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Troops neutralise 147, apprehend 381 suspects in 1 week – DHQ

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DHQ Dismisses Claims of Ag COAS, Warns Against Military Takeover Rumours

The Nigerian military in the last week eliminated 147 terrorists, apprehended 381 suspects and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages across the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops recovered 74 assorted weapons and 3,498 ammunition, comprising one dushka, one RPG bomb, one RPG charger, 42 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, and 13 Dane guns.

“Also recovered are one FN rifle, one revolver pistol, one locally made pistol, 27 magazines, one AK47 dummy rifle, one AK47 top cover and one baofeng radio.

“Others are 288 rounds RG55 ammo, 40 rounds CJ95 ammo, 2,466 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 470 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 73 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, and 112 rounds of 7.62x39mm.

“They also include 42 live cartridges, six vehicles, 32 motorcycles and eight mobile phones amongst other items.

“During the week under review, troops neutralised 147 and arrested 381 persons. Troops also arrested 23 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages,’’ he said.

In the North East, Buba said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai, neutralised 81 terrorists, arrested 52 suspects, and rescued 34 kidnapped hostages.

He said that a total of 94 terrorists comprising 19 adult males, 26 adult females, and 49 children, surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

In the North Central, Buba said troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke, neutralised 17 insurgents, arrested 101 violent extremists, and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages within the week.

In North West, he said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch neutralised 39 terrorists, apprehended 192 suspects, and rescued 50 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms.

In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered 920,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 88,760 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 7,500 litres of PMS.

He added that troops discovered and destroyed 15 dugout pits, 17 boats, 62 drums, one receiver, and 27 storage tanks as well as 84 illegal refining sites.

“Troops neutralised one terrorist and apprehended 23 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists and also recovered nine assorted weapons, 10 magazines, and 63 assorted ammunitions,’’ he said.

In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised nine terrorists, arrested eight violent extremists and rescued six kidnapped hostages as well as recovered weapons.

In the southwest, he said the troops of Operation AWATSE apprehended five violent extremists and recovered four AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, amongst others.

According to him, the recently rejigged war against crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta has begun to yield a noticeable increase in the nation’s crude oil production.

“Though we are not yet where we want to be in terms of daily crude oil production, troops will sustain the renewed vigour and momentum till the crude oil production target is achieved and exceeded.

“Overall, we are constantly assessing our actions, adjusting and amending our operations in order annihilate terrorists across.

“Accordingly, troops are working decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens across the country.

“Citizens are urged to note that, winning the war depends not only on the military, weapons, and finances,’’ he said.

(NAN)

Defence

DHQ Dismisses Claims of Ag COAS, Warns Against Military Takeover Rumours

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DHQ Dismisses Claims of Ag COAS, Warns Against Military Takeover Rumours

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.

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Defence

Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as ‘Mischief’

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Nigerian Army Debunks Rumoured Death of COAS Lagbaja, Labels Reports as 'Mischief'

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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DICON Refutes Allegations of Promotion Exclusion, Calls Claims Baseless

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DICON Refutes Allegations of Promotion Exclusion, Calls Claims Baseless

The Defence Industries Corporation of Nigeria (DICON) has strongly denied allegations that certain staff were deliberately excluded from its 2024 promotion list.

The claims, made by an online media outlet, suggested that the exclusion was a result of staff participation in an April protest.

In a statement issued on Tuesday in Kaduna, DICON’s Deputy Director of Information and Media, Maj. Haruna Sani, dismissed the accusations as “misleading” and called for them to be disregarded.

“The management of DICON has taken note of the unfounded allegations published against the noble image of the corporation by an online media outlet on Oct. 14,” Sani said.

“These allegations alleged that DICON leadership directed the exclusion of certain DICON staff members from the 2024 promotion list due to their participation in a staff protest held in April,” he added.

Sani emphasised that DICON operates under strict adherence to Public Service Regulations, with promotion decisions handled by independent committees composed of civilian members.

“The DG and DICON management only approve recommendations made by these committees based on objective assessments,” he noted.

He further clarified that DICON has no role in the enrollment of staff into the Integrated Personnel Payroll System (IPPIS), which falls under the Federal Government’s purview.

“The current DG did not invent these existing systems on assumption of office but has ensured that allowances due to DICON staff are paid,” Sani explained.

Addressing accusations of tribalism against the Director-General, Sani described them as “wholly unfounded.”

He pointed out that the DG’s personal staff and aides come from diverse states across Nigeria, including Oyo, Kebbi, Kogi, and Plateau, with none from Akwa Ibom.

“This diverse representation indicates a commitment to competence, inclusivity, and fairness, for which the DG DICON is widely known,” Sani added.

Regarding the exclusion of 46 staff from this year’s promotion list, Sani revealed that these individuals had been disciplined for absenteeism and violations of the DICON Act 2023.

“These personnel were absent for over two weeks without valid justification,” he said, adding that some of them admitted to participating in the April strike.

Sani also dismissed allegations that a factory fire on the eve of the March 2023 protest was orchestrated to distract from staff grievances as “utterly ludicrous.”

“No sensible individual would risk compromising an establishment that employs over 800 people,” he remarked.

On the matter of unpaid 2019 minimum wage arrears and promotion arrears, Sani stressed that these issues are the responsibility of the Federal Government, and DICON has submitted all required documentation for approval.

He concluded by urging DICON staff to remain disciplined and committed to the corporation’s objectives, while advising the media to verify claims before publication.

“DICON staff are encouraged to renew their commitment and collaboration in achieving DICON’s objectives,” Sani said.

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