Military
KUDOS TO OUR GALLANT MILITARY AS WE MARK THIS YEAR’S ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATION
KUDOS TO OUR GALLANT MILITARY AS WE MARK THIS YEAR’S ARMED FORCES REMEMBRANCE DAY CELEBRATION
By: Zagazola Makama
January 15 of every year is set aside in Nigeria as the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration. On this day, the gallantry, patriotism, loyalty, and sacrifices of the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces are reflected upon and celebrated by the Nigerian people.
The day, no doubt, is worth the while considering that since its institutionalization, the Nigerian Armed Forces establishment has remained an indispensable institution that has played an unquantifiable role in the preservation of Nigeria’s corporate entity.
From its role in projecting Nigeria as a key contributor to world peace through participation in peacekeeping operations across the world to its patriotism in waging a civil war to keep the country one and keeping to its constitutional obligation of defending the country from external aggression and internal insurrection, the Nigerian Armed Forces has remained true to its nationalistic calling.
As of today, many countries across the world are battling with serious internal security challenges, mostly in the form of insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of violent crimes. Unfortunately, our dear country is having a heavy dose of this global malady and, worse still, is being assailed in many fronts by vicious insurgents backed by international terrorist organizations and unrelenting cross-border bandits, kidnappers, and plunderers wreaking havoc in our communities and impairing our citizens.
Never in history has Nigeria been so buffeted with the multiplicity of internal security challenges, ranging from terrorism to armed banditry, herdsmen-farmers clashes, kidnapping, armed robbery, separatist agitation, cult and ritual killings, etc., as is happening now.
In all of these serious security challenges that have posed threats to national security, who else but the gallant Nigerian Armed Forces are called upon to protect Nigerians and defend the sovereignty of Nigeria? Who else is on the harm’s way taking bullets on our behalf if not our gallant troops? Never in its history, not even during the civil war, has our Armed Forces been so stretched with the task of providing internal security assistance to the point of deploying troops to 36 of the 36 states in the country, as is the case today.
Thanks to the Nigerian military for being able to contend with the relentless, hydra-headed monster of insecurity that is so determined to destroy the peace and stability of our country. Thanks to our brave officers and men who have laid down their lives in defense of our country from fierce enemies and brutal adversaries.
Thanks to our patriotic military that recognizes their constitutional obligation of protecting our democracy and defending our sovereignty. Thanks to our gallant military for not shirking their onerous responsibility right from the commencement of the offensive against the Nigerian state by the Boko Haram terrorists and other enemies of our country.
Many members of the Armed Forces have laid down their lives in pursuit of global peace; many paid the ultimate price in the fight against terrorism in the North East and in defending our country from other violent criminals.
Many others have lost their limbs or have been maimed for life; many young families of military personnel have been thrown into mourning and sorrow; and many more soldiers are still in harm’s way, doing all they could to defend and protect us from those who seek to destroy us.
To these, Nigerian people owe them a world of debt, a debt of gratitude, and on this occasion, we are called upon to celebrate and honor our departed heroes and heroines and to pray for the repose of their souls. We are called to remember families, relations, loved ones, and those who daily bear the pain and deprivation of their absence.
The solemnity of this day compels us to reflect on the fact that the war against enemies of our country is not a battle for our soldiers alone. All of us men and women of goodwill have a role to play in the defense of our dear country. What our military and all other agencies that are engaged in the war against terror and other internal security operations across the country need at this moment are unflinching solidarity, support, and cooperation.
As citizens, we must ensure that their morale is boosted and their fighting spirit is up at all times. That is the least we owe our patriotic and dutiful members of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
End
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation UDO KA have arrested two suspected drug peddlers during a raid in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State.
Security sources disclosed that the operation was conducted at about 6:00 p.m. on March 14 by troops of the 145 Battalion (Rear) under Operation Crush, Sector 1.
According to the sources, the troops carried out a targeted raid on a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout located along Bende Road following credible intelligence about illicit drug activities in the area.
During the operation, two suspects were apprehended while in possession of substances suspected to be psychotropic drugs.
The troops recovered the exhibits at the scene and secured the area before concluding the operation.
Military authorities said the suspects and the recovered items had been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) command in Umuahia for further investigation and possible prosecution.
Security officials noted that the operation formed part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to curb criminal activities within the state.
They reiterated the commitment of troops to sustain intelligence-driven operations in collaboration with relevant law enforcement agencies to ensure a safe and secure environment for residents
Troops arrest two suspected drug peddlers in Abia raid
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of the 1 Division Nigerian Army under Operation FANSAN YANMA have rescued six kidnapped victims after engaging suspected terrorists in a gun battle in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Sources told Zagazola Makama that the rescue operation followed credible intelligence on the movement of armed terrorists suspected to be transporting abducted victims through forest routes in the area.
According to the sources, troops deployed at the Forward Operating Base (FOB) Gurara, under Sub-Sector 4 of Operation FANSAN YANMA, responded swiftly to the intelligence at about 7 a.m. on March 14.
The troops subsequently laid an ambush at a suspected crossing point used by the terrorists around Sabon Kurutu Village in Kachia LGA.
“During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorists and engaged them in a fierce gun battle. The criminals, overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, fled into the surrounding bush, abandoning some items,” the source said.
Following the engagement, troops combed the general area and successfully rescued six kidnapped victims. However, a seventh victim, a minor, was reported to have died during the crossfire between the troops and the fleeing terrorists.
Troops also recovered three motorcycles believed to have been used by the terrorists during the movement of the abducted victims.
Preliminary interrogation of the rescued victims revealed that they were abducted earlier on March 14 from Janjala Village in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The victims said they had been moved through forest routes by the terrorists before the troops intercepted them.
The rescued victims and the body of the deceased minor were evacuated to Katari Hospital for medical attention and other necessary procedures.
Military sources said families of the rescued victims had been contacted.
The Military said the troops 1 Division Operation FANSAN YANMA and other task force has continued sustained offensives and intelligence-driven operations aimed at dismantling terrorist and bandit networks across the North-West region.
Troops rescue six kidnapped victims after gun battle with terrorists in Kaduna
Civilian JTF operative shoots man in Katsina, arrested
By: Zagazola Makama
A 37-year-old member of the Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF) has been arrested after shooting a man during an altercation in Yantumaki town, Katsina State.
Sources said that the incident occurred on Feb. 9 at about 7:30 p.m.
According to the sources, the Civilian JTF operative, Musa Idi, reportedly shot 55-year-old Ummaru Maulaye on his right leg during a confrontation, causing a fracture.
“The incident incited youths in the town who mobilized in an attempt to breach the peace. The DPO promptly responded to pacify the situation,” the sources said.
The victim was taken to the General Hospital in Dutsin-Ma and is currently receiving treatment. The suspect has been taken into custody, and the rifle used in the incident was recovered.
Civilian JTF operative shoots man in Katsina, arrested
Security forces foil kidnapping attempt at Government Girls’ College in Bauchi
Man rescued by security forced after abduction in Fika, suspects flee
One killed as customs officers allegedly shoot driver in Osogbo
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