Defence
Military neutralises 191 terrorists, apprehends 184 – DHQ
Military neutralises 191 terrorists, apprehends 184 – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters says troops of the Nigerian armed forces have eliminated 191 terrorists, apprehended 184 and rescued 91 kidnapped hostages in different operations across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, who made this known while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, said the operations were conducted in the last two weeks.
Buba said a total of 104 Boko Haram and Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists and their families also surrendered to troops across theatres of operation during the period.
In the Northeast, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai had conducted a series of clearance operations in Borno and Yobe, neutralising 17 terrorists, apprehending 12 and rescuing 17 kidnapped hostages.
Buba added that the troops were able to recover 40 AK47 rifles, 10 G3 rifles, one single barrel gun, one 36 hand grenade, five AK47 rifles loaded with 105 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, nine AK47 magazines, one G3 magazine and 546 rounds of .62mm special ammo.
He added that 192 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 130 rounds of 9mm ammo, 10 empty cases of 7.62mm NATO, four rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 18 mobile phones and the sum of N678,750 were also recovered.
In North Central, Buba said troops of Operation Safe Haven had neutralised five terrorists, arrested 24 and rescued nine kidnapped persons, as well as recovered a cache of arms.
He added that six daggers, three motorcycles, three mobile phones, three fragmental jackets, two Nigerian Police uniforms, one military camouflage trousers, one ammo magazine carrier, and one military-grade camel pouch among other items were recovered from the suspects.
The defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke conducted fighting patrol and raid on terrorists hideouts in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), neutralized six terrorists, arrested 62 and rescued nine kidnapped hostages.
He added that the troops also recovered one SMG, one G3 rifle, one unserviceable FN rifle, one locally made pistol, 1,060 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, four rounds of 9mm ammo, vehicles, one motorcycle and one mobile phone.
Buba further said that troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the Northwest also neutralised 18 bandits and terrorists, arrested eight and rescued 38 kidnapped hostages.
He said in addition to that, the troops were able to recover one PKT gun, five AK47 rifles, two AK47 rifles loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, 7 magazines, 215 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 5 cartridges, 11 motorcycles and three mobile phones.
Buba disclosed that troops of Operation Whirl Punch also eliminated three terrorists, arrested seven and rescued three hostages in Kaduna and Niger States during the period.
He said during the operations, one AK47 rifle, three rounds of 7.62mm special, two mobile phones, the sum of N5.4 million and other sundry items were recovered from the criminals.
(NAN)
President Bola Tinubu has announced the passing of Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Abiodun Lagbaja, who died at age 56.
According to a statement by the President’s spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, the Army Chief passed away on Tuesday night in Lagos after battling an illness.
In his message of condolence, President Tinubu extended heartfelt sympathies to Lagbaja’s family and the Nigerian Armed Forces, honoring his “significant contributions to the nation.”
The President wished the late General eternal peace and recognized his dedicated service during this difficult time for the military and the nation.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has refuted claims of an acting Chief of Army Staff (COAS), clarifying that no such appointment exists within the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.
Gusau emphasised that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, had spoken with the COAS, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, a few minutes prior to the statement, confirming that the Army Chief is currently enjoying a well-deserved rest as part of his 2024 annual leave.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria is professionally managed, and all Service Chiefs are performing their duties in line with the Constitution,” Gusau said.
He also clarified that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, the Chief of Policy and Plans, has been providing routine briefs to the COAS in accordance with standard military procedures.
Gusau urged individuals spreading false information to desist immediately, reassuring the public that “the COAS is hale and hearty and will soon resume normal duties after his leave.”
He further called on media outlets to verify information with appropriate authorities before disseminating false reports.
In a strong warning, Gusau noted that any calls for a military takeover are treasonous under the Constitution, adding that “The Armed Forces remain loyal to President Bola Tinubu’s administration and are committed to the preservation and advancement of democracy in Nigeria.”
He added that the relative peace currently enjoyed in the country is a direct result of President Tinubu’s support for the military and the leadership of the Armed Forces.
Gusau concluded by stating that the military, alongside relevant security agencies, has been mandated to act against any individuals or groups advocating unconstitutional changes in governance.
“The CDS appreciates the continued support and prayers of Nigerians. Victory is assured,” he said.
Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’
The Nigerian Army has firmly dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the death of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja.
The rumours, attributed to a post by one Jackson Ude, were labeled “Fake News” by the army on its official X handle on Sunday.
Speculations had spread that the Army Chief passed away in an undisclosed hospital abroad, with no official confirmation from the military or the Defence Headquarters.
In response, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director of Army Public Relations, clarified that the COAS is on leave and attending to his health outside the country.
“There is no leadership vacuum in the Nigerian Army,” Nwachukwu emphasised, adding that Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Ibrahim, Chief of Policy and Plans, is overseeing army affairs during Lagbaja’s absence.
He dismissed the rumours as mischievous, designed to cause panic and confusion.
“The Nigerian Army has a well-structured protocol for dealing with such situations, and this is not the first time a service chief has taken leave,” Nwachukwu explained.
The Army assured Nigerians that the service remains vigilant and fully prepared to safeguard the country’s security, while also expressing gratitude to those who have shown concern and prayed for Lagbaja’s swift recovery.
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