Nigeria Says Dozens of Gunmen Killed in Military Operations Across Northwest and Northeast

Nigeria’s military has reported killing dozens of armed men in separate operations across the country’s troubled northwest and northeast regions. In Katsina State, northwest Nigeria, authorities said security forces repelled coordinated attacks on multiple villages on Tuesday, killing at least 30 suspected gunmen. The state’s commissioner for internal affairs, Nasir Mua’zu, said the assailants were intercepted by troops and police after launching deadly raids that left a civilian, two soldiers, and three policemen dead. “Our gallant security forces successfully repelled the attackers. Thirty of the criminals were neutralised through coordinated air strikes as they attempted to escape,” Mua’zu said in a statement on Thursday. “We are working tirelessly with federal security agencies to ensure the safety of all citizens.” In a separate operation in the country’s northeast, the Nigerian Army said 24 insurgents were “neutralised” between July 4 and 9 during joint land and air offensives in Borno State, targeting fighters from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). “These coordinated operations were supported by close air support and local forces,” said Army spokesperson Reuben Kovangiya. “The operations underscore the determination of Operation Hadin Kai troops to place terrorists on the back foot and restore socioeconomic activities in the North East.” The northeast has been plagued by extremist violence since the Boko Haram insurgency erupted in 2009. Over 35,000 people have been killed and more than two million displaced, according to United Nations figures. Meanwhile, the northwest remains plagued by armed gangs involved in banditry and mass abductions. Despite occasional peace accords, including a recent one in Katsina with several bandit leaders, attacks and insecurity persist in the region. Nigerian military claims in similar operations have faced skepticism in the past, with independent verification often limited due to restricted media access to affected areas.

Read More

Army Chief Urges Youths to Join Military, Promotes Discipline and Patriotism in Sokoto Outreach

The Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, has encouraged young Nigerians to consider careers in the Nigerian Army, emphasizing the values of discipline, patriotism, and national service. Speaking during a civil-military relations event held on Friday at Idris Koko Technical College, Farfaru, Sokoto, the Army Chief — represented by Brigadier General A. A. Musa, Commander of the 108 Division Equipment Service — said the initiative aimed to enlighten students about the Army’s nation-building role and inspire youth to pursue positive, purposeful lives. “It is our hope that through this initiative, more young Nigerians will consider a career in the Army and understand the importance of discipline, patriotism, and service to the nation,” General Musa said. The event featured educational talks and interactive sessions designed to bridge the gap between civilians and military personnel. Captain Musa Lemu, Administrative Officer at the 8 Provost Group, spoke on the dangers of criminal associations, urging students to focus on education and avoid peer pressure. Lieutenant E. O. Ojo delivered a presentation on “Civil-Military Relations and Community Interventions by the Nigerian Army,” highlighting the Army’s humanitarian outreach such as: Mallam Musa Koko, Director of Quality Assurance at the Sokoto State Ministry of Science and Technology, who represented the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, applauded the Nigerian Army for the initiative. “Programs like this help our students to envision meaningful futures and inspire them to contribute to national development,” he stated. The event attracted wide participation from students, teachers, Army officers, and government officials, and ended with a lively Q&A session, giving students a chance to engage directly with military personnel and explore opportunities in national service.

Read More

Israeli Army Chief Links Strikes on Iran to Military Objectives in Gaza

Israel’s Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, has stated that recent Israeli strikes on Iran may serve to advance the country’s military objectives in Gaza, raising fresh concerns over the widening scope of the ongoing conflict. Speaking during a field tour of Israeli military positions in Gaza on Friday, Zamir claimed that Iran “has taken a heavy blow,” suggesting that the attack could directly support Israel’s operations in the Palestinian territory. “This may advance our objectives in Gaza,” he said. The comments come in the aftermath of Israel’s conclusion of “Operation Rising Lion,” which the military claims targeted elements of Iran’s nuclear infrastructure. Zamir further commended Israeli ground forces operating in Gaza, stating that their combat experience was “a significant part of the [Israel Defense Forces]’ ability to act with force in Iran.” His remarks appear to blur the distinction between Israel’s military confrontations with Iran and its ongoing war in Gaza, drawing criticism from analysts who warn that linking both theaters of conflict could signal a dangerous escalation. Despite months of air and ground assaults that have resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and widespread destruction across Gaza, Zamir admitted that Israel’s declared military objectives in the territory remain unfulfilled. The statement has further fueled international concern over the growing regional dimension of Israel’s war efforts and the humanitarian toll in Gaza.

Read More

Tinubu hails Military on North-West operations, pledges sustained support 

Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu receives with relief the news of the strings of successful operations against security threats in the north-west by troops of the Nigerian military. He said the success of the operations gives further assurance that our security operatives are up to the task of  of ensuring the peace and security of the nation. Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, on Thursday, neutralised a wanted bandit leader, Halilu Sububu, who had been unleashing terror on citizens in Zamfara, Sokoto, and other parts of north-western Nigeria. The troops also killed  another terrorist Sani Wala Burki in a Joint Operation in Katsina, and  busted a terrorist enclave in Kaduna, where 13 kidnapped students were freed. The successful operations follow the President’s directive to the service chiefs to relocate to the zone until normalcy is restored.  President Tinubu commends the military high command, the intelligence agencies, and the troops for their valiant efforts, synergy, and dedication, which have resulted in the recent laudable outcomes. The President also commended the entire security apparatus for the improved security in the nation and enjoins them to sustain their efforts until immediate and latent threats are permanently removed. President Tinubu reassured the security agencies of his continued support in achieving the priority objective of keeping the nation safe and secure.

Read More