No Repentant Boko Haram Has Been Absorbed In Nigerian Military – Presidency

File photo of repentant Boko Haram terrorists.

The presidency has debunked reports suggesting that repentant Boko Haram terrorists are being recruited into the Nigerian military.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, says no ex-terrorist is absorbed into the military.

This comes amid an allegation made by Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum that his convoy was attacked by soldiers and not Boko Haram terrorists.

Following this development, many Nigerians had suggested on social media that the attack was carried out by the repentant insurgents who had allegedly joined the army.

But Shehu said such rumours being peddled were fake.

“It is important for the public to know that nobody has ever been absorbed into the military from the de-radicalized Boko Haram and there is no such plan for their absorption,” the statement partly read.

The presidential spokesman explained that the Federal Government’s Operation Safe Corridor programme aimed at rehabilitating the ex-terrorists were being monitored by the International Organisation for Migration.

He insisted that none of the recent 601 former insurgents who have undergone the radicalisation and rehabilitation programme is admitted into the military.

“This is the fourth such graduation of repentant Boko Haram fighters and not one of such graduates has been absorbed into the military.

“The public needs to be reassured that the de-radicalization, rehabilitation and reintegration of violent extremists of the Buhari administration code-named “Operation Safe Corridor,” follows an established example from countries with similar experiences, and is supported academically and materially by the European Union and the United Nations,” he said.

SEE FULL STATEMENT HERE:

SERIOUS LEADERS MUST NOT FALL FOR FAKE NEWS ON REPENTANT TERRORISTS – PRESIDENCY

“Now that groups with hitherto proven bona fides, some religious leaders and a few in the legislature have joined the supply chain of fake news, it important that we step in to clear the false reports that the administration is absorbing repentant Boko Haram terrorists into the military.

“It is important for the public to know that nobody has ever been absorbed into the military from the de-radicalized Boko Haram and there is no such plan for their absorption.

“None of the 601 former Boko Haram members who voluntarily laid down their arms, and have recently graduated from the Federal Government’s de-radicalization and rehabilitation programme, is going into the military. This is the fourth such graduation of repentant Boko Haram fighters and not one of such graduates has been absorbed into the military.

“The lead agency for the implementation of the programme in Gombe is the International Organization for Migration, a leading inter-government organization which is represented in Nigeria.

“It is also important to note that this programme does not have a place for hard-boiled, ideologically hardened terrorists. It only admits, after careful scrutiny, repentant fighters that were captured and forced to bear arms in the first instance, and there are many who have been drafted by force.

“At the point of their graduation, a determination is made that the former combatants have repented and are better citizens, imbued with genuine nationalism. They must no longer represent a danger to society or to themselves.

“Where they are certified as such, communities have the duty of accepting them. Unless they want them to take up arms and resume terrorism from which they have repented, community leaders must work with the relevant agencies to end their rejection.

“The Buhari administration is a responsible one and is conscious of its duty to the state and society, and to the victims of terror as well as to those who inflicted these pains and losses on our people.”

Garba Shehu

Senior Special Assistant to the President

(Media & Publicity)

August 5, 2020

Military Says It Has Recorded ‘Tremendous Successes’ Against Bandits In North-West

A file photo of Nigerian military officials at work

The Nigerian military on Saturday said its operation in the nation’s North-West has been hugely successful based on “active resumption of farming, social and economic activities by the locals with reduced fear of threats in their localities.”

The North-West has recently been bedevilled with incessant kidnappings, cattle rustling and wanton killings, prompting calls for the sack of security service chiefs and the resignation of President Muhammadu Buhari.

On Friday, the President acknowledged security agencies ought to do better in safeguarding the region.

However, in a statement signed by Acting Director of the Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, the military said the flag-off of Operation Sahel Sanity on July 6 has yielded significant results.

“The aim of the operation is to support Operation HADARIN DAJI in stemming the tides of the activities of armed bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers, incessant killings and other sundry crimes in the North-West zone of the country,” Onyeuko said.

“These acts of criminalities orchestrated by the bandits had before now crippled the agricultural, social and economic activities of the people of this zone.”

Onyeuko said the people of the North-West felt the operation’s “immediate impact” as the military recorded “tremendous successes” withing a “short period of time.”

“The gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY within the period under review has carried out series of clearance operations, ambushes and other aggressive and confidence-building patrols within Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara States,” Onyeuko said.

“These operations has led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of rustled cattles, arrest of suspected armed bandits, arrest of bandits informants and collaborators.

“Furthermore, there were recoveries of large cache of arms and ammunition as well as recovery of motorcycles and other bandits logistics within the period.”

READ THE MILTARY’S FULL STATEMENT BELOW:

PRESS BRIEFING
GENERAL UPDATE ON THE ACTIVITIES OF OPERATION SAHEL SANITY FROM 6 -31 JULY 2020
1. The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai flagged off Operation SAHEL SANITY on the 6 July 2020 as part of activities of the Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2020, during which the Nigerian Army Super Camp IV Faskari in Katsina State was established. The aim of the operation is to support Operation HADARIN DAJI in stemming the tides of the activities of armed bandits, cattle rustlers, kidnappers, incessant killings and other sundry crimes in the North-West zone of the country. These acts of criminalities orchestrated by the bandits had before now crippled the agricultural, social and economic activities of the people of this zone.
2. The people of the North-West Zone felt immediate impact of the operation with the tremendous successes achieved within the short period of time. The gallant troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY within the period under review has carried out series of clearance operations, ambushes and other aggressive and confidence building patrols within Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara States. These operations has led to the rescue of kidnapped victims, recovery of rustled cattles, arrest of suspected armed bandits, arrest of bandits informants and collaborators. Furthermore, there were recoveries of large cache of arms and ammunition as well as recovery of motorcycles and other bandits logistics within the period.
3. So far, in all the operations conducted, 80 armed bandits have been neutralized, a total of 943 cows, 633 sheep/rams recovered; 33 suspected bandits arrested; 7 AK47 Riffles, 1 GPMG and 16 Dane guns captured; 17 kidnapped victims rescued and 14 bandits informants and collaborators arrested. Also several bandits camps including the notorious Dangote Triangle and their logistics bases were destroyed by troops of Operation SAHEL SANITY. There is no gainsaying therefore that within the first month of Operation SAHEL SANITY from 1-31 July 2020, troops have recorded several successes in line with the aim of the operation. The gallant troops continue to dominate volatile areas with confidence building patrols, ambushes and clearance operations to deny the bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action. This achievement is further evident by the active resumption of farming, social and economic activities by the locals with reduced fear of threats in their localities.
4. The Chief of Army Staff Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has commended the troops for their gallantry, successes and the professionalism exhibited within the short period of Operation SAHEL SANITY. He urges them not to rest on their oars. He further extends Sallah goodwill message to the people of North West reassuring them people of the of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to restore peace in the zone.
Benard Onyeuko
Brigadier General
Ag Director
Defence Media Operations
1 August 2020

Military Airstrikes Take Out Bandits Camp In Zamfara – Spokesman

FILE: A screen grab from the Air Force video shows the scene of the airstrikes on Boko Haram Logistics Base in Borno State. Credit: Defence Headquarters.

Airstrikes from the Nigerian military has destroyed a new camp belonging to an armed gang in the Doumborou forest area of Zamfara state.

This is according to the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, John Enenche.

The airstrikes, which also resulted in the killing of several armed bandits, was executed on Thursday after human intelligence reports and confirmatory surveillance missions established that members of the gang had relocated to a new area by a rocky high ground within the forest.

According to Enenche the air component dispatched an enhanced force package of fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location.

The attack aircraft engaged the target area, taking out some of the bandits.

Read the military’s full statement:

PRESS RELEASE
OPERATION HADARIN DAJI: AIR COMPONENT TAKES OUT ARMED BANDITS’ CAMP, ELIMINATES SEVERAL FIGHTERS AT DOUMBOUROU FOREST IN ZAMFARA STATE
1. Air interdiction missions being conducted by the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI have yielded more positive results with the destruction of a new camp belonging to the armed gang headed by the bandit leader known as “Dangote” in the Doumborou Forest area of Zamfara State. The air strike, which also resulted in the killing of several armed bandits, was executed on 23 July 2020 after Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports as well as series of confirmatory aerial surveillance missions established that members of the gang, along with their logistics items, motorcycles and hundreds of rustled livestock, had relocated from their erstwhile position to new area by a rocky high ground within the Forest.
2. The Air Component therefore dispatched an enhanced force package of Nigerian Air Force (NAF) fighter jets and helicopter gunships to attack the location. The attack aircraft engaged the target area scoring accurate hits and taking out some of the bandits. Many others, who were seen trying to flee the location in disarray, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks.
3. While commending the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI for their professionalism, the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has urged them to remain resolute in the conduct of air strikes whilst continuing to provide close air support for ongoing ground operations in order to eradicate all armed bandits; thus accomplishing the directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to restore normalcy in the North West and North Central Zones of the Country.
4. You are please requested to disseminate this information, along with the attached declassified short video clip of the attacks, through your medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.
JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
25 July 2020

Katsina Explosion: Five Children Killed By Military Grenade – Police

In this photo released by the police, a healthcare worker attends to one of the victims injured in a bomb explosion in Katsina State which occurred on July 18, 2020.

The five children who lost their lives in a bomb explosion in Katsina State picked a military grenade and were fiddling with it.

This is according to an investigation conducted by the police into the incident which occurred on Saturday at Yammama, a village in Malumfashi Local Government Area of the state.

The Public Relations Officer of the Katsina State Police Command, Gambo Isah, disclosed the outcome of the investigation in a statement sent to Channels Television.

He noted that the investigation was conducted by detectives from the police Explosive Ordinance Department (EOD) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The trigger of the hand grenade said to have exploded at Yammawa village Katsina State on July 18, 2020.

‘Children Of One Person’

Earlier, residents told Channels Television that six people were feared killed in the incident with five others severely injured.

The police, however, put the death figure at five, adding that six others were wounded.

Confirming the incident in an earlier statement, Isah explained that the Division Police Officer in Malumfashi reported that a loud sound was heard from the farm of one Alhaji Hussaini Mai Kwai at about 11:30am.

In this photo released by the police, one of the victims injured in a bomb explosion in Katsina State is receiving treatment on July 18, 2020.

He said the police officer swiftly led operatives of the Operation Puff Adder to the scene to ascertain the situation there.

The command’s spokesman confirmed that the five deceased victims were all “young children of one person, by name Alhaji Adamu of Yammawa village, Malumfashi LGA of Katsina state.”

He added that all 11 children were at the farm to cut grasses for animals’ feed while the injured victims were immediately evacuated to the General Hospital in Malumfashi for treatment.

Isah said the scene of the incident has since been preserved by the police.

In this photo released by the police, a healthcare worker attends to another victim injured in a bomb explosion in Katsina State which occurred on July 18, 2020.

Air Force Neutralises Boko Haram Terrorists Near Sambisa Forest – Spokesman

A file photo of a Nigerian air force airstrike

The military on Saturday said its airforce has neutralised several Boko Haram terrorists and immobilised one of their gun trucks at Bula Korege, a terrorists’ logistics distribution centre and meeting point, on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State.

According to a statement signed by military spokesman John Enenche, the operation was conducted via airstrikes by the Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation Lafiya Dole on Wednesday.

The airstrikes were part of missions being conducted under the subsidiary Operation LONG REACH after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft spotted a large number of Boko Haram fighters and a gun truck within the settlement, the military said.

“Consequently, the Air Task Force scrambled its fighter jets to attack the location,” the statement added.

“Upon arrival overhead the settlement, the NAF jets engaged the target area, taking out some structures and neutralizing some of the terrorists.

“The gun truck, while retreating from the location due to the strong firepower from the air, began engaging the attack aircraft with its anti-aircraft gun.

“However, the jets, after conducting evasive maneuvers, tracked the vehicle and subsequently immobilized it a few kilometres outside the village.

“The occupants of the truck, who attempted to flee, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the fighter jets.”

Nigeria has battled Boko Haram terrorists for more than a decade, especially in the northeast region.

Read the military’s full statement:

PRESS RELEASE
OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: AIR TASK FORCE NEUTRALIZES SEVERAL BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS, IMMOBILIZES GUN TRUCK AT BULA KOREGE IN BORNO STATE
1. The Air Task Force (ATF) of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has neutralized several Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and immobilized one of their gun trucks at Bula Korege, a terrorists’ logistics distribution centre and meeting point, on the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno State. This feat was achieved via air strikes executed on 17 June 2020 as part of missions being conducted under the subsidiary Operation LONG REACH after a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft spotted a large number of BHT fighters and a gun truck within the settlement. Consequently, the Air Task Force scrambled its fighter jets to attack the location.
2. Upon arrival overhead the settlement, the NAF jets engaged the target area, taking out some structures and neutralizing some of the terrorists. The gun truck, while retreating from the location due to the strong firepower from the air, began engaging the attack aircraft with its anti-aircraft gun. However, the jets, after conducting evasive maneuvers, tracked the vehicle and subsequently immobilized it a few kilometres outside the village. The occupants of the truck, who attempted to flee, were mopped-up in follow-on attacks by the fighter jets.
3. The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, commends the ATF for their dedication and professionalism. The Defence Headquarters equally urge them to intensify the air offensive against the terrorists and all other criminal elements in the country.
4. You are please requested to disseminate this information, along with the attached declassified short video clip of the operation, through your medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.
JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
20 June 2020

Military Kills Scores Of Bandits In Zamfara

Scores of armed bandits have been neutralised and their weapons destroyed in air strikes executed by the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji in Zamfara State.

The Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, disclosed this in a statement on Sunday.

He noted that the operations were conducted on Saturday at two separate bandits’ camps in Tsibiri and Manya in Zurmi Local Government Area (LGA) of the state, as part of offensive operations to rid the North West and North Central of banditry.

The statement read, “The air interdiction mission at Tsibiri, which is located 15km East of Zurmi, was executed on the heels of credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports indicating that the camp, with its clusters of thatched huts nestled close to a group of trees, was being used by the bandits to house their fighters and store their weapons and ammunition.

“Accordingly, two Nigerian Air Force attack helicopters were dispatched to engage the location scoring accurate hits on the target area, leading to the destruction of the structures and the weapons and ammunition stored in them as well as the neutralisation of bandits in the huts and surrounding bushes.”

Enenche explained that the attack helicopters later conducted an air strike on another camp South of Manya where bandits had gathered for a meeting, which also resulted in the killing of more bandits and some of their leaders.

According to him, the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has commended the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji for their professionalism.

Abubakar also directed them to remain resolute and continue to provide close air support for ongoing ground operations, towards accomplishing the directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to restore normalcy in the North West and North Central zones of the country.

Military Operation Kills 70 Bandits, Cattle Rustlers In Kaduna Forest

A file photo of Nigerian soldiers sitting on a military pick-up truck at a military base.

The military on Saturday said at least 70 bandits and cattle rustlers have been eliminated in Kachia forest, Kaduna state after an operation it conducted on Friday.

Military spokesman, Major General John Enenche, said the operation, which combined ground and air offensives, was carried out by troops of Operation Thunderstrike in conjunction with troops of 312 Artillery Regiment and Local Vigilantes.

According to Enenche, military operatives “pursued the bandits through Gidan Maikeri village in Chikun LGA into the forest” and “their location was identified and consequently engaged by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships.”

Troops are still canvassing the forest, scouting for the remaining bandits.

“As a matter of security concern, people in this general area should report those with sudden and suspicious injuries to the security forces,” the military statement signed by Enenche said. “This is to ensure that the escapees are mopped up.”

Kaduna, the same as much of northern Nigeria, is currently battling an infestation of armed bandits.

In one of the latest attacks by the bandits, at least nine people were killed and many others injured following an attack on Avong Doka village in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna on Wednesday.

Read the full statement:

PRESS RELEASE
TROOPS OF OPERATION ACCORD KILLS SEVENTY BANDITS IN KACHIA FOREST KADUNA STATE
1. In a combined ground and air offensive on 5 June 2020, troops of Operation THUNDER STRIKE under Operation ACCORD in conjunction with troops of 312 Artillery Regiment and Local Vigilantes conducted a clearance patrol to Kachia Forest and neutralized some armed bandits/cattle rustlers. This followed a timely and credible information on the bandits movement within the area. Troops pursued the bandits through Gidan Maikeri village in Chikun LGA into the forest. Their location was identified and consequently engaged by Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships. After the air interdiction, seventy (70) bandits were confirmed killed by human intelligence while others escaped with injuries. The troops are exploitating the forest. Details to follow as they unfold.
2. As a matter of security concern, people in this general area should report those with sudden and suspicious injuries to the security forces. This is to ensure that the escapees are mopped up.
3. Relatedly, troops of Operation YAKI in blocking positions for Operation ACCORD at outskirts of Kankomi village apprehended 2 bandits’ logistics suppliers. Items recovered include: recharge cards, cigarettes, soft drinks and groceries.
4. The Military High Command congratulates Operation THUNDER STRIKE, Operation YAKI and Air Component of Operation ACCORD, for their dexterity. While the general public is requested to continue to provide timely and credible information that would assist in eliminating bandits and other criminal elements in the Country.
5. You are please requested to disseminate this information through your medium. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.
JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
6 June 2020

Troops Kill Several Insurgents, Bandits As Officer Dies

A file photo of soldiers travelling in a truck.

Several members of the Boko Haram terrorist group have been killed as troops continue aggressive clearance operations across the North East.

In a statement on Thursday, the Coordinator of Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche, revealed that troops of Army Super Camp 6 Konduga in conjunction with the Borno State Civilian Joint Task Force killed six insurgents on Wednesday.

He added that others escaped with gunshot wounds during the deliberate ambush operation against terrorists at Lawanti River line in Borno.

Enenche noted that following sustained artillery bombardments and ground assaults on the insurgents’ hideouts, three of them – Mohammed Babagana, Modu Jugudun, and Alhaji Usman – surrendered to troops of Delta Company at Strong Response Area, Pulka in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to him, the trio confessed to having escaped from their Boko Haram camp at Dabulari village in Bama LGA of the state after many of their former colleagues were killed in the bombardments.

The military’s spokesman noted that the surrendered insurgents said they regretted their actions and called on other Boko Haram fighters to give up the struggle and save themselves from unprofitable death.

Similarly, he revealed that combined troops of 19 Brigade and 401 Special Forces Brigade conducted a robust clearance operation at Doron Naira and Magaji on Tuesday.

Supreme Price Paid, Commander’s Wives Arrested

The statement read,

In Doran Naira, troops recovered one 120mm mortar base plate, one religious book, metal links for-aircraft ammunition, and a roll of copper wire abandoned by the Boko Haram criminals before the arrival of own troops.
Also, at Daban Magaji, troops had an encounter with some Boko Haram terrorists hibernating in the area. The valiant troops, through superior fire, neutralised nine of them. Additionally, the troops destroyed one Boko Haram gun truck, as well as captured one anti-aircraft gun, two AK-47 rifles, and a large cache of anti-aircraft ammunition.
However, one officer paid the supreme price while one soldier was wounded in action. The soldier wounded in action is currently receiving treatment in our military medical facility.
Similarly, on 1 June 2020, troops of 144 Battalion deployed in Madagali, Adamawa State briskly cleared BHT Staging Area and Crossing Points at Lemu, Gajinji and Tsakiraku. During the encounter at Gajinji, troops neutralized one terrorist and arrested 2 adult females namely: Aishatu Manye and Kelune Mate identified to be the local BHT commander’s wives.
In the North West Region, on 3 June 2020, troops of Operation Whirl Punch acting on credible information raided a bandits’ Camp at Kurmin Dande in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
During the operation, troops made contact and neutralised two of the bandits while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
The troops recovered two Dane guns, two motorcycles, one locally fabricated short gun, four cutlasses, three cell phones, two small solar panels, and some clothing items before destroying their camp.
Consequently, the Chief of Army Staff, congratulates the gallant troops for their resilience, courage, and dedication to the noble cause of defending our fatherland.
The High Command of the Armed Forces of Nigeria also encourages the troops to continue to be steadfast and focused as they sustain the onslaught against the enemies of our nation.

Sultan Seeks Increased Funding Of Military To Tackle Banditry, Other Crimes

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at his palace in Sokoto State on May 30, 2020.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Abubakar III, has called for increased budgetary allocation for the purchase of military hardware to tackle the security challenges in the country.

He made the call on Saturday when he received the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at his palace in Sokoto State.

The traditional ruler stressed the need for a coordinated approach to ensure bandits were denied freedom of movement from one state to another.

He also called for greater synergy between the governments of Nigeria and the Niger Republic in monitoring the border areas to deny the armed bandits safe havens.

The Sultan gave an assurance that the people of the state would continue to cooperate with the security agencies by providing intelligence that would enhance their operations.

He, therefore, appealed to the Federal Government to provide more aircraft and equipment to the military in order to effectively execute its constitutional roles.

Sultan Abubakar thanked the air force chief for his response to the recent attacks in Sabon Birnin Local Government Area (LGA) of Sokoto State.

He noted that the air marshal deployed air assets and additional personnel, in addition to embarking on an on-the-spot assessment of the situation.

According to the traditional ruler, this will give hope to the people of Sokoto and assure them that the President is taking decisive steps to deal with the security challenges.

Earlier, Air Marshal Abubakar condemned the killing of innocent citizens by armed bandits in communities in Sabon Birnin and prayed for the peaceful repose of their souls and the speedy recovery of the injured victims.

He explained that his visit to Sokoto followed the directive of President Muhammadu Buhari to the Chief of Defence Staff, that a massive offensive operation be undertaken against armed bandits, kidnappers, cattle rustlers and other criminal elements across states in the North West and North Central zones of the country.

The Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal, with the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the Government House in Sokoto on May 30, 2020.

The states, according to the air force chief, include Katsina, Zamfara, Sokoto, Niger, Kogi, Kaduna, and Nasarawa among others.

He revealed that the air force had deployed air assets and activated operational plans, in concert with sister services, to ensure that territories within the affected areas were secured.

Abubakar, however, sought the support of the residents by promptly providing useful intelligence that would enable effective and efficient military operations to end the killings in the state.

While in Sokoto, the air marshal also met with the state governor, Aminu Tambuwal, where he assured him that the Nigerian Air Force would continue to work tirelessly to rid the state of banditry.

Military Airstrikes Kill 135 Bandits, Destroy Camps In Katsina, Zamfara – Spokesman

The Nigerian Military on Saturday said it has killed at least 135 armed bandits during air-raids across Katsina and Zamfara states.

According to a statement signed by a military spokesman, Major General, John Enenche, the air raids, executed by the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji, took place between May 20 and 22.

The military said it also neutralised bandit camps.

Nigeria has, in recent years, witnessed a rise in banditry across the country, including in the north-western states of Zamfara and Katsina.

The military said its air-raids, which are conducted based on credible intelligence reports, are intended to rid the north-west of the armed bandits.

Read the military full’s statement below:

AIR COMPONENT DECIMATES ARMED BANDITS CAMPS, KILLS 135 OF THEM IN AIR RAIDS CONDUCTED IN KATSINA AND ZAMFARA STATES
1. As part of the renewed offensive to rid the North West of the Country of armed bandits and other criminal elements, the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI has decimated several camps and neutralized no fewer than 135 armed bandits in massive air raids executed at several locations in Katsina and Zamfara States between 20 and 22 May 2020. The air strikes were undertaken sequel to credible Human Intelligence (HUMINT) reports as well as series of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions that led to the identification of the camps, which include Abu Radde Camps 1 and 2 and Dunya in Jibia and DanMusa Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Katsina State as well as Hassan Tagwaye’s Camp; Alhaji Auta’s Camp and Maikomi in Birnin Magaji and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State.
2. The air interdiction missions were painstakingly undertaken by the Air Component as it dispatched its attack aircraft to the locations in multiple bombing runs, some of which were executed simultaneously. At the Abu Radde Camps on 20 May 2020, a set of huts housing one of the notorious bandit leaders was taken out by air strikes with scores of the bandits killed and few seen fleeing with gunshot wounds towards the Dumburum Forest. Similar air raids were executed at Hassan Tagwaye’s and Alhaji Auta’s Camps as well as at Maikomi with equally devastating effects. HUMINT reports later confirmed that no fewer than 135 bandits were neutralized by the series of air strikes at the various locations.
3. The Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) commends the Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI for their professionalism and directs them to remain resolute, in order to achieve the directives of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)to restore normalcy to all parts of Nigeria.
4. You are please requested to disseminate this information, along with the attached declassified short video clip of the attack on Abu Radde’s Camps, through your medium for the awareness of the general public. Thank you for your usual support and cooperation.
JOHN ENENCHE
Major General
Coordinator
Defence Media Operations
Defence Headquarters
23 May 2020

Russian Military Helicopter Crashes Outside Moscow

PHOTO USED TO ILLUSTRATE STORY: The downdraft from a police helicopter blows away surf from beachside rocks in Scheveningen, The Netherlands, on May 14, 2020. Sem VAN DER WAL / ANP / AFP

A Russian army Mi-8 helicopter crashed outside Moscow during a training flight on Tuesday, killing the crew, the defence ministry said.

“As a result of a crash landing the crew of the helicopter died of their wounds,” the defence ministry said.

Defence ministry spokespeople, reached by AFP, declined to specify how many crew members had died.

But Russian news agencies, citing emergencies services, said three people died.

The helicopter, which did not carry ammunition, crashed in a secluded area some 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the town of Klin outside Moscow around 8 pm, the ministry said.

It added that a ministry commission had been dispatched to the scene to look into the causes of the crash.

Citing preliminary information, the ministry said that a “technical malfunction” was believed to have caused the crash.

The Mi-8 is a Soviet-designed twin-turbine helicopter and is often used to transport civilians or troops.

In 2018, a Mi-8 helicopter crashed shortly after takeoff in Siberia, killing all 18 people on board including three crew members.

Senator Accuses Military Of Abandoning Constituency In Sokoto

New Salary Scale Has Not Been Approved For Armed Forces – DHQ — A file photo of troops.

The lawmaker representing Sokoto East senatorial district, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, has accused the military of abandoning the people of his constituency in the time of distress.

He made the allegation during plenary on Tuesday at the Senate Chamber of the National Assembly in Abuja, the nation’s capital.

In his contribution to a motion raised by Senator Sabi Abdullahi, the lawmaker decried that the alleged abandonment of the people has exposed them to attacks by bandits.

Earlier, Senator Abdullahi in his motion drew the attention of the Senate to the activities of bandits in Niger State.

He had also called on the Federal Government to extend its ongoing military operations in Zamfara and Katsina States to flush out bandits in Niger State.

On his part, Senator Gobir criticised the military, saying many of the people in Sokoto have fled to the Niger Republic for safety.

He also accused the military of not responding to distress calls from the people when bandits attack their communities.

According to the lawmaker, the people of Sokoto have lost thousands of cattle worth N2.5 billion to attacks by bandits.

He added that the activities of the bandits have displaced about 5,000 people in Basira area along the border between Nigeria and the Niger Republic.

In their resolution, lawmakers in the Senate commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his proactive leadership and directives on security amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

They, however, appealed to him to direct the military to extend their operations to Kaduna, Niger, Zamfara, Sokoto, and other states where the bandits were attacking innocent citizens.

The Senate also resolved to ask the military authorities to increase their surveillance and track the bandits.

Tag: Military