COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts

By: Zagazola Makama

Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged troops of the 3 Division Nigerian Army and Operation ENDURING PEACE (OPEP) to sustain pressure on criminal elements and strengthen efforts to consolidate peace and stability in Plateau State.

Shaibu gave the charge on Monday, Sept. 14, 2026, during an operational visit to the headquarters of 3 Division and OPEP, where he reviewed the security situation, ongoing operations and measures to protect vulnerable communities.

During the visit, the COAS inspected the ongoing construction of the Nigerian Army Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Control Station, a facility expected to boost the Army’s Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities when completed.

The system is also expected to provide commanders with improved real-time situational awareness and timely intelligence to support operational decision-making.

The General Officer Commanding 3 Division and Commander OPEP, Maj. Gen. Maxwell Dangana, briefed the COAS on security developments within the Division’s area of responsibility, including ongoing operations and engagements with stakeholders aimed at preventing violence and sustaining peace.

Shaibu commended the troops for their courage, professionalism and commitment to duty, urging them to remain vigilant and disciplined while maintaining close cooperation with other security agencies, traditional institutions and community leaders.

He stressed that military operations must be complemented by dialogue, reconciliation and other peace-building initiatives to prevent criminal elements from undermining the gains recorded in the state.

The COAS directed the troops to respond decisively to security threats while maintaining professionalism and respect for the rights of law-abiding citizens.

He assured the personnel of continued support from the Nigerian Army and reaffirmed the military’s commitment to protecting lives and property and creating an environment where communities can live and pursue their legitimate livelihoods without fear.

Shaibu also called on residents to provide timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that sustainable peace in Plateau requires collective responsibility among security forces, government authorities, traditional institutions, community leaders and citizens.

COAS charges Plateau troops to sustain security gains, strengthen peace efforts

Military Airstrikes neutralizes nine terrorists, destroy logistics carts in Borno

By Zagazola Makama

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) has neutralised nine suspected terrorists and destroyed three carts believed to be carrying weapons and logistics during a precision air strike at Dumba in Borno State.

The operation was conducted on Saturday, Aug. 8, following credible intelligence on terrorist activities around the Dumba area.

According to a military situation report obtained by Zagazola Makama, the operation was executed during an armed reconnaissance and air interdiction mission.

The sources said the aircraft, established overhead Dumba at about 2:58 p.m. after intelligence indicated the presence of suspected terrorists in the area.

On reaching the target location, the aircraft reportedly detected a group of three suspected terrorists walking along a road and another group of six terrorists pushing three carts suspected to be laden with weapons and other logistics.

Rather than engaging immediately, the aircraft maintained surveillance and tracked the terrorists until both groups converged and came to a halt at a location inside the bush.

The nine terrorists were subsequently engaged in a precision strike, resulting in the neutralisation of all nine.

The air platform thereafter returned to the area where the terrorists had been observed and conducted a second strike on the three carts earlier sighted carrying suspected weapons and logistics.

Battle damage assessment indicated that all three carts were destroyed and engulfed in flames, further degrading the terrorists’ logistics capability in the area.

The latest operation illustrates the growing importance of intelligence-led air reconnaissance in identifying and tracking mobile terrorist elements before they can establish temporary hideouts or move weapons and supplies across the theatre.

The successful strike also comes amid sustained air and ground operations by OPHK aimed at disrupting terrorist movements, logistics networks and freedom of action across the North-East.

Military sources said the overall situation in the area remained calm but unpredictable, while troops maintained satisfactory morale and fighting efficiency

Military Airstrikes neutralizes nine terrorists, destroy logistics carts in Borno

Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno

By: Our Reporter

Following the clearance mission, the patrol occupied a tactical ambush position along a suspected terrorist route to monitor movement and deter any attempt by insurgents to infiltrate the area.

Military sources described the patrol as hitch-free, adding that troops maintained a high level of vigilance throughout the operation.

The clearance mission forms part of the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V, which is aimed at sustaining pressure on Boko Haram and ISWAP elements, preventing their return to previously cleared locations, and creating a secure environment for civilian populations to carry out their livelihoods.

Sources added that the general security situation in the area remained calm but fluid, while the morale and fighting efficiency of the troops were reported to be satisfactory.

Troops conduct clearance patrol in Borno