The Nigerian Army says its troops have rescued 16 kidnapped victims, apprehended suspected terrorist logistics suppliers and informants, and recovered arms, ammunition and other items in separate operations across the country.

This is contained in an operational update covering activities in the last 24 hours, made available yesterday in Abuja.

In the North East, the report said troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a suspected female ISWAP informant and logistics supplier at Pulka, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

It said the suspect was intercepted while allegedly attempting to return to her husband in the Sava terrorist enclave within the Sambisa Forest.

According to the report, items recovered from her included a mobile phone and other personal effects.

In the North West, it said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA repelled a terrorist ambush on personnel of the 2 Nigerian Mobile Force at Abrom village in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna.

“The troops fought through the ambush, forcing the attackers to flee and recovered one AK-47 rifle, a magazine and 50 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

“Also in Sokoto State, troops rescued 16 kidnapped victims during separate operations in Shagari and Gandi Local Government Areas.

“The first operation at Wanke and Kaura villages led to the rescue of six abductees after terrorists abandoned them while fleeing military troops.

“Troops also recovered two motorcycles belonging to the fleeing terrorists,” it said.

The report said troops had, in another operation at Badanma village, engaged terrorists, forcing them to abandon 10 kidnapped victims who were rescued unharmed.

It added that troops also intercepted a white bus transporting 10 motorcycles along the Biu-Kangiwa road in Kebbi.

According to the report, preliminary investigations revealed the motorcycles were destined for a notorious terrorist identified as Mallam Gehowa at Amogoro.

“Four suspected terrorist logistics suppliers were arrested and handed over to the Department of State Services for further investigation.

“In Taraba State, troops of Operation MESA arrested a suspected criminal at Dema Road in Donga Local Government Area.

“Recovered from the suspect were 29 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, three mobile phones, a power bank and N160,000.

“The suspect allegedly confessed to purchasing the ammunition from another individual in the area,” it added.

The report further revealed that troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE recovered rustled cattle after engaging suspected terrorists in the Wase Local Government Area of Plateau.

It said the troops also raided a suspected drug den at Saya village in Bassa Local Government Area, arresting four suspected drug dealers.

According to the report, items recovered included eight cutlasses, six knives, cannabis and other illicit substances.

It said that toops further responded to an armed robbery incident along the Mararaba Jama’a highway where they recovered the corpse of a victim with gunshot wounds.

“They also intervened in the Pankshin Local Government Area following the killing of a farmer allegedly by suspected herders over a grazing dispute.

“The incident triggered reprisals, forcing the fleeing herders to abandon 15 cattle now in police custody.

“Meanwhile, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE, working with Defence Intelligence Agency operatives, recovered one AK-47 rifle and a magazine during a follow-up raid on the residence of a suspected militia member in Wukari, Taraba” it added.

From Ifeanyichukwu Nwannah, Gusau.

In a continuous effort to improve the welfare and living conditions of Nigerian Army personnel, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Major General BP Koughna officially commissioned the newly constructed 10-unit Senior Non-Commissioned Officers (SNCOs) Quarters recently, at the Nigerian Army Cantonment, Headquarters 1 Brigade in Gusau, Zamfara State.

The housing project, initiated and executed by the Commander 1 Brigade, Brigadier General M Jimoh, is part of a broader commitment to providing adequate and conducive infrastructure for soldiers and their families.

Delivering his remarks at the ceremony, Maj Gen Koughna commended Brig. Gen Jimoh for his foresight, dedication, and unwavering commitment to the welfare of his troops.

He described the project as a laudable initiative that perfectly aligns with the Chief of Army Staff’s (COAS) Soldiers First Command Philosophy drive to create an enabling environment for personnel to perform their constitutional responsibilitie effectively.

The GOC emphasized that quality accommodation remains a core pillar of troop welfare, noting its direct impact on boosting morale, strengthening unit cohesion and enhancing operational readiness. He further charged the beneficiaries to ensure the highest standards of maintenance for the new facility.

In his address, the Commander 1 Brigade, Brig Gen M Jimoh, explained that the project was conceived in recognition of the critical roles played by SNCOs in the Nigerian Army.

He highlighted that the successful execution of the project was driven by the GOC’s vision regarding troop welfare and force protection, which operates in tandem with the overarching vision of the COAS. Brig Gen Jimoh expressed confidence that the new quarters would significantly improve the standard of living for the beneficiaries while fostering a stronger sense of belonging and commitment to duty.

The successful completion of this project further demonstrates the dedication of both the Headquarters 1 Brigade and the 8 Division toward supporting the well-being, efficiency, and operational effectiveness of troops.

The commissioning ceremony was attended by several distinguished senior officers, including Maj Gen UG Ogeleka, Maj Gen SA Emmanuel, Brig Gen N Mbaka, as well as other Principal Staff Officers from the Theatre Command and 1 Brigade, alongside soldiers and invited guests.

Highlights of the event included a project brief by the site supervisor, the symbolic commissioning of the building, the official presentation of keys to the beneficiaries, the exchange of plaques, and group photographs to commemorate the occasion.

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, yesterday declared open the Nigerian Army Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition 2026 in Makurdi to enhance troops’ combat readiness.

Shaibu, who was represented by the Force Commander, Operation Whirl Stroke, Maj.

-Gen. Moses Gara, said the competition, aimed at tackling the security challenges bedeviling the country, was a hallmark of the Nigerian Army’s collective drive towards excellence, resilience, and combat readiness.

The COAS stated that realistic training was essential in preparing troops to successfully navigate real-time challenges and enhance combat efficiency while carrying out their duties with utmost precision during military operations.

According to him, the competition aligns with his command’s philosophy, which aims to transform the Nigerian Army into a more professional, adaptable, combat-ready and resilient force capable of decisively discharging its constitutional responsibilities within a joint and multi-agency environment.

“In pursuit of this mission and the requirement to actualise my vision, I developed a mission statement for special forces.

“To Ensure Precision in Action, Courage in Adversity and Service to the Nation through Progressive Training and Operational Deftness in Projecting the Nigerian Army Special Forces Capabilities in Complex and Unpredictable Environments.”

“This informed the reason why 4 Special Forces Command is the host for this year’s competition. The command is fondly known as the “unconquerable”, as the troops are trained with the mindset that with us, nothing is impossible.

“The command has continued to maintain its mandate by recording significant successes in the various theatres of war.

“The Nigerian Army Inter-Division Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition is not merely a contest of strength and endurance, but a deliberate training platform designed to sharpen our troops’ physical conditioning, tactical proficiency and teamwork.

“It embodies the doctrine of ‘train as you fight’, ensuring that our personnel remain agile, adaptable, and combat-ready in all operational environments,” he stated.

Shaibu lauded the Directorate of Army Physical Fitness, which had adequately tutored all the competitors in the extant obstacle-crossing techniques of the Nigerian Army.

He assured that the Nigerian Army was ready to demonstrate its capabilities and uphold the values of courage, discipline, and professionalism.

“We remain committed to the Commander-in-Chief’s vision to have a highly motivated, well-trained, and combat-ready Nigerian Army.

“I wish to express my gratitude to Commander-In-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, for his continuous strategic guidance and unceasing support to the Nigerian Army,” he said.

The Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Maj.-Gen. Olurotimi Awolo lauded Gov. Hyacinth Alia of Benue over his support for security agencies and his commitment to promoting peace and development, which had continued to strengthen their collective efforts towards ensuring the safety and prosperity of the people.

Awolo encouraged every competitor to demonstrate discipline, courage, fairness, and sportsmanship throughout the event while adhering strictly to all safety regulations.

The commander appreciated the organising committee, officials, instructors, umpires, medical teams, safety personnel, and the numerous support staff whose meticulous planning and tireless efforts made the competition possible.

“Your professionalism exemplifies the high standards expected within the Nigerian Army.

“To our esteemed guests, your presence today greatly inspires our personnel and reinforces the enduring partnership among the Nigerian Army, government, traditional institutions, and the Nigerian people.

“We remain resolute in our constitutional responsibility to safeguard our nation and will continue to work collaboratively with all stakeholders to sustain peace, security, and national development,” Awolo said.

Nine army formations are participating in the competition, which includes 1 Division, Kaduna; 2 Division, Ibadan; 3 Division, Jos; 6 Division, Port Harcourt; and 7 Division, Maiduguri.

Others are 8 Division, Sokoto; 81 Division, Lagos; 82 Division, Enugu; 4 Special Forces Command, Doma; and Army Headquarters Garrison, Abuja.

The obstacles to cross at the competition include clear jump, 7-foot wall climbing, balancing, and water barbed wire crossing, among others.