while further investigation led to the recovery of an additional cut-to-size gun and 11 cartridges.

Tijani said the command also arrested a 53-year-old man in Ojo for alleged unlawful possession of a locally made pistol and six suspected hoodlums over alleged breaking, looting and destruction of property along Ejigbo–Idimu Road.

He said another suspect was arrested in Badagry for alleged unlawful possession of a firearm and public disturbance, adding that two victims had so far made statements against him.

Tijani said the command would continue to protect police personnel lawfully carrying out their duties while holding accountable officers whose conduct fell below expected standards.

He commended the officers and operatives for the breakthroughs and appreciated members of the public for their cooperation and timely provision of credible information. (NAN)

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DEFENCE

Troops Foil Two Abduction Attempts, Rescue 10 Victims in Zamfara

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By David Torough, Abuja

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have foiled two separate abduction attempts and rescued 10 people in operations across Zamfara State.

The military said the incidents occurred on Sunday, September 27, 2026, in Maru and Tsafe Local Government Areas of the state.

In Maru, troops of Sector 2 responded to information that terrorists had abducted villagers at Kade Daba Village in Kanoma District.

The troops engaged the attackers and rescued three victims, while a subsequent search of the area led to the rescue of another victim, bringing the total rescued at the location to four.

In a separate incident along the Tsafe-Funtua road, troops conducting a picketing operation near Kwanoni heard sporadic gunshots and moved towards the area. They encountered terrorists withdrawing through surrounding high ground and engaged them, forcing the attackers to flee.

According to the military, the terrorists had set a Sharon vehicle ablaze while attempting to abduct its occupants. The occupants escaped before the vehicle was completely consumed by fire.

Six other people were rescued from another vehicle that reportedly lost control as a result of the gunfire. The vehicle was later towed away from the road to restore traffic flow.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA commended the troops for their vigilance and swift response, saying their actions helped protect civilians along major roads and communities within the task force’s area of responsibility.

The commander also reaffirmed the task force’s commitment to sustained operations against terrorists in the North West and urged residents to provide timely and credible information about suspicious movements and activities to security agencies through official channels.

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DEFENCE

COAS Operationalises 28 Armoured Brigade in Kebbi, Assures Residents of Enhanced Security

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The Nigerian Army has operationalised 28 Armoured Brigade and Garrison in Birnin Kebbi, alongside 281 Tank Battalion in Yauri and 381 Artillery Regiment in Kaoje, as part of efforts to strengthen security operations and protect vulnerable communities across Kebbi State.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, said the deployment was part of the Army’s strategy to optimise its force structure, expand its operational presence, strengthen command and control, and improve response times to security threats across the North-West.

Shaibu, represented by the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander, Sector 2 Joint Task Force (North West), Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Major General Bemgba Paul Koughna, charged the Acting Commander of 28 Brigade, Colonel Abdullahi Umar, to ensure that the new formation provides effective fire support and contributes to ongoing security operations within the division’s area of responsibility.

Koughna said the deployment was particularly aimed at addressing threats posed by criminal elements and other security challenges in Kebbi State.

He urged troops to maintain discipline, professionalism and tactical focus while adhering strictly to the Rules of Engagement and protecting law-abiding citizens in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.

The GOC also stressed the importance of cooperation among security agencies and other stakeholders, noting that sustained peace would require effective coordination and synergy.

During the visit, Koughna commiserated with residents of Jandutse community over the recent death of a resident in a bandit attack. He assured the community of an increased military presence to enhance the safety of residents.

The residents expressed appreciation for the Army’s continued efforts to improve security in Jandutse and across Kebbi State.

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