COAS SALUTES THE SACRIFICES OF FRONTLINE TROOPS AT CHRISTMAS, PLEDGES IMPROVED WELFARE

By: Our Reporter

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede has commended troops of the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI, for their gallantry, sacrifice and dedication to duty. The COAS made the commendation during the Christmas luncheon organised for troops in Maiduguri.

Addressing the troops, the COAS noted that the luncheon, which is usually held during major festive seasons, helps to bring troops together in a celebratory atmosphere to appreciate their sacrifices and commitment to duty. He further remarked that the event enables the Army to give troops in the frontlines a semblance of what it would have been if they were back home with their families.

The Army Chief appreciated the troops for their significant contributions in the collective effort to defeat terror networks and other violent extremist groups that seek to undermine the unity, peace, and security of the nation.

General Oluyede charged the troops to work towards the complete defeat of the nation’s adversaries as the nation transits into the year 2025 in order to create the enabling environment for peace, socio-economic development and prosperity of the country.

In line with his Command Philosophy “To consolidate the transformation of the Nigerian Army towards bequeathing a Well-Motivated and Combat-Ready Force that can effectively discharge its constitutional responsibilities within a Joint and Multi-Agency Environment”, the COAS reiterated his commitment to consolidating all ongoing viable welfare schemes and instituting new ones to make the troops proud of their chosen profession and remain committed to duty.

He urged the troops to renew their dedication by gleaning from the lessons of the season in showing love, hope, healing, and renewed vigor. General Oluyede conveyed the commendation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and appreciation of Nigerians to all troops fighting in defence of the country.

In his goodwill message, the Governor of Borno State Professor Babagana Umara Zulum commended the troops for their sacrifices in ensuring peace and security in Borno State, the North East zone and the nation at large. The governor, who spoke through the Secretary to the Borno State Government, Dr Bukar Tijani, paid tribute to the troops who paid the supreme price in ensuring peace and security in Borno State. He assured of the Borno State Government’s continued support for the ongoing operations to restore peace and stability in all parts of the state.

In his welcome address, the Theatre Commander, Major General Waidi Shuaibu, remarked that the luncheon fosters camaraderie and provides the opportunity to recount collective achievements and challenges over the past year. He appreciated the COAS for visiting the frontline troops twice in three weeks, noting that it underscores his commitment to raise the morale of troops of Operation HADINKAI Kai. He assured the COAS that the troops will remain steadfast in their resolve to restore normalcy in the North East Region, adding that the troops are highly motivated and committed to achieving the overall mandate of the Joint Task Force.

Demonstrating his commitment for improved welfare of troops, the COAS performed the foundation laying ceremony for the construction of two blocks of 30 family accommodations in Maimalari Cantonment before departing Maiduguri.

COAS SALUTES THE SACRIFICES OF FRONTLINE TROOPS AT CHRISTMAS, PLEDGES IMPROVED WELFARE

Joint Task Force North West Clarifies Reports on Jet Strike in Sokoto

By: ABUBAKAR ABDULLAHI

The Joint Task Force North West Operation Fansan Yamma has addressed recent reports concerning a military fighter jet allegedly bombing civilian structures in the Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State. These reports have raised concerns; however, it is crucial to clarify that all military operations are conducted based on thorough intelligence and reconnaissance missions. This rigorous process is particularly important when targeting groups like the Lakurawa terrorist organization, as it aims to ensure precision and protect civilian lives.

Given the serious nature of these operations, the public is urged to rely on confirmed information to prevent misinformation and unnecessary panic. There is a significant risk that terrorist groups may attempt to undermine military successes through media disinformation, necessitating caution concerning unverified claims, especially in the ongoing fight against terrorism and banditry.

Importantly, the targets struck in the vicinity of Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa have been positively identified as associated with the Lakurawa group, reinforcing the justification for the military action taken.

Joint Task Force North West Clarifies Reports on Jet Strike in Sokoto

FACT CHECK: Claims of Airstrikes on Innocent Villagers in Silame LGA Found to Be False

By Zagazola Makama

Reports circulating about alleged airstrikes on innocent villagers in Gidan Sama and Rumtuwa, two communities in Silame Local Government Area of Sokoto State, have been found to be false.

Contrary to the claims that over ten villagers were killed and several others injured during an airstrike, the locations targeted in the airstrikes were identified as known hideouts of the Lakurawa bandits. These communities in question had been largely abandoned by their original residents due to persistent banditry and were subsequently repurposed as enclaves for criminal activities.

Intelligence sources contacted by Zagazola confirmed that the airstrikes were the result of weeks of intelligence gathering and careful surveillance of the bandits’ movements.

The sources said “We received consistent intelligence reports from the Sokoto State Government and security agencies regarding the activities of the Lakurawa terrorists in the area. Before the operation, independent reconnaissance and intelligence gathering missions were carried out to confirm the targets and avoid collateral damage. Precision is always our priority in air operations.”

The source further stated: “Today’s airstrikes specifically targeted identified hideouts of the Lakurawas. We cannot carry out any strikes without days of monitoring and verification. This is a normal practice in air operations so as to achieve precision in attacking our intended targets. These locations were no longer inhabited by their original residents, making it impossible for innocent civilians to be affected.”

“I can comfirmed to you that no innocent civilians were affected, as these locations were no longer inhabited by their original residents. “The operation was executed precisely to eliminate bandit hideouts that had been terrorizing the region.”he said.

Further verification by Zagazola corroborates that the targeted sites were active bandit hideouts and not populated villages. The observation also confirmed that the bandits had been chased to the locations following a sustained military operation aimed at dismantling their networks.

Additionally, there were no reports of casualties among civilians, no burials conducted, and no families reported missing loved ones to local authorities.

The Chairman of Silame LGA, Alhaji Abubakar Muhammad Daftarana, acknowledged the airstrikes in the location but refrained from confirming any civilian casualties, stating that the area had been under assessment.

“It’s clear that the Chairman doesn’t have complete information about the situation,” the source added.

FACT CHECK: Claims of Airstrikes on Innocent Villagers in Silame LGA Found to Be False