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COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”
COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has declared that bandits and other criminal elements would no longer find refuge in Nigeria’s forests, deserts or national parks, as he charged troops to intensify operations and flush them out of all hideouts.
Shaibu gave the charge on Monday while addressing soldiers and officers of the 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, in Ibadan during an operation visit.
The COAS commended the officers and soldiers for the successes recorded within their area of responsibility, while urging them to sustain the momentum.
“We must let them know that there is no safe haven anywhere. Come rain, come sun, forested areas, desert areas or mountainous areas, we are going after them,” the Army Chief said.
According to him, criminal groups had continued to exploit difficult and forested terrains to launch attacks on innocent citizens, stressing that such advantages would no longer be tolerated.
The COAS directed troops to intensify night operations, noting that dominance of the terrain especially forested zones was critical to denying bandits freedom of movement and operational space.
Shaibu specifically pointed to security challenges around the Kwara general area, Kainji Lake National Park and the Old Oyo National Park, saying firm directives were being issued to ensure that all criminal elements were flushed out of the areas.
“Directives are coming up so that you go and clear everything in that place. We are moving with ruthless determination to eliminate all those disturbing that terrain,” he said.
He praised the General Officer Commanding (GOC) and other senior officers for their leadership, saying the operational briefing he received reflected determination and clear focus.
The Army Chief urged officers to continue to lead from the front, describing leadership as a decisive factor in sustaining operational superiority and achieving victory over adversaries.
Shaibu also expressed satisfaction with the morale and responsiveness of the troops, adding that he expected more tangible results from the 2 Division area of responsibility in the coming days.
On welfare, the COAS assured officers and soldiers that their well-being remained a top priority for Army Headquarters, pledging that entitlements would be paid promptly and logistical needs addressed.
He disclosed that approval had been granted for additional renovation and construction of accommodation within barracks under the division to ease existing accommodation pressure.
“You will be given all you require, and all your entitlements will be paid as and when due,” Shaiwo assured the troops.
He added that sustained discipline, motivation and improved welfare were indispensable to maintaining operational superiority against bandits and other criminal elements threatening communities across the region.
COAS charges troops to flush bandits from forested areas as he vows “No safe haven for terrorists in Nigeria”
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 212 Battalion deployed at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Tuba have arrested three suspected cattle rustlers during an operation in Karnuwa general area of Borno State.
Security sources said the operation followed intelligence provided by a local resident, Malam Muhammadu Ardo, concerning alleged cattle rustling activities within the area.
The troops reportedly mobilised to Karnuwa at about 12:30 p.m. on May 4, 2026, where they apprehended the suspects identified as Mallam Mohammad Abatcha, 28; Mallam Mamman Bukar, 18; and Malam Modu Hassan, 30.
According to the sources, the suspects were intercepted while using a pickup vehicle with registration number WW 806 GZ Delta, allegedly employed in transporting stolen cattle.
The rustled cattle were recovered and immediately handed over to their rightful owners at the scene of the arrest.
Items recovered from the suspects included a bow and arrow, three mobile phones, five national identity cards and the sum of N20,650.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspects admitted to repeatedly stealing and selling rustled cattle to buyers in Maiduguri.
Security sources further disclosed that investigators suspect possible links between the suspects and members of the Islamic State West Africa Province or Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad due to alleged inconsistencies observed in their statements during interrogation.
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 29 Battalion operating under the Joint Task Force South-South, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS), have uncovered an illegal refining site and recovered about 600 litres of suspected stolen crude oil in Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State.
Security sources said the discovery was made at about 10:00 a.m. on May 12, 2026, during ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations in the Niger Delta region.
The troops reportedly discovered the illegal refining site around Asa community, where a large cooking pot loaded with stolen crude oil was found stockpiled in sacks.
Military authorities said the recovered products and equipment were handled in accordance with operational directives guiding anti-crude oil theft operations under Operation Delta Safe.
The operation was conducted without any confrontation or security incident.
The Nigerian military has continued to intensify operations against crude oil theft, illegal refining and other forms of economic sabotage across the Niger Delta region.
Troops Discover Illegal Refinery Site, Recover 600 Litres of Stolen Crude in Rivers
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Malumfashi at Kafur, in collaboration with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, have raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout in Kafur Local Government Area of Katsina State.
Security sources said the operation was conducted at about 12:30 p.m. on May 12, 2026, at Huguma village following intelligence on illicit drug activities within the area.
During the raid, troops apprehended one suspect identified as a major supplier of illicit drugs and other substances to terrorists and criminal elements operating within Kafur Local Government Area and surrounding communities.
Items recovered during the operation included 146 grams of suspected cannabis and 16.5 grams of a substance identified as Exol-5.
The suspect and the recovered drugs have since been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency for further investigation and necessary legal action.
Troops, NDLEA Raid Drug Hideout in Katsina, Arrest Suspected Supplier to Terrorists
Troops Neutralise Two Terrorists in Night Ambush Operation in Borno
Troops Arrest Three Suspected Cattle Rustlers in Borno
Troops Intercept Vehicle Conveying Illegal Diesel in Bayelsa
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