Army troops recover more arms, neutralise IEDs in sambisa forest offensive

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered more arms and ammunition and detonated several improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the ongoing Operation Desert Sanity V offensive in the Sambisa Forest area of Borno.

Zagazola report that the operation was carried out at about 9:00 a.m. on Dec. 29 by troops of 21 Special Armoured Brigade, in conjunction with volunteer forces.

According to the sources, the troops advanced from their harbour area and cleared several deserted terrorist enclaves around the Dure axis before proceeding to Century Wolf area, south of Dure.

The sources stated that the general area was characterised by thick vegetation, adding that no significant items of interest were found during the initial phase of the operation.

The sources said the troops later advanced to the Sabil Huda enclave, which was assessed to be highly active but had been abandoned by the terrorists before the arrival of troops.

The sources added that Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) teams commenced scanning of the enclave to enable exploitation by troops.

During the exploitation, the report said the troops recovered three AK-47 rifles, four AK-47 magazines, 37 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, 38 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, 33 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition and two hand grenades.

The sources said that life-support structures within the enclave were destroyed, while four additional IEDs discovered in the area were safely detonated.

Army troops recover more arms, neutralise IEDs in sambisa forest offensive

Troops recover drone after clash with ISWAP in Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have recovered a drone after engaging suspected ISWAP terrorists during a fighting patrol in Izge area of Borno.

Zagazola learnt thar the encounter occurred at about 11:30 a.m. on Dec. 30 in the Pridang general area.

The sources stated that troops deployed at Forward Operating Base Izge, were on a patrol in conjunction with volunteer forces when they came in contact with an unconfirmed number of terrorists on a surveillance mission.

According to the sources, the terrorists were suspected to be planning to deploy an ultra-light drone to monitor the activities of troops and local residents in the area.

The sources said the troops engaged the terrorists with overwhelming firepower, forcing them to abandon the drone and flee in disarray, possibly with gunshot wounds.

The sources added that the troops conducted exploitation of the area and recovered one drone along with its complete accessories.
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PAN Workers Cry Out for Their Severances

By: Balami Lazarus

There had been an outcry recently by retired workers of Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Kaduna on their entitlements that are yet to be settled.

However, PAN is working towards the payments of their severances to enable the company to move forward and face other corporate challenges.

The Managing Director, Mrs. Taiwo Oluleye, has made it clear that the company is making efforts to pay all entitlements of her retired workers as soon as possible.

Speaking recently with Barr. Adekemi Adebayo by phone, the company secretary/legal advisor, who said that PAN as a private company is faced with corporate challenges due to the current economic situation, “We are concerned with the plights of those who retired from the company.” The management is making efforts on the payments of their severances. Adekemi informed NEWSng that PAN recently paid some retired staff their entitlements.

In her capacity as Secretary/Legal Adviser, Adebayo further said, “There is hope for the automobile industry in Nigeria.

Likewise our workers, including those that left,” she emphasized.

A worker who pleaded for anonymity said that he left the company in 2024 but has not been paid. “We are in tight financial difficulties. Our expectations are becoming a nightmare,” he said.

NEWSng investigations revealed that the automobile industry in Nigeria is faced with challenges of lack of government support and laws to give her proper protection to operate in the economy.

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