16 Soldiers Killed In Delta State
Some military personnel on a peace mission to Okuama community in Delta state have been killed. According to a press statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the troops were of 181 Amphibious Batallion. He said they were headed to Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State on a peace mission to the Okuama community, and they were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024. His words: ”The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State. ”The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers. ”The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government. ”However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country. ”So far, a few arrests have been made, while steps in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.”
BREAKING: Many Feared Killed As Soldiers, Gunmen Clash In Mangu
Many were reportedly killed when soldiers and gunmen clashed in two villages of Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, on Saturday morning. The clash occurred after Governor Caleb Mutfwang relaxed the 24-hour curfew imposed on the area. Mutfwang had said following improvement of security, the curfew should be from 8am to 4pm. Sources said that about 30 gunmen were killed while some soldiers sustained injuries during the clash at Satguru and Tyop villages. A security operative, said, “The incident occurred between 7 to 7:30 am when the gunmen came in their numbers and started attacking some communities along Gindri road. In no time, the soldiers were alerted and immediately responded. “About 30 of the gunmen were killed while more than 50 of them were arrested with guns and ammunition. Four soldiers were equally injured.” Another source in the area who also pleaded for anonymity confirmed the incident, adding that people were still in fear. Spokesperson of Operation Safe Haven, a multi-security taskforce maintaining peace in the area, is yet to respond to the inquiries.
US Company Donates Unmanned Vessels to Bolster Nigeria’s Security
In a bid to reinforce Nigeria’s security measures, the Minister of State for Defence, Mr. Muhammed Bello Matawalle, has orchestrated an official presentation of two advanced unmanned water vessels to President Tinubu. These vessels, named S2 and S3 Swift Sea Stalkers, were donated by the US-based Swift Ship Company. The handover ceremony, held at the Presidential Villa, entailed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu receiving the two vessels. Matawalle underscored the crucial role these unmanned vessels would play in fortifying Nigeria’s security infrastructure, particularly in protecting vital waterways like the Niger Delta and Lake Chad, alongside other strategic maritime zones. The donation followed Matawalle’s recent diplomatic visit to various high-tech military hardware companies in the United States, with the objective to explore innovative technologies capable of enhancing Nigeria’s military capabilities, enabling the nation to effectively address modern security challenges. Additionally, Matawalle discussed the potential for collaborative efforts between US-based entities and Nigeria’s Defence Industries Corporation to locally manufacture military hardware. This partnership aligns with President Tinubu’s vision of strengthening national security measures and fostering peace within Nigeria. During his visit to the United States, Matawalle conducted thorough inspections of cutting-edge military and intelligence hardware facilities. These included assessments of rapid deployment mobile RADAR systems, drone control stations, unmanned water vehicles, and state-of-the-art biometric search-scan systems, among other pioneering innovations. Highlighting Nigeria’s commitment to enhancing defense capabilities, the Minister assured President Tinubu that integrating these advanced military technologies would significantly bolster Nigeria’s fight against insecurity.