Category: Security

Defence Headquarters debunks claims of French Military Base in Nigeria

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Defence Headquarters has dismissed online reports alleging the arrival of French soldiers in Maiduguri to establish a military base in North-East Nigeria. In a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the Armed Forces of Nigeria described the claims as “fake, totally false, and mischievous.”   The statement emphasized that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, had previously debunked such speculations during media engagements.   “The general public is urged to disregard these reports and speculations still making rounds in some…

Military Onslaught Against Lakurawa Group in North-West Nigeria: A Spotlight on Operation Fasan Yamma and Its Impact on affected Communities By Lukman Laleye Babalola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

In a region fraught with the threats of terrorism, banditry, and insurgency, the Nigerian military’s Operation Fasan Yamma(OPFY) has become a cornerstone in the fight to restore peace and security to the North-Western states. Launched in October 2024, the operation which comprises of Troops from Nigerian military, DSS, Nigerian Police, NSCDC and Local vigilante groups, main focus has been the eradication of the Lakurawa insurgent group, which had significantly destabilized parts of Zamfara, Katsina, and Sokoto States. These states are not only hotspots for criminal activity but also sit on…

OPERATION FOREST SANITY III: CDS deploys Special Operations Brigade to Crush Lakurawas Sect in Sokoto, Kebbi

Lukman Laleye Babalola

As part of efforts to eradicate the Lakurawas sect in Sokoto and Kebbi States, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has deployed a Special Operations Brigade to intensify Operation FOREST SANITY III (CHASE LAKURAWAS OUT). This strategic move is aimed at consolidating the successes of precursor operations and ensuring lasting peace in the region. Addressing the troops on 13 December 2024, the General Officer Commanding 8 Division and Commander Sector 2 Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Brigadier General Ibikunle Ajose, delivered a directive from the Theatre Commander, Major General…

“Surrender or Be Neutralized” – 1 Brigade Commander,Brig General Opurum sends strong message to Terrorists …. highlights progress and challenges during Defence Correspondents’ visit

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Commander of 1 Brigade Headquarters, Gusau, Brigadier General Timothy M. Opurum, has reaffirmed the Nigerian military’s commitment to rooting out terrorism in the North West region. He made this declaration during an exclusive interview with Defence Correspondents led by Group Captain A.I. Bukar of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations, Abuja, at the 1 Brigade Headquarters,Gusau Zamfara state. General Opurum highlighted the intensified tempo of military operations, which has significantly weakened terrorist groups in the region. He noted that recent enemy strategies, including the deployment of improvised explosive devices…

17 Brigade has recorded significant successes in the fight against Terrorism and Banditry in Katsina – Brig General Omopariola

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Commander of 17 Brigade, Brigadier General B.O. Omopariola, said 17 Brigade under his command has recorded key operational successes in combating Terrorism and enhancing security in Katsina State.   General Omopariola stated this on Wednesday, 11th December 2024, when host to a team of Defence Correspondents who visited the 17 Brigade Headquarters ,Katsina to assess the Brigade’s operational activities and successes in securing the North West region of Nigeria. The visit was led by Group Captain I.A Bukar from the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DMO) at the Defence…

Operation Fasan Yamma spotlights recorded successes against insecurity …. 222 Terrorists Neutralized, 608 Hostages Rescued, …… Defence Correspondents applaud Military’s success in Northwest Nigeria

Emporium Reporters

Operation Fasan Yamma, a critical component of the larger Operation Hadarin Daji, has made remarkable progress in combating terrorism and banditry in Northwest Nigeria This was disclosed yesterday 10th December 2024, when Defence Correspondents from Defence Headquarters, Abuja, visited the operation’s headquarters in Gusau, Zamfara State, as part of a spot assessment of Operation Hadarin Daji (Northwest Nigeria). The team, led by Group Captain A.I. Bukar of the Directorate of Defence Media Operations (DMO), was received by Brigadier General N.N. Orok, Chief of Staff, Joint Task Force Operation Fasan Yamma,…

Nigerian Military neutralizes 8,034 Terrorists, rescues 6,376 Hostages in 2024 Operations

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Nigerian Armed Forces have announced significant successes in the ongoing counterterrorism and security operations across the country from January to December 2024. In a year marked by intensified threats, troops have demonstrated resilience and commitment to securing the nation, operating in five active theatres: North-East (NE), North-West (NW), North-Central (NC), South-South (SS), and South-East (SE).   According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations at a biweekly Media briefing held Thursday in Defence Headquarters Abuja,, a total of 8,034 terrorists were neutralized, 11,623 suspects arrested, and…

Niger Police Command to conduct Shooting Range Exercise on December 5 ….. Urges Residents to stay calm ,not panic over sporadic gunfire sounds

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Niger State Police Command has announced plans to carry out a shooting range exercise on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at a designated site behind the Nigeria Air Force Base in Maikunkele, Minna. The exercise is scheduled to take place between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM.   In a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer, SP W. A. Abiodun, the command advised residents, sister security agencies, and other stakeholders in the area not to panic upon hearing sporadic gunshots during the exercise.   The Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu…

JUST IN: Senate confirms Oluyede as Chief of Army Staff

Lukman Laleye Babalola

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of Olufemi Oluyede, a Lieutenant General, as the substantive chief of army staff.   The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced Oluyede’s confirmation after he was cleared by the senators through voice votes during the plenary on Tuesday, December 3, 2024.   The upper chamber approved the appointment after considering the report of its Committee on Army, presented by its Chairman, Abdulaziz Yar’adua.   Yar’adua said the committee was impressed with the high level of understanding, achievements and excellence stated in the credential of the…

Operation Fansan Yamma Troops neutralise scores of Terrorists in Zamfara

Lukman Laleye Babalola

Troops of the Joint Task Force North West, Operation Fansan Yamma, successfully conducted a fighting patrol in response to a distress call from the residents and vigilantes of Yar Galadima village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State.   The development occurred in the early hours of 1 December 2024 when the troops of Forward Operating Base (FOB) Hanutara were alerted at about 5am that terrorists were attacking the village. The troops responded promptly to provide assistance and restore peace to the affected area.   During the patrol, the…