The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this in a statement in Abuja, saying the attack targeted the headquarters of the 29 Task Force Brigade at about 12:30 a.m.

Onoja said the insurgents attempted to breach the defensive perimeter of the formation but were met with “exceptional courage, professionalism and superior firepower” by the troops.

He said the soldiers, under the leadership of the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Oseni Braimah, swiftly mounted a coordinated counter-offensive that forced the attackers to retreat in disarray.

“In a well-coordinated counteraction, the insurgents were decisively engaged and compelled to abandon their mission, leaving behind traces of their failed assault,” he said.

The defence spokesman described the attack as a sign of desperation by terrorist elements following sustained military pressure and significant losses recorded in recent operations.

“This attack clearly reflects the desperation of terrorists who continue to embark on futile offensives against well-defended military positions,” he said.

He added that the swift response by troops underscored the high level of combat readiness, resilience and operational effectiveness of Operation Hadin Kai.

Onoja, however, disclosed that the encounter resulted in the loss of some soldiers who paid the supreme price in the line of duty.

He said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, had paid tribute to the fallen heroes, honouring their sacrifice and commitment to national defence.

“Their courage will forever remain a source of pride and inspiration to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and the entire nation,” he said.

Onoja added that the military high command had extended its condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased personnel.

He urged the public and media to allow due process in notifying next of kin before further details were released.

He also cautioned against the spread of misinformation and unverified reports capable of undermining ongoing operations and national security.

Onoja said additional clearance and exploitation operations were ongoing in the area to track and neutralise fleeing insurgents.

He reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with other security agencies, to sustain momentum in the fight against terrorism.

“The Armed Forces remain resolute and undeterred in restoring lasting peace in the North-East and across the country,” he said.

The defence spokesman called on citizens to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding, while continuing to provide credible information to support security operations.

Source: NAN

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Justice Binta Nyako, in a judgment, also convicted Bello of paying tax of N20, 000 to Boko Haram contrary to Section 21 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Justice Nyako, who found Bello guilty of the offence after he pleaded guilty to the two-count charge preferred against him by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation, AGF, ordered that the sentencing shall run concurrently.

The federal government in the charge, marked: FHC/KNJ/CR/563/2026, sued Bello as sole defendant.

In count one, Bello of Mantari Village in the Bama local government area of Borno was alleged to have in 2023, rendered support by facilitating Nigerian currency notes of N750, 000 to Boko Haram contrary to Section 13 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013, and punishable under the same act.

In count two, he was accused to have paid a N20, 000 tax to the terrorist organisation contrary to Section 21 of Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Bello, who pleaded guilty to the charge, begged the court to temper justice with mercy.

Justice Nyako ordered that Bello be rehabilitated and deradicalised.

In another case involving Hamat Modu, who pleaded guilty to being a member of Boko Haram group, Justice Nyako sentenced him to 10 years jail term in each of the four counts bordering on terrorism offences, following his guilty plea.

The judge, who directed that the counts must run concurrently, also ordered that Modu should undergo rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

Also, Isah Ali, who was 18-year-old at the time of his arrest, pleaded not guilty to count one but pleaded guilty to count two of the two-count charge.

M. Jibo, lawyer to the federal government, applied that the court should strike out count one and accordingly convict Ali in count two.

She urged the court to also admit his confessional statement and investigation report as exhibits.

Ali, while pleading for mercy, said he was young when he was drafted into the terror group.

The defence lawyer, Aliyu Abubakar, the Director General, Legal Aid Council, also pleaded for mercy.

“The defendant was 18 years when he was arrested and had been in detention since three years now.

“It is another case of terrorism by association. We pleaded that the court should take this into consideration in sentencing him,” he begged.

Justice Nyako, who struck out count one, sentenced the defendant to 10 years imprisonment in count two and ordered for his rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

The judge, in another case, sentenced Shehu Bukar to 20 years imprisonment in count three in which he pleaded guilty out of the five counts preferred against him.

Count three accused him of rendering support as livestock rustler by selling goats to Boko Haram group contrary to Section 5 of Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Bukar, however, pleaded not guilty to other counts, including count two where he was alleged to have participated in a terrorist attack at Konduga in Borno where scores of people were killed.

A 43-year-old Alhaji Kulle was sentenced to a five-year jail term in count one and three of the three-count terrorism charge which must run concurrently.

The prosecution had, in the count three, accused Kulle of paying the sum of N6,000 to Boko Haram weekly, knowing that the money would be used to finance terrorism activities.

Justice Nyako equally jailed Tasiu Yakubu seven years in a one-count charge preferred against him by the federal government.

The AGF and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, who led other lawyers including Rotimi Oyedepo, SAN, the Director of Public Prosecutions, in the trial, tendered Yakubu’s confessional statement and investigation report as evidence before the court, urging the court to convict Yakubu in accordance with the law.

Abubakar, DG of Legal Aid, did not object but prayed the court to temper justice with mercy since the defendant had been remorseful.

But Fagbemi argued that based on Section 5 of the Terrorism Prevention Act, Yakubu ought to be given 20 years imprisonment though his sentencing might run from his date of arrest.

According to him, sentencing guidelines must follow what the law says.

After listening to the parties, Justice Nyako sentenced Yakubu to seven years jail term from the date of his arrest and ordered for his rehabilitation and deradicalisation.

In another development, Justice Nyako sentenced Abdullahii Ali to a 20-year imprisonment in a one-count charge filed against him.

Ali, who was alleged to have rendered support to the Islamic State West Africa Province, ISWAP, by assisting through logistic supply of fuel to the terror group, admitted committing the offence.

The offence is said to be contrary to Section 13 and 13(b) of the Terrorism Prevention Act, 2013.

Fagbemi urged the court to sentence him in accordance with the law.

The judge, in his judgment, sentenced Ali to 20-year jail term beginning from November 20, 2023, which was the date of his arrest.

Source: NAN

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The announcement was made in a statement issued by the command’s spokesperson, Toun Ejire-Adeyemi on Saturday in Ilorin.

She said the arrest was made on Wednesday in Nanu, Kaima local governmrnt area at 8:00 a.m. by a joint patrol team.

Ejire-Adeyemi said that the 20-year-old suspect from Isanlu, Dankuturu in Kogi was intercepted and arrested during a routine patrol.

She said that during interrogation the suspected revealed that he was allegedly contacted on March 30 by a friend identified simply as “Babi” from Babana Village in Borgu local government area of Niger State.

“He was reportedly invited to travel to Farinsuni through Baruten local government area with the intention of joining a group believed to be affiliated with ISWAP/Lakurawa. It was in the process that he was eventually arrested,” the PRO said.

She said the suspect was currently in police custody, while further investigation was ongoing to determine the extent of his involvement and to apprehend other individuals linked to the case.

According to her, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Adekimi Ono, has reiterated the command’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of residents in the state.

She quoted the commissioner as urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest security agency.

Source: NAN

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The Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, Air Commodore Ehimen Ejodame, made this known in a statement on Friday in Abuja.

Ejodame said the airstrike, conducted at about 1205 hours on April 1 by the Air Component of the Joint Task Force North East, followed credible intelligence and sustained surveillance confirming the presence of terrorists in the area.

He said the targeted enclave had been under close monitoring through Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, which revealed significant activity and movement within the settlement.

According to him, NAF air assets executed precision strike missions upon confirmation of the targets, delivering multiple attack runs on structures and concealed targets used by the insurgents.

He said the strikes, described as highly effective, led to the destruction of key infrastructure, including logistics hubs and operational shelters within the enclave.

“Scores of fighters were neutralised during the bombardment, significantly degrading the operational capability of the enclave and disrupting insurgent movement in the area.

“The successful air interdiction is expected to create favourable conditions for ground troops to advance, dominate the area and carry out follow-on clearance operations,” he said.

Ejodame said the operation underscored the growing synergy between air and ground forces in the ongoing counter-insurgency campaign in the North-East.

It added that the enclave, believed to be a stronghold of ISWAP elements, suffered a major setback, with its command and support structures effectively dismantled.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Aneke, reaffirmed the NAF’s commitment to sustaining intelligence-driven precision strikes against terrorist hideouts across the theatre.

Aneke said the air force would continue to work in close coordination with surface forces to deny terrorists freedom of action and eliminate all remaining enclaves.

He emphasised that the sustained air campaign remained critical to restoring lasting peace and security in the region.

Source: NAN

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The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja at a news conference on military operations.

Onoja said the sustained offensive targeted remnants of Boko Haram, ISWAP and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) across Borno, Adamawa, Bauchi, Taraba and Yobe.

He said troops, supported by air components, carried out precision strikes on insurgents’ enclaves in remote and border areas.

“During the quarter, troops neutralised several terrorist leaders and scores of fighters, arrested 174 suspects and rescued kidnapped victims.

“In addition, 19 insurgents and their families surrendered, bringing the cumulative number of surrendered persons to over 122,800,” he said.

Onoja said ISWAP had confirmed the death of one of its senior commanders, Abu Ya’yar al-Muhajir, describing it as a major loss to the group.

According to him, the development underscores the effectiveness of ongoing operations in degrading the group’s leadership structure.

Providing details of March operations, he said troops neutralised top commanders , including Saddam, Sandy, Gary, Kagu and Baha’i Pembe in a precision strike on Sambisa Forest.

He added that troops repelled coordinated ISWAP attacks in several locations, including Gajiram, Baga, Marte and Monguno.

The defence spokesman said troops also foiled a drone attack at Malam Fatori in Abadam local government area, where 74 terrorists were killed and weapons recovered.

“On March 11, over 20 terrorists, including a high-value target, Abu Yusuf, were neutralised during a night attack in Yobe.

“Fourteen insurgents also surrendered within the period,” he said.

He added that troops disrupted terrorist logistics by intercepting fuel supplies and arresting collaborators aiding insurgents.

Source: NAN

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A statement by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, said the attack occurred in the early hours of Saturday.

Uba said the troops responded with a coordinated offensive-defensive action, forcing the terrorists into a disorderly withdrawal.

He added that the Air Component of OPHK provided close air support, as well as Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, ISR, which enhanced precision targeting during the engagement.

“Subsequent exploitation along the terrorists’ withdrawal routes inflicted further heavy losses on the fleeing insurgents,” he said.

According to him, a total of 38 terrorists were neutralised, with eight bodies recovered within the immediate area of engagement.

He said credible human intelligence from local sources indicated that more than 30 additional terrorist bodies and abandoned weapons were sighted along the Garin Mallum–Garin Gajere axis into the Timbuktu Triangle.

“This was evidenced by blood trails and scattered equipment along the withdrawal routes,” he said.

Uba further disclosed that troops recovered seven AK-47 rifles, eight magazines, four RPG bombs and assorted ammunition from the scene.

He said no fatalities were recorded among the troops, although one Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, MRAP, vehicle was hit by RPG fire, with injured personnel stabilised.

The spokesman said the operation had boosted the morale of local communities and underscored the sustained dominance of troops in denying terrorists freedom of action.

He added that further exploitation operations were ongoing to recover more equipment and consolidate gains.

Uba said the Military High Command had commended the troops for their gallantry and resilience, urging them to sustain the operational tempo in the North East.

Source: NAN

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The 2026 Global Terrorism Index report (GTI), released last week by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP), shows that Nigeria experienced the largest year-on-year increase in terrorism-related deaths globally. The surge propelled Nigeria to fourth place on the index, trailing only Pakistan, Burkina Faso, and Niger. In 2025, Nigeria was ranked sixth, while in 2024, we were eighth in the world.

Nigeria’s ascent in the rankings comes amid decade-long security crisis characterised by an escalation in terrorism, banditry, and kidnappings. The violence and associated deaths have taken a heavy toll on the nation’s security apparatus, with several senior military officers among those killed in recent operations. Despite the fact that the United States of America recently bombed terrorists’ hideout in Sokoto State and has sent a sizeable number of its troops to the country to train Nigeria’s security operatives, the terrorists seem to be daring America’s President Donald Trump by stepping up their criminal enterprise.

There is no denying the fact that Sub-Saharan Africa remains the global epicentre of terrorism, hosting six of the 10 most affected nations. In contrast, Western nations experienced a paradoxical trend. While global incidents decreased, fatalities in the West rose by a sharp 280%. This spike was primarily driven by political terrorism, anti-Semitism, and Islamophobia.

Nigeria recorded the largest increase in terrorism deaths globally in 2025, with fatalities rising by 46 per cent, from 513 in 2024 to 750. Africa’s most populous nation is grappling with a multifaceted security crisis, as extremist groups such as Boko Haram and its offshoots attempt to carve out control of swathes of territory. Various ethnic militia and other criminal elements, including ‘bandit’ groups, are also active, mostly in North and Central Nigeria. Newer threats from emerging terrorist groups like the Lakurawa are also emerging.

In February this year, 162 people were massacred in Kwara state, near the border with the Benin Republic. This was one of the deadliest single attacks in the country’s recent history. On Wednesday last week, the army said troops, backed by air support, repelled a coordinated assault by Islamist insurgents on a military base in the north-eastern state of Borno, killing at least 80 fighters, including senior commanders. The assault comes after multiple suicide bombings last week Monday in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital, that killed at least 23 and left more than 100 wounded.

The report stated that the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram were responsible for most of the terror attacks in the country in 2025. Civilians were the most targeted group in 2025, accounting for 67 per cent of victims of the attacks, while the military accounted for 19 per cent.

Boko Haram was responsible for Nigeria’s second most lethal terrorist attack of the year. In May, armed militants raided the neighbouring villages of Mallam Karamti and Kwatandashi in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State.

While Borno remains the epicentre of Nigeria’s terrorism crisis, accounting for more than two-thirds of all attacks and deaths in 2025, together, ISWAP and Boko Haram accounted for 80 per cent of all terrorism-related deaths in Nigeria in 2025. The report revealed that Lakurawa, a relatively new group that surfaced in 2024, recorded 10 attacks and 74 deaths in 2025. However, there has been a growing wave of insecurity across Nigeria’s South-West region, which has become a major source of concern for residents, community leaders, and security experts.

States such as Ondo, Oyo, Osun, and Ekiti, once considered relatively peaceful compared to other parts of the country, are now witnessing a disturbing rise in kidnappings, armed attacks, and killings.

In many rural communities and along major highways, residents now live in constant fear, as criminal gangs exploit forests and remote areas to carry out violent operations. The situation has heightened anxiety among farmers, travellers, and residents who increasingly feel unsafe in their own communities. Specifically, the region has seen a sharp rise in insecurity over the past two months, with 32 reported attacks across affected states.

In some communities, farmers have abandoned their farmlands, while travellers avoid certain roads for fear of falling victim to kidnappers. The violence has not spared community leaders and traditional institutions, as even traditional rulers have been targeted and murdered by armed attackers. Such incidents have further deepened the sense of insecurity across the region and raised serious concerns about the safety of lives and property.

Amid the growing crisis, the pan-Yoruba socio-political organisation, Afenifere, has raised alarm over what it described as the increasing influx of terrorists and bandits into the South-West from the northern part of the country.

Few days ago, the group warned that the region is gradually coming under pressure as criminal groups move into forests and border communities to establish operational bases for kidnappings and violent attacks. According to the organisation, the rising incidents of abduction and attacks on communities indicate a dangerous escalation of insecurity in the region.

But state governors in the South west are still behaving as if nothing is amiss. They issue press statements after any major attack to condemn the act and it ends there. Their docility may end up endangering the lives of millions of Nigerians if they continue to slumber. Agreed that some of them met with former President Muhammadu Buhari before they could establish the regional security network, the Amotekun. The then President Buhari still went ahead to decline to issue licenses to State Governors to purchase sophisticated weapons for the outfit. Will Amotekun operatives, armed with only dane guns be expected to face terrorists with sophisticated weapons?

Even with President Bola Tinubu in power, State Governors in the South west have not met with the President to canvass for more fire power for the security outfit. While Tinubu may have his style of dealing with the security challenges facing the country, the Governors should, as a call to duty, ensure that high calibre arms and ammunitions are bought for the group.

If the State Police now being championed by President Tinubu eventually comes to fruition, security apparatus in the South western states would be strengthened, with Amotekun providing the much needed man power support, while the newly established forest guards would take care of the bushes, which is being gradually taken over by armed terrorists.

The worsening security situation in the region has also sparked public outrage in several communities, particularly in Ondo State, where residents have staged protests against the rising wave of kidnappings. In Akure-North Local Government Area, angry youths and community members recently blocked a major highway to protest repeated attacks and abductions in their area. The protesters expressed frustration over the continued threat posed by armed criminals and called on the authorities to take urgent steps to protect residents.

Ondo State is reeling from a wave of insecurity, with kidnapping, terror attacks, and killings leaving residents in fear. Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has vowed to tackle the menace, announcing measures like night-time motorcycle ban. Security forces have arrested over 160 suspects, but concerns persist, as ransom payments continue to fuel the crisis.

Recent attacks have also led to the closure of schools, as anxious parents rush to withdraw their children from areas deemed unsafe. The impact on farming communities has been particularly severe, with many abandoning their lands for fear of being attacked or kidnapped.

Time for talk is over. What we desire is peace and the safety of all Nigerians where ever they may reside.

Gunmen also recently invaded the community near Akure Airport and fired gunshots, throwing the community into panic and leading to the hurried closure of schools in the area. The development led to anxious parents rushing to schools to withdraw their children, as rumours of insecurity spread quickly across the communities.

In Osun State, border communities, especially those around Osun/Kwara borders, are living in fear. The fallout of insecurity in Kwara State is responsible for the situation. Villages that were known to be peaceful are now being attacked by terrorists. For example, unknown gunmen invaded Ora-Igbomina community recently, kidnapping residents on two different occasions.

The gunmen, whose identities were unknown during the first attack in January, kidnapped a retired customs officer, Emmanuel Owolabi, in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state. The kidnapped victim was released after three weeks and payment of ransom to his kidnappers. Another resident, a farmer, was not so lucky, as he was killed.

In February this year, the men of the underworld returned to the same Ora community, located on the Osun-Kwara boundary, and kidnapped two residents, Tayese Adeyeye, and Sunday Adewumi. In view of these happenings, the state government held several security meetings, where it was agreed that the border security should be strengthened.

Governor Ademola Adeleke, after a Security Council meeting, said that his administration would work with all security operatives to tighten security at border towns to curb the spreading insecurity in Kwara State from affecting Osun.

Rising cases of insecurity, particularly kidnapping, have become a growing concern across parts of Oyo State, with residents of several communities expressing fears over their safety.

Areas considered most vulnerable include Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa, and some parts of Ogbomoso. Suspected criminal elements have reportedly taken advantage of isolated routes and forested areas to carry out abductions.

Ogun State has also had its fair share of insecurity with reported cases of kidnapping and banditry in some local communities. In Lagos, many known kidnappers and bandits have been seen in the state, “cool off” after major operations in the North. Again, local criminal elements have also “cashed in” by staging several kidnappings-for-ransom, although many of them were caught.

The six South west Governors met early this year to collaborate on strategies to nip the crisis in the bud. They spoke about establishing a Joint Surveillance and Monitoring Team to coordinate security operations across the region, specifically to address kidnapping and activities of criminal groups. They also spoke on deploying advanced technology, including aerial surveillance systems (drones) to monitor forests, which serve as kidnappers’ hideouts, while plans are afoot to launch a live digital intelligence-sharing platform for real-time exchange of threat alerts.

To fund the initiatives, a South West Security Fund (SWSF) is to be set up, funded by the states, to ensure steady financial resources for security patrols, equipment, and training, overseen by Special Advisers on Security from all the six states. Amotekun is also to be empowered to intensify patrols along vulnerable routes and in forests. There is a renewed emphasis on deploying dedicated Forest Guards to reclaim areas used for kidnapper hideouts.

On the influx of large numbers of people into the region which could lead to criminal infiltration, the Governors said that they would be tightening border monitoring, and also collaborating with the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) for better identification. It is time for them to fast track the implementation of these plans for the safety of the region. Time for talk is over. What we desire is peace and the safety of all Nigerians where ever they may reside.

See you next week.

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The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while giving update on military operations from March 13 to March 19.

Onoja said troops repelled a major terrorist assault in Mallam Fatori, Abadam local government area of Borno, killing dozens of fighters, including senior commanders.

He said follow-up exploitation operations led to the recovery of 74 terrorist bodies and a cache of arms, including 38 AK-47 rifles, three PKT machine guns and an RPG tube.

“Troops also thwarted multiple infiltration attempts across Bama, Gujba and Kaga local government areas, while key logistics suppliers and informants were arrested.

“Coordinated air and ground operations also repelled attacks in Baga, Damboa, Buratai and Njimtilo, degrading ISWAP capabilities,” he said.

Onoja added that troops intercepted suspected gunrunners in Taraba, recovering ammunition, cash and motorcycles.

He reaffirmed the military’s commitment to sustaining pressure on terrorists and restoring stability in the region.

In the North West, Onoja said troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded major breakthroughs in Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna and Kebbi states, rescueing kidnapped victims and disrupted criminal networks.

He said troops neutralised terrorists in Shinkafi local government area of Zamfara and recovered arms and motorcycles.

“In Katsina State, troops rescued four kidnapped victims, while in Kaduna, they foiled the abduction of a cleric, forcing the attackers to flee,” he said.

Onoja added that a female ammunition courier intercepted in Kano with 884 rounds of ammunition highlighted ongoing efforts to dismantle logistics networks.

In the North-Central, he said troops of Operations Savannah Shield and Enduring Peace arrested suspected terrorists and ammunition couriers in Kwara, Plateau and Nasarawa states.

He said troops also rescued abducted victims in Plateau and Benue, while illegal mining activities were disrupted in the FCT and adjoining areas.

“These operations demonstrate the Armed Forces’ resolve to deny criminal elements freedom of action and ensure the safety of citizens,” he said.

In the Niger Delta, Onoja said the military intensified its crackdown on oil theft and criminal activities in the, recording multiple arrests and recoveries.

He said troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites and intercepted large quantities of stolen petroleum products.

He said operations in Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers states led to the arrest of suspects involved in kidnapping, illegal refining and drug trafficking.

“Troops dismantled illegal refining sites, seized over 3,000 litres of illegally refined products and intercepted vehicles and boats conveying stolen fuel,” he said.

Onoja added that anti-drug operations resulted in the arrest of several suspects and recovery of illicit substances.

In the South-East, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka neutralised suspected terrorists and recovered improvised explosive devices in Imo.

He added that clearance operations also led to the arrest of suspected cultists and recovery of weapons in Ebonyi and Cross River.

According to him, the successes underscore the military’s commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and maintaining law and order nationwide.

Source: NAN

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A credible Army headquarters source said the successes were recorded during ongoing operations including Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Fansan Yamma, Operation Udo Ka and Operation OPEP.

In the North-East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai thwarted an infiltration attempt by fighters of the Islamic State West Africa Province at Bitta in Borno.

According to him, the insurgents were forced to retreat after encountering coordinated spoiling attacks and superior firepower from the troops.

He said the failed infiltration came shortly after terrorists launched attacks on troops’ positions at Banki and Azir Bridge, which were also successfully repelled.

In a statement by the Military Information of OPHK, Lt -Col. Sani Uba, on Saturday, the repeated failed assaults represented another significant setback for the insurgents within 24 hours and highlighted sustained pressure by troops across the theatre.

The source said the troops, while conducting an ambush along the Kirawa–Gakara axis in Gwoza Local Government Area (LGA) engaged suspected terrorist logistics suppliers, forcing them to abandon supplies and flee with possible gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered at the scene included four bicycles and seven bags of groundnuts believed to be meant for insurgents.

“In Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe, troops working with members of the Civilian Joint Task Force arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS spy during patrol operations.

“In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma conducted an offensive on terrorist camps in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara, where one terrorist was neutralised while troops recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and a motorcycle.

“Similarly, troops operating under Operation Udo Ka in Obubra LGA of Cross River engaged armed criminals and neutralised nine terrorists.

“During the operation, troops also uncovered a local gun-making factory, recovering three AK-47 magazines, 10 locally made double-barrel guns and weapon fabrication tools, while the facility was destroyed on site,” he said.

The source confirmed that troops also apprehended two suspected ammunition couriers transporting 192 rounds of ammunition, while additional searches led to the recovery of locally fabricated weapons and mortar tubes.

He said the troops rescued five civilians from terrorist captivity during separate operations, while four victims who escaped from a terrorist enclave were intercepted and assisted by troops in Faskari local government area of Katsina State.

According to him, another kidnap victim was rescued during pursuit operations in Wase local government area of Plateau after terrorists fled under pressure from advancing troops.

Military authorities commended the troops for their resilience and urged them to sustain the operational momentum against terrorist and criminal elements across the country.

Source: NAN

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The post Troops eliminate 10 terrorists, thwart ISWAP infiltration in Borno appeared first on Frontpageng.

This is contained in a statement by the Media Information Officer of OPHK, Lt.-Col. Sani Uba, on Wednesday.

Uba said the operation followed a failed midnight attack by ISWAP fighters on the Forward Operating Base, Auno, on February 5, which was decisively repelled by troops of Sector 1 with superior firepower.

He said the troops, in synergy with the Civilian Joint Task Force, CJTF, launched a follow-up offensive on February 9 along the Komala axis in Konduga local government area.

According to him, troops pursued the fleeing terrorists up to the Gidan Kaji axis, neutralising 16 of them, while several others escaped with gunshot wounds.

“Items recovered during the operation include over 20 bicycles, weapons and a large cache of logistics supplies believed to be critical to the terrorists’ operations.

“In a related development, troops arrested suspected ISWAP logistics suppliers conveying large quantities of drugs intended for the terrorists around the Bukarti axis.

“Meanwhile, troops foiled a kidnap attempt along the Buratai–Kamuya road after swiftly responding to suspicious movements in the area.

“Two victims, identified as Mallam Idris Adamu and Mallam Muhammadu Safiyanu, were rescued and reunited with their families in Buratai,” he said.

Uba further revealed that troops, responding to a distress call along the Chibok–Damboa axis rescued nine kidnap victims on the same day.

He said the operations underscored OPHK’s sustained efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, disrupt logistics corridors and ensure the protection of civilians across the North East.

Source: NAN

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