Troops Neutralise Terrorists In Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo Operations

Troops of “Operation UDO KA II” in the South East conducted a clearance operation on terrorists’ hideout in Orsumoghu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra. Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations, 82 Division, who stated this at the weekend in Enugu, said the troops neutralised two terrorists. He added that the clearance operation centred on suspected hideouts of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its Eastern Security Network (ESN). Unuakhalu stated that the terrorist group deployed Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) to slow down the troops, but the latter were undaunted. “The troops were able to dislodge the group; neutralised two of them, while others escaped with gunshot wounds. “Items recovered from the camps included a pair of military boots, one military belt, five mobile phones, one binoculars, leather hand gloves and police head warmer. “Others were one locally-made handheld IED and four locally-made IED launchers (Ogbunigwe),” he stated. Unuakhalu added that troops of Sector 2 of the “Operation UDO KA II’’ arrested a suspected gunrunner on Thursday while on a search-and-rescue mission at Effium in Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi. He stated that the suspected gunrunner, one Francis Nwekire, 63, was arrested in his house with 48 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition. “Additionally, a suspected Effium Militia in Ebonyi was arrested and he led troops to their hideout. “Items recovered from the hideout were one AK 47 rifle, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and one AK 47 magazine. “Both suspects are presently in troops’ custody for further interrogation,’’ he stated. Unuakhalu also stated that troops of Naval Base, Oguta, under “Operation UDO KA II’’ began “Operation IRON TETE’’ on Friday to flush out IPOB/ESN elements from Agwa community in Imo. He added that during the operation, an identified member of the group, a known local gun fabricator nicknamed “Packing Store’’ was neutralised. He stated that items recovered during the operation were one pump-action rifle, one locally-made pistol and a head warmer with IPOB inscription. “Operation UDO KA II calls on law-abiding citizens of the Southeast not to relent in providing timely, credible and reliable information that will assist in ending this menace in the region. “Operation UDO KA II will continue combating crime and criminality in accordance with extant rules and regulations guiding its operations,’’ Unuakhalu stressed. 

320 Troops Commence Real-Time Battlefield Simulation Exercise In Abuja

The Nigerian Army on Tuesday in Abuja commenced the 2023 Inter-Formation Combat Obstacle Crossing Competition for troops drawn from various Divisions, Formations and Units. The competition, which is a real-time battlefield simulation exercise and activities, has 320 troops, 40 each from a total of seven Army Divisions and the Army Headquarters Garrison, participating. Addressing the competing troops, the Chief of Training (Army), Maj.-Gen. Sani Mohammed, said it was a training oriented and purpose driven competition, specifically designed to improve troops’ combat efficiency, physical fitness and Esprit de Corps. Mohammed explained that it was to upgrade troops’ capacity to tackle recent dynamics and security threats in the country, and allow junior commanders to use good initiatives to upscale their capability in leadership, command and control. “Obstacles are integral part of any military campaign planning process which needs to be carefully understood and decisively handled in order to achieve the desired end state. “You will continue to come across different types of obstacles in your various operations. You must therefore all strive to portray good individual qualities and camaraderie while you compete, as well as abide by all laid down rules and regulations. “Various technical details have been put in place that will ensure that everybody competes and abides by the regulations.” The Chief of Training, therefore, implored the participants to imbibe the spirit of fairness and sportsmanship throughout the competition and seize the opportunity to bring out their best. He thanked the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, for the provision of necessary resources for the competition. Earlier, the Commander AHQ Garrison, Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, said the concept of the exercise was to test the ability of a body of troops to cross a mix of obstacles within the shortest time in a competitive atmosphere. Isoni added that it was also to improve troops’ proficiency, physical fitness, leadership traits, and initiatives, as well as promote Esprit de Corps. “The competition is also intended to prepare troops for battles in view of the current security challenges in the country. “While welcoming you all to Abuja, I would like to assure you of our improved security situation in Army Headquarters Garrison area of responsibility. “This is as a result of concerted efforts by the Garrison and other sister services and security agencies; and we have embarked on robust operations under the guidance of the Chief of Army Staff,” he said. He assured the participants that necessary measures for a huge free competition had been put in place by the technical and local organising committees. Isoni urged the participants and technical officials to take the competition seriously, abide by laid down rules, and utilise the opportunity to be worthy ambassadors of the Nigerian Army. 

Abuja Army Garrison Hosts Battle Simulation Event

As part of the scheduled activities for the Inter Formation Combat Platoon Obstacle Crossing Competition 2023, the Army Headquarters Garrison in Abuja has organized a battle simulation exercise. This announcement was made in an official statement released by Lt.-Col. Njideka Agwu, the Acting Deputy Director of Army Public Relations for AHQ Garrison on Monday. The exercise is set to take place at the 7 Guards Battalion Obstacle Course located at Lungi Barracks in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday. It will feature real-time battlefield simulations and related activities, including the use of realistic battle sounds in line with the training objectives. While these sounds may be heard in the vicinity, there is no cause for concern among residents in areas like Maitama, Asokoro, AYA, and their environs. Lt.-Col. Njideka Agwu reassured the public that all necessary safety measures have been implemented to ensure a secure and incident-free exercise. This event underscores the commitment of the Army Headquarters Garrison to training, preparedness, and maintaining the highest standards of military excellence.

Army Conducts Field Training Exercise to Address Insecurity in Akwa Ibom

The 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army on Friday inaugurated Exercise Still Waters III in Essien-Udim Local Government Area in Akwa Ibom, to tackle all forms of security threats in the state. Brig.-Gen. Ken Chigbu, Commander, 2 Brigade, described the exercise as an annual field training event aimed at bringing together all the security agencies in the state to sharpen their skills on the rudiments of internal security operations. Chigbu expressed hope that it would provide an opportunity for joint efforts to tackle the emerging security threats in the state especially during yuletide. He said that the 2 Brigade in collaboration with other sister security agencies in the state have supported the State Government through both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches to effectively tackle the threats be-devilling the state. According to him, “the event could not have come at a better time than now when there are growing concerns about the several security challenges confronting our dear state and nation at large’’. The commander said that the brigade, under the leadership of the General Officer Commanding 6 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Jamal Abdussalam was currently undergoing unprecedented changes. He noted that the brigade and indeed the Division have continued to benefit immensely from the Chief of Army Staff’s Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force. He thanked the heads of other security agencies for their synergy and support in fighting insecurity in the state as well as the Akwa Ibom Government for the support given to security agencies. In his remarks, Gov. Umo Eno commended the brigade for collaborating with other security agencies to ensure adequate security in the state especially in the area of intelligence sharing. Eno represented by his Deputy, Sen. Akon Eyankenyi, also commended the brigade for siting its base in Ikot Afanag, “a volatile area ravaged by the activities of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)’’. He said that the presence had restored peace and normalcy in the area and many displaced persons had returned to their communities. He pledged commitment to deepening cooperation with the brigade to ensure that Akwa Ibom people and other residents enjoy maximum security and maintain its status as one of the most peaceful and secured states in the country. The highlight of the event were crowd dispersal drills, aerial surveillance/support for the flag-off event by the Nigerian Air Force, presentation of souvenirs and medical outreach.