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

COAS tasks troops on mentorship, confidence in training, combat readiness

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has charged soldiers of the Nigerian Army to uphold the highest standards of professionalism by relying on their training, embracing mentorship, and demonstrating confidence during operations.

Lt.-Gen. Shaibu gave the charge while addressing troops at 1 Division during an operational visit, on Wednesday.

He emphasised that proper mentorship and leadership by example remain critical to building a combat-ready Army capable of responding decisively to national security challenges.

“You must be mentored properly to do your job,” the COAS told the troops. “Mentorship means leading by example. Listen to your officers. I have spoken to them they will lead you well so that together we can do our job properly.”

Shaibu assured the troops that the Nigerian Army Headquarters would continue to provide necessary resources, logistics and welfare support to enhance their operational efficiency.

“Note that the resources of the state will be used to provide everything that you require. That will be done,” he said.

The Army Chief urged soldiers to apply the skills acquired during basic and advanced military training, stating that competence in weapon handling and combat manoeuvres is essential for battlefield survival and mission success.

“Put the skills you have been taught to practice whenever you are deployed. Have confidence in your training. On hearing a gunshot, you should dash to the nearest cover and return fire,” he said.

According to him, a soldier must not only fire but “aim and kill” when confronted by hostile threats. He said the Army will intensify emphasis on martial principles, marksmanship, and weapon proficiency drills to enhance the fighting capability of the force.

“You have all gone through this training, and we will continue to deepen it. We are strengthening weapon handling and core combat principles to get the proper soldiers to do their job,” Shaibu added.

The visit also created an opportunity for troops to engage the COAS directly, as he opened the floor for questions and clarifications.

“If you have any questions, feel free to ask me. I am here with some of my staff,” he said, accompanied by the Chiefs of Operations, Logistics, Military Intelligence, and Personnel Management.

The COAS reiterated his commitment to strengthening operational leadership across formations, emphasising that officers must lead with courage and responsibility, while soldiers must uphold discipline and confidence in their operational duties.

COAS tasks troops on mentorship, confidence in training, combat readiness

COAS announces recruitment of 24,000 soldiers to boost operational strength

By: Zagazola Makama

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Waidi Shuaibu, has announced plans to recruit and train 24,000 soldiers as part of efforts to strengthen the operational capability of the Nigerian Army across the nation.

Lt Gen. Shaibu made the announcement on Wednesday during his operational visit to the 1 Division of the Nigerian Army in Kaduna, where he addressed officers, from second lieutenants to captains and lutenant Colonels, Colonels and Brig. Generals.

The recruitment drive forms part of the Army’s strategy to address evolving security challenges and enhance the readiness of troops deployed across the country.

“The area of responsibility is vast and security challenges are dynamic. To meet these threats effectively, we need boots on the ground. In six months, we aim to train 12,000 soldiers from three new training facilities. If we operate two streams, we can produce up to 24,000 soldiers ready for deployment,” he said.

Lt Gen. Shaibu explained that the new training facilities, approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are strategically located to produce soldiers who are highly trained in modern warfare, tactical operations, and weapon handling. The aim is to ensure that recruits are operationally ready to face security threats immediately upon completion of their training.

The COAS highlighted that the initiative is not just about increasing numbers but also about quality and operational effectiveness. He emphasized that the new soldiers would be trained in basic tactics, combat skills, and leadership principles to maintain the Army’s professional standards.

“This is a desperate time for our nation. The soldiers we train must be ready to tackle the multifaceted security challenges we face. We are committed to ensuring they are properly equipped, trained, and led,” he said.

The COAS also reiterated the Army’s commitment to the “Soldier First” concept, promising expanded welfare and support programs for both newly recruited and existing personnel.

He urged officers to provide mentorship and guidance to the new recruits, ensuring continuity of discipline, core values, and operational excellence.

The recruitment drive is expected to significantly enhance the manpower of the Nigerian Army, enabling more effective coverage of critical areas of operation, rapid response to threats, and improved protection of civilians and national infrastructure.

The COAS’s visit to 1 Division also included engagements with officers on operational logistics, welfare schemes, and ongoing efforts to strengthen the Army’s capacity to respond to security challenges across the North West and other theatres of operations.

COAS announces recruitment of 24,000 soldiers to boost operational strength