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Troops Intensify Offensive, Neutralize Scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists, Clear 25 Camps

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Troops Intensify Offensive, Neutralize Scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists, Clear 25 Camps

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have successfully neutralized scores of Boko Haram/Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) fighters during a significant week-long offensive against terrorists in the northeast of Borno State.

Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama, a counterinsurgency expert and security analyst in the Lake Chad region, that the land and air offensive, which began on January 7, 2024, as part of Operation Desert Sanity III, also resulted in the clearance and destruction of over 25 terrorist camps in the Sambisa Forest and the Timbuktu Triangle.

The sources reported that during one of the fierce offensives by the troops of the 21 Armored Brigade in Bama, they encountered terrorists in Ukuba, Sambisa, and engaged them with heavy firepower. As a result of the encounter, 11 ISWAP fighters were neutralized, which caused the remaining terrorists to scatter and flee in disarray. During the clash, one gun truck loaded with ammunition exploded and burned.

The troops recovered various weapons and equipment, including one anti-aircraft gun, one rocket-propelled grenade tube, one general-purpose machine gun (GPMG), two RPG chargers, five AK-47 rifles, a terrorist flag, two pickup vans, and one grinding machine mill, among other items. Continuing their offensive operations deeper into the Sambisa Forest, the troops cleared areas such as Garin Abu Umaru, New/Old Mjimia, Garin Munzo, Alafa 1, and Alafa 2. An alleged Amir of Garin Munzo and five other fighters were intercepted and neutralized, while newly established camps were discovered and destroyed.

The source highlighted the team’s bravery and commitment, which significantly contributed to the dislodgement of terrorists from numerous locations, including New Goske, Garin Abbas, Garin Ba’aba, Korege, Arra, Garin Abu Amina, Garin Noma, Garin Malam Ma’azu, Garin Fallujah, Ukuba, Sabil Huda, Garin Munzo, Garin Abu Umaru, New Njimia, Garin Adamu, and a farmland in Dure at Balar, Yaro Bulamari, Yaro Goni Krumidi, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Umaradi, among others.

However, while en route to clear these locations, a patrol team triggered an IED around 1530 hours near Alagarno. Fortunately, no casualties were sustained, but the armored personnel carrier sustained damage to its rear track and two turbochargers.

Simultaneously, the troops of the 26 Task Force Brigade advanced and cleared Boko Haram enclaves in Amadaga Madachi and Amadaga villages in Gwoza LGA. The suspected terrorists fled upon noticing the troops’ advance. The troops continued toward Gobara, where they made contact with the enemy, who fled with injuries as evidenced by traces of blood.

In another encounter, the troops of the 159 Battalion and 199 Special Forces Battalion, in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), cleared terrorist enclaves at BBalar, Yaro Bulamari, Yaro Goni Krumidi, Yaro Lawanti, and Yaro Umaradi. No contact with the enemy was made during this operation.

In Yobe State, the troops of the 27 Task Force Brigade continued their advances and cleared the area of Gol. They discovered and safely detonated one IED. The terrorists fled the scene, abandoning 67 bags of assorted grains in an underground storage facility along with ammunition.

Additionally, the troops ambushed and neutralized two ISWAP terrorists at Katarko along the road to Yobe State University and recovered two AK-47 rifles.

As the offensive persisted, troops of the 29 Task Force Brigade cleared Galengi and Dusuri. About 2 kilometers ahead of Tobolo, contact was made with enemy combatants. The troops engaged the terrorists in a gunfight, killing two and recovering their weapons.

The troops also cleared Arimarim and Koborori villages. Before reaching Galengi, they encountered and neutralized one terrorist, recovering a Dane gun. A terrorist camp was set ablaze during the operation.

Despite facing challenges such as difficult terrain, IED threats, and other issues, the troops have maintained their momentum, focusing on and remaining determined to pursue and decimate the fleeing terrorists wherever they are found in the Sambisa Forest.

According to the source, ISWAP commanders, including Abu Aisha (Khaid) and four assistant commanders (Munzir)—Bako, Mallam Abubakar, Abu Ibrahim, and Hanzala (also a Khaid)—are currently on the run. Nevertheless, the troops are resolute in their determination to hunt them down.

Troops Intensify Offensive, Neutralize Scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP Terrorists, Clear 25 Camps

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Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Gajigana, Borno

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Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Gajigana, Borno

By: Zagazola Makama

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai have repelled an attack by ISWAP terrorists on their Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Gajigana, Nganzai Local Government Area of Borno.

Zagazola Makama reports that the attack occurred at about 11:55 p.m. on Tuesday.

A reinforcement team joined the operation and engaged the insurgents in a clearance operation.

Sources told Zagazola that one Wednesday that several terrorists were killed while one soldier paid the supreme price in action, while another sustained injuries.

The injured personnel has since been evacuated for medical attention, while the remains of the fallen hero were moved to the 7 Division Military Morgue in Maiduguri.

Items recovered from the terrorists during exploitation include AK-47 rifle, a magazine loaded with 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two Baofeng radios, and belted ammunition for a machine gun.

The sources added that the terrorists, who withdrew in disarray, were believed to have suffered several casualties, though the exact figure was not confirmed.

They explained that the general security situation in the area remains calm but unpredictable.

Troops repel Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Gajigana, Borno

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CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, says the forthcoming African Chiefs of Defence Staff Summit is designed to unite African militaries and provide indigenous solutions to the continent’s security challenges.

Musa disclosed this in an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Saturday.

He said the summit would be the first time African defence leaders would sit together, as brothers, to openly discuss Africa’s problems and chart practical ways forward without relying on external prescriptions.

“For too long we have been seeking solutions from outside, and that has prolonged our issues. The reality is that our challenges are within us, and it is only within us that we will create the solutions,” Musa said.

According to him, the success recorded in West Africa through engagements among ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence informed the decision to scale up the initiative across the continent.

He noted that the operationalisation of the African Standby Force, which has faced delays due to challenges of doctrine, strategy and funding, would receive fresh impetus during the summit.

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to look at it holistically and get the buy-in of all Africans,” he added.

The CDS stressed that terrorism, insurgency and violent extremism were common threats across the regions, and only collective action could address them effectively.

He further emphasised the need for a “whole-of-society” approach, noting that insecurity was worsened by unproductive populations and widespread illiteracy that made youths vulnerable to extremist ideologies.

“We must go back to the African culture of brotherliness, of a community raising a child, of not allowing anything to harm your neighbour. That is the kind of solution we must revive,” Musa said.

On the level of participation, the CDS disclosed that about 90 per cent of invited countries had confirmed attendance, describing the response as overwhelmingly positive.

He said the summit would also feature dignitaries from within and outside the continent, including senior UN officials, retired service chiefs and security experts.

“The end state is a better Africa, a more secure Africa, and an Africa where we project and work for our own development. Nobody can love you more than yourself,” he said.

CDS: African Defence Chiefs’ Summit will produce homegrown solutions to insecurity

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Army troops, DSS operatives eliminate 45 bandits in Niger raid, foil attack on Kuchi

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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

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