Military
Reps order investigation of missing 178,459 NPF firearms

The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the alleged failure of the Nigeria Police Force to account for firearms totalling 178,459 as of January 2020.
The move is in reaction to audit queries issued against the NPF by the Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation.
The office had recently said by the end of 2019, the Force Headquarters could not account for 178,459 firearms, out of which 88,078 are AK-47 rifles, according to one of the eight queries issued against the NPF by the office.
The queries are contained in the ‘Auditor-General of the Federation’s Annual Report on Non-Compliance/Internal Control Weaknesses Issues in Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government of Nigeria for the Year Ended 31st December, 2019.’
The Acting Auditor-General of the Federation, Adolphus Aghughu, had presented the report to the Clerk to the National Assembly, Ojo Amos, on September 15, 2021, while the Senate and House Committees on Public Accounts are investigating the queries.
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At plenary on Thursday, the House mandated an ad hoc committee to “establish the veracity of those allegations and conduct due diligence of the control processes of the armoury of the Nigeria Police Force; and report back to the House within four weeks.”
The House also called on the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, to take urgent actions to apprehend those culpable for the depletion of the armoury of the NPF.
The Deputy Minority Leader, Toby Okechukwu, had moved a motion of urgent public importance, which was titled ‘Need to investigate the alleged missing firearms and ammunition of the Nigeria Police.’
Okechukwu said the House was aware of the findings in the report that the police high command failed to keep record of unserviceable and expired firearms and ammunition; owing to non-compliance to the internal control system of the NPF.
He said, “The House is worried that the value of the lost firearms could not be ascertained because no document relating to their cost of acquisition was presented for examination.
“The House is mindful of the worsening state of security, kidnapping and banditry in the country and concerned that the missing arms could have found their ways into wrong hands.
“The House is also mindful that Nigeria did not undertake any war in recent times.”
In a query titled ‘Loss of Firearms and Ammunition,’ the Auditor-General said audit observed from the review of arms movement register, monthly returns of arms and ammunition, and the ammunition register at the Armoury Section that “the total number of lost firearms as reported as at December 2018 stood at 178,459.”
It added, “Out of this number, 88,078 were AK-47 rifles, 3,907 assorted rifles and pistols across different police formations could not be accounted for as at January 2020. Formal reports on the loss of firearms through duly completed Treasury Form 146 (Loss of Stores) were not presented for examination.
“Records obtained from Force Armament at the Force headquarters showed 21 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Abuja did not report a single case of missing firearm, whereas, schedule of missing arms obtained from the same PMF showed a total number of 46 missing arms between year 2000 and February 2019, and the value of the lost firearms could not be ascertained because no document relating to their cost of acquisition was presented for examination.”
The office attributed the “anomalies” to “weaknesses in the internal control system at the Nigeria Police Force Armament.”
Military
Army troops, DSS operatives eliminate 45 bandits in Niger raid, foil attack on Kuchi

Army troops, DSS operatives eliminate 45 bandits in Niger raid, foil attack on Kuchi
By: Zagazola Makama
Joint security forces have neutralised at least 45 armed bandits in a coordinated security operation near Kuchi town in Munya Local Government Area of Niger State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the operation, which took place in the early hours of Monday, was jointly executed by operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and military tactical units acting on actionable intelligence.
The bandits, believed to be loyal to notorious kingpin Dogo Gide, were en route to launch coordinated attacks on communities around Kuchi before they were intercepted.
The source, who requested anonymity, disclosed that the insurgents estimated to be over 100 in number had mobilised from Bilbis forest in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara and other hideouts in Kaduna State.
“The intelligence we received showed that these fighters had assembled in numbers and were planning a large-scale assault on several villages in Munya LGA,” the source said. “The operatives moved in under cover of darkness and intercepted them before they could reach their targets.”
He added that the security forces engaged the bandits in a fierce gun battle at the outskirts of Kuchi, resulting in the elimination of no fewer than 45 of the assailants, with several others escaping with gunshot wounds.
The operation also led to the recovery of multiple motorcycles, arms, and ammunition. However, five DSS operatives sustained injuries during the exchange and are currently receiving treatment at an undisclosed medical facility.
The successful operation is the latest in a string of offensives targeting criminal enclaves linked to Dogo Gide, whose network has suffered repeated blows in recent months.
Security agencies have pledged to sustain the momentum and intensify pressure on armed groups threatening peace in the North Central and North West regions.
“The terrain is difficult, but the results are encouraging. We will not relent until these threats are neutralised,” the source added.
Army troops, DSS operatives eliminate 45 bandits in Niger raid, foil attack on Kuchi
Military
Nigeria Army’s new strategy shields NYSC members, commuters from kidnappers in North West – GOC

Nigeria Army’s new strategy shields NYSC members, commuters from kidnappers in North West – GOC
By: Zagazola Makama
For many young Nigerians participating in the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), the prospect of being deployed to the north-western states once synonymous with banditry and highway attacks had once triggered apprehension. But now, a sweeping change in the security landscape is restoring hope and confidence among corps members and the traveling public alike.
This transformation is being spearheaded by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 8 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 2, Operation Fansan Yamma, Maj.-Gen. Ibikunle Ajose. Under his leadership, a robust security framework has been instituted to safeguard critical infrastructure, secure highways, and most significantly, protect the lives of NYSC members and civilian commuters traversing the region.
Ajose who disclosed this while interacting with a team journalists, said that since January, no corps member has been abducted or harmed within the division’s operational area, a feat he attributed to deliberate planning and synergy with other security agencies.
“We understand that corps members are a very vulnerable group,” Ajose said. “That’s why we initiated what we call the Secure Main Supply Route strategy not only to secure major supply routes but to ensure that our young patriots serving the nation are given topmost protection.”
The Secure Main Supply Route initiative, according to the GOC, includes the establishment of military checkpoints and forward operating bases along major routes in Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Katsina states. Corps members are mandated to report to the nearest base by 1700 hours if traveling. Thereafter, military escorts ensure their safe passage to their destination.
To facilitate coordination, dedicated WhatsApp groups have been set up across states where soldiers, corps members and NYSC officials maintain real-time communication. The initiative has also been extended to provide timely travel advisories and emergency responses.
“We’ve made it a point of duty. Once a corps member calls in, the nearest unit will respond. It’s part of our commitment to restoring public confidence and enhancing civil-military relations,” Ajose added.
Miss Joy Onoh, a corps member from Enugu State, shared her experience, saying she was initially scared about her deployment to the North-West but changed her mind after the journey.
“When we got to Gusau, the bus driver said we had to stop at a military checkpoint. They checked our manifest and asked if there were corps members. Immediately they arranged an escort vehicle for me and other corps members. I felt so safe. It was like a convoy,” she said with a smile.
Another corps member, Jide Akinjide from Osun State, described the presence of soldiers on the highway as “reassuring.”
“You don’t know what it means until you’re traveling through a bushy stretch and suddenly you see soldiers waving you down to confirm your identity and ensure your vehicle is okay. That alone gives you peace of mind,” Sule said.
He also praised the military for their respectful engagement with civilians, saying: “They don’t harass you. In fact, they give you cold water and even help if your vehicle breaks down.”
Beyond corps members, commercial drivers and ordinary travelers have also begun to enjoy the dividends of restored security on highways once plagued by ambushes and banditry.
Alhaji Usman Garba, a commercial driver who plies the Gusau-Sokoto route, said that road travel had significantly improved.
“Before, we used to fear that stretch near Isa. But since this operation started, the roads has become relatively safe. We did not heard of a single attack in the past two months. Soldiers are everywhere, and they even patrol at night,” he said. We thank the Nigerian Army for their support in ensuring safety of commuters on the road.
The protection of NYSC members and highways has emerged as a shining example of civil-military cooperation. The Army’s initiative is gradually transforming the narrative in the north-west.
Ajose has earlier disclosed that a special task force battalion comprising personnel from the Nigerian Army, Police, DSS, NSCDC, and others was constituted to protect the critical Sokoto-Kebbi Superhighway Project. This includes the 120km stretch in Sokoto and the 288km section in Kebbi State. We have not had any hitch since commencement. All project schedules have been met. Security of workers, engineers, and equipment has been 100% effective,” he noted.
In December 2024, the Minister of Works and Housing flagged off the Illelah–Bagagry stretch of the road, and the military immediately deployed to guarantee its uninterrupted progress.
The 1,068-kilometre Sokoto – Badagry Superhighway was designed to enhance Trade, Transport and Security as well as open route traversing Sokoto state through Kebbi, Niger, Kwara, Oyo, Ogun and terminating in Lagos State.
“Not a single disruption has occurred on that project since inception. All schedules have been met on time,” he said.
Ajose further revealed that the welfare of troops had been enhanced under the leadership of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede. Troop feeding allowances were recently increased from ₦1,000 to ₦3,000 daily, and new equipment including drones and protective gear continue to flow into the theatre.
“Like Napoleon said, ‘armies march on their stomachs.’ We’re ensuring our men are fed and equipped, so they can protect others,” Ajose emphasized.
“We believe safety should not be a luxury,” he said. “It’s the right of every Nigerian corps member or civilian. And we will continue to pursue the enemies of peace until the north-west becomes safe for all.”he said.
Zagazola Makama is a Counter Insurgency Expert and Security Analyst in the Lake Chad.
Nigeria Army’s new strategy shields NYSC members, commuters from kidnappers in North West – GOC
Military
Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram

Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram
By: Zagazola Mamama.
Troops of the Nigerian military, late Monday night, repelled an attempted attack by suspected fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) on Gajiram, headquarters of Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno.
Zagazola Makama gathered from security sources that the insurgents launched the attack at about 2200 hours but met stiff resistance from troops stationed in the area.
According to the sources, ISWAP fighters were unable to gain access into Gajiram town as they were engaged in a gun duel by security forces, leading to the foiling of the assault.
However, the attackers reportedly fired projectiles during the encounter, one of which landed in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp within the vicinity, triggering an inferno.
Army troops ISWAP Attack Repelled in Gajiram
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