Troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) have apprehended suspected terrorist informants and logistics suppliers, received the surrender of an ISWAP member and destroyed improvised explosive devices (IED) in the last 24 hours across Borno.

An operational report made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday said troops of 195 Battalion and members of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF) apprehended a suspected ISWAP/JAS informant in Dusuman Ward, Mafa Local Government Area.

According to the report, preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly met with terrorists at Labe village to provide intelligence on troop movements and activities.

It added that troops of 73 Battalion arrested a suspected ISWAP member in Konduga Local Government Area after he voluntarily surrendered.

The army said the suspect confessed to participating in three attacks on Delwa and disclosed that he dumped his AK-47 rifle in a river before surrendering to troops.

“Items recovered from him included a bicycle, a cutlass, bicycle repair tools and ₦6,500 cash.

“In another operation, troops of 149 Battalion and CJTF arrested another suspected terrorist informant in Gubio Local Government Area.

“The suspect confessed to leading the June 16 terrorist infiltration of Gubio, during which a CJTF member was killed.

“Meanwhile, troops of 19 Battalion and 25 Brigade Garrison intercepted suspected terrorist logistics suppliers near Road Kauji in Damboa Local Government Area.

“The suspects fled on sighting troops, abandoning two bicycles, cartons of energy drinks, milk, soft drinks, veterinary medicines and a canopy,” it said.

The army said that troops of 26 Task Force Brigade discovered and safely detonated an IED planted by terrorists in a farming area around Dagari in Sambisa Forest, Bama Local Government Area.

It said the operations were part of sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist support networks, deny insurgents freedom of movement and improve security across the North-East.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has urged Nigerians to trust its official communications, saying every statement issued by the service is factual, verifiable and aimed at promoting national security.

The Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made the appeal while receiving the executive members of the Defence Correspondents Association of Nigeria (DECAN) on a courtesy visit to NAF Headquarters, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement by the President of DECAN, Sunday Odita, on Tuesday in Abuja.

Ejodame said misinformation and public scepticism often undermine the efforts of the military, stressing that the NAF remained committed to truthfulness, accuracy and credibility in all its public communications.

He illustrated the challenge with a personal story, recalling that even his father once doubted an official NAF statement because he believed it was merely what the military asked him to say.

“There are times when people simply do not believe what we say, and that can be quite painful.

“I remember joking with my father during a conversation about one of our official statements. He told a friend, ‘That is just what they asked my son to say.’

“I had to ask him, ‘Even you don’t believe me?’ Yet I was telling the truth,” he said.

Ejodame said the experience strengthened his resolve to ensure every statement issued by the Directorate could withstand public scrutiny at any time.

“Since I became Director of Public Relations and Information, I cannot remember issuing any statement that was not truthful.

“Everything we release is something we can confidently defend today or even twenty years from now. We stand by the accuracy of our communications,” he said.

He urged Nigerians to rely on official information released by the Air Force instead of rumours, misinformation and unverified social media reports.

According to him, the spread of false information can inadvertently aid terrorist groups by creating fear, confusion and distrust among citizens.

The NAF spokesman also commended defence correspondents for their professionalism and commitment to verifying facts before publication.

“There have been occasions when you received information but chose to withhold publication until we confirmed the facts.

“Rather than rush to publish unverified reports, you exercised restraint. That means a great deal, not only to the Nigerian Air Force but also to the nation,” he said.

DECAN President, Odita commended the NAF for its sacrifices in combating terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, oil theft and other security threats.

Odita said the association remained committed to ethical and responsible defence reporting, while calling for stronger collaboration through regular media briefings, improved access to information, operational engagements and capacity-building programmes.

He also disclosed that the association was concluding arrangements for the launch of The Defence Correspondent Journal and expressed optimism that the Nigerian Air Force would support the initiative.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation to promote credible information, enhance public understanding of military operations and contribute to national security.

By David Torough, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has held a one-day strategic retreat with the leadership of various military veterans’ associations to strengthen collaboration, improve the welfare of retired personnel, and reinforce their role in national development.

The retreat, held at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1 in Asokoro, Abuja, was organised in collaboration with the Retired Army, Navy and Air Force Officers’ Association of Nigeria (RANAO).

Representing the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, the Chief of Defence Operations, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, said the Defence Headquarters remained committed to maintaining open dialogue with military veterans, describing engagement as the most effective means of addressing their concerns.

He said the welfare of veterans remained a top priority under the leadership of the CDS and assured participants that efforts were underway to implement the recently approved salary increase and corresponding pension adjustments through the appropriate statutory processes.

Abdussalam also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of members of the Armed Forces, while urging veterans to remain patient and continue to uphold the values of discipline, loyalty and patriotism.

He further assured the retired personnel that the Defence Headquarters would continue to pursue improved healthcare services, timely pension payments and enhanced welfare packages for veterans.

The retreat also highlighted the need for stronger cooperation among veterans’ organisations and encouraged retired military personnel to remain actively involved in nation-building by mentoring younger generations and supporting initiatives aimed at promoting national unity and security.

The Defence Headquarters said the engagement reflected its continued commitment to strengthening ties with veterans while recognising their contributions to national defence and development.

CDS Reaffirms Nigeria–United States Defence Cooperation

By David Torough, Abuja

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Olufemi Oluyede, GCOR, has reaffirmed the Armed Forces of Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening the long-standing defence partnership between Nigeria and the United States of America.

The CDS made this known during a courtesy visit by the United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Department of State, Frank Garcia, to the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. The Chief of Defence Staff was represented at the meeting by the Chief of Defence Policy and Plans, Air Vice Marshal Francis Edosa.

Speaking on behalf of the CDS, Air Vice Marshal Edosa warmly welcomed the visiting delegation and described the enduring relationship between Nigeria and the United States as one founded on mutual respect, shared democratic values and a common commitment to regional and global peace and security. He acknowledged the United States’ continued support to Nigeria in the areas of military training, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism and institutional development.

The representative of the CDS noted that the evolving security landscape across Africa demands stronger international collaboration, stressing that strategic partnerships remain essential in addressing terrorism, violent extremism, transnational organised crime and other emerging security threats. He expressed confidence that the visit would further deepen bilateral defence cooperation and promote greater collaboration in areas of mutual interest.

Air Vice Marshal Edosa further reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to professional excellence, regional stability and sustained engagement in pursuit of lasting peace and security within Nigeria and the wider African continent.

The United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs, Frank Garcia, also expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded his delegation. He reaffirmed the commitment of the United States Government to strengthening its strategic relationship with Nigeria, recognising the country’s pivotal role in promoting peace, stability and security across West Africa and the African continent.

Garcia commended the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in combating terrorism and other security challenges, while assuring the Defence Headquarters of the United States’ continued support through enhanced defence cooperation, security assistance and strategic dialogue. The visit provided an opportunity for both sides to exchange views on prevailing regional security issues, deepen mutual understanding and explore additional avenues for defence collaboration in advancing shared security objectives.