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 CLEARANCE OPERATIONS AND PATROLS

In order to sustain the tempo of the clearance operations of the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists that are hiding in remote areas and some villages, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have been carrying out ambushes, raids, cordon and search operations in the theatre and northeast generally.

Today, troops of 159 Battalion Artillery Detachment based on information and confirmation on the presence of suspected Boko Haram terrorists at Tula Udah forest, carried out heavy bombardment to neutralize them.

Similarly, based tip off on the presence of foreign elements of Boko Haram terrorists from Chad and Nigeriens, troops carried out cordon and search operations at Gombe International Hotel, Gombe State. However, nothing incriminating was found. However, more vigilance is maintained in the area.

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.

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.

TEXT OF PRESS CONFERENCE BY THEATRE COMMANDER OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE

Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my pleasure this afternoon to welcome you all to Headquarters Theatre Command in order to update you with the progress of Operation LAFIYA DOLE. The gallant troops have continued to consolidate the peace. This brief, therefore, will touch on some of the operations and other related issues. 

Details are as follows:

FG DELEGATION ON CONDOLENCE VISIT TO BORNO OVER ACCIDENTAL BOMBING AT RANN BY NAF FIGHTER JET

A high-level federal government delegation has arrived in Maiduguri in connection with Tuesday's deadly accidental bombing of an IDP camp in Rann by a Nigerian Air Force fighter jet.

FG delegation led by the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Aba Kyari visited Maiduguri to commiserate with the Governor of Borno State over the unfortunate accidental killing of some innocent civilians at Rann in Kala Balge, Borno State.

The delegation include, Minister of Defence, Brig Gen Mansur Dan-Ali (rtd); Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin; Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Tukur Buratai and Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar.

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.

SPECIAL FORCE BATTALION TROOPS KILL BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS IN KANGARWA, 3 SOLDIERS DIED, 27 INJURED

Elements of 119 Battalion and 133 Special Forces Battalion of 7 Brigade, Nigerian Army, on Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed at Kangarwa, Kukawa Local Government Area, Borno State, with the assistance of the Nigerian Air Force Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance planes dealt a decisive below on Boko Haram terrorists that dared attack on their location yesterday.
The futile attack which was launched by the terrorists group from the shores of the Lake Chad in the evening and lasted till later in the night.

The resilient troops repelled the incursion and in the process killed 10 insurgents and wounded several others.

‘What we saw in Sambisa Forest’

Little is known about the young Nigerian Air Force pilots who played various roles in the decimation of Boko Haram insurgents and the capture of the dreaded Sambisa Forest. Many of them have been at war front for years, with not a few losing their lives in the process. Assistant Editor Seun Akioye reports his encounter with some of the fighter pilots on their involvement in the battle against Boko Haram terrorists in the Northeast.

Flight Lieutenant (Captain) Sam Haastrup jumped down smartly from the cockpit of a Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha-Jet, took off his helmet and hung it by the side of the aircraft. He was calm. It was a daily routine and a way of life. “It’s what I do for a living”, Flight-Lt. said.

He looked at the reporter and said: “I am a fighter pilot with the Nigerian Air Force, 103 Strike Group, Yola. I have been in this campaign for the past three years and that is what I am doing for a living right now. I am doing the job as much as possible and I am trying to pay back for the colleagues that we have lost in this war. I pray that the Lord will continue to be with their families.”

Haastrup stood at the expansive airstrip of the NAF Headquarters, 105 Composite Group, Maiduguri, headquarters of the Air Component of Operation Lafiya Dole. All around, young pilots were busy with their aircraft, the Alpha-Jets, the F7-Ni, the Augusta helicopters, ATR 42 surveillance aircraft and the massive transport plane C-130.

PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI'S NEW YEAR MESSAGE TO NIGERIANS, JANUARY 1, 2017

My dear Compatriots,

I am happy to welcome you to the beginning of a New Year in our beloved country Nigeria.


I felicitate with you today at a time when our nation is witnessing a new and impressive turnaround in our security and socio-economic situation.

I know you will join me to, once again, congratulate the heroic and gallant efforts of our military and other security agencies on their remarkable successes to rid the nation of terrorism.

Following the successful capture of Sambisa Forest, spearheaded by troops of Operation Lafiya Dole, we have entered a new phase in our battle against our common enemy, Boko Haram.

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.

OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: How Fleeing Boko Haram member arrested in Lagos

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One of the fleeing Boko Haram insurgents recently dislodged in Sambisa forest in Borno State was arrested on Saturday in Ikorodu area of Lagos State. The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai disclosed the arrest on Sunday at the re-opening of two major roads in the state that were closed since 2013 at the height of the activities of the insurgents.
The roads are Maiduguri-Gubio-Damasak and Maiduguri-Monguno-Baga.

Buratai charged troops in the North East to pursue the fleeing Boko Haram terrorists and intercept them.

“You must maintain the momentum of the operation. We must pursue the terrorists wherever they are. We must not allow them to regroup,” the army chief said.

PHOTO NEWS: Nigerian Troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE Dismantling Official Boko Haram Terrorists Flag in Borno State

Gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE dismantling the official Boko Haram terrorists flag at Parisu, Camp Zairo, Sambisa forest, Borno State signifying the capture of the Boko Haram terrorists Headquarters.

Gallant troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE

President Buhari Confirms ‘Capture’ Of Sambisa Forest, Urges Troops To Locate, Free Chibok Girls

President Muhammadu Buhari

President Muhammadu Buhari has confirmed the fall of Sambisa Forest, the last enclave of Boko Haram insurgents in north east, Nigeria.

Buhari said in a statement Saturday morning, “I was told by the Chief of Army Staff that the Camp fell at about 1:35pm on Friday, December 22, and that the terrorists are on the run, and no longer have a place to hide. I urge you to maintain the tempo by pursuing them and bringing them to justice.”

The president expressed delight at final crushing of the terrorists. “I am delighted at, and most proud of the gallant troops of the Nigerian Army, on receipt of the long-awaited and most gratifying news of the final crushing of Boko Haram terrorists in their last enclave in Sambisa Forest.”

Lafiya Dole: Army Rescues 1,880 Civilians From Boko Haram Enclaves

Troops of the Operation Lafiya Dole have dominated most parts of the Sambisa Forest including notorious Boko haram enclaves, rescuing a total of 1,880 civilians between December 14 and 21, 2016.
This was according to the Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Major General Lucky Irabor, in a news conference in Maiduguri.
Amdaga, Bitta, Sassawa, Tokombere, Jefe, Ndenema, Turori and Sambisa Gate one, are some of the areas General Irabor listed as liberated.

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. 

TEXT OF PRESS BRIEFING BY MAJOR GENERAL LEO IRABOR COMMANDER OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE TODAY THURSDAY 23RD JUNE 2016 IN MAIDUGURI

1. In line with our tradition to keep the public abreast with the ongoing operation in the North East of Nigeria, it is my pleasure to address you today as our troops have continued to progress in the fight against Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs). I intend to mention some of the major operations carried out with the attendant successes recorded since our last meeting. During the period under review, the following operations were conducted:

a. Clearing Patrol around KALA BALGE General Area. On 7 Jun 16, troops on patrol made contact with BHT around TILANI, RANN and KALMA in KALA BALGE general area. Consequently, in the process one was killed while others who suffered gunshot wounds fled. Among the items recovered were 3 motorcycles and a bag containing the sum of N466,000.00 only. Additionally, 8 abducted persons made up of 2 adult females, 2 female teenagers and 3 male children were rescued from BHT captivity. However, one male minor sustained injury and has been treated at our medical centre. All the rescued persons are in our custody for further screening and profiling.

Nigerian Air Force Alpha Jet Foils Plan To Ambush Surface Forces, Kills 15 Boko Haram Terrorists

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has successfully foiled plans by the Boko Haram terrorists to ambush the ground troops and also killed over 15 of the terrorists in the ongoing operations in parts of the North-east.

The Director of Public Relations and Information (DOPRI), Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, in a statement yesterday, said the air component of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ has uncovered a plot by the terrorists to ambush the surface forces harboured at Doron Naira, north of Borno State.”

UPDATE ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE: TROOPS RESCUE 53 MORE PERSONS KILL 2 TERRORISTS AND ARREST ONE

The Nigerian Army troops deployed in Operation LAFIYA DOLE clearing the remnants of Boko Haram terrorists have been busy performing their assigned tasks with varying degrees of satisfactory accomplishments.

It is in this regards that the troops of 114 Task Force Battalion of 28 Task Force Brigade, embarked on aggressive patrol to dominate and secure the road linking Izge and Bitta.

In a statement made available by Colonel Sani Kukasheka Usman who is the Acting Director Army Public Relations confirmed that during the operation, the patrol came across 43 persons that escaped from one of the Boko Haram terrorists hideouts in Madube. The escapees comprised of 10 men, 14 women and 19 children. They are currently being screened and profiled at the Battalion Headquarters.

Similarly, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion of the same Brigade, in conjunction with some vigilante groups carried out patrols to Pegana, Joma, Wambiyar, Dille, Pumpum, Zah, Miya and Pugula communities and cleared them of Boko Haram terrorists.