Tag: DHQ

  • Military won’t allow destruction of national assets – DHQ

    Military won’t allow destruction of national assets – DHQ

    Military High Command has reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria will not fold its arms and allow any individual or group of individuals to destroy the country’s critical national assets.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, stated this while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

    This followed the recent incidents of explosions on some crude oil pipelines in Rivers.

    Kangye said the military had been in the forefront of protecting the nation’s oil installations in the Niger Delta, adding that the commanding officers were focused on achieving the mandate.

    “The field commanders are aware of all that is happening in the field. So whatever has happened, they will interrogate it and come up with their findings.

    “It would be prejudicial for me to tell you this is the outcome of their findings, while they have not formulated their findings.

    “I want to tell you that there is no doubt the military will not hold their hands and allow some of our critical infrastructures to be destroyed by criminals.

    “That is why they are there, to protect those critical infrastructures,” he said.

    Kangye said the troops of Operation Delta Safe had in the last one week foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about N461.7 in the South South region.

    He added that a total of 247,629 litres of stolen crude oil and 198,374 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered during the week.

    According to him, troops discovered and destroyed 36 crude oil cooking ovens, 42 dugout pits, 28 boats, 33 storage tanks, 65 drums and 21 illegal refining sites.

    “Other items recovered include pumping machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and some vehicles amongst others.

    “Furthermore, 17 oil thieves and other criminals were arrested while assorted arms and ammunition as well as one extra magazine were also recovered,” he said.

  • Defence Headquarters Labels Bandit Leader Bello Turji a ‘Coward,’ Says His Days Are Numbered

    Defence Headquarters Labels Bandit Leader Bello Turji a ‘Coward,’ Says His Days Are Numbered

    Bello Turji

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared Bello Turji, a notorious bandit leader, a coward whose end is near after troops of Operation Fansan Yamma raided his hideouts, killing his son and several of his fighters during clearance operations in Zamfara State.

    In a statement issued by Major-General Edward Buba, the DHQ’s Director of Media Operations, the military highlighted Turji’s desperation as he flees from one location to another, seeking assistance from other bandit commanders.

    “On January 17, 2025, a coordinated operation between troops of Operation Fansan Yamma as well as the air component conducted clearance operations along the Shinkafi, Kagara, Fakai, Moriki, Maiwa, and Chindo axis,” Buba stated.

    “The operations killed scores of terrorists, including notorious terrorist leader Bello Turji’s son, on Fakai high ground, where the terrorists were hiding. The intensity of troops’ firepower resulted in high terrorist casualties and their logistics hub destroyed.”

    The statement also noted that Turji abandoned his son and fighters during the military raid, describing his actions as cowardly.

    “The terrorist leader, Bello Turji, in a gross cowardly act, escaped, abandoning his son and combatants. I want to remind him that his days are numbered,” Buba declared.

    The operation also led to the rescue of kidnapped hostages held by Turji and the destruction of his camps in multiple locations, including ShinkafiKagara, and Chindo.

    In a related operation, troops dismantled another terrorist camp led by Idi Mallam along the Zango Kagara Forest, neutralizing three terrorists and arresting three suspected collaborators.

    Recovered items included:

    • Two machine guns
    • One AK47 rifle with a magazine containing 11 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition
    • 61 rustled cattle
    • 44 sheep

    The DHQ reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of citizens nationwide, vowing to sustain the offensive against terrorists.

    “Troops are sustaining the onslaught against the terrorist. Overall, troops continue to demonstrate commitment to the safety and protection of all citizens nationwide,” the statement concluded.

  • DHQ Blames Sahelian Fighters, Local Collaborators for Borno Attacks

    DHQ Blames Sahelian Fighters, Local Collaborators for Borno Attacks

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has pledged to intensify its fight against terrorism and its collaborators following a resurgence of attacks in Borno State attributed to foreign agents and local informants aiding the insurgents.

    Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, DHQ spokesperson, revealed that the recent wave of attacks in the North-East is linked to an influx of foreign fighters from the Sahelian region, who are bolstering the ranks of terrorists operating in the area.

    “I will say that the resurgence of these attacks by these terrorists is attributable to an influx of foreign fighters that come in as reinforcement for these terrorists. These foreign fighters are from the Sahelian region, and this situation is made worse by local collaborators that form a support base for these terrorists,” General Buba stated.

    He further noted that the collaborators act as informants, providing critical intelligence on troop movements to the terrorists. Despite the challenges, Buba reassured Nigerians of the military’s unwavering commitment to combating terrorism.

    “Troops are profoundly cautious of their role and responsibilities in fighting insurgency across the nation,” he added.

    Recent Attacks in Borno State

    Buba acknowledged recent attacks in the DamboaChibok, and Gwoza areas of Borno State. He disclosed that an ambush by Boko Haram insurgents in Baga, near Lake Chad, resulted in casualties, with several military personnel missing.

    Reports indicate that soldiers were ambushed while attempting to recover the bodies of 40 civilians who had been killed by the insurgents. A fierce gun battle ensued, resulting in additional losses of military personnel.