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Soldiers destroyed IPOB shrines, anti-poll posters – DHQ

Published

2 years ago

February 10, 2023

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami

The Defence Headquarters has said troops in various theatres of operations across the country have cracked down on the nefarious activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the last two weeks.

Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, said over 77 terrorists were killed while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to the military between January 26 and February 9.

During the period, he said troops busted an enclave of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network in the Ordu Local Government Area of Imo State.

According to him, after a gun duel, the military destroyed IPOB shrines as well as posters with the inscription “No Election.”

One AK-47 rifle was recovered in the operation, he said.

Danmadami said, “On January 28, 2023, troops responded to credible information on Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist activities at County Primary School Amaruru in the Ordu Local Government Area of Imo State and made contact with the terrorists. Following the fire fight, troops neutralised one terrorist and destroyed 10 motorcycles.

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“Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle and destroyed the terrorists’ shrines, including posters with inscription of ‘No Election’.”

He added that, “Cumulatively, during the period under review, troops in the North-East region recovered two GPMG, one AK-47, 13 Dane guns, three AK-47 magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammo, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36-hand grenade, 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x 51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two jack knives, 11 bicycles, one vehicle, one motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260, as well as a vehicle loaded with food and other items.

“Troops equally neutralised 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists, and seized nine Boko Haram terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 59 civilians, while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females and 195 children, surrendered to troops at different locations in the North East theatre of operation.”

In the North Central, Danmadami said the troops neutralised five terrorists and arrested 10 terrorists and one gunrunner, adding that they also recovered 36 cows, 10 motorcycles, three mobile phones, two knives, and eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition.

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He stated that in the North-West region, troops neutralised 16 terrorists and arrested seven suspected terrorists, adding that a total of 12 AK-47 rifles, 16 locally-made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition, 27 AK-47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, one vehicle, three MTN SIM cards, one National Identification Number card, and one driver’s licence were recovered.

Danmadami noted that all recovered items, apprehended criminals, and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, while captured terrorists, surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province members, and members of their families are being profiled for further action.

He also said troops with the Defence Intelligence Agency team raided Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and arrested a suspected gun runner. A mobile phone and a Benue State Livestock Guard identity card were recovered from the suspect.

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Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

Published

11 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

Nigerian Military Troop

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

The Nigerian Army has confirmed the death of two soldiers and the theft of their weapons by operatives of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is a separatist group advocating for the creation of the Republic of Biafra, citing longstanding grievances over the marginalization of Nigeria’s South-East region since the Biafra-Nigeria civil war.

In a statement released on Saturday, the Nigerian Army explained that the incident occurred in Osina, Ideator North Local Government Area of Imo State, when troops from the 34 Artillery Brigade, returning from a routine patrol, responded to an emergency call about an attack on Osina Community by IPOB/ESN forces.

The statement revealed that upon arrival, the troops engaged the “terrorists” with overwhelming firepower, resulting in casualties among the attackers. However, the Army did not provide specific numbers, only noting that the “dissidents” eventually withdrew in disarray.

“Unfortunately, two security agents had been killed in action and one other missing in action, with their weapons—a AK-47 rifle and a tear gas launcher—being seized by the terrorists,” the statement said.

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The Army confirmed that the bodies of the fallen soldiers had been recovered, and the troops pursued the fleeing militants.

“Contact was again made with the criminal IPOB/ESN elements at Nkwachi Community, and in the firefight that ensued, one of the dissidents was neutralized while others, unable to withstand the troop’s firepower, retreated into the nearby forest. One AK-47 rifle with a fully loaded magazine was recovered, ” the statement said, adding that the troops continued their pursuit into Umalouma forest, where another intense exchange of fire took place.

“The dissidents eventually abandoned their weapons due to the troops’ superior firepower and scattered into the dense forest with severe gunshot wounds. An additional four AK-47 rifles, one Fabrique Nationale rifle, and two magazines were recovered,” the statement added.

The Army assured the public that operations would continue, with efforts to track down and eliminate the remaining criminals. “Further exploitation is ongoing as troops continue to track down the injured terrorists and flush them out of their hideouts and treatment locations,” the statement stated. “We urge all IPOB/ESN elements and other criminals hiding in the bushes to surrender to the nearest troops or face defeat, as the Brigade will ensure that the people of Imo celebrate the Yuletide season in peace, free from fear or intimidation.”

The Nigerian Army also called on the people of Imo State to continue providing timely intelligence to assist in the fight against criminal elements and help rid the state of lawlessness.

Suspected IPOB members kill two soldiers in Imo

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13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

Published

11 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

An accident scene File photo

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash

The Federal Road Safety Corps, Ondo State Sector Command, says no fewer than 13 people were burnt to death along Ikare-Akoko/ Owo Road on Saturday in the state.

Dr Samuel Ibitoye, FRSC State Sector Commander made this known in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Saturday in Akure.

“FRSC regrets to inform the public about a road traffic crash that occurred today 28 December, 2024 at Abule Panu before Ose Bridge, on Owo-Ikare highway, Ondo State.

“The fatal crash which occurred at about 10:14 AM claimed 13 lives of commuters in two buses.

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“A total of 14 people were involved, out of which 13 were burnt beyond recognition, while only one was rescued alive with serious injuries.

“Eyewitness account indicates that the bus coming from Ikare axis had a tyre burst which led to loss of control.

“This was resultant in a head-on collision with the bus loaded with fabric coming from Owo axis.

“Immediately after the collision, the two buses went up in flames. The men of FRSC, Police and Fire Service were swiftly at the crash scene for rescue,” he said.

The FRSC boss said that the injured victim was taken to Federal Medical Centre, Owo, while the deceased were deposited at the morgue of the same hospital.

He, therefore, advised drivers to exercise patience on the roads and passionately maintain their vehicles.

“Passengers are also encouraged to speak out against dangerous driving because road safety is a concern of all,” Ibitoye said.

13 passengers burnt to death in Ondo auto crash
NAN

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NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

Published

11 hours ago

December 28, 2024

Trends Admin

NDDC empowers Niger Delta young entrepreneurs with N30bn

The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has pledged to galvanise the Niger Delta Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Trade, Mines and Agriculture (NDCCITMA) by releasing N30 billion counterpart fund for the development of young entrepreneurs.

The NDDC Managing Director, Dr Samuel Ogbuku who disclosed this in Port Harcourt, restated the Commission’s commitment to empowering the people of the region through economic programmes.

He highlighted the NDCCITMA’s role in training youths, supporting SMEs, and designing industry-friendly skill development programmes.

Ogbuku said the NDDC was supporting the NDCCITMA to drive economic growth and development in the Niger Delta region by providing financial support, training and networking opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs.

He said, “We are providing N30 billion to fund projects and support businesses to ensure the sustainability of our youth development initiatives.

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“We will release the matching funds so the entrepreneurs can access them to boost their businesses. In our 2024 budget, we have provision for N30 billion which we are to use as matching funds for the chamber of commerce. We are working towards releasing this fund so that the chamber of commerce can start work in earnest.

“The Niger Delta Chamber of Commerce will strengthen young entrepreneurs in the region. It is no longer acceptable for our youths to be contented with receiving stipends while at home doing nothing.
Ogbuku remarked that the Commission was collaborating with the Bank of Industry, BOI, to ensure the success of NDDC’s youth development programmes.

“The current NDDC Board and Management choose to look at sustainable options in designing youth programmes. In the past, we did a lot in supporting entrepreneurs in the Niger Delta but these activities were not properly documented and backed with verifiable data.

“Our new strategy is to support genuine entrepreneurs rather than people who are just portfolio entrepreneurs because we know that the government alone cannot employ everybody. Many university graduates are coming out, and the government cannot employ all of them. However, we can empower them by creating an environment where they can engage other persons to expand their businesses.”