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Tag: Nigerian Army Defence

  • Rivers: State of emergency may lead to ‘guerrilla warfare’, host communities warn

    Rivers: State of emergency may lead to ‘guerrilla warfare’, host communities warn

    Less than 24 hours after the declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, oil and gas-producing communities in the Niger Delta have warned that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s decision could trigger guerrilla warfare in the region.

    The communities expressed concerns that the recent bombing of the major Trans-Niger oil pipeline in Bodo, Gokana Local Government Area of Ogoni, Rivers State, on Tuesday may be linked to aggrieved ex-militant leaders who feel sidelined in the pipeline surveillance contracts.

    Speaking exclusively to Vanguard on Wednesday, Joseph Ambakaderimo, Chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Community Development Committees (CDC) of Niger Delta Oil and Gas-Producing Areas, cautioned that the political crisis in Rivers State could spiral into an economic crisis if not handled with tact and diplomacy.

    Ambakaderimo criticized President Tinubu’s decision, arguing that the situation was still manageable and did not warrant a state of emergency.

    “A state of emergency can lead to guerrilla warfare, and this country is not ready for such a dire situation,” he warned.

    He alleged that some ex-militants involved in pipeline surveillance contracts had been sidelined and might have taken advantage of the crisis in Rivers State to sabotage the pipeline as a means of drawing attention to their grievances.

    “This is why I urge the federal government to urgently review the contracts to ensure inclusivity and fairness for all stakeholders. Reports indicate that out of Train Six of the NLNG, only two are currently operational, which has led to a shortfall in gas supply.

    “If crude oil production suffers a similar fate, the consequences for the national economy will be disastrous. The government must reassess its approach to these contracts, possibly engaging the CDC to mediate with affected groups and communities,” he stated.

    Despite the declaration of a state of emergency, Ambakaderimo called on Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara to seek dialogue with President Tinubu through senior statesmen in a bid to reverse the decision.

    He also condemned the 27 lawmakers in the state for disregarding the Supreme Court’s judgment and prioritizing their own political interests by attempting to impeach Governor Fubara at the behest of their political leader, Nyesom Wike.

    “Governor Fubara has been the only one trying to implement the court’s judgment, even at his own detriment. However, the lawmakers pursued a different agenda—to remove him from office. They outrightly ignored the Supreme Court’s ruling and even refused to accept the budget from the Governor.

    “For me, a state of emergency could lead to a full-blown guerrilla conflict, further exacerbating the crisis. If this happens, daily crude oil production will decline, which would be disastrous for the country’s economy,” he warned.

    Ambakaderimo emphasized that President Tinubu should reconsider his decision, arguing that doing so would align with his administration’s broader goal of ensuring peace and boosting oil production.

    “Rescinding the state of emergency would be a demonstration of the President’s commitment to peace and economic stability. Otherwise, it could amount to shooting himself in the foot,” he concluded.

  • Army kills 3 terrorist’s in ambush operation, seize cache of arms, ammunition

    Army kills 3 terrorist’s in ambush operation, seize cache of arms, ammunition

    KADUNA—Soldiers of 1 division, Nigerian Army under Sector 4, Operation Fasan Yamma, have 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 Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The well-coordinated operation which was conducted on Tuesday, resulted in a shootout with several other terrorists fleeing with gunshot wounds.

    A statement by 1 division, Kaduna said: “Acting on credible intelligence regarding sighting the movements of the VEIs near Ngwagi Hill, troops were immediately deployed on long-range fighting patrol to the likely road-crossing point of the insurgents.

    “The troops got into location about 5.30p.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 by 39 special ammunition and 88 rounds of 7.62mm by 54 NATO ammunition.

    “Other items recovered were one Infinix mobile phone, medical supplies, clothing, and dry rations.

    “The success of the operation is 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.

    “The General Officer Commanding 1 Division Nigerian Army and Commander Sector 1 Joint Task Force Operation Fansan Yamma, Major General Mayirenso Saraso has applauded and commended the troops for their resilience and successful conduct of the operation.

    “He charged the troops not to relent on their oars until all criminal elements operating in the Division and the Sector’s Area of Operational Responsibility are neutralized.”

  • Seven rescued as troops repel terrorist attack on Gov Zulum’s convoy

    Seven rescued as troops repel terrorist attack on Gov Zulum’s convoy

    Troops attached to the convoy of Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State successfully repelled an attempted Boko Haram terrorist attack along the Buni Gari-Buni Yadi road on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication, an unconfirmed number of terrorists were killed during the fight that ensued between the troops and the terrorists.

    Seven abducted travelers were also rescued during the gunfight.

    The publication, citing intelligence sources, reported that the convoy included troops from Operation Hadin Kai, the Police Crack Team, and top government officials.

    They were said to be returning from Biu LGA of Borno when the terrorists attempted to abduct travelers from a Volkswagen car.

    Upon sighting the terrorists, the troops immediately engaged them in a gun battle, forcing the insurgents to abandon the kidnapped victims.

    Governor Zulum was not in the convoy at the time of the attack. According to Makama, the governor had traveled by helicopter earlier.

    Despite the confrontation, the travellers were successfully rescued unharmed, and all personnel in the convoy emerged unscathed.

    After repelling the attack, the troops recovered weapons and motorcycles.

  • Jubilation as FG grants civil war veterans’ pension request

    Jubilation as FG grants civil war veterans’ pension request

    The Federal Government has considered enrolling retired soldiers who fought on the Nigerian side during the Civil War into the military pension payroll.

    For over 40 years, the retirees have staged multiple protests and written several petitions demanding their inclusion in the military pension payroll.

    The ex-soldiers were enraged after the Federal Government forgave retired soldiers who fought on the Biafran side and enrolled them in the military pension payroll.

    However, in an interview with our correspondent on Monday, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees, Retired Members of the Nigerian Armed Forces, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, stated that 63 Nigerian Army veterans who were not initially captured in the Military Pensions Board payroll have now been considered.

    He said, “A significant breakthrough has been achieved as veterans of the 63NA battalion who fought on the Nigerian side during the Civil War are now being considered for enrollment into the military pension payroll. This aligns with previous efforts to integrate their Biafran counterparts, who were earlier granted similar benefits.”

    He appreciated President Bola Tinubu and the leadership of the Ministry of Defence, including the Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru; the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa; and the Chairman of the Military Pensions Board, Air Vice Marshal Paul Irumheson.

    He noted that aside from considering Civil War veterans, they have ensured timely and consistent pension payments, introduced a new approach to veterans’ engagement, and established a ministerial standing committee dedicated to bridging the gap between the Federal Government, the Ministry of Defence, the Defence Headquarters, and the Military Pensions Board.

    Also confirming the development, the national coordinator of the soldiers who fought on the government side during the Civil War, Phillip Babawande, commended the President and the Minister of Defence for considering them.

    He urged the authorities to expedite action on the process to ensure payments commence without delay.

    Babawande said, “We, the Civil War veterans, sincerely appreciate President Bola Tinubu, the Ministers of Defence, and the Coalition of Concerned Veterans for considering our inclusion in the military pension payroll. It has been a long and arduous journey, and we are grateful that our efforts have finally yielded results.

    “However, we urge the authorities to expedite the verification process and other necessary procedures to ensure that payments begin without delay. This will bring much-needed relief and joy to our members, many of whom have endured years of struggle.”

  • Army eliminates 10 Boko Haram terrorists, recovers cache of arms in Bama

    Army eliminates 10 Boko Haram terrorists, recovers cache of arms in Bama

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have dealt a significant blow to terrorist elements, neutralizing 10 Boko Haram fighters and recovering a cache of automatic firearms during a daring raid on their stronghold in Borno State.

    The operation also led to the arrest of a key terrorist collaborator notorious for extorting ransom payments on behalf of terrorists and bandits.

    In a statement, the Army said, “On 17 February 2025, troops operating in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State executed a high-impact raid deep inside Iza forest, a known terrorist enclave.

    “Overwhelmed by the superior firepower of the troops, 10 Boko Haram fighters were neutralized, while others fled in disarray.

    “A thorough mop-up operation in the area led to the recovery of two AK-47 rifles and two magazines loaded with ammunition.”

    In another decisive strike, troops deployed in Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State, acting on credible intelligence, staged a lethal ambush at a known bandits’ crossing in Tunfa village.

    The ambush resulted in the neutralization of one terrorist and the capture of a high-value suspect who facilitates ransom payments for the notorious Sani Black terrorist faction.

    Based on the suspect’s confession, troops stormed the bandits’ hideout in Tunga village, a criminal hub for selling rustled cattle. Multiple suspects were apprehended, and all bandit infrastructure in the area was destroyed.

    Further intensifying counterterrorism efforts, troops, acting on precise human intelligence, apprehended a suspected terrorist at Illela Market in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    Commending the troops for their dedication and operational efficiency, the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant Ge

    neral Olufemi Oluyede, reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, banditry, and other criminal activities from troubled parts of the country.

    He urged patriotic citizens to continue supporting the troops by providing credible information in the collective fight to rid Nigeria of all terrorist elements.

  • Abubakar Aliyu makes history as 2nd general in Nigerian Army to jump from moving plane

    Abubakar Aliyu makes history as 2nd general in Nigerian Army to jump from moving plane

    Gen. Abubakar Aliyu has made history by being the second General in the Nigerian Army to Jump from a moving plane at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports this feat was achieved in a remarkable display of leadership and bravery.

    Aliyu, has, therefore, achieved a historic airborne feat, matching the accomplishment of former Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen. KTJ Minimah.

    As the Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry,  Minimah had been the most senior Nigerian Army officer to execute a parachute jump.

    Aliyu’s jump was more than just a personal achievement; it demonstrated his commitment to the future of the Nigerian Army.

    He was not alone in this feat, as cadets from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) joined him.

    This marked their first parachute jump and the beginning of their careers as officers in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

    By leading from the front,  Aliyu reaffirmed the Nigerian Army’s enduring ethos: ‘No Guts, no Glory’.

    This moment was not just an airborne jump, but a lesson in leadership.

    Be said, “For the cadets who jumped alongside me, this experience will be unforgettable, instilling confidence, courage, and a deep understanding of true leadership.”

    Aliyu’s action embodies the spirit of the Nigerian Army, where leaders do not just issue orders, but share in the challenges and triumphs of those they lead.

    NAN reports that as the Nigerian Army continues to shape its future leaders, Aliyu’s historic jump will serve as a lasting inspiration.

    It is a reminder that leadership is about stepping forward into the unknown, with those who will one day take up the mantle.

  • 46 soldiers killed as militants attack Nigerien military base

    46 soldiers killed as militants attack Nigerien military base

    At least 46 soldiers of the Nigerien defense and security forces, SDF, were reported killed in an attack by militants of the Islamic State in the Greater Sahara, EIGS, weekend.

    According to Zagazola Makama, a counter-insurgency publication focused on the Lake Chad region, the attack targeted an SDF position in Iknewane, Tilia department, near the Mali border in Niger’s Tahoua region.

    The publication described the attack as a large-scale and highly intense coordinated operation that caught the military by surprise.

    It said the attackers, who reportedly were heavily armed and in large numbers, overran the base and destroyed nine of the 16 military vehicles stationed there.

    Zagazola added that the militants looted weapons and ammunition, noting that a dozen soldiers were reportedly taken hostage, while several others remained missing.

    A military convoy of about 20 vehicles from the Niger Armed Forces, FAN, and another from the National Guard, GNN, have been deployed from Tahoua to conduct operations in the area.

    The attack on the Iknewane position was not the first time. On September 18, 2024, EIGS militants carried out a similar attack which led to the death of at least 24 soldiers.

    The Tahoua region, particularly areas bordering Mali, has seen a rise in militant violence.

    The Nigerien government continues to face security challenges in its border regions, with armed groups launching frequent attacks on military and civilian targets.

    Recall that Boko Haram and ISWAP militants also killed at least 22 Nigeria soldiers, including a commander and two senior officers, in the border region between Borno State and Lake Chad over a week ago, while 70 of the terrorists were also killed by the Nigerian military.