Military
Nigerian Army neutralizes 239 terrorists, recovers weapons in Kaduna and Niger states
Nigerian Army neutralizes 239 terrorists, recovers weapons in Kaduna and Niger states
By: Zagazola MAkama
Troops of the Nigerian Army under the command of 1 Division, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YANMA, have successfully neutralized 239 violent extremists and insurgents while recovering a significant cache of weapons and ammunition across Kaduna and Niger states, a top military officer has disclosed.
Maj Gen Abubakar Sadiq Muhammed Wase, during the operational briefing to the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, said the successes were part of sustained clearance operations, patrols, ambushes, raids, and anti-kidnapping missions aimed at denying terrorists freedom of action in the sector.
The operations, he said, led to the recovery of 185 assorted weapons and 5,860 rounds of ammunition from identified insurgent enclaves and hideouts. “Our offensive and non-kinetic operations continue to degrade terrorist capabilities and disrupt their operational networks,” Maj Gen Wase said.
He highlighted that the Division’s area of responsibility, which covers Kaduna, Kano, Jigawa, and Niger states, is characterised by rugged terrain, dense forests, and underdeveloped infrastructure, which terrorists exploit as hideouts. Despite these challenges, he said the coordinated use of mobile combat units, light mobility platforms such as motorcycles and gun trucks, and aerial surveillance have restricted insurgent movements and enhanced operational coverage.
Maj Gen Wase also noted the recovery of over 1,091 life-support items, 364 vehicles and motorcycles, and the rescue of 563 kidnapped victims since the Division assumed operational control. He attributed the success to a combination of kinetic operations, intelligence-led targeting, and inter-agency collaboration, which have strengthened the Division’s capacity to dominate its area of responsibility.
He noted that the Nigerian Army has strengthened its commitment to community development and civil-military cooperation with the completion and commissioning of a new primary school in Tudun Biri, Kaduna State.
The unveiling of the Chidambere Community Primary School was part of a broader initiative by 1 Division, Sector 1 Operation FANSAN YANMA, to complement military operations with developmental interventions aimed at winning the hearts and minds of local communities.
Maj Gen Abubakar Sadiq Muhammed Wase, who briefed the Chief of Army Staff, Lt Gen Waidi Shaibu, said the project was commissioned and handed over to the Kaduna State Government as part of the Division’s ongoing non-kinetic engagements.
He explained that the Army’s engagement in education, healthcare, and infrastructure is designed to enhance civilian confidence, reduce community vulnerability to terrorist influence, and strengthen local cooperation with security agencies. “The school will serve as a symbol of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to peace, stability, and sustainable development in conflict-affected communities,” Maj Gen Wase said.
The commissioning follows a series of non-kinetic initiatives, including medical outreaches in Tutunbiri, Amarabanjoz, and other affected communities, aimed at ameliorating humanitarian challenges created by prior security operations and air component strikes.
He noted also that as part of ongoing efforts to reduce insurgent influence and promote peace, the Nigerian Army has successfully facilitated the surrender of several terrorist groups operating in Kaduna State, Maj Gen Abubakar Sadiq Muhammed Wase has disclosed.
The surrenders were achieved through a reconciliation and engagement team constituted in collaboration with the Kaduna State Government and the Office of the National Security Adviser. Targeted localities included Chukun, Egebi, Ndiwa, and Birnin Gwari LGAs, where terrorists were encouraged to lay down arms and accept government amnesty.
Maj Gen Wase revealed that 16 notorious terrorist groups, including Dogo Gide, Yelo Jamboros, Kolo Meri, Alhajilabi, Bilia, Gwamna, and Kabiru Boderi, expressed willingness to surrender. Weapons and ammunition were recovered during the process, and 142 kidnapped victims were released without ransom, including Dr. Daniel Okuola, a medical doctor who had been abducted in 2023 from the National Eye Center, Kaduna.
The GOC emphasised that these non-kinetic engagements do not reduce the intensity of ongoing kinetic operations. Rather, they complement military efforts by isolating terrorists from vulnerable communities, gathering intelligence, and strengthening civil-military relations.
He noted that the Division’s integrated approach of reconciliation, civil engagement, and targeted operations has strengthened public confidence in the military and supported the broader aim of restoring peace and security across the sector.
Maj Gen Wase said the Division remains committed to sustaining dialogue with repentant elements while continuing offensive operations against those who reject government amnesty.
Nigerian Army neutralizes 239 terrorists, recovers weapons in Kaduna and Niger states
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
Troops intercept ISWAP terrorists stealing school roofing in Yobe, one injured
By: Zagazola Makama
Troops of 159 Military Battalion, Kanamma, have intercepted suspected ISWAP terrorists attempting to steal roofing zinc from Ngamma Primary School in Ngamma village, Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State.
Zagazola learnt that the incident occurred on Feb. 9 at about 9:00 p.m., when unknown gunmen armed with sophisticated weapons invaded the school. They reportedly mobilized some community youths to assist in removing the roofing zinc.
Personnel of 159 Military Battalion were swiftly deployed to the scene.
While engaging the insurgents, a flying bullet injured one Umar Maigari, a 19-year-old resident of the village, who sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg,” the sources said.
The victim was rushed to Specialist Hospital, Geidam, where he is currently receiving treatment and responding to care.
The situation has been brought under control, with monitoring and intelligence operations ongoing to prevent further attacks.
Troops intercept ISWAP terrorists stealing school roofing in Yobe, one injured
Army Chief tasks 18 brigade troops on intensified operations, approves new accommodation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has approved the construction of additional accommodation and the renovation of administrative buildings at the Headquarters of 18 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Niger State, as part of measures to improve troop welfare and operational efficiency.
Shaibu made the disclosure on Tuesday while addressing officers and soldiers of the brigade during an operational visit to the formation.
The Army Chief said the decision followed a detailed briefing by the brigade and divisional commanders, who highlighted accommodation and infrastructure challenges affecting personnel at the headquarters.
“I have listened to the briefing from your commanders, particularly on the challenges you are facing in terms of accommodation.
“We have approved the construction of additional accommodation, as well as the renovation and remodification of some of your administrative blocks, to ameliorate these challenges,” he said.
Shaibu stressed that troop welfare and improved working conditions were critical to morale, discipline and operational effectiveness, adding that the army leadership remained committed to providing a conducive environment for soldiers and their families.
He said the welfare interventions would also serve as a force multiplier as the Nigerian Army intensified offensive operations against bandits and other criminal elements operating within the brigade’s area of responsibility.
“Most importantly, the conduct of operations to rid this area of marauding bandits and miscreants will be strengthened.
“We are going to enhance the capabilities of this brigade to conduct more offensive operations, which you will be participating in,” the COAS said.
Shaibu charged the troops to remain combat-ready and mentally prepared for sustained operations, reminding them that offensive action remained the core duty of soldiering.
“As soldiers, once the enabling environment and combat enablers are provided, you must go out and do what soldiers are trained to do.
“You have the training, you have the experience, and you have the commanders who will lead you to carry out the operations you are supposed to do,” he said.
The army chief urged the soldiers to maintain discipline and professionalism, advising them to listen to their officers and commanders in the conduct of operations.
“Listen to your officers. They will lead you well to do the operations you are supposed to do,” he added.
Shaibu expressed appreciation to the troops for their sacrifices and commitment in safeguarding lives and property, acknowledging the support and resilience of their families.
“I appreciate all of you, and I appreciate your families. We are committed to ensuring that your barracks environment is more comfortable for you,” he said.
The COAS expressed confidence in the ability of 18 Brigade to deliver on its mandate, assuring the personnel of continuous support from the army leadership as operations are intensified to restore lasting peace and security in Niger State and adjoining areas.
He later invited questions from the troops, urging them to remain focused, disciplined and resolute in the discharge of their constitutional responsibilities.
Army Chief tasks 18 brigade troops on intensified operations, approves new accommodation
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