Observers Times

Tag: Troops

  • Bandits Abduct Kebbi High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Bunza

    Bandits Abduct Kebbi High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Bunza

     

    Gunmen suspected to be bandits have abducted a Kebbi State High Court Judge, Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza.

    The judge was reportedly seized in the early hours of Sunday at his residence along Zogirma Road in the Bunza Local Government Area of the state.

    Sources told our correspondent that the attack occurred around midnight on Saturday, shortly after the judge returned from a trip to Sokoto.

    “He had just returned from Sokoto when the gunmen stormed his residence and took him away,” a source said. He added that while the attackers fired shots sporadically to intimidate residents, no one else in the household was harmed.

    The source further noted that the incident was immediately reported to the relevant authorities, including the leadership of the State High Court.

    The Kebbi State Police Command has confirmed the abduction. Speaking to our correspondent, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Bashir Usman, said: “I can confirm that Hon. Justice Faruku Hassan Bunza was abducted from his residence in Bunza around midnight.”

    The PPRO stated that upon receiving the report, the Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Muhammad Hadejia, immediately deployed tactical and intelligence operatives to ensure a safe rescue.

    “As we speak, our personnel are combing identified locations, including forest areas, to ensure the judge is rescued alive and unharmed,” SP Usman added.

    Reacting to the development, a senior official of the Kebbi State High Court, who pleaded anonymity, described the incident as a “disturbing and painful” moment for the judiciary.

    “I am not authorized to speak formally, but it is very disturbing to hear that one of our judges was abducted at his residence,” he said. He added that the High Court management has already met with heads of security agencies in the state to strategize on securing his immediate release.

    As of the time of filing this report, no group has claimed responsibility for the abduction.

  • Nigerian Troops Kill 1,000 Terrorists in North-east Operations – Official

    Nigerian Troops Kill 1,000 Terrorists in North-east Operations – Official

    Troops of the Nigerian Military Joint Task Force have killed over 1,000 terrorists, including 57 Commanders and leaders in operations in the North-east in the past three months.

    Maj.-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the Theatre Commander, Joint Task Force North-east Operation Hadin Kai, provided the figures while briefing newsmen on the command’s significant progress in the counter-terrorism war on Tuesday in Maiduguri.

    Abdulsalam stated that the ongoing efforts have resulted in an insignificant reduction in insurgent activities in the region.

    He, however, stressed the need for unity and patriotism across all sectors, especially the media in tackling misinformation and fake news-related issues concerning the military operations in the region.

    The theatre commander stated further that the command had witnessed a decline in the number of terrorists that surrendered when compared with the 16,000 insurgents who surrendered in 2023.

    He, however, emphasised the importance of community engagement and intelligence gathering toward disrupting the terrorists’ networks.

    The theatre commander further expressed the command’s determination to continue with its non-kinetic strategies to address the infiltration of the terrorists into civilian communities.

    He said that more attention and support would be given to the communities in the areas of education, infrastructure development, and community outreach in order to sustain peace.

    He assured Nigerians that the military remains committed to protecting lives and property.

     

    (NAN)

  • Troops Arrest Gunrunner, Dismantle Criminal Network in South-East

    Troops Arrest Gunrunner, Dismantle Criminal Network in South-East

    The Nigerian Army has stepped up security operations in the South-East under Operation UDO KA, leading to the arrest of a suspected gunrunner, the disruption of an ambush, and raids on criminal hideouts in Abia and Imo states.

    According to an operational update released on Tuesday, troops working alongside other security agencies apprehended the suspect in Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State. Initial findings indicate that the individual was part of a network transporting arms to criminal groups through an intermediary based in Bayelsa State.

    Military authorities said efforts are ongoing to trace the weapons and dismantle the wider supply chain linked to the suspect.oo

    In a separate incident, troops came under attack while inspecting a burnt vehicle along the SPDC–Etekuru road in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State. The soldiers responded by securing the area, where they recovered two burnt vehicles and two bodies. The remains were evacuated for further procedures.

    Further operations in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State led to a joint raid by troops and local vigilantes on a suspected cultist hideout. Five suspects were arrested during the operation.

    One of those detained has reportedly agreed to assist security forces in locating a suspected armoury in the area.

    The Army said the operations highlight continued efforts to break up criminal networks and improve security across the region.

  • Troops Kill Four Suspected Terrorists in Katsina

    Troops Kill Four Suspected Terrorists in Katsina

    Troops of the 17 Brigade in Katsina have killed four suspected terrorists during a combat operation along the Turare–Yantumaki Road in the state.

     

    This is contained in a statement issued in Katsina on Saturday by Nasir Mu’azu, Commissioner for International Security and Home Affairs.

     

    He said the operation happened on Friday when the troops came under attack before swiftly repelling the assault.

     

    According to him, the success is a strategic setback for the network of a feared kingpin, Muhammadu Fulani, whose operations have terrorised parts of Matazu, Musawa, Charanchi, and Kankia.

     

    Mr Mu’azu listed items recovered from the scene to include an AK-47 rifle with ammunition, two motorcycles, multiple mobile phones, and cash amounting to ₦153,400.

     

    “Some of the seized phones contained images of the suspects clad in military gear, now handed over for forensic analysis.

     

    “Preliminary intelligence identified the neutralised suspects as Bishir Holami, Jamilu Baki, Ibrahim Doro, and Abdurraman Maje.

     

    “Figures linked to a string of deadly attacks across Gobirawa, Raddawa, Kuki, and surrounding communities in Dutsinma and Matazu local government areas,” he said.

     

    The commissioner described the development as a major operational success, underscoring the intensified crackdown on armed groups in the region, adding that the offensive against banditry would continue until peace is fully restored across the state.

     

    He further urged residents to remain vigilant and sustain cooperation with security agencies, as community intelligence continues to play a critical role in ongoing operations.

     

    The commissioner assured that the government would further strengthen support for security forces to ensure that criminal elements are decisively rooted out of Katsina.

     

    (NAN)

  • Army Chief Urges Better Healthcare, Welfare For Troops

    Army Chief Urges Better Healthcare, Welfare For Troops

     

    The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Waidi Shaibu, has said there’s a need for integrated administrative protocols and stronger inter-agency collaboration to enhance medical services and the overall welfare of Nigerian Army personnel.

    Mr Shaibu made this known on Tuesday in Abuja while receiving the managing director and chief executive officer of Defence Health Maintenance Limited (DHML), Azeeze Afolayan, during a courtesy visit to the Army Headquarters.

    This is contained in a statement by the acting director of army public relations, Appolonia Anele, on Tuesday in Abuja.

    The COAS said the increasing complexity of military operations across the country required a responsive and modern healthcare system capable of sustaining both the physical and mental readiness of troops.

    He emphasised that personnel welfare must go beyond active service, noting that the Nigerian Army remained committed to the well-being of its veterans.

    “Retirement often comes with socio-economic challenges. The man must survive after years of dedicated service.

    “Our responsibility to personnel does not end when they leave the colours,” he said.

    Mr Shaibu also highlighted the importance of institutional memory, describing Mr Afolayan as an “insider” whose continued contributions after retirement reflect the value of experience in strengthening military systems.

    Earlier, Mr Afolayan called for the institutionalisation of standard operating procedures (SOPs) in human resources and administrative units within military medical services.

    He said standardised processes and documentation were essential for efficient healthcare delivery, stressing the need to move away from ad-hoc systems to structured, policy-driven operations.

    According to him, accurate personnel data management and administrative efficiency are critical to ensuring timely medical support for troops and their families.

    Mr Afolayan further outlined a framework for optimising the use of secondary care providers (SCPs), noting that expanding such facilities would enhance the distribution of medical personnel and improve access to specialised care.

    He added that leveraging well-equipped SCPs would enable the army to deliver cost-effective and efficient healthcare services, particularly for personnel deployed in operational theatres.

    (NAN)

  • COAS Hails Troops’ Discipline, Professionalism, Urges Continued Operational Readiness

    COAS Hails Troops’ Discipline, Professionalism, Urges Continued Operational Readiness

    The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, has described discipline and operational readiness among troops of the Nigerian Army as critical elements towards the success of all its operations.

    Mr Shaibu said this during an operational visit to the 33 Artillery Brigade, Shadawanka Barracks, Bauchi State.

    The COAS, who stressed that discipline must remain the cornerstone of military service, noted that actions and conduct of personnel must reflect integrity, professionalism and accountability at all times.

    He said, “Take pride in what you are doing; your actions must reflect discipline and integrity, not just in words but in conduct.”

    He urged troops to continually evaluate their performance and ensure its alignment with assigned responsibilities.

    Mr Shaibu added that adherence to established procedures and accurate documentation were essential to effective operations.

    The army chief also highlighted the need for sustained operational readiness among troops.

    He noted that troops must be prepared at all times to respond to emerging security challenges.

    “You have been equipped with knowledge and capability, it is important that you understand how to use them effectively,” he said.

    The COAS further urged personnel to maximise their training and available resources.

    Shaibu commended troops serving in difficult and remote areas for their resilience and dedication, describing their contributions as vital to maintaining security across the country.

    He further called on commanding officers to provide clear leadership and ensure that troops remain focused, alert and prepared for upcoming operations.

    Mr Shaibu stressed that timely communication and situational awareness were crucial to operational success.

    (NAN)

  • Troops Arrest Three, Recover AK-47, Ammunition in Benue

    Troops Arrest Three, Recover AK-47, Ammunition in Benue

     

    Troops of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) Intervention Battalion XI under Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have arrested three suspects and recovered an AK-47 and ammunition in Benue.

    Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer for Headquarters OPWS, made the disclosure in a statement made available to journalists on Friday in Makurdi.

    Mr Zubairu said that the suspects were arrested on 26th March in Agasha, Guma Local Government, during their pre-wet season operation.

    The spokesperson stated that the troops, who acted on intelligence, swiftly cordoned the area and arrested Sule Ibrahim and Salmanu Risko, both from Nasarawa State, as well as Abdulkareem Haruna from Jos, Plateau.

    “Items recovered during the operation include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, twenty-seven rounds of 7.62mm x 39 ammunition, a Tecno mobile phone, a cutlass, ten sachets of alcohol, and assorted charms.

    “The suspects are in troops’ custody for preliminary investigation and subsequent prosecution by the appropriate authorities,” he said.

    He said the troops have continued to maintain an aggressive operational posture across the area, dominating the environment to deny criminal elements freedom of action and to enhance security ahead of the farming season.

    Mr Zubairu added that OPWS Commander, Moses Gara, has commended the troops for their professionalism, resilience, and continued sacrifice in safeguarding law-abiding citizens in their areas of responsibility.

    (NAN)

  • Troops Clear Explosive Devices, Reopen Key Imo Road

    Troops Clear Explosive Devices, Reopen Key Imo Road

    Troops operating under the 34 Artillery Brigade have reopened the Lilu–Eketutu Road between the boundaries of Anambra and Imo states, which was shut for three years due to the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

    The troop, in collaboration with personnel of the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force, State Security Service, Nigeria Police, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, “also destroyed IPOB’s Eastern Security Network (ESN) bomb factory in Imo.”

    This was contained in a statement on Friday by Olabisi Ayeni, the acting deputy director of army public relations for the 82 Division of the Nigerian Army.

    Mr Ayeni noted that the operations, conducted in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley and Orsu–Ihiteukwa general areas, were part of ongoing efforts to eliminate improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by criminal elements.

    He said the operations were also meant to facilitate the safe return of residents who were forced to abandon their homes due to the activities of the proscribed IPOB and its armed affiliate, ESN.

    According to him, in one of the operations, troops operating under the 34 Artillery Brigade conducted a joint clearance operation along the Lilu–Eketutu Road in the Orsu–Eketutu Mother Valley area of Imo on March 6.

    “The road, which serves as a strategic route that functions as the community’s lifeline, enabling the flow of people, goods, and services for surrounding communities, had been abandoned for over three years.

    “This is due to persistent threats and attacks by IPOB/ESN militants. During the operations, troops discovered IEDs planted in different areas along the road.

    “The IEDs were successfully disconnected and safely recovered by explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) specialists, preventing potential casualties and restoring access to the route,” he said.

    Mr Ayeni said that in a related operation, on March 11, troops conducted a clearance operation in the Orsu–Ihiteukwa area, clearing suspected IED locations along key routes to enhance security and enable displaced inhabitants to return safely to their homes.

    He said, “During the operation, several IEDs were detonated along the route of advance. Despite the series of explosions, troops maintained operational momentum and discovered an IPOB/ESN IED-making factory within the area.

    “The facility was thoroughly exploited, leading to the recovery of several items, including Biafran flags and insignia, several rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, and pipes used for priming IEDs.

    “Other items recovered included pistol magazines containing rounds of ammunition, double-barrel guns, and CCTV cameras, as well as multiple clips and electrical wires suspected to have been used in the fabrication of explosive devices.”

    The army spokesman said that, additionally, EOD teams discovered many other IEDs concealed within the area; the explosives were carefully disconnected, recovered, and safely destroyed.

    He said the Nigerian Army was committed to sustaining pressure on criminal networks threatening peace and security across Imo and Anambra States and the entire South-East.

    “Members of the public are requested to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, as community cooperation is vital to dismantling criminal syndicates and restoring lasting peace,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • Troops Foil Terrorist Attack in Borno, Reassure Ngoshe Community of Safety

    Troops Foil Terrorist Attack in Borno, Reassure Ngoshe Community of Safety

     

    Troops of the Nigerian Army under the Joint Task Force North East, Operation HADIN KAI, have repelled a terrorist attack on a military position in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, restoring control of the location after a swift counter-offensive.

    In a statement signed by Lieutenant Colonel Sani Uba, Media Information Officer at the Headquarters Joint Task Force (North East) Operation HADIN KAI, on 11 March 2026, the terrorists have launched an attack on the military position on March 3.

    According to the statement, reinforcement teams drawn from the Forward Operating Base in Pulka and the 151 Battalion were immediately mobilised to support troops at the location.

    “During the reinforcement operation, the leading Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle encountered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) which damaged two tyres. Undeterred, troops continued the advance to the location,” the statement said.

     

    It added that a special reinforcement team led by the Commander of the 26 Task Force Brigade in Gwoza, under Sector 1 of Operation HADIN KAI, Brigadier General Nasirudeen Abdullahi, later arrived at the scene and coordinated a counter-attack that forced the terrorists to withdraw from the area.

    During the exchange of fire and subsequent pursuit of the fleeing insurgents, troops recovered three AK-47 rifles and a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG) barrel.

    The statement further noted that the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI provided heavy air support during the operation, neutralising several of the terrorists.

    Following the successful reoccupation of the location and subsequent clearance operations in the area, Brigadier General Abdullahi addressed the troops, commending their gallantry and resilience.

    He urged them to sustain aggressive operations to further degrade terrorist elements operating within the general area.

    The military authorities said troops of Operation HADIN KAI remain resolute in denying terrorists freedom of action and will continue to conduct sustained operations aimed at ensuring lasting peace, security and economic stability across the North East.

    According to the statement, the morale of troops remains high and operations in the theatre are ongoing.

  • Troops Kill Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Automatic Weapon in Benue

    Troops Kill Two Suspected Terrorists, Recover Automatic Weapon in Benue

    Troops of Sector 1 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), on Monday, killed two terrorists in Benue and recovered an automatic rifle.

    Lieutenant Ahmad Zubairu, acting media information officer, OPWS Headquarters Makurdi, confirmed this in a statement in Makurdi.

    Mr Zubairu said the troops achieved the feat during a combined confidence-building and fighting patrol along the Katsina-Ala–Zaki Biam Road.

    The media and information officer said they acted on credible intelligence provided by the locals and swiftly mobilised to the scene in conjunction with operatives of the Benue State Civil Protection Guard.

    “Upon arrival at the identified location, troops made contact with the suspected bandits.

    “In the ensuing engagement, two of the terrorists were neutralised, while others fled into the surrounding bush with possible gunshot wounds.

    “The troops exploited the area and recovered one AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pair of green camouflage uniforms abandoned by the fleeing criminals,” he said.

    Mr Zubairu quoted the Commander of OPWS, Major-General Moses Gara, as having commended the gallantry, professionalism, and swift response of the troops.

    Mr Gara said their proactive posture and commitment to duty continue to yield positive results in the fight against terrorism and banditry.

    The commander expressed appreciation to members of the local communities for providing timely and actionable intelligence, which remained critical to operational success.

    He encouraged residents to sustain their cooperation with security agencies and assured them of the military’s unwavering resolve to safeguard lives and property.

    (NAN)