Troops counter Boko Haram attack in Borno, eliminate insurgents

A successful counter-operation by the Joint Task Force North East Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has resulted in the thwarting of a Boko Haram terrorist attack, leading to the neutralization of two militants in Konduga LGA, Borno State. In an official statement released to journalists, Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, the army spokesman, provided insights into the operation. The ambush was meticulously executed at a known crossing point for the terrorists called Kuka. General Nwachukwu highlighted the troops’ strategically advantageous position, enabling them to engage the unsuspecting Boko Haram members in a fierce firefight. A swift and coordinated action led to the neutralization of two terrorists, causing the others to disperse in panic. The aftermath of the operation yielded substantial gains for the troops. They successfully secured 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, an improvised explosive device (IED) shell, five Pento injections, and a cash sum of Nineteen Thousand, Four Hundred and Sixty Naira. In a closely linked incident that underscores the mounting pressure on Boko Haram, a notorious member of the group surrendered to the 222 Battalion stationed at Geizuwa, also in Konduga LGA. The surrendered insurgent relinquished an AK47 rifle, a magazine, and 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Currently undergoing detailed profiling, the surrendered individual’s actions and affiliations will be further scrutinized. Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja, the Chief of Army Staff, lauded the troops for their unwavering vigilance and remarkable combat spirit. He urged them to sustain their current momentum, emphasizing the vital objective of completely eradicating any remnants of terrorists and bandits within their operational jurisdiction.

African Union supports ECOWAS’ military response to Niger coup

The African Union (AU) has expressed its endorsement of the proposed military intervention led by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) against the coup perpetrators in Niger. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the AU, conveyed his solidarity with ECOWAS’ stance against the Niger Republic coup. Following a pivotal summit held in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital on Thursday, ECOWAS directed its military leaders to establish a rapid-response force for potential deployment to Niger. The organization emphasized the importance of prioritizing peaceful means to address the crisis. Mahamat reiterated his call for the immediate release of ousted Nigerien President Mohamed Bazoum and all individuals from his administration and family. He condemned the treatment of a democratically elected leader and expressed concern about Bazoum’s reportedly deteriorating detention conditions. The upheaval occurred on July 26 when Niger’s presidential guard removed Bazoum from power. Subsequently, the commander of the elite unit, Abdourahamane Tchiani, seized control and dissolved the constitution. Bazoum and his family have remained confined to their residence for over two weeks. Niger had been a noteworthy exception within the Sahel region’s “coup belt,” maintaining a democratic government and serving as a vital ally to the West in the fight against regional Islamist extremists. The international community has unequivocally criticized the coup and urged the coup leaders to restore order and transfer authority back to the democratically elected administration.

No order for us to intervene in Niger coup –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said the Armed Forces of Nigeria is yet to receive an order for any military intervention in the Republic of Niger following the coup that led to the ouster of democratic governance in the country. The Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, in a statement on Thursday, dismissed the online report that the Nigerian military was assembling its forces for military action in the Republic of Niger. According to him, the AFN is yet to receive any order from the appropriate authority to commence military action against the Military Junta in Niger. “It is no longer news that some members of the Republic of Niger Armed Forces seized power from a democratically elected government through unconstitutional means. “In reaction to this illegal takeover of government, the ECOWAS Heads of Government met and a series of options were reached on how to intervene in the crisis. “Military option was the last option to be taken in case every other option fails, to reverse the situation and return the Government of the Republic of Niger to constitutional order. “At the moment, the ECOWAS Committee of Chiefs of Defence Staff is currently holding an extraordinary meeting in Abuja to discuss the political situation in the Republic of Niger and submit their plans to the committee of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS for consideration. “In conclusion, the Armed Forces of Nigeria cannot proceed on any operation in any of the member states of ECOWAS without the mandate from the Authority of Heads of States and Government,” he said.