UPDATE ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE AND INTERNAL SECURITY OPERATIONS

Troops of Nigerian Army deployed on Operation LAFiYA DOLE and other Internal Security operations have been carrying out clearance operations, patrols and raids in suspected areas where Boko Haram terrorists, cattle rustlers and other criminals were hiding or sighted with success. It is in this regards that troops of 232 Battalion of 23 Brigade today conducted patrol towards Gombi, Guriki and Bobini towns in Adamawa State to prevent Boko Haram terrorists infiltration from some parts of Borno State. Similarly troops deployed in Garkida have continued to maintain blocking positions through patrols towards Jau general area to fix any fleeing Boko Haram terrorists. Other units under the Brigade have also conducted patrol to Wurolade village to prevent the terrorists infiltration through our border with Republic of Cameroon. While those deployed at Hong have intensified patrol at Mararraba Pella, Kalla and Shangui as well as Hong- Garaha road.

Troops of 120 and 159 Task Forces Battalions of 27 Task Force Brigade have maintained aggressive clearance operations.

NIGERIAN ARMY: TROOPS CLEARS BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS OUT OF CINGAL MURYE AND MALA MAJA, RESCUED 211

Following reported sighting of Boko Haram terrorists scavenging in some villages in northern Borno State, troops of 22 Brigade Garrison, Operation LAFIYA DOLE in conjunction with Civilian JTF, on Saturday embarked on fighting patrol to Cingal, Murye and Mala Maja villages and cleared them of the terrorists.

During an encounter, the troops neutralized one Boko Haram terrorist and recovered 11 bicycles. The patrol team also rescued 211 civilians held captives by Boko Haram terrorists at Murye and Mala Maja village.

UPDATE ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: TROOPS INTENSIFY OPERATIONS AGAINST FLEEING BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS

In continuation with the clearance operations of the remnants and fleeing members of Boko Haram terrorists group, troops involved in Operations LAFIYA DOLE and HARBIN KUNAMA II have intensified the tempo of their operations in their various areas of operations.

The troops of 232 Battalion yesterday carried out patrols to Muchalla, Lade and Bodeno villages in order to prevent Boko Haram terrorists’ infiltration. Similarly, troops in blocking position at Garkida carried out similar exercise to Dzangwalla general area where they neutralized fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.

On their part, troops of 23 Brigade Support Battalion conducted patrol to Kolkol village with the aim of dominating the area and preventing elements of Boko Haram terrorists infiltrating the area through borders with neighbouring Cameroon. Whereas the troops stationed at Forward Operation Base at Hong have assumed blocking positions in Mararrabar Pella, Kalaa and Shangui to dominate the area and fix any Boko Haram terrorists that venture that way.

TROOPS CARRY OUT CLEARANCE OPERATIONS IN BORNO STATE

Based on information reports of presence of suspected elements of Boko Haram terrorists, today, troops of 212 Battalion and 233 Battalion, 29 Task Force Brigade, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, in conjunction with elements of Civilian JTF, successfully carried out clearance operations at Lawanti, Musari, Bori and Gonizalari towns in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State.

NIGERIA AND CAMEROONIAN TROOPS CONDUCT JOINT CLEARANCE OPERATION

In order to clear fleeing Boko Haram terrorists hibernating within remote and border areas, Nigerian and Cameroonian troops have carried out another joint operation to weed out Boko Haram terrorists along Nigeria and Cameroon border.

The two days joint operation which was led by Col Dourai and Lt Col Mohaman of the Cameroonian Defence Forces had troops drawn from the Cameroon’s Battalion Rapid Intervention (BRI) and 151 Task Force Battalion of 21 Brigade, Nigerian Army.

TROOPS CLEAR BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS FROM CHIKUN GUDU AND CAPTURE GUN TRUCKS

Troops of 8 Task Force Division, Nigerian Army, on clearance operations under the auspices of Operation LAFIYA DOLE in the North East yesterday had an encounter with Boko Haram terrorists at Chikun Gudu, northern part of Borno State.

During the encounter, the gallant troops neutralized quite a number of the terrorists, while others escaped with gun shot wounds. They also captured gun trucks, arms and ammunition as well as 14 terrorists.

The troops captured 2 Toyota Gun trucks stolen from Niger Republic Defence Forces, 2 Toyota Hilux Gun trucks, one of which was taken by the Boko Haram terrorists from 153 Task Force Battalion location sometime back, a 25 HP Yamaha Outboard Engine, 2 Solar panels and 5 empty Belts of Anti-Aircraft Guns ammunition links.

PRESS RELEASE: NIGERIAN MILITARY SYMBOL OF NATIONAL UNITY

The attention of the Defence Headquarters has been drawn to a misleading, baseless and concocted online story that Nigerian military is out to exterminate adherents of a particular religion in a particular region using surrendered Boko Haram terrorists. This story, to say the least, is mischievous, mendacious and calculated attempt to cause apprehension in the country and create division in the military.

Nigerian Armed Forces is constituted by Nigerians of all tribes and religious affiliation. It is therefore callous and outrageous for anybody to think of the military taking side with one religious group against another. More so, everybody knows that Boko Haram is enemy to all Nigerians, therefore, to think of using them against our people is indeed senseless. Religion and politics should not meddled with security affairs.

TROOPS RECOVER BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS BODIES AND GRENADE - ARMY

Troops of 119 Task Force Battalion of 7 Brigade Nigerian Army on Operation LAFIYA DOLE while on mop up and clearance patrol today, came across graves of Boko Haram terrorists that escaped with gun shot wounds and died after an encounter on 13th January 2017 and buried in shallow graves. 

Similarly, the troops recovered a 36 Hand Grenade and one 12.7 X 108mm round of ammunition concealed by the terrorists.

The troops have continued their patrols by dominating the general area of Baga, Kangarwa and Dogonchikun with a view to intercepting fleeing Boko Haram terrorists.

You are please requested to disseminate this information to the public through your medium.

Multiple explosions: Many feared dead as 3 suicide bombers attack Adamawa

Three suicide bombers have attacked Madagali town in Adamawa State, northeast Nigeria. Scores of people are feared dead following separate multiple explosions that rocked the area.

Eye-witnesses said the explosions which occurred on Friday morning, took place at a crowded motor park on the outskirt of the town. Madagali, is 300 km from Yola, the state capital.

Although volunteers and security men were seen evacuating bodies from the scene, the number of casualties are yet to be determined. This attack is coming barely two weeks after the Nigerian Army repelled an attack by fleeing Boko Haram terrorists in Gulak village in the same Madagali Local Government Area.

TROOPS RECOVER ANOTHER CHIBOK SCHOOL GIRL -ARMY

Rakiya Abubkar with her Baby

Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE during investigation of arrested suspected Boko Haram terrorists discovered one of the abducted Chibok School girls, Rakiya Abubkar, with her six months old baby.

According to preliminary investigation, it was discovered she is the daughter of Abubakar Gali Mulima and Habiba Abubakar of Chibok.


She further stated that she was a student of Senior Secondary School Class 3B (SS 3B), before her abduction along with her colleagues on 14th April 2014 by the Boko Haram terrorists.

Rakiya Abubakar is presently undergoing further medical investigation and would soon be released to the Borno State Government.

Thank you for your kind cooperation.

Brigadier General Sani Kukasheka Usman
Director Army Public Relations

Photo News: Over 3,000 people return to Damasak Borno State

Following the clearance of Boko Haram terrorists stronghold in Sambisa forest and confidence building visit to celebrate the Yuletide period with troops in Operation LAFIYA DOLE by the hierarchy of the Nigerian Army led by the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TY Buratai, over 3,000 refugees and internally displaced persons returned to Damasak town, Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno State today.

2017: ARMY SETS SIGHT ON SAMBISA FOREST FOR TRAINING

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, on Monday said Sambisa forest would serve as training ground for personnel of the Nigerian Army as from 2017.

Buratai said this in Damasak, Borno, while celebrating Christmas with troops of 145 Battalion after the road leading to the town was reopened by Gov. Kashim Shettima, three years after closure.

He said troops were already conducting a mop up operation in the forest after the last strong hold of the Boko Haram terrorists was captured.

FG Rallies Support For Victorious Troops As Key Roads Open in Borno

The Federal Government has congratulated the gallant troops of the Nigerian military for finally seizing the Sambisa Forest from the Boko Haram terrorists and securing the North-east, paving the way for Sunday's re-opening of two strategic roads in Borno State.

In a statement issued in Lagos on Monday, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the troops as they clear the remnants of the terrorists who are now on the run.

He also called for increased vigilance among Nigerians, as Boko Haram escapees seek to integrate themselves into communities far and near, saying eternal vigilance is the price of freedom.

''We urge Nigerians to keep our gallant and victorious troops in their prayers, and to also imbibe the mantra of 'if you see something, say something' as a way of ensuring that no escaped terrorist is able to wreak havoc in their communities. It is also important to know that now that they have been dispossessed of their fortress, the Boko Haram escapees will intensify their cowardly attacks on vulnerable targets if only to maintain an illusion of terror. But there should be no panic because the worst is over,'' Alhaji Mohammed said.

While commending the military for the re-opening of the Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak road and the Maiduguri Mungono-Baga road, which link Nigeria with neighbouring countries, he hailed Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima for his unwavering support for the military and his administration's determination to quickly restore normalcy across the state.

BOKO HARAM: GOVERNORS, POLITICAL LEADERS CONGRATULATE PRESIDENT BUHARI, MILITARY ON THE TAKEOVER OF SAMBISA FOREST

Leaders across the political spectrum have been calling President Muhammadu Buhari, to congratulate him and the leadership of the armed forces following the takeover of the Sambisa Forest from the Boko Haram terrorists.

In the latest series of calls received by the President, the Governors of Jigawa, Kano, Yobe, Adamawa, Borno, Katsina, Kaduna and Sokoto have joined some of their colleagues from South-East, South-South, South-West and North Central states who made earlier calls to commend the President on the achievement of this feat which, they said, “has pleased the Nigerian people and is also being celebrated all over the world.”

TROOPS AMBUSH BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN MUSAFANARI - ARMY

Today, at the early hours of the morning, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE ambushed Boko Haram terrorists crossing into Sambisa forest from Komala and Musafanari axis with logistics items. 

The ambush party killed 2 Boko Haram terrorists, while 2 soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. The wounded have since been airlifted and are receiving treatment at a military medical facility.

The troops also recovered 2 AK-47 rifles with registration numbers 565214175 and 5-65399 respectively, 4 AK-47 rifle magazines fully loaded, 25 litres of petrol, as well as assorted food items. 

MORE MISSING IN ACTION SOLDIERS FOUND - ARMY

Please recall that some of our troops were missing in action after an ambush at Guro Gongon on 20th July 2016.

Consequently, concerted efforts were initiated to search for and rescue them. The measures include the use of air assets, Special Forces and patrols.

We wish to inform you that the search party has this morning found 5 more officers and soldiers that were declared missing in action, including the unit's Commanding Officer.

Although they are in a stable condition, have been moved to our Medical facilities for medical care.

3HOURS ENCOUNTER: TROOPS RECOVER ARMS AND AMMUNITION WHILE REPELLING BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS - COL. USMAN

Following combined clearance operations against Boko Haram terrorists from other parts of our neighbouring countries, escaping terrorists attempted an incursion into our troops position while in harbour at Kangarwa yesterday evening.

The troops dealt decisively with the fleeing terrorists and recovered arms and ammunitions from them in an encounter that lasted for about 3 hours. Quite a number of the Boko Haram terrorists were killed, while several others escaped with gun shot wounds. 

Unfortunately, 8 soldiers and 2 Civilian JTF were however wounded in action during the encounter. They have since been evacuated for proper medical attention. They are in stable condition and responding to treatment.

In addition, one of the troop’s Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle caught fire following a Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) shot that affected the fuel tank and other electrical fittings. The troops however quickly put off the fire.

MALIAN DEFENCE CHIEF EXTOLS NIGERIAN ARMED FORCES – SOLICITS FOR COOPERATION

The Deputy Chief of Defence Staff of the Malian Armed Forces, Brigadier General Didier Dacko has eulogised the Nigerian Armed Forces for their exceptional role in peace keeping and high professional conduct in all military operations in the sub-region, Africa and around the globe.

Brigadier General Dacko made the commendation when he visited the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja. While praising the Nigerian Armed Forces for its leadership role in the West African sub-region, he stated that he was in DHQ to understudy the Nigerian Armed Forces winning strategy against the dreaded Boko Haram Terrorists so that his country can replicate same in tackling the security challenges in Mali.

TROOPS CLEAR BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN NGOSHE AND GAVA - ARMY

Today, Tuesday 28th June 2016, troops of 121 Task Force Battalion, 26 Task Force Brigade, accompanied by a large number of Civilian JTF from Gwoza, embarked on a very aggressive patrol that dislodged remnants Boko Haram terrorists hibernating at Ngoshe and Gava villages, located close to Gwoza on the mountainous terrain.

The essence of the robust patrol which was supported by the Nigeria Air Force and Cameroonian Defence Forces who provided air cover and real time Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance, was to clear the remnants of the terrorists hiding in the mountainous area and rescue all persons held hostages by the Boko Haram terrorists.

While advancing towards their objective in Ngoshe, the patrol team encountered Boko Haram terrorists. They have to clear the delay positions staged by the terrorists through the support of the Nigeria Air Force fighter jets.

How Troops rescue 5,000 Boko Haram captives, Kill 10 terrorists

Abuja – Several months after the federal government declared it has defeated Boko Haram, Nigerian military at the weekend rescued over 5, 000 hostages held captive by the terrorists’ group while ten terrorists were killed in several clearance operation in the North East.

One Civilian JTF member was killed, a soldier, policeman and another Civilian JTF member wounded during the encounters while arms, ammunition and logistics equipment in large quantities were recovered from the terrorists.

Confirming the rescue of the hostages and clearance operations in a statement, Col Sani Usman, Acting Director of Army Public Relations said, “Troops of 21 Brigade and Civilian JTF weekend conducted a fighting patrol to Zangebe, Maiwa, Algaiti and Mainari villages in which they killed 6 Boko Haram terrorists and wounded several others.