Troops Neutralise 50 Terrorists, Apprehend 114 –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says troops have neutralised 50 terrorists and apprehended 114 others within a week in various operations across North-East, North- Central and North-West. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the Armed Forces, on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said the troops also rescued 49 kidnapped hostages within the week. He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East had sustained onslaught against Boko Haram and Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, leading to the surrender of some of their fighters in Borno and Yobe. Buba said the troops also recovered 17 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one hand grenade, 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and four mobile phones. According to him, the troops also neutralised 12 terrorists, arrested 26 and rescued six kidnapped hostages in the region. He added that the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction around Damboa-Maiduguri and Gwoza-Madagali areas, during which some terrorists were sighted and neutralised with rockets. Buba said troops of Operation Safe Haven in North Central had while on fighting patrol, arrested suspected kidnappers in Kanam and Sanga Local Government Areas of Plateau and Kaduna states within the period. He said one AK47 rifle, four pistols, a Dane gun, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and two mobile phones were recovered while two terrorists were eliminated, 12 apprehended and three kidnapped hostages rescued. The defence spokesman added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also conducted raids and arrested suspected terrorists in Takum Local Government Area of Benue and the Federal Capital Territory. Buba further said that the troops had apprehended 26 suspected criminals and illegal oil bunkerers in Gwagwalada and Abuja Municipal Councils of the FCT within the week under review. “Overall, troops neutralised four terrorists, arrested 28 terrorists and rescued one kidnapped hostage,” he added. In the North West, Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had conducted fighting patrol and neutralised terrorists in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara. He added that nine terrorists were neutralised, 12 arrested, and 25 kidnapped victims rescued. Buba further said that 10 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine and one vehicle were recovered from the criminals. The defence spokesman said an air interdiction by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji on the enclave of a terrorist, Kamilu Buzaru, in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, succeeded in neutralising several of the terrorists. “It was acquired and attacked with rockets, neutralizing several terrorists and destroying their logistics,” he added. 

Nigerian Army Must Embrace AI, Emerging Technologies -Lagbaja  

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has posited that a combat ready Nigerian Army requires effective training using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, genome sequencing and other software applications. Lagbaja, who was represented by the Chief of Special Services and Programmes (Army), Maj.-Gen. Henry Wesley, said this at the opening of the Simulation Workshop of the Land Forces Simulation Centre Nigeria (LFSCN), on Tuesday in Abuja. The theme of the workshop is, “Effective use of Simulation Technology to Enhance Nigerian Army Operation in a Joint Environment.” He said the theme reflected his Command Philosophy for the Nigerian army which is, “To Transform the Nigerian Army into a Well-trained, Equipped and Highly Motivated Force Towards Achieving our Constitutional Responsibilities within a Joint Environment. “A Nigerian Army that is always combat ready can only be achieved through effective training using emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, robotics, genome sequencing and other even as they come software applications. “Simulation training which involves the application of these technologies is thus a contemporary essential enabler for preparing Nigerian army personnel for current and future operational challenges. “It is reassuring to say that in this regard, the centre has justified the purpose for which it was conceived and established.” Lagbaja said he had approved the equipping of the centre with all the hardware and software essential to its efficiency. He added that approval had also been given for the procurement of two 10 Lane Virtual Firing Range, a 100-KVA solar-inverters with lithium batteries as well as Aluminum Composite External Cladding for this Centre, to enhance its aesthetics. He added that his overall goal was to make the centre a one-stop shop for all operations planning training in the Nigerian army in both peace time and during war. According to him, the simulation centre is now well and sufficiently equipped to carry out simulation training for all combat arms, combat support arms and combat support services of the Nigerian Army. “Battle Simulation Centres such as this help trainers to formulate training models by testing their operations planning and theories without expending scarce live ammunition, manpower fatique and the requirement for operational logistics supplies, especially in a dwindling economy. “It is my firm belief that ultimately, the Centre would not only enhance the Nigerian Army training and operational readiness but also provide training support to our sister services, other security agencies, Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs). “I am delighted to note that the Centre has so far conducted several capacity building programmes in line with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events 2023, with considerable successes. “I am aware that the in-house training conducted at the centre has significantly improved the capacity of the new centre staff since their deployment,” he said. The COAS pledged to continue to support all the efforts of LFSCN within available resources to make it one of the most respected in the world. The Director General, LFSCN, Maj.-Gen. Usman Yusuf, said the centre had since its establishment in 2019 made concerted efforts to provide the necessary hardware and software to make it functional and a centre of excellence. Yusuf said the centre was being ranked among the best simulation training centres in sub-Saharan Africa and in the world, owing to the necessary support provided it to function optimally. He said LFSCN had so far held in-house simulation exercise, four battalion simulation exercises, three brigade simulation exercises and three joint simulation exercises. According to him, the centre conducted seminars and workshops to enhance the capacity of its staff as well as create awareness within the Nigerian army, sister services, security services, ministries, department agencies and other stakeholders.

War On Terror: CDS, Service Chiefs Visit Maiduguri

The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa accompanied by the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla and Chief of Defence Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Undiandeye, on Tuesday paid an operational visit to the Theatre Command in Maiduguri. They were received by Maj. Gen. Gold Chibuisi, Theartre Commander North East Operation Hadin Kai, Maj. Gen. Ibrahim Ali, Force Commander Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF), General Officer Commanding (GOC) 7 Division /Commander Sector 1 Operation HADIN KAI Maj. Gen. Peter Malla, heads of paramilitary and other principal staff officers of the Military Command and Control Centre at Airforce Base Maiduguri. Speaking during the visit, Maj. Samson Zhakom, Acting DDAPR Headquarters Theatre Command OPHK, said the CDS would be holding meetings with the Theatre Commander, Operation Hadin Kai, Chiefs of Training and Operations from the Defence Headquarters, Army, Navy, Air Force and other field commanders, where they would be briefed on recent operations in the theatre. Zhakom said that the CDS would also pay courtesy visits to the Shehu of Borno, Alhaji Abubakar Umar Elkenemy and visit Military Reference Hospital in Maimalari to check wounded personnel.

NAF Airstrikes Obliterate Terrorists In Lake Chad

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has said it neutralised several Boko Haram/Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in air strikes in the Tumbuns on the fringes of Lake Chad in Borno. The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, made this known in a statement in Abuja. Gabkwet said the air strikes obliterated the terrorists’ hideouts, destroyed their structures and strategic logistics base in the region. He said that Tumbun Fulani and Tumbun Shitu were struck between Sept. 27 and Sept. 30 after confirmation of the terrorists’ activities which constituted a threat to military formations and law-abiding Nigerians residing within the locations. At Tumbun Fulani, terrorists were observed loading jerricans in two gun-trucks concealed under shrubs. Subsequently, NAF aircraft were scrambled to interdict the location, believed to be a major logistics base. According to him, after the strike, Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralised and the gun-trucks destroyed. He said that similar strikes were also undertaken at Tumbun Shitu after structures believed to be terrorists’ hideout were observed tucked under thick foliage. NAF spokesman said that three gun-trucks with terrorists were sighted moving into the location, adding that the need to strike the location thus became imperative. He said the aftermath of the air strike revealed that several terrorists were neutralised and the trucks destroyed. “The determination of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to significantly limit the activities of terrorists in the Northeast and indeed other parts of Nigeria remains on course. “Operational gains by the AFN are indicative of improved synergy and cooperation by all security agencies as well as the unwavering support of all Nigerians,” he said.

Troops eliminate 817 terrorists, arrest 1,326 criminals –DHQ

*Says 721 hostages recued across Nigeria The Defence Headquarters has said that troops of the armed forces of Nigeria have in the last three months neutralised 817 terrorists, apprehended 1,326 criminals and rescued 721 hostages in different operations across the country. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said those apprehended include 42 kidnappers, 231 terrorists’ collaborators, 33 armed robbers, 80 cattle rustlers, 325 militias, 27 rails vandals, 73 gunrunners and 191 suspected oil thieves. He added that a total of 4,560 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in the North East during the period. He said that troops also recovered 501 weapons, 3,577 livestock, 3,269 assorted kinds of ammunition and 674 other equipment within the period under review. In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised 240 terrorists, arrested 276 terrorists and collaborators, and rescued 147 kidnapped hostages as well as surrender of 4,560 combatant fighters with their families to troops. He said the troops also recovered 169 assorted weapons, 1,195 assorted ammunitions and 199 other equipment, comprising 57 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, 2 HK21 rifles, one FN rifle, one G3 rifle, one pistol, 22 dane guns, one double barrel, 73 AK47 magazines and three hand grenades. “It also includes two LMG magazines, one RPG tube, two tear gas launchers, 674 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 500 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm, 20 PKM rounds, one cartridge, two vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 47 bicycles, 18 mobile phones, 13 steering rod and pumps, five gear boxes and four boafeng radios and 158 livestock,” he said. In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised 94 terrorists, arrested 477 suspects and rescued 76 kidnaped hostages as well as recovered 82 assorted weapons and 760 assorted ammunition. The breakdown, according to him, includes 20 AK47 rifles, five revolvers, 27 fabricated rifles, six fabricated pistols, 13 dane guns, five pistols, two pump actions, six Ak47 magazines, 523 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 190 rounds of 5.5mm ammo, 31 rounds 9mm ammo, 18 cartridges and 1,722 livestock. He said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke also neutralised 83 terrorists, arrested 104 suspects and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages and also recovered 37 weapons, 68 assorted ammunition and 127 items. “Breakdown as follows: two AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, five locally fabricated pistols, two dane guns, one pistols, 15 AK47 magazines, two G3 magazines, two FN magazines, one GPMG barrel, one Ak47 barrels, three rifle butts and one locally fabricated bullet. “In addition, troops recovered four woodland camouflage, 15 motorcycles, nine mobile phones, six vehicles, five cutlasses, two pairs of black boots, one fragmental jackets, one generator set, three knives, two machetes and one saw and metal,” he said. In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 248 terrorists, arrested 116 suspected terrorists and rescued 359 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a total of 67 assorted weapons, 926 assorted ammunition and 160 other incriminating items. In the South-South, he said the troops of Operation Delta Safe neutralised 69 combatants, arrested 191 oil theft collaborators and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Baba said the troops also intercepted 6.6 million litres of stolen crude oil, 3.5 million litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 188,650 kerosine and 65,600 litres of petrol. He said the troops also discovered and destroyed 249 boats, 28 pumping machines, and three vessels as well as recovered a total of 51 assorted weapons, In the South East, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 80 combatants, arrested 162 IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 109 kidnapped hostages. He said the troops also recovered 63 assorted weapons, 320 assorted ammunitions and 166 other incriminating items within the period under review. According to him,it is clear from the operations that the terrorists and their cohorts have sustained a significant number of casualties and will continue to sustain even more casualties, as we move forward. “The illusion by these groups to embark on terrorism or insurgency is laughable. “Increasingly, they have become more of a criminal organization which is the reason they fight. They fight so that, they can keep profiting from criminal activities such as illegal mining, kidnapping, cattle rustling, illegal levies on fishing and farming communities and all other unholy forms of criminal inclinations. “Indeed, if these groups don’t come to the table in peace, we will ceaselessly punish them with overwhelming military force and for those supporting them, they have picked the wrong side and will face similar fate as these criminals and murders,” he said. 

Armed Forces College inaugurates 258 participants of Senior Course 46

A total of 258 middle level military officers has commenced an 11-month operation leadership course at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College (AFCSC), Jaji, Kaduna State. The Senior Course 46 participants include 147 from the Nigeria Army; Navy 59; Air Force 41; 10 international students and one from the Defence Intelligence Agency. The Commandant AFCSC, AVM Hassan Alhaji said that the course was very significant to the progression of the participants in their military careers. According to him, the objective of the course is to prepare the participants for increasing responsibilities both in command and staff appointments. “This is in the light of varying security challenges that are besetting our countries, which makes it imperative for you to improve your capacity as middle level commanders to better ensure peace and security in your respective domains. “Consequently, it is our fervent desire that you become better trained officers at the end of this course,” Alhaji said. The Commandant expressed the hope that at the end of the course, “we would have sufficiently built your capacity with the appropriate skill sets to operate as Grade 2 staff officers. “And equally prepare you to function effectively at the operational level of the services of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other nations present today”. He advised them to be very adaptive, hardworking and ready to lay a solid foundation in their careers as the course will prepare them for the burden of leadership required of operational level officers. “Bear in mind that for you to succeed on the course, you will need to have a good sense of time management, drive for knowledge, punctuality, espri-de-corps, self-confidence and above all, personal discipline. “In line with the principles of Mission Command, you will be given the opportunity to exercise ingenuity, initiative, responsibility and leadership in all College activities,” he said. He assured that the college “will be fair and objective in assessing them”, but said they must be diligent and hard working to pass through the course. “The choice, therefore, is yours to make and I hope it will be the right one. “You are not here to play and fail. And you will fail if you play. You are here to win. “It is my wish to see all of you win, graduate and be awarded the qualification “Pass Staff Course” at the end your stay here,” Alhaji said. A former Commandant of AFCSC, AVM Ebenezer Alade (rtd),  delivered the inaugural lecture on “Making of an Effective Command and Staff Officers for Contemporary Operating Environment”

Obi conveys grief over soldiers’ tragic demise in helicopter crash

Peter Obi, the former Governor of Anambra State and the Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party, has shared his profound sorrow following the tragic accident involving an Air Force helicopter that resulted in the loss of 36 soldiers in Niger State earlier this week. Obi conveyed his sentiments through an official statement posted on his verified social media handle (formerly Twitter) on Friday. The unfortunate incident occurred on Monday morning when an MI-171 Helicopter, engaged in a casualty evacuation mission, crashed in Niger State. The Nigerian Air Force, in an announcement made on Thursday, disclosed that the crash transpired in Chukuba Village, Niger. A preliminary investigation is underway to determine the cause of the aviation mishap, according to Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet, the spokesperson for the Nigerian Air Force. In his statement, Obi expressed profound distress at the loss of the soldiers, who were reportedly victims of a terrorist ambush in Niger State. The simultaneous occurrence of the ill-fated military helicopter, engaged in a rescue operation within the same state, only adds to the somberness of the situation. He highlighted the distressing reality of rampant insecurity that pervades many regions of the country, a situation that continues to exact a heavy toll in terms of human lives, property, and the overarching economic well-being of the nation. Obi extended his heartfelt sympathies to the families of the valiant soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice while courageously defending their homeland. According to Obi, these individuals, who fell victim to the tragic events, stood unwaveringly against the scourge of insecurity that grips the nation. He added that their contributions, which is marked by selflessness and dedication, will always be remembered and revered. “The continual loss of lives, of our military men and other citizens, to insecurity is very painful and disgusting. “We must unite as a people, to subdue this monster of insecurity threatening our collective existence, without which, no development will be experienced in the country,” he said. While commiserating with the military agencies over the sad incidents, Obi urged them not to be dispirited over the challenges they faced but to see them as the inevitable path to go before achieving a safe and secure nation for all. He said: “I commiserate with our military agencies whose personnel have continued to pay the supreme price, for peace and security in our nation. “I want you to remain courageous and resilient in the fight. I will also like to encourage a full-scale investigation to be carried out to unravel the cause of the helicopter crash as a way of preventing future occurrences.” The former Anambra governor restated his commitment to ensuring safe and secure Nigerians, adding that fighting insecurity in the country would always be his top priority. According to him, fighting insecurity squarely, remains my priority in the New Nigeria, and so should it be, for long-lasting peace and progress in Nigeria. Finally, Obi prayed God to grant eternal rest to the dead, console their families and console them as a nation over this great loss. He said they would never give up on their nation as it was their greatest heritage in whose service all their sacrifices became noble acts.