Troops Ambush, Kill 7 Boko Haram Insurgents In Borno

The Nigerian Army on Saturday said its troops killed seven Boko Haram insurgents in the ongoing clearance operation in separate ambushes in Borno.

Col. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, made the disclosure in a statement in Maiduguri.

Nwachukwu disclosed that the troops also arrested a suspected Boko Haram insurgents’ spy, Modu Chari, and recovered arms in multiple encounters with the fleeing terrorists on April 13.

He said that the troops killed two insurgents fleeing from military onslaught in Sambisa Forest at Kusheri-Ardodam along Magumeri in Borno, adding that the troops recovered two AK 47 rifles, three magazines and 18 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO type ammunition.

Nwachukwu revealed that troops also neutralized two insurgents in an ambush along a remote track in Mafa, recovering one AK 47 rifle, two magazines and a bicycle.

In another ambush, he said, three fleeing insurgents were killed by troops at Multe-Lawanti, South of Furfur in Damboa, Borno, and recovered one AK 47 rifle, three motorcycles, two bicycles, spanners and dresses.

The army spokesman disclosed that the troops on Friday arrested a member of the Boko Haram terrorists group, Madu Chari, while transiting along Cross Kauwa in the northern region of Borno.

He explained that the suspect was on an espionage mission when he was nabbed by troops, adding that investigations indicated that Chari was an active member of the Al Barnawi faction of the terrorists group.

“The ferocity of the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations to rid the northeast of Boko Haram hideouts and enclaves has further suffocated the terrorists group hence they resorted to suicide attacks on innocent civilians.

“It is crucial, therefore, to draw the attention of the general public to the terrorists’ callous resort to the use of diverse types of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), to attack vulnerable civilians in their bid to instil fear amongst the populace in order to remain relevant.

“Members of the public are advised to be vigilant and report suspicious persons, movements and activities to security agencies

OPERATIVES OF OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE AND DEPARTMENT OF STATE SERVICE NAB BOKO HARAM IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE EXPERT

Combined Operatives of Operation Lafiya Dole and the Department of State Service conducting Counter Terrorism Operations in north eastern Nigeria have arrested a Boko Haram terrorist who specializes in making Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) for the terrorists group. Adamu Hassan aka Baale was nabbed by the operatives at Kaltungo in Gombe State during a Stop and Search Operation along Bauchi - Gombe road.

In a separate operation, troops of operation Lafiya Dole in a joint operation with Vigilantes on Monday evening busted a raid operation by elements of the Boko Haram terrorists rummaging for food and logistics at Kudiye community , along Dikwa - Gulumbagana Road. The four man raid team was intercepted by troops following a tip- off that the insurgents were on their way to loot the community.

The insurgents who revealed that they belong to the Abubakar Shekau faction of the Boko Haram terrorists group have been taken into custody and are making useful confessions. Troops also recovered two motorcycles, bags of grains and tamarin from the insurgents.

Meanwhile, troops conducting clearance operations  yesterday killed three Boko Haram insurgents in two separate encounters in the mountainous region of Bokko Hilde, along Ngoshe - Pulka road and Mujigine general area respectively. The troops neutralised the insurgents  during clearance operations to rid the areas of elements of the Boko Haram insurgents who had escaped from troops' offensive operations in the Sambisa forest. Troops also recovered two AK 47 rifles and a motorcycle from the insurgents.

It is expedient to bring to public awareness, that in its desperation to survive troops' onslaught and remain relevant in the eyes of the public, the Boko Haram terrorists group has continued to make frantic efforts to infiltrate communities with Person Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (Suicide bombers)  to callously unleash terror and fear on the populace. Members of the public are therefore enjoined to remain vigilant and watchful while going about their normal activities and promptly report suspicious persons or activities to appropriate security agencies.

EFFECTIVECTIVE PROCUREMENT SYSTEM: HOUSE C’TTEE ON ARMY PLEDGES SUPPORT

The House of Representative Committee on Army has pledged its readiness to identify with the Nigerian Army in its efforts to create transparent and accountable procurement system to support in increasing operational responsibilities and duties. The chairman of the committee, Honourable Rimande Shawulu, made the pledge at the second Army Headquarters seminar on procurement held at the Nigerian Army Resource Centre, Abuja, recently.
Hon Shawulu stated that the Army requires the provision of the right materials at the right time; and in the right quantity to be able to discharge its roles professionally and responsively to guarantee safety of lives and property of all citizens.
He congratulated the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, for designing the programme as well as the choice of the theme, saying it was in-line with the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen the capacity of the Armed Force of Nigeria to deal with prevailing and emerging threats to security across the country, he further expressed the hope that the seminar will provide the room for deeper discussions on issues of procurement in the present ege of information society, which he said exist on more openness, effectiveness and accountability.
The seminar which was to last for two days has as its theme: “Optimizing Nigerian Army Operational Capabilities through an Effective Procurement System”, brought together experts as facilitators and discussants on Public Procurement.
Earlier, while declaring the seminar opened, the COAS charged all participants to reflect on the theme bearing in mind the opportunities to enhance Nigerian Army capabilities, building upon ongoing successes in the operational commitments and improving the procurement methods of the Army as well as processes in line with the provisions of the Public Procurement Act 2017.
Gen Buratai emphasized that the operational capability of the Nigerian Army today largely depends on the availability of requisite hardware, highly trained personnel and other essential resources, maintain that the Nigerian Army has no doubt taken robust steps and emplaced policies in enhancing its procurement plans and processes with a view to meeting its overarching constitutional roles.
The COAS expressed appreciation to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari, for his untiring assurances, support and encouragement in the efforts at combating prevailing and emerging security threats facing the nation. He further pledged the commitment of the Nigerian Army to continue to demonstrate unalloyed loyalty and subordination to democratic governance, in order to sustain the nation’s security with a high degree of enthusiasm.
He said the Nigerian Army would sustain the seminar on annual basis to enable it provide alternative avenue to build the capacity of its personnel on procurement issues.
The event was organized by Army Headquarters Directorate of Procurement.
Participants at the event included senior Army officers within and outside Abuja; Principal Staff Officers of the Army Headquarters as well as Directors of Procurement from both government agencies and parastatals.

ARMED BANDITS STRIKE BIRNIN-GWARI AGAIN

About two dozens armed bandits on motorbikes, brandishing AK-47 and other weapons, had attacked Layin-lasan village in Birnin-Gwari local government area of Kaduna State this Monday afternoon. 

The village which is about 96 kilometers from Birnin-Gwari along Birnin-Gwari-Funtua road, come under attack of armed bandits around 1.43 pm local time. 

Three people were seriously wounded at Layin-lasan while another person sustained multiple gun shot at the neoghbouring village of Layin-Nakurmi. 

Around 2.35pm,local vigilantes and volunteers from kuyello district succeeded in repelling the attack, forcing the bandits to flee to Hamada forest in sabuwa local government area of Katsina State. 

A resident of the area, Mallam Shu'aibu, confirmed the incident saying:" The Armed bandits came earlier lady week and surrounded their village but later disappeared. " He lament lack of presence of security personnel in the area. 

Birnin-Gwari has continued to make headlines of armed banditry, Cattle rustling and Kidnapping. At the moment major villages in Eastern part of Birnin-Gwari such as Kirazo, Layin Mai Gwari, kwalakwangi, part of kazage district have deserted their homes to safe zone within Kaduna and Katsina states.

THEATRE COMMANDER PAYS VISIT TO HOSPITALISED TROOPS ... Inspects Medical Facilities

The Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Rogers Nicholas yesterday paid a visit to officers and soldiers who are currently undergoing treatment in medical facilities within the Theatre of Operation in Maiduguri.

The Theatre Commander who was represented by the Deputy Theatre Commander, Commodore Aminu Hassan led an inspection team comprising the representative of the General Officer Commanding 7 Division of the Nigerian Army, Colonel Kasim Sidi, the Chief of Staff Headquarters, Theatre Command Brigadier General Idowu Akinlawon and other senior staff officers on a monthly routine inspection of the inpatients' wards and other facilities at the 7 Division Medical Services and Hospital, located in Maimalari Cantonment. The  team also visited  troops who are hospitalised under referrals at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH).

Speaking during the visit, the representative of the Theatre Commander stated that the team was on a monthly routine inspection of medical facilities and routine check on the condition and recuperation of troops undergoing medical treatment of various injuries and ailments sustained in the ongoing Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operations against Boko Haram Terrorists in North Eastern Nigeria.

In his interaction with the patients, the Theatre Commander urged them to remain steadfast and positive, assuring them that their health and well being are of paramount interest to the Military. He added that their sacrifice for the unity and defence of the sovereignty of the nation is not in vain and is very well appreciated by all Nigerians. The Theatre Commander further lauded the efforts of the management of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital and the 7 Division Nigerian Army Medical Services and Hospital for their selflessness in managing the inpatient officers and soldiers. He enjoined them not to relent in their service to the nation.

Please disseminate this information to the general public through your news medium.

Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu
Deputy Director Public Relations
Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole

TROOPS RESCUE 149 HOSTAGES... Kill Three Insurgents and capture five

Troops of Operation Lafiya Dole have continued to make progress in clearance operations to smoke out Boko Haram insurgents who had escaped from their previous stronghold in the Sambisa forest.

Yesterday Saturday, the valiant troops made further operational exploit into Boko Haram hideout in Yerimari Kura, in a deliberate Rescue Operation to extricate and rescue hostages held by insurgents in the hideout. In the encounter, troops killed three Boko Haram insurgents and captured five.  Fifty four women and 95 children held hostage by the insurgents were rescued by the gallant troops. Troops also destroyed several logistics belonging to the insurgents.

The rescued hostages are currently receiving medical attention at the 21 Brigade Medical Center and will be profiled after the medical screening session.

In  a separate counter terrorism operation on Saturday 7 April 2018, troops of Operation Lafiya Dole on patrol in Konduga have intercepted and neutralised two suicide bombers, who attempted infiltrating Mandanari Community in Konduga, Borno State. The two suicide bombers strapped with suicide vests were sneaking into the community at about 8.00 pm, when they were sighted by vigilant troops, who challenged them from a safe distance. The patrol engaged them as they refused halting and ran towards the community, detonating their suicide vests. Only the suicide bombers died in the incident, while three persons who sustained minor injuries have received medical attention.

You are please requested to disseminate this information to the general public through your news medium.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Colonel Onyema Nwachukwu
Deputy Director Public Relations
Theatre Command Operation Lafiya Dole

OWN TROOPS CLEAR ARMED MILITIAS; ARREST ARMED ROBBERY SUSPECTS, FOIL TERRORIST SUICIDE ATTACK

1. Troops of 72 Battalion Special Forces on 7 April 2018 while on clearance operation in Gbajimba, Baka, Tomanyi, Iyode and Dogon Yashi made contact with armed herdsmen militias at about 1330hours (1:30pm). The armed herdsmen militia on fighting one troops engaged them in a fire fight. In the exchange of fire, 1 militia herdsman was killed while 1 other with gunshots wounds and 3 others were arrested. 1 Ak 47 assault rifle was recovered after the encounter. 

2. Additionally,  at about 1430hours (2:30pm),  2 other herdsmen engaged in destructive activities on farmlands were arrested at Chembe community. Earlier, Troops of the Battalion on patrol at Jatoaka town effected the arrest of 10 armed robbery suspects linked to an armed robbery incidence at about 0415hours (4:15am). All the suspects have been handed over to the police.

3. Similarly,  in Taraba State, at about  0030hous to 0230hours (12:30am to 0230am), Troops of 101 Special  Battalion conducted clearance operation along road Suntai-Muji-Kungana. During the clearance operation,  troops encountered armed bandits who blocked the road and were harassing and dispossessing road users of their valuables. The bandits fled into  the bushes on engagement by own troops. A search of the general area led to the recovery of a dane gun. The barricade was cleared and traffic restored.

4. Similarly, aggressive patrols continue to frustrate armed bandits and deny them  freedom of action on road Abuja-Kaduna.

5. In another incidence, troops of 707 Special Forces Battalion mobile strike team in OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE, prevented the infiltration of troops defensive position by two female suicide bombers. A combined team of 707 Special Forces mobile strike team and  222 Battalion pressured the suicide bombers into detonating their suicide vests killing themselves. Troops remain alert to prevent attacks on civilian population.

6. Also,  a BOKO HARAM Terrorist suspect surrendered to troops in  sambisa forest. He is currently under going interrogation  at 26 Task Force  Brigade. He will be moved to join the de-radicalization program in due course.

7. You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium to members of the general public.

8. Thank you for your usual cooperation.

TEXAS CHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations

TROOPS ARREST CRIMINAL INFORMANT ALONG ROAD TAKUM-CHANCHANGI

1. Troops of 93 Battalion Takum while conducting EXERCISE AYEM AKPATUMA on Sunday 8 April 2018, following a tip off arrested a criminal informant trying to identify person to be eliminate in a vehicle along road Takum - Chanchangi in Taraba State. 

2. The suspect was heard by a commuter talking to one Mallam Musa Ibrahim to identify the person to be eliminated for reason base known to him. The information was secretly revealed to troops, thereby trailed the vehicle and arrest the informant.

3. During the interrogation the suspects, confessed to be an informant to criminals in the general area to perpetrate criminal activities.

4. The suspect is presently in the Army custody undergoing interrogation.

5. You are please requested to disseminate this information to the general public through your medium.

6. Thanks for your usual cooperation.

TEXAS CHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations