DEFENCE
COAS Lists Defeat of Insurgency, Banditry, Other Criminalities as Priority
From David Torough, Makurdi
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen. Faruk Yahaya, has said the defeat of insurgency, banditry and other acts of criminality remained his top priority.
Yahaya who was represented by the Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.
Gen. Sunday Igbinomwanhia stated this at a workshop on Future Improvised Explosive Device (IED) Challenges, Enemy Tactics, Techniques and Procedures and Threat Mitigation on Tuesday in Makurdi.“It is with this commitment in mind that the procurement of equipment and realistic training of personnel are embarked upon.
“The research and development drive for indigenous production of some of our requirements is ongoing.
“The local production of the Ode rechargeable blasting device and the remote control jammers are commendable but more can be done,” Yahaya said.
He promised that the Nigerian Army would continue to sustain its stride of supporting local production of her defence needs to augment her procurement.
He further disclosed that the sustainment of the drive would depend on understanding the future IED challenges, how the enemy operate and knowing how to mitigate the IED threats.
“I am therefore glad that the objectives of this workshop are in line with my desire to defeat insurgency by ensuring that our troops have freedom of action through effective Counter Improvised Explosive Device (CIED) operations.
“Effective CIED operations has contributed in no small measure towards the recent successes recorded against Boko Haram and other terrorist groups as well as various unscrupulous elements across the Nation.
“It is also heart-warming to note that in line with my vision to promote jointness in operations, the Nigerian Army has continued to contribute successfully in several joint operations across the country,” he said.
Earlier, the Commander Corps of Engineers, Maj Gen. P.E Eromosele, said that the use of IEDs by insurgents as force multipliers had become a trend which had unpleasant effects on the outcomes of Nigerian Army operations and morale of troops.
“The Nigerian Army is however without doubt determined to achieve victory in the ongoing operations despite the threat posed by the use of these IEDs.
“This determination is manifest in the numerous provision of CIED related equipment, the establishment of the CIED Centre of Excellence, the establishment of CIED squadrons in all engineer brigades and trainings on CIED in liaison with foreign partners amongst others,” Eromosele.
He said that the Nigerian Army of Engineers had the responsibility of ensuring that the IEDs were ineffective against own troops and operations through sound training, proper planning and use of correct equipment.
DEFENCE
Troops Rescue Wounded Civilians, Recover 117 Cows, Stolen Vehicle in Zamfara
By David Torough, Abuja
Troops of Sector 2, Operation FANSAN YAMMA, have recorded a series of operational successes in Zamfara State, including the rescue of three civilians, recovery of suspected rustled livestock and retrieval of a stolen vehicle.
The troops responded to a distress call over an attack by armed bandits on travellers along the Dampo–Rumba Road in Bakura Local Government Area.
According to the operation’s statement, the troops engaged the attackers, forcing them to retreat into the surrounding bush and abandon three injured civilians.
The victims were given first aid by the troops and evacuated for medical treatment. Security patrols have continued along the road to maintain safe passage for commuters.
In a separate operation around the Magami axis, troops acting on intelligence intercepted five trucks suspected of transporting rustled livestock to Gusau.
A search of the trucks led to the recovery of 117 cows, two donkeys, one goat and five cow skins. The recovered livestock and items were handed over to the Chairman of the Zamfara State Committee on the Recovery of Rustled Animals in Gusau for identification and return to their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, troops in the Tsafe Local Government Area recovered a stolen Toyota Camry with registration number RBC 804CL following intelligence shared among joint tracking teams.
The driver reportedly ignored a stop signal and fled towards a nearby community.
Troops pursued the vehicle, prompting the suspects to abandon it and escape on foot.
The recovered vehicle has been secured for further administrative and legal processes, according to the statement.
DEFENCE
Kano Police Arrest 10 Suspected Inter-state Car Thieves
The Kano State Police Command has arrested 10 suspected members of an inter-state motor vehicle theft syndicate and recovered 12 stolen vehicles linked to the group.
The Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Bakori, made this known while newsmen in Kano, on Wednesday.
Bakori said the arrests and recoveries were made by operatives of the Special Intervention Squad (SIS) following credible intelligence and coordinated operations across Kano and its neighbouring states.
He said five suspects were initially detained in Adamawa on Sept. 7, during which a white Mercedes Benz GLK 350 was recovered.
According to him, discreet investigation and intelligence-led follow-up resulted in the recovery of 10 additional stolen vehicles in different locations across Kano and neighbouring states.
He added that five other suspects were arrested on Sept. 12 at about 8:30 p.m. at Kwankwasiya City Quarters, Tarauni, Kano, while in possession of a stolen white Toyota Hilux.
The CP said the suspects confessed to stealing vehicles in Kano, Katsina, Bauchi, Gombe and other neighbouring states.
He said the suspects also disclosed that their modus operandi involved stealing vehicles, concealing them in different locations and moving them across state borders for sale.
Bakori said investigation was ongoing to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate and recover other stolen vehicles.
He said 11 of the 12 recovered vehicles were unregistered, making it difficult for the police to trace some of their owners.
The CP urged vehicle owners to ensure proper registration of their vehicles, warning that the command would not tolerate the use of unregistered vehicles or vehicles with covered or concealed number plates.
He said the operation was conducted in line with the Inspector-General of Police, I-G Olatunji Disu’s, ”Handshake Patrol” initiative aimed at dismantling inter-state criminal networks through intelligence sharing and inter-command collaboration.
Bakori urged owners of the recovered vehicles to contact the Investigating Police Officer on 07063407910, the Police Public Relations Officer’s office or the Officer-in-Charge of SIS at Court Road, Tarauni Area Command, with valid proof of ownership.
He appealed to members of the public to report suspicious movements of vehicles or persons to the nearest police station or through the command’s emergency numbers.
The CP said the suspects would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation. (NAN)
DEFENCE
GOC Tasks Troops on Vigilance, Commitment to Tackling Insecurity
The General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Auwalu Mahmuda, has advised troops to be vigilant and committed to tackling insecurity in their Areas of Responsibility (AOR).
This was contained in a statement by the Acting Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, 2 Division, Lt.
-Col. Jonah Danjuma, made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Ibadan.Danjuma quoted Mahmuda as giving the advice during his visit to the troops’ location near the Old Oyo National Park in the state.
The GOC, who inspected the lIgbeti–Igboho–Sepetari Road in Olorunsogo Local Government Area (LGA) said that the visit was part of a broader framework of visiting formations and units to have an on the spot assessment of troop deployment.
Mahmuda was received and briefed on the security situation in the area by the Commanding Officer (CO), 81 Battalion, Lt.-Col. Chiemezie Asogwa.
“The GOC also visited the 169 Motorcycle Battalion Headquarters, Ikoyi-Ile, and Abaja Response Area, both in Oriire LGA, and was received by the Commanding Officer (CO), Lt.-Col. Waziri Ayuba.
The commanding officers conducted the GOC round the deployment areas and briefed him on the operational disposition of the battalion.
Addressing the troops, Mahmuda urged the soldiers to be alert, disciplined and to maintain an aggressive posture.
He also commended the troops for ensuring safety in their areas of responsibility while urging them to adhere to the core values of the Nigerian Army. (NAN)


