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JUST IN: In compliance with the COAS Lt Gen TY Buratai’s directives that Commanders in OP LAFIYA DOLE carry out massive attacks and offensive missions to the BHTs’ locations, hideouts and enclaves, troops of 3 Battalion Ngala embarked on an exploitation mission on 29 November 2018.

The gallant troops carried out offensive patrols on two fronts. Ngala Bridge and Gamboru town towards BHT withdrawal routes along Wurge village in Borno State.

On siting the troops, the terrorists who were massing up for a possible attack abandoned their logistics stores and equipment and fled.

BHTs equipment captured include: 1 X AK 47 Rifle with Reg No 819044 AND 2 X AK 47 Magazine, 443 X Rounds of 12.7MM, 94 X Rounds of PKT, 16 X Rounds of 7.62 MM NATO, 4 X RPG Bombs, 1 X RPG Charge, 1 X AA Telescopic Sight, 1 X AA Top cover, 1 X Clearing rod, 1 X Hilux GT, 2 X Motorcycle, 1 X BHT Flag, 2 X Blanket, 1 X Praying mat, 1 X Mosquito net, 10 X Motorcycle spare tubes, 1 X Tool Box , 1 X Towing cable, 1 X Camel bag, 3 X Water melon, 3 X Milk, 2 X Maltina, 2 X Satchet of sugar and groundnut, 1 X First Aid kit, 1 X MP3 Player, 3 X Jerry can.

Pictures below.

BabaOwen:
you Nigerians love lying to yourself, is it a crime to say the truth? The Army has been lying to us about the war on boko haram.

Please and please stop posting them.......

Unless you want to thread to be shot down, Tnx.

PRESS RELEASE

RE: ARMY REPORTEDLY REMOVES TEXAS CHUKWU AS SPOKESMAN, RE-
APPOINTS USMAN

1. The attention of the Directorate of Army Public Relations has been drawn to a news report trending in the online media published by the Cable titled “ARMY REPORTEDLY REMOVES TEXAS CHUKWU AS SPOKESMAN, RE-APPOINTS USMAN”. In the said story, the report stated inter alia, that "Army reportedly removes Texas Chukwu as spokesman, reappoints Usman".

2. The Directorate wishes to state categorically that the report is not only malicious but an attempt by the writer to tarnish the reputation of the senior officer which he has built over the years in the course of his career as well as misleading members of the public.

3. The write-up further alleged that his removal followed outcry from different quarters on his “inability” to manage information on counter-insurgency campaign, which is completely untrue and unsubstantiated.

4. Contrary to the report, the Directorate wishes to state that, the re-appointment of Brigadier General Sani Usman is a routine deployment in the Nigerian Army following his completion of the Strategic course at the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies and not based on media management as alleged by the report.

5. It is also pertinent to state that Brigadier General Texas Chukwu will be proceeding to the National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies Kuru, Jos for his Strategic course.

6. Consequently, the Directorate wishes to state that the writer has only succeeded in exhibiting his ignorance or complete lack of knowledge about postings and appointments in the Nigerian Army.

7. The Directorate therefore calls on the authority of The Cable to advice the reporter to cultivate the habit of verifying facts as well as balancing his report before rushing to the press. The medium is requested to tender an unreserved apology to the senior officer as well as the Directorate of Army Public Relations through the same medium within 24 hours or be ready to face legal action.


8. Thank you.

PHOTOS:

Today in N'djamena, Chad, President Muhammadu Buhari chaired a Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC).

At meeting, the President reiterated his commitment to providing the required leadership and direction for the actualization of peace and security in the Lake Chad Region.

HAPPENING NOW

The Executive Governor of Borno State Alhaji Kashim Shettima today Commissioned and presented the keys of 5 G40 Innoson Vehicle Motor (IVM) Hillux Vehicles to 5 deserving Army Warrant Officers who distinguished themselves in the course of serving their father land at the COAS Annual Conference 2018 holding in Maiduguri, the Borno State Capital.

The Egyptian Navy personnel appears in new camouflaged uniform.

Egyptian Special Forces “Thunderbolts” armed with Beretta ARx-160 assault rifles with their counterparts from Greece & Cyprus inside the Mistral LHD before conducting Amphibious landing within Medusa-7 exercise.

rka2:
Last response as well. The moral of the story was for me. I would have stuck with my position yesterday as in my mind I meant 2024 and I couldn't understand where you were coming from.

I mean well for the country and hope they get their act together soon.

Anyway all good, over and out.

I think the airforce should go more for the jf17 ASAP, honestly 2024 his really a donkey year..

The United States Department of Defence on Wednesday announced it has awarded the contract for the manufacturing of 12 A-29 Super Tucano combat aircraft on behalf of the Nigerian Air Force.

The contract was awarded to Sierra Nevada Corporation, an American aerospace contractor, for an initial sum of $329 million. A clause, described as “undefinitised contract action (UCA)”, was, however, added that the contract sum could be varied, but not exceeding $344.7 million.

A defence contracting explainer said the UCA involves contracts whose terms, specifications, or price are not agreed upon before work commences.

This could be because the negotiation of a definitive contract action is not possible in sufficient time to meet the government’s requirements or a government’s interest demands that the contractor be given a binding commitment so that contract performance can begin immediately, and shall be as complete and definite as practicable under the particular circumstances.

Six of the aircraft would be equipped with Forward Looking Infrared System, a technology that senses radiation which is then converted to video output.

As part of the contract for the 12 Super Tucano combat jetliners, the Nigerian Air Force would receive ground training devices, mission planning systems, mission debrief systems, spares, ground support equipment and alternate mission equipment, the U.S. defence department said.

There would also be a contiguous U.S. interim contractor support, outside of continental U.S. (OCONUS) contractor logistic support, and five field service representatives for OCONUS support for three years, the U.S. Defence Department said.

The aircraft would be built in Jacksonville, Florida, southeastern United States, and is expected to be completed May 2024.

“Foreign military sales funds in the amount of $220,167,735 are being obligated at the time of award,” the department added.

President Muhammadu Buhari placed order for the aircraft in April, following extensive discussions with the U.S. government that led to the relaxing of a moratorium placed on military equipment sales to Nigeria.

Mr Buhari said the procurement would help strengthen Nigeria’s national security, as well as timely end to the Boko Haram war.

The Nigerian government transferred $469.4 million to the U.S. government in April, according to a letter he wrote to the National Assembly.

Lawmakers immediately rejected the move, saying the president flouted the Nigerian Constitution in paying such humongous amount to procure equipment from a another country with appropriation.

The president described what he did as granting “anticipatory approval” for an expenditure, a term the lawmakers argued was strange to the Nigerian Constitution and the principles of separation of powers.

During the heated debates about the contract in April, a U.S. senior diplomat in Nigeria briefed reporters in Lagos, telling them, amongst other key benefits of the contract, that the Super Tucanos would be delivered by 2020, a claim that was then regurgitated by Buhari administration officials.

It was not immediately clear whether the Nigerian government was aware the project would not be delivered until 2024, six years away, but went ahead with the narrative that it would come by 2020, anyway.

Also it was unclear why the contract was being awarded for $344 million (N125.3 billion) when Mr Buhari said he transferred over $469 million (N168.8 billion) to the U.S. for the aircraft.

That leaves a difference of N43.5 billion yet unaccounted for.

Presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, did not immediately return PREMIUM TIMES’ requests for comments Thursday night. An e-mail to the U.S. Embassy public affairs section in Abuja was not immediately returned.

The Boko Haram war, for which the Super Tucanos are being procured, has seen a surge in recent months, with hundred of Nigerian soldiers being killed in audacious raids on their bases across the war-ravaged North-East.

Only on November 18, at least 118 soldiers were killed when Boko Haram fighters overran the Nigerian Army 157 Task Force Battalion in Metele, Borno State, which has been the heartland of the nearly 10-year jihadist campaign.

The Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, who had long amongst top government functionaries claiming Boko Haram had been “technically defeated”, acknowledged the renewed ruthlessness of Boko Haram during an address on Wednesday.

He, however, said the military was reshaping its counter-terrorism strategy, and predicted a fast-paced end to the insurgency.



https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/298229-u-s-govt-places-order-for-nigerias-super-tucano-aircraft.html?utm_source=operamini&utm_medium=feednews&utm_campaign=operamini_feednews

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HAPPENING NOW (DAY THREE)

The Chief of Army Staff Lt Gen TY Buratai today Launched the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps Insignia and decorated the Corps Commander Maj Gen JO Akomolafe with the New Insignia at the COAS Annual Conference 2018 holding at Command Guest House in Maiduguri.

The United States Approves Sale Of 10 Apache attack Helicopters To Egypt For $1 Billion.

al-Qaeda #AQIM senior leader, Musa Abu Dawud killed in a U.S Drone strike that targeted his convoy near Ubari Libya.

OPENING ADDRESS BY THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF LT GEN TY BURATAI NAM OOM (BR) GSS psc(+) ndc (BD) FCMH FNHAM BA (Hons) MA MPhil AT THE CHIEF OF ARMY STAFF ANNUAL CONFERENCE HELD IN MAIDUGURI ON 28 NOVEMBER 2018

Protocol

1. It gives me great pleasure to welcome you all to the COAS Annual Conference 2018. I want to express my profound appreciation to His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for honouring us with his presence in spite of his very busy schedule. I am also delighted to see in our midst national leaders, revered royal fathers intellectuals, academics, technocrats, military strategists and media moguls, who have proved themselves in various spheres both in Nigeria and abroad. I would also want to especially welcome representatives of human rights groups and non-governmental organizations, who have partnered with the NA to improve civil-military relations and security in Nigeria. To His Excellency the Governor and the great people of Borno State. I say thank you for agreeing to host us in spite of the very short notice. Borno State became the obvious choice of this Annual Conference because of the recent event that happened and the desire of the C-in-C to personally identify with the troops and reassure them that their challenges is a thing of concern to him personally and to the government.

2. The COAS Annual Conference is usually an occasion that gives the NA leadership an opportunity to appraise our activities within the year, assess our performance and identify our shortcomings towards making informed decisions for the coming year. However, this year, we shall not only conduct a retrospective assessment of our performance but also consider how the NA can better optimize its operations in support of democratic consolidation. This dual contemplation was the principal consideration that led to the selection of the theme for this year’s annual conference which is, ‘Optimizing the Operational Efficiency of the Nigerian Army Towards Safeguarding Democracy and National Security in Nigeria’. This theme was also crafted in a bid to assure all Nigerians and indeed the international community that the NA will work optimally, in conjunction with other security agencies to provide a secure environment for peace and unity in Nigeria.

3. Our role in support of democracy is the focus of the special lecture for this Conference. The lecture will be delivered later today and is titled ‘Nigerian Army Management of Security Challenges in Support of Democracy in Nigeria: Issues and Prospects’. The lecture is to be delivered by one of us, a retired senior officer par excellence, a former Military Adviser in the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations and a seasoned military professional, in person of Lt Gen Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor (rtd). I want to implore all our distinguished invited guests to please attend this lecture.

4. Your Excellencies, ladies and gentlemen, I am happy to inform you that over the 4 quarters of the Year 2018 the NA remained steadfast in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities as well as providing aid to civil authority. The nations territorial integrity particularly along our land borders has not been breached as we continually maintain a posture to defend Nigeria’s territorial rights and interests. Security relations with our neighbors, Benin, Cameroon, Chad and Niger Republic has remained relatively calm, except for increased trafficking of small arms and light weapons across the borders among other cross border criminality. Internally, there has been recurring violence in some sections of the country which constitute security threats to Nigeria’s democracy. The causes for various crises in the country are often ideological, economic, political, religious as well as ethnic, among many other reasons. These socio-political and socio-economic issues have direct bearing on the security climate of the country. I am pleased to report that internal security in Nigeria has improved drastically from where we were in 2015 when I took over command of the NA. However, we recognize that there are potent threats that require us to continually review our operations. Hence, this conference will deliberate on ways through which the NA can continue to enhance national security.

5. The fight against the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) in the North East under Operation LAFIYA DOLE has continued unabatedly and the NA in conjunction with other Services and security agencies has dominated the area and continues to carry out sustained operations against the Boko Haram Terrorist. The NA is also collaborating with the Chadian military and the Cameroonian Defence Forces (CDF) in the NE. We are currently conducting combined operations alongside the CDF codenamed Operation DEEP PUNCH II in order to maintain permanent presence in Sambisa Forest and adjoining areas along the common border with Cameroon. Troops of the NA remain part of the Multi National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) and we are a major contributor to the success of Operation AMNI FAKAT in the Lake Chad Basin (LCB).

6. Troops of the NA deployed on other ongoing operations such as Operations SAFE HAVEN, DELTA SAFE, SHARAN DAJI, AWATSE and Operation WHIRL STROKE have continued to perform their tasks professionally. Over the 2nd and 3rd quarters of the year we also identified the need to support Federal Government’s efforts at encouraging Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to return to their ancestral homes. To this end we conducted Operation LAST HOLD which was designed to further degrade the BHTs, facilitate the relocation of IDPs to their communities and to promote civil-military relations. The operation culminated in the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2018, during which we were privileged to have Mr President in attendance. By the end of Operation LAST HOLD, over 5,000 IDPs returned back to their communities in Northern Borno.

7. As the nation moves towards the 2019 General Elections, the NA is conducting Operation SAFE CONDUCT to support other security agencies during the period of elections in the country. The NA activated the operation on 14 July 2018 during the elections in Ekiti and Osun states and it was a huge success. We intend to replicate the successes achieved, during the 2019 General Elections because we believe that a secure electoral process will play a critical role in safeguarding our democracy into the future. As the NA plays its role to safeguard democracy, all NA personnel are enjoined to ensure that necessary steps are taken in all circumstances to prevent any act that is inimical to the unity and stability of the country. Thus, as political activities unfold towards the 2019 General Elections, GOCs and field commanders at all levels are enjoined to continue to remind officers and soldiers under their command to remain non-partisan and be guided by the stipulated code of conduct in the discharge of their duties.

8. In 2018, the NA witnessed a lot of reorganization and redeployment in a bid to improve our overall operational responsiveness and professionalism. Just 2 weeks ago, I approved the redeployment of some field and operational commanders in order to inject new ideas in the command and control structure in various NA operations across the country. We are also reorganizing to align with some of our current realities. It is my belief that the NA must start to plan and strategize on how to end the operations in the NE. To this end, I have directed for a change from a wholly defensive posture to one where we defend in numbers and conduct offensive operations in smaller packets but simultaneously in different fronts. I must also add that no army can ever have enough equipment to conduct its operations. Hence, it is incumbent on all commanders and senior leaders of the NA to recognize that we are involved in asymmetric warfare which calls for dynamism and flexibility if we are to succeed with minimal casualties. Therefore, commanders are to ensure that they show leadership at all times and continuously adapt with changing situations in order to surmount adversity in the conduct of operations.

9. In the area of training we have expanded our in-theater training for troops in the frontlines to afford them the required capabilities to operate and conduct effective operations. Special attention was also given to providing local and foreign training opportunities for all cadre of officers and soldiers. In Year 2018 alone, a total of 156 personnel have attended foreign courses while 2,390 have attended local courses and training programmes, ranging from masters degree programmes to workshops and conferences. The provision of adequate healthcare to NA personnel and their families has continued to remain one of my priorities. From Jan 18 to date, 36 officers, 144 soldiers and 7 family members of personnel have benefited in the NA Medical Evacuation both within and outside the Country. Currently, there are 12 patients and 12 escorts in India receiving treatment. The NA has also hosted over 300 local and international conferences, seminars or summits either solely or in-conjunction with other bodies. One of this was the successful co-hosting of the African Land Forces Summit (ALFS), in conjunction with the United States Army Africa (USARAF). The ALFS had in attendance over 43 Army Service Chiefs within Africa, as well as Army/Defence Staff from the USA, Brazil, Canada, France, UK and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). The ALFS provided an arena for African Army Chiefs and Defence experts to discuss operations and strategies that would strengthen African defence and security. The deliberations during the ALFS gave us a new approach towards tackling some of the security challenges in Nigeria. We are grateful to Mr President for granting approval for the NA to host the
ALFS 2018.

10. In the course of 2018, the NA has consolidated on its drive in the area of research and development in order to improve on our home-grown capacity to innovate, produce and maintain some of our core requirements. In this regard, we have encouraged and supported all NA officers and soldiers who have innovative ideas and competencies. We have also resumed full collaboration with the Defence Industries Coorporation (DICON) for needed parts and small arms and ammunition. Similarly, the NA is partnering with several companies in Nigeria including Innoson Motors, Proforce Limited and Nigeria Machine Tools, among others, towards the production of light and heavy armoured vehicles, critical equipment as well as protective clothing for NA troops. These collaborations have led to the development of the TYB Rover, Infantry Patrol Vehicle (IPV) and the Bionbion Helicopter, among several other equipment. We are also engaging some foreign technical companies and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM) to help us repair and refurbish some of our heavier and more delicate platforms. These in-house efforts are being done to complement the support that we have received from the Federal Government in the area of equipment procurement. So far, the NA has taken delivery of several quantities of platforms, ammunition and other needed equipment for the NA. I want to seize this opportunity to thank Mr President for approving the purchase of these equipment.

11. The Year 2018, has been eventful and my address will not be complete without mentioning some of the new developments that have taken place within the year. The NA established the Nigerian Army Women Corps (NAWC) to develop female officers and soldiers that can be employed in all operational engagements of the NA. The Nigerian Army University Biu (NAUB) has been approved, established and has commenced its academic programmes. The Nigerian Army Vehicle Manufacturing Company (NAVMC) was also established to support our strides in vehicle manufacturing. The NA has also commenced direct training for personnel to acquire sufficient knowledge and communication skills in
the 3 major Nigerian languages to better fit in anywhere they may be deployed. The NA has also established the first ever Cyber Command. The Command will effectively tackle the fake news against the NA, the country and also secure our cyber domain from hostile elements.

12. In spite of our very many successes, the NA is not without its challenges and setbacks. Despite the recent setback in Metele, our successes still manifest from our operations in the Central parts of the country up to the Northern fridges of Borno State. The presentation that will be made in a few minutes time will bring out graphically our successes. Some of the NA challenges are related to insinuations of human rights abuses which have tended to dent our image in the eyes of the general public and the international community. It is necessary to reiterate the NA’s stance as professionals, that we are guided by the extant rules of safeguarding human rights, human security and human dignity under the concept of the “Responsibility to Protect”. To this end we have established human rights desk offices in all NA formations for speedy attention to human rights allegations. Furthermore, just last week the NA law Seminar was held by the DLS(A) with the Theme ‘The Place of the Law in Counter Terrorism and Counter Insurgency Operation in Nigerian’. The major objective of the Law Seminar was to improve on the existing synergy between the NA Legal Services and the Nigerian Judiciary bringing to fore a better understating and appreciation of the specialist and technical nature of military operations vis-à-vis the Law to our civilian legal professionals in the judiciary. At this point permit me to implore all of us to spare a thought for the brave men and women of the NA who paid the supreme price for the security of Nigeria. We must also continue to support the families of these brave officers and soldiers and pray that their souls rest in perfect peace. Amin.

13. The NA is looking ahead into the year 2019. We envisage in our projections, the planning and conduct of exercises and operations in various parts of the country similar to the ones conducted throughout this year. Training shall be vigorously pursued at all levels as our professional calling of duty demands. The exercises and operations embarked upon this Year 2018 were geared towards creating a peaceful and stable environment for the upcoming 2019 General Elections. I wish to state that my projections for the Nigerian Army in the coming year are expected to surpass the achievements of this year 2018. The areas observed with lapses will be improved upon and I charge all participants of this esteemed conference to please make meaningful contributions that will be added to our overall projections for the year 2019.

14. The NA could not have attained this feat without the support of our political leaders, cooperation from sister Services and other organizations. Accordingly, I wish to recognize and express my sincere gratitude to Mr President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari (GCFR), the Honourable Minister of Defence and other ministers, the Chief of Defence Staff and my colleagues Service Chiefs, serving and retired as well as heads of other security agencies and the media. I sincerely wish to thank law abiding and concerned Nigerian public for their support to the NA.

15. My sincere and esteemed appreciation goes to His Excellency the Executive Governor, government and the good people of Borno State for hosting the NA to this Conference as well as supporting the NA in its endeavours. I want to enjoin you, Your Excellency, to continue to partner with the NA and encourage law abiding citizens to have confidence in the Nation’s security agencies. May I also thank the governors here present for finding time to honour our invitation. For our esteemed Royal Fathers, we sincerely appreciate you all for your fatherly guidance and for being highly responsible custodians of the peoples’ cultures and traditions. The NA will continue to respect the traditional institutions towards effective civil military relations.

16. Finally, it is with a high sense of responsibility and respect that I humbly express the NA’s profound gratitude to the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari GCFR, for his invaluable support to the Nigerian Armed Forces in general and to the NA in particular. On behalf of the officers and soldiers of the Nigerian Army, I once more pledge our total commitment to the defense of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I wish to respectfully reassure Mr President of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the NA to the defence of democratic governance in Nigeria. The NA will continue to remain apolitical, professional and responsive in the discharge of its constitutional roles. On the final note I want to once again welcome you all to the COAS Conference 2018.
Thank you all and God bless.

Concl...

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Photos

JUST IN: Troops Repel BHT Attack on Arege in Borno State. BHT met their Waterloo and suffered heavy casualties yesterday evening 28 November 2018 when they attempted to infiltrate 118 Battalion location at Arege in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State.

The BHTs were completely routed by the troops, neutralizing many of them while others fled in disarray due to superior firepower. As a result, they hastily evacuated most of their corpses under the cover of darkness.

However, during exploitation of the general area at dawn, the gallant troops discovered 4 BHTs corpses and recovered the following;

1 x Anti Aircraft Gun, 4 x AK 47 rifles, 1 x Light Machine Gun, 100 x Anti Aircraft Rounds, 185 x Light Machine Gun Rounds, 4 x AK 47 magazine
(54 x AK 47 rounds, 1 x MOWAG Propeller.

Pictures are shown below.

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HAPPENING NOW (DAY TWO)

Pictorial news of the Day Two of COAS Annual Conference 2018 holding at Command Guest House, Maiduguri the Borno State Capital.

kabe1:
This soldier is still alive you illiterate fvck!

Why is it so difficult for you to verify your posts before posting them?

Damn........ You're dumb!

It's so glaring you are a product of a broken home & society, I don't blame you.

They must have given up all hope on you, barstard.

#CION

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE ACTING DIRECTOR DEFENCE INFORMATION BRIGADEIER GENERAL JOHN AGIM ON THE ACTIVITIES OF CLEARANCE OPERATION IN LOKOJA KOGI STATE ON 24 NOVEMBER 2018

1. I am happy to be in your midst this morning on the occasion of press briefing on the activities of Clearance Operation in Kogi State which is being conducted by the combined forces of the military and other security agencies. This is my maiden Media chat since the inauguration of Clearance Operation which is now operating under the auspices of Operation 777. Operation 777 was launched on 8 October 2018 by Defence Headquarters to re-jig our existing operations all over the country in order to close gaps between them, and to avoid criminals and bandits escaping from one operation theatre to other. Clearance Operation has significantly achieved the set objectives for which Op 777 was set up.

2. Prior to the launch of Op 777 there was a large scale security threats in Kogi State. These included armed robbery, insurgent activities, boundary disputes, cattle rustling, political thuggery, cultism and kidnapping among others. The security threats had led to loss of lives, destruction of properties and disruption of socio-economic activities. The 3 senatorial areas of the State have their own peculiar nature of crime. The Eastern Senatorial District witnessed large scale destruction of lives and properties occasioned by ethnic rivalry, Western Senatorial District had incessant kidnappings and herdsmen/farmers clashes while Central Senatorial Zone was faced with assassination and kidnappings. With the commencement of Op 777 the troops put up offensive posture and embarked on series of operations that denied the hoodlums and criminals freedom of actions within the JOA.

3. Kogi State is strategic to the security and socio-economic calculation of Nigeria because it is a gateway between the northern and southern part of Nigeria. It also shares boundaries with nine states and FCT, as such, the state is susceptible to spill over effect of violence and other diverse influences from these contiguous states. There are 8 operation sectors within the JOA and each sector covers 2 to 3 LGAs. Each sector has established Sector Headquarters and 2 sub-sectors for administrative expediency. There are also 3 Senatorial zones in Kogi state; Kogi Central, East and West. For effective coordination of this exercise, all sectors were collapsed and a Battalion established in each of the senatorial zones, while a Brigade HQs is located at Central zone which oversees the Battalions. 91 Brigade located at Irepene, 911 Battalion at Odo Ape and 912 Battalion at Oku Obayin, while 913 Battalion is at Bassa.

4. In addition, the troops of Clearance Operation provide security to Key Points and Vulnerable Points such as Geregu Power Plant, Dangote Cement Factory Obajana and 2 strategic bridges at Jamata and Itobe. There are also escort duties on daily bases for high profile personalities plying routes within JOA. Troops also provide assistance to NEMA officials as well as monitoring distribution of relief materials at IDP Camps within the State.

5. Through the renew vigor and determination of the troops in this special operation, relative peace have been restored and hence, the troops dominate the operating environment, thereby creating safe and conducive atmosphere for socio-economic activities to thrive. Local traders, motorists, travelers and residents of villages/settlements in these general areas are now conducting their business unmolested. The relative peace and security being witnessed was made possible through joint operations and synergy of efforts by the security agencies and cooperative posture of the State Government, locals and other well meaning citizens of Kogi State.

6. It is noteworthy to mention that the intensity of offensive operation across the state has led to the recovering of some illegal arms and ammunition across the Clearance Operation’s JOA. These included:

a. 7 Locally fabricated guns.
b. 1 AK47 Rifle
c. 2 Magazines.
d. 45 Rounds of Assorted ammunition.

7. During the period under review, 20 notorious criminals were arrested, which included Mr Eleme Salihu, the kidnapper kingpin at Itobe in Ofu LGA of the State. The troops also foiled several kidnapping attempts and intensified continuous confidence building through patrols, show of force, blocking operations, as well as cordon and search. This strategy has yielded positive results with arrest of high profile suspects and recovering of weapons. Clearance Op also deters activities of illegal bunkering through routine patrols of pipelines within the JOA.

8. Ladies and Gentlemen, let me reassure members of the general public of our determination to protect lives and properties of law abiding citizens. Likewise, members of the public are enjoined to be security conscious and desist from any act that could breach peace and security. Youths should shun political thuggery, violent crimes, banditry and cultism.

9. Permit me at point to commend the media for your cooperation and support to Clearance Op. This support should be sustained in order to achieve a crime-free society and state. While pledging that our troops will continue to be professional in the discharge of their duties, law abiding citizens should endeavour to give timely information to security agencies for prompt action.

That mad bitten dog his here again.

Officers and soldiers slain in Metele have identity. Their efforts and sacrifices should not be in vain. The authorities must do what they must to prosecute the unnecessary war in the northeast to a logical conclusion. Rest in peace, Maj. (Dr) Alobi Nsor and companion.

fabselad:
This are sessionist in cameroon. they were caught off guard by the cameroonian soldiers in their camp.please stop spreading false information.

False news

Not a single weapon was found.

JUST IN: Troops of 143 Battalion deployed at a check point in Gulak Adamawa State, neutralised a girl with Person-Borne Improvised Explosive Device who tried to Infiltrate DAR Village to detonate her explosive vest in the early hours of 26 November 2018.

The gallant troops in conjunction with hunters and vigilantes immediately cordoned off the incident area and subsequently conducted perimeter patrol around the community to ensure the area is cleared and to also exploit the area for BHT activities. Pictures are shown below.

JUST IN: Troops of 707 Special Forces Brigade Makurdi, operating along Katsina Ala -Zaki Biam general areas, engaged some militias on 26 November 2018. One militia member was neutralised with others fled with gunshot wounds. Items recovered include locally made weapons and ammunition. Pictures below.

#NA

.