Echotitbits – Nigeria News

Tag: Nigerian Army

  • Troops uncover roadside bomb in Borno and arrest suspected insurgent logistics suppliers

    Troops uncover roadside bomb in Borno and arrest suspected insurgent logistics suppliers

    Photo Credit: The Punch
    2025-12-20 12:00:00

    A statement relayed by Punch says troops under Operation Hadin Kai discovered an improvised explosive device planted along the Damboa–Komala road and arrested suspects described as logistics suppliers for insurgents.

    The report says the IED was located during a patrol and safely detonated, while a separate intelligence-led operation intercepted a vehicle allegedly transporting supplies believed to be destined for terrorist networks.

    Military officials say disrupting supply lines is critical to weakening insurgent capability, and the arrested suspects have been handed over for further investigation.

    The Nigerian Army’s official release said: “TROOPS OF OPHK DISCOVER IED… ARREST SUSPECTED TERRORIST LOGISTICS SUPPLIERS IN BORNO,” while TVC News also reported troops “have uncovered an Improvised Explosive Device” and arrested a suspected logistics supplier.

    Echotitbits take:
    The immediate win is supply-chain disruption. Watch for follow-on arrests of financiers and middlemen, and whether security operations tighten without choking legitimate local trade.

    Source: Punch — December 20, 2025 (https://punchng.com/photos-troops-uncover-bomb-on-borno-road-arrest-terror-logistics-suppliers/)
    Punch 2025-12-20

  • Borno operation: troops disrupt suspected ISWAP logistics with vehicle interception

    Borno operation: troops disrupt suspected ISWAP logistics with vehicle interception

    Photo credit: Daily Post Nigeria
    2025-12-20 12:30:00

    In a report carried by Punch, Nigerian troops in Borno intercepted vehicles allegedly transporting logistics meant for ISWAP, highlighting how insurgents still depend on supply lines and local procurement networks.

    Targeting logistics can have outsized impact: cutting fuel, tyres, parts and food flows can degrade mobility, reduce operational tempo and force insurgent cells into riskier behaviour.

    The incident was described as intelligence-led, with seizures that may help map facilitators, routes and financiers supporting terror activity.

    Even where no high-profile commanders are caught, interdictions like this can provide leads for follow-up raids and arrests.

    The Nigerian Army’s official updates described the action as part of efforts to cut terrorist resupply and degrade operational capacity.

    TheCable also reported the interception and noted it formed part of intensified pressure on insurgent logistics networks.

    Echotitbits take: Sustained interdictions matter more than one-off seizures. Watch for rapid exploitation of seized items (phones, receipts) and for any retaliation attempts on affected routes. Long-term success hinges on surveillance, informant protection and follow-through arrests.

    Source: Daily Post Nigeria— December 20, 2025 https://dailypost.ng/2025/12/20/troops-intercept-vehicles-carrying-suspected-iswap-supplies-in-borno/

  • Military foils Mandara Mountains infiltration attempt near Bitta

    Military foils Mandara Mountains infiltration attempt near Bitta

    Photo Credit: Channels TV / File
    2025-12-18 11:00:00

    Vanguard reports that Nigerian troops under Operation Hadin Kai thwarted an early-morning infiltration attempt by insurgents operating from the Mandara Mountains, with multiple fighters neutralised.

    The incident involved surveillance-led detection and a rapid response that prevented militants from gaining a foothold around the Bitta axis.

    Verification: Channels TV and The Sun also reported the operation and described it as a foiled attack/infiltration attempt.

    Quotes: Channels TV: “thwarted an early-morning attempt… to infiltrate Bitta…” The Sun: “neutralising a top commander… and others.”

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: Tactical wins matter, but communities judge security by reopened roads, safe farms and fewer abductions. Watch for holding operations and civilian protection—not just headline casualty figures.

    Source: Vanguard — 2025-12-18 — https://www.vanguardngr.com/2025/12/troops-kill-top-boko-haram-commander-foil-terrorists-infiltration-in-bitta-mandara-mountains/

    Vanguard 2025-12-18

  • FirstBank reopens refurbished basketball arena at Ikeja Army cantonment

    FirstBank reopens refurbished basketball arena at Ikeja Army cantonment

    2025-12-15 00:31:00

    According to The Punch, FirstBank has reopened a renovated Basketball & Games Arena at the Nigerian Army 9 Brigade Cantonment in Ikeja, Lagos, following a facelift.

    The report says the facility was inaugurated with senior military participation and positions the upgrade as part of sports development and community engagement.

    Bank-funded sports infrastructure typically falls under CSR, with brands seeking long-term visibility and youth engagement outcomes.

    Analysis/Echotitbits take: CSR projects matter most when they’re sustained—equipment, coaching programmes, and open access rules. Watch for how the facility is managed, who can use it, and whether it becomes a hub for grassroots leagues.

    Source: The Punch — December 15, 2025 — https://x.com/FirstBankngr/status/1999809090315268597

    Photo credit: At FirstBank, our commitment goes beyond banking, it is about supporting people including the people
    X-twitter https://x.com/FirstBankngr/status/1999809090315268597 December 15, 2025

  • Army Rejects Shooting Claims in Adamawa Clash, Blames Militia Gun Mishandling

    The Nigerian Army’s 23 Brigade denied allegations that soldiers shot civilians during a communal clash in Lamurde LGA, Adamawa. The brigade said two women reported dead were allegedly killed due to militia members’ mishandling of weapons.

    The army said joint forces responded to the violence and urged communities to embrace peace amid longstanding inter-communal tensions.

    2025-12-10

    Punch Newspapers

    2025-12-10

  • Security emergency: Army freezes retirement of officers

    Security emergency: Army freezes retirement of officers

    Following President Tinubu’s declaration of a nationwide security emergency on November 26, 2025, the Nigerian Army has reportedly suspended statutory and voluntary retirements for certain categories of officers. Punch links this decision to the escalating crisis of mass abductions, citing a surge in kidnappings in November, including major incidents involving students and worshippers in different states. The directive appears aimed at maintaining manpower and operational continuity while security agencies expand recruitment and intensify deployments. Source: Punch, December 7, 2025.

  • Soldier Sentenced to Death for Shooting Dead Superior

    Soldier Sentenced to Death for Shooting Dead Superior

    The Nigerian Army 7 Division General Court Martial has sentenced a soldier, one private Azunna Mmaduabuchi, to death by firing squad

    Mmaduabuchi who was serving at 202 Battalion Bama was found to have deliberately fired nine rounds of ammunition on Lieutenant Babankaka Ngorgi who instantly died.

    Delivering the judgement at Maimalari Cantonment Maiduguri, President of the Court, Brigadier General Arikpo Ekubi said the soldier was found guilty of murder punishable under section 106 sub section A of the Armed Forces Act 2004.

    He said the gruesome murder of Lieutenant Ngorgi who was the adjutant of the battalion by private Mmaduabuchi negates the tenants of military regimentation.

    Some of the accused soldiers before the 7 Division court martial in Maiduguri.

    The Court has also convicted private Mohammed Kuru serving at 212 Battalion to three years imprisonment for manslaughter.

    Mohammed was convicted of recklessly by accidental discharge killed 12 year old Adamu Musa at a wedding ceremony in London Ciki area of Maiduguri metropolis.

    Sergeant Sani Ishaya and 3 others were also convicted of manslaughter, where the court handed over a sentence from one to four years imprisonment.

    All the convictions are subject to confirmation by superior authority.

    • Radio Nigeria
  • Nigerian Army Shakeup Formation to Intensify War on Terrorism

    Nigerian Army Shakeup Formation to Intensify War on Terrorism

    The Nigerian Army Saturday night announced a major redeployment of senior officers to intensify the war against terrorism and other forms of criminality that is ravaging the peace of the country.

    The Director, Army Public Relations Brigadier General Sagir Musa, while disclosing the redeployment said the move was to rekindle the spirit of professionalism and enhance productivity of the army.

    According to General Musa, the new Army architecture will now have Major General FO Agugo move from Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals Corps Apapa Lagos to Defence Headquarters Department of Communications as Chief of Defence Communications, while Major General M Mohammed leaves the Nigerian Army Resource Center Abuja for Pronto Tech Nigeria Limited and appointed Managing Director.

    Also, Maj Gen AR Owolabi is transferred from Defence Headquarters Abuja (Department of Communications) to Headquarters Nigerian Army Signals Corps as Commander.

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    The General notes that Major General A Bande remains as General Officer Commanding 8 Division Sokoto.

    According to Musa ,Major General E Akerejola leaves Army Headquarters Department of Logistics for the Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport, Benin as Commandant “Major General UM Mohammed to remain in the Office of the Chief of Army Staff as Special Adviser Nigerian Army University Biu and Vice Chairman Nigerian Army Property Limited, Abuja, Major General CV Eze from Office of the Chief of Army Staff ( Nigerian Army Special Projects) to Army Headquarters, Department of Army Logistics and appointed Director Engineering Services.

    “Major General OF Azinta from Defence Space Agency, Abuja to Defence Headquarters as Director Psychological Warfare, Major General AM Dauda from National Defence College, Abuja to Army Headquarters Department of Policy and Plans and appointed Director Policy, Major General AL Dusu from Army Headquarters, Department of Policy and Plans to Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia appointed Commandant and Major General H Ahmed from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Military Police to remain as Provost Marshal (Army).

    “Others include: Major General TA Gagariga from Nigerian Army School of Artillery, Kachia to Defence Space Agency, Abuja appointed as Deputy Chief of Defence Space Agency, Major General JO Iwara from Army Headquarters Department of Standard and Evaluation to Department of Army Logistics appointed Director of Logistics Planning, Major General PI Eze to remain at Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE Maiduguri and appointed Theatre Logistics Component Commander,

    “Major General OO Oluyede to remain in Sector 2 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Damaturu as Commander, Major General BR Sinjen to remain in Army Headquarters Department of Training and Operations, Abuja as Director Operations, Major General R Abubakar to remain in Defence Headquarters as Defence Liaison Officer Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Abuja, Major General OO Soyele from Defence Hedquarters, Abuja to Nigerian Army Resource Center, Abuja as Senior Research Fellow.

    “Major General AK Ibrahim to remain in Headquarters 7 Division/ Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri as General Officer Commanding/Commander Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Major General SI Igbinomwanhia to remain in Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Monguno as Commander and Major General IM Jallo from Headquarters 63 Brigade, Asaba to Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt appointed General Officer Commanding.

    “Brigadier General AIM Lapai from 302 Artillery Regiment (General Support), Onitsha to Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery, Kontogora appointed Director Field Defence, Brigadier General Kawugana from Warrant Officers’ Academy, Jaji to Hedquarters 9 Brigade, Ikeja Lagos appointed Commander, Brigadier General MO Jimoh from Defence Headquarters to Defence Space Agency, Abuja and appointed Deputy Director, Launch Vehicle Systems.

    “Brigadier General MA Bolarinwa from Nigerian Army School of Supply and Transport Benin to Defence Headquarters(Annex), Lagos and appointed Deputy Director Supply, Brigadier General SM Uba to remain in 401 Special Forces’ Brigade as Commander, Brigadier General WM Dangana from Army War College Nigeria, Abuja to 3 Division Garrison, Jos appointed Commander, Brigadier General AGL Haruna to remain in 7 Division Garrison, Maiduguri as Commander, Brigadier General AM Garba from Headquarters Theatre Command Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Maiduguri to Headquarters 23 Brigade, Yola appointed Commander.

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    “Brigade General AG Laka from Army War College Nigeria, Abuja to Nigerian Army Operations Centre, Abuja and appointed Coordinator, Brigadier General IA Ajose from Training and Doctrine Command, Minna to 4 Special Forces Command, Doma as Chief of Staff, Brigadier General DK Zirkushu from Headquarters 1 Brigade, Gusau to Headquarters 28 Task Force Brigade, Chibok and appointed Commander.

    “Accordingly, Brigadier General M Ibrahim from Operation SAFE CORRIDOR, Gombe to 14 Brigade Ohafia appointed Commander, Brigadier General A Idris from Army Headquarters Department of Administration Army to Headquarters 63 Brigade, Asaba appointed Commander, Brigadier General RT Utsaha from 34 Brigade Garrison, Owerri to 32 Brigade, Akure and appointed Commander, Brigadier General MA Sadiq from Headquarters Operation DELTA SAFE, Yenagoa to Headquarters 4 Brigade, Benin and appointed Commander, Brigadier General IH Daniel from 304 Artillery Regiment Maiduguri to 34 Brigade Garrison Oweri as Commander, Brigadier General EO Ojabo from Defence Headquarters, Abuja to 81 Division Garrison, Lagos and appointed Commander, Brigadier General SS Tilawan to remain in Headquarters 5 Brigade as Commander.

    “Colonel FD Babatunde from Headquarters 81 Division, Lagos to Headquarters Operation SAFE HAVEN Jos appointed Sector Commander, Colonel OJ Majebi from Operation SAFE HAVEN, Jos to 31 Brigade Garrison, Minna appointed Commander, Col JC Mbanefo from Headquarters Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery to 301 Artillery Regiment (General Support) and appointed Commander, Colonel MA Maaji from Depot Nigerian Army Zaria to 4 Operation DELTA SAFE and appointed Commander amongst others.

    “All the postings and appointments take effect from the 18th of January 2021. While wishing all the officers well in their respective appointments, the Chief of Army Staff enjoins them to take their new responsibilities/appointments seriously and discharge all duties professionally with utmost loyalty to the nation and the Service.”

  • #EndSARS: You Invited Soldiers after Imposing 24-hour Curfew, Nigerian Army Counters Sanwo-Olu

    #EndSARS: You Invited Soldiers after Imposing 24-hour Curfew, Nigerian Army Counters Sanwo-Olu

    Nigerian Army has berated Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and his team for not saying the truth about the invasion of Lekki Toll Gate by soldiers on October 20 to disperse #EndSARS protesters.

    The Army, in a statement by its Acting Deputy Director, Public Relations, Headquarters 81 Division, Osoba Olaniyi, said the decision to call in the military was taken by the Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos State Government after a 24-hour curfew was imposed.

    “From the onset of the #EndSARS protest, there was no time personnel of 81 Division of the Nigerian Army Lagos were involved. However, the decision to call in the military was taken by the Lagos State Government (LASG) after a 24-hour curfew was imposed.

    “This was as a result of the violence which led to several police stations being burnt, policemen killed, suspects in police custody released and weapons carted away.

    “The situation was fast degenerating into anarchy. It was at this point that LASG requested for the military to intervene in order to restore normalcy.

    “The intervention of the military followed all laid down procedures for Internal Security operations and all the soldiers involved acted within the confines of the Rules of Engagement (ROE) for Internal Security Operations,” the statement explained.

    On the allegation of massacre at Lekki Toll Gate, the statement said: “The attention of Headquarters 81 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a viral video on social media in which it was alleged that civilians’ protesters were massacred by soldiers at Lekki Toll Plaza.

    “This allegation is untrue, unfounded and aimed at causing anarchy in the country. At no time did soldiers of the Nigerian Army open fire on any civilian.”

    The Army reiterated that in the discharge of its constitutional responsibilities, it did not shoot at any civilian as there are glaring and convincing evidence to attest to this fact.

    “This allegation is the hand work of mischief makers who will stop at nothing to tarnish the image of the Nigerian Army.

    “The general public is hereby enjoined to discountenance this allegation as there is no iota of truth therein,” the statement said.

    Idowu Sowunmi

  • British High Commission Urges Restraint as Nigerian Army Intensifies Internal Security

    British High Commission Urges Restraint as Nigerian Army Intensifies Internal Security

    The British High Commission (BHC) has expressed concern over the continued looting of private and public properties, including pockets of violence in some parts of the country.

    In its statement of concern, which was posted on twitter, the BHC said: “We remain concerned by acts of looting and violence in Nigeria and urge security services use restraint as order is restored. Working with all stakeholders, judicial panel of inquiry must investigate all incidents, including #Lekki and ensure accountability for crimes. #EndPoliceBrutality”

    Meanwhile, in an effort to bring back normalcy and stop continued looting in some part of the country, men of Nigerian army have deployed more soldiers on the streets.

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    The Army High Command decided on Monday stating that troops will prevent the continued looting of public and private properties by miscreants and criminals across the country, a situation that was a fallout of the #EndSARS protest hijacked by hoodlums.

    The decision was taken during a meeting between the Chief of Army Staff Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai and principal staff officers, General Officers Commanding and field Commanders at the Army headquarters on Monday.

    In a chat with newsmen after the meeting, Acting Director of Army Public Relations Col. Sagir Musa, disclosed that Gen. Buratai recalled that “the events of the past few days in our dear nation have shown the determination of some unscrupulous individuals and groups to destabilise Nigeria by all means having hijacked the peaceful #EndSARS protest marches resulting to widespread violence, acts of wanton destruction and looting of public and private properties in many parts of the country. These acts led to the imposition of curfew in many states”.

    Musa stated further that Gen. Buratai directed its men and officers to respond “quickly and decisively” to any attempt by “elements or destabilising agents” to cause a breach of the law and order.

    In a charge, the Army attempted to disabuse its personnel not to fear being reported to the International Criminal Court (ICC) as they are performing their constitutionally-assigned duty of defending the nation and its citizens.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the army gave assurance that it remains committed to democratic governance “as the only panacea for development and progress.”

    Gen. Buratai said the military had lost 10 AK-47 rifles and personnel to the violence, adding that the Army was aware of efforts to drag it into the protests with a view to “discredit” it  and the government.

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    The Chief of Army staff was said to have also warned that troops on internal security or on guard duties outside the barracks to know that they must  be at maximum alert at all times in order to be able to  ”deal decisively with any attack on their duty locations.”

    ”Any act of arson or attempt to kill or maim any military or security personnel and other law-abiding civilians must be responded to quickly and decisively,”

    He alerted them of potential security threats resulting from the burgling of security armouries by the hoodlums, adding that”the recent activities of the “unscrupulous elements have shown their desire to acquire arms and ammunition at all cost from security personnel.”

    “No less than 10 AK-47 rifles have been lost to these miscreants in the past two weeks across the country with attendant loss of lives of personnel,” the COAS warned.

    “Right from the onset of the #EndSARS protests, the NA has been aware of the grand design by the sponsors of the protests to draw it into the crisis.

    “The plan was to embark on massive propaganda to discredit the military and the government so as to set the people against the NA once it is called out to aid the civil authorities.

    “The NA being aware of the devilish plan was careful not to be dragged in and issued the initial warning through a press release on October 14, 2020 of our resolve to secure and safeguard a united Nigeria.

    “Now, the detractors alongside their local and international collaborators have mischievously and deliberately misrepresented troops’ efforts to ensure compliance with the curfew imposed by legitimate civil authorities in Lagos and other states.

    “These agitators are falsely accusing the NA of being responsible for the activities of the miscreants despite glaring evidence to the contrary. They have continually threatened to report the NA to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and also threatened various forms of sanctions against personnel and their families.”

    Buratai said: “despite all these, the NA has continued to exercise restraint by applying all the Principles of Internal Security Operations and fully abided by the internationally recognised rules of engagements….

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    “The Nigerian Army is determined to ensure democratic stability in Nigeria. The best system of governance is democracy and we must all ensure that Nigeria’s democracy remains stable and steady. We will not allow any force, elements or destabilising agents in or outside our country to set our beloved country on fire.

    “We remain resolute in doing everything possible to ensure that subversive elements, detractors and other enemies of this great nation do not achieve their aims and objectives of destabilisation.”

    “There is no choice between a democratically united, strong and prosperous Nigeria and a nation disunited in a state of anarchy and retrogression.”

    “We must all strive for a united, strong, stable and progressive Nigeria,” he admonished.