The exercise is a six-month specialist training covering kinetic and non-kinetic areas.

The training, which was held at the Nigerian Army Military Training Centre, Kachia, is aimed at preparing the special forces for contemporary security challenges.

At the graduation ceremony of the troops on Tuesday in Kaduna, the Chief of Army Staff, COAS, Lt.-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the troops for acquiring skills in marksmanship, weapon handling and precision targeting.

Oluyede, represented by the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 1 Division Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso, said the special forces demonstrated their capabilities, showcasing cooperation and concentration of firepower.

He explained that the soldiers were carefully selected from various units and formations of the Nigerian Army, and would be deployed to enhance operational efficiency in some theatres of operations within Nigeria.

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Oluyede added that the training programme was a continuous activity in the Army’s calendar, done twice a year, and designed to equip the soldiers with specialised skills to tackle security challenges.

“The special forces had undergone enhanced training, building on their basic soldier training, to prepare them for mission-oriented tasks,” he said.

The army chief emphasised that the training would add to the fighting capabilities of troops already deployed in the field, where their deployment was expected to see a significant difference in operational outcomes.

“The training is crucial in enhancing the army’s operational efficiency and national security efforts,” Oluyede said.

Source: NAN

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Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, Lt-Col. Musa Yahaya, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Wednesday in Kaduna.

Yahaya said, “In a well-coordinated operation on Tuesday, troops of Sub-Sector 4, Operation FANSAN YAMMA successfully neutralised three Violent Extremists and Insurgents, VEIs, in an ambush at an area near Ngwagi Hill, Gwagwada Community, off the Kaduna – Abuja highway in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.”

The spokesman said that the success of the operation was based on acting on credible intelligence that the VEI were sighted near Ngwagi Hill.

He said that troops were immediately deployed on long-range fighting patrol to the likely road-crossing point of the insurgents.

According to him the troops got to the location at about 5.30 p.m. on the same date and successfully launched the ambush, which effectively neutralised three armed members of the criminal group.

“During the operation, troops also recovered a cache of arms and ammunition, including two AK-47 rifles, eight AK-47 rifle magazines, 374 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 special ammunition and 88 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 NATO ammunition.

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Other items recovered were one Infinix mobile phone, medical supplies, clothings, and dry rations,” Yahaya said.

He said that the success of the operation was a testament to the troops’ high fighting morale and combat efficiency.

“This achievement is also as a result of the effective collaboration between the military and intelligence agencies, which provided credible intelligence that informed the operation.”

He said the General Officer Commanding, GOC, 1 Division, Nigerian Army, and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.-Gen. Mayirenso  Saraso, commended the troops for their resilience and successful conduct of the operation.

He charged the troops not to rest on their oars until all criminal elements operating in the Division and the Sector’s area of operational responsibility were neutralised.

Source: NAN

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Lagbaja gave the commendation on during the Chief of Army Staff Sallah Luncheon with Troops of the Operation Whirl Punch in Birnin Gawri Local Government Area of Kaduna state on Sunday.

“There is no doubt that the “Feast of Sacrifice,” as it is known, is one of the significant celebrations in the Islamíc calendar during which Muslims demonstrate their obedience to Allah by sacrificing animals.

The COAS was represented by the General Commanding Officer (GOC), I Division Nigeria Army, and Commander Operation Whirl Punch, Maj-Gen. Mayirenso Saraso.

He said it is a celebration that commemorates the great virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and faith exemplified by Prophet Ibrahim.

“This year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration particularly calls for introspection on how we have fared as individuals and an army this past year, as it comes just six days to my completing one year in office as Chief of Army Staff.

“It is thus a period to reflect on the past year and show gratitude to God for the gift of life, relative peace that we have been able to restore to most parts of our country, and above all, hope for a better Nigeria.

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“It has been a year of unquantifiable sacrifice in blood and treasure as we have lost gallant warriors and precious equipment to our ongoing fight against insurgency, terrorism, banditry, secessionist agitations, and oil-related economic crimes, amongst others.

“Our men have displayed uncommon courage and faith in our dear country in the face of grave danger and, like the good soldiers that they are, come out victorious for our nation.

“Many bear the badge of courage and bravery in the form of battle scars and deformities, while others are lucky to only have memories and stories to tell of their sacrifice to our beloved country,” he said.

Lagbaja enjoined the Nigerian Army personnel and their family members to renew their commitment to personal sacrifice for the growth and development of our great country, Nigeria.

“Your dedication is not unnoticed, and I assure you of my commitment to providing always the leadership you require to train, live, and fight well.

“Your efforts are crucial to our national security, and I assure you that your sacrifices will not go unnoticed.”

Lagbaja also commended President Bola Tinibu for his unwavering support and focused leadership.

He also appreciated the Minister of Defence, Minister of State for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff for their strategic guidance.

“I sincerely thank the Nigerian public for their unwavering belief in their Army and their continuous support.

“The Nigerian army looks forward to more formidable collaboration to end all forms of insecurity and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity and other democratic dividends,” Lagbaja said.

Source: NAN

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Two officers and four soldiers were lost to the ambush, however, Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated on Sunday in Abuja.

He stated that some of the terrorists’ equipment were recovered.

Nwachukwu added that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander “Operation Whirl Punch’’, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso, had sent condolences to the families of the deceased personnel on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff.

He stated that Maj.-Gen. Saraso had assured that the unfortunate loss of personnel would be avenged as troops were currently trailing terrorists who fled from the encounter.

Saraso also urged the people of Niger to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies would ensure their protection at all times.

“In line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army has contacted the Next-of-Kin of the fallen heroes while burial has been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the approval of their family members.

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“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

“Niger State’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, Maj.-Gen. Aligbe, Maj.-Gen. Saraso and other senior officers visited the two soldiers wounded in the ambush as they were receiving treatment at a military hospital.

“They also paid condolence visits to the families of the deceased.

“We urge the people of Niger and contiguous states to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops,’’ Nwachukwu stated.

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