Troop - News Agency Of Nigeria

Lydia Beshel
Aug, Fri, 2025

Troops dislodge armed herders, recover rifle in Benue

Herders
By Emmanuel Antswen

Troops of the Joint Task Force Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dislodged armed herders and recovered an automatic rifle in Benue.

Lt. Ahmad Zubairu, Acting Media Information Officer, OPWS stated this in a statement made available to newsmen on Friday in Makurdi.

Zubairu stated that on Wednesday, the troops during their routine farm patrol at Mbakyior Outpost and Agidi Community Gwer East Local Government Area, recovered an AK-47 rifle with mounted magazine.

He said they recovered the rifle at a suspected crossing point reportedly used by armed herders at Mbakyior community.

“Upon sighting the advancing troops, the armed herders started to flee and opened fire in an attempt to resist interception.

“In a swift and coordinated response, OPWS troops returned fire forcing the hostile elements to disengage and flee the area.

“During subsequent search of the scene, an AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and three rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition abandoned by the fleeing armed herders were recovered,” he said.

The statement further stated that security forces had continued to patrol the area to deter further incursions, reinforce civilian confidence, and continue with their socio-economic activities in the area.

The statement also stated that the Force Commander, OPWS, Maj.-Gen. Moses Gara had commended the troops for their resilience, professionalism, and tactical discipline during the engagement.

Gara urged them to remain alert, proactive, and responsive to actionable intelligence provided by local communities.

He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that peace and security prevailed not only in Benue but also in Taraba, and Nasarawa State.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa

Troops nab suspected Nigerien terrorist in Yobe, kill scores

Philip Daniel Yatai
Jul, Tue, 2025

Defence/Security

Troops nab suspected Nigerien terrorist in Yobe, kill scores

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Nigerian Army operating under Operation Hadin Kai, on Monday, apprehended a suspected Nigerien terrorist while attempting to infiltrate a security perimeter in Yobe.

The troops also neutralised scores of terrorists, apprehended several others and rescued victims in various operations across theatres of operation.

A credible source told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the inability of the suspect to speak any Nigerian language had prompted further investigations into possible transnational ties.

He said the operation was conducted by troops of 120 Task Force Battalion in Katarko, Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

In Borno, he revealed that two relatives of terrorists, an adult female and a child, voluntarily surrendered to troops of 202 Battalion in Bama, after escaping from the Churchur axis.

The military source described the development as a sign of sustained pressure on insurgent enclaves.

In Sokoto State, the source revealed that troops of 8 Division Garrison killed two armed elements in a fierce gun battle in Tsamaye and Mai Lalle, Sabon Birni Local Government Area.

He said that three AK-47 rifles and a motorcycle were recovered at the scene.

In Kebbi State, he said the troops of 1 Battalion Rear intercepted a cattle rustling attempt in Sauna Village, Argungu Local Government Area.

According to him, The rustlers abandoned 251 cows and fled, adding that the animals were recovered and returned to their owners.

In Ondo State, the source said that troops of 323 Artillery Regiment operating in Igbara-Oke, Ifedore Local Government Area, intercepted two suspected gunrunners attempting to purchase weapons.

According to him, the suspects were working under the instruction of an inmate at Kirikiri Correctional Facility in Lagos, who allegedly coordinated the illicit transaction to fuel criminal activities in Zamfara.

“In a related operation in Delta, troops discovered a tricycle loaded with about 200 litres of suspected illegally refined diesel along the Jeddo–Omadino axis in Warri South Local Government Area.

“In a separate clearance mission, seven suspects were arrested from a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area.

“Recovered items included a motorcycle, four mobile phones and other logistics materials,” he said.

The source reaffirmed the army’s commitment to maintaining internal security and public order, assuring that the tempo of operations would remain high. (NAN)

Edited by Sadiya Hamza