From Rivers creeks to high seas: Navy earns Buratai’s praise for anti-piracy, oil theft crackdown

• Neutralise insurgents, recover arms in Borno, Yobe

• Airstrikes hit ISWAP fighters in Lake Chad

• Navy disrupts oil theft, piracy in Niger Delta

• Soldiers rescue victims, recover cattle in North-West

ABUJA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said Nigerian troops have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres, signalling renewed momentum in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and economic sabotage.

Buratai, in a statement, said recent coordinated operations by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force had dealt heavy blows to criminal elements across the country.

According to him, troops under Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in Kukareta, Borno State, killing 24 insurgents and recovering 18 AK-47 rifles, three machine guns, two anti-aircraft guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.

He added that follow-up operations led to the discovery of additional bodies of fleeing terrorists, while troops in Kanamma, Yobe State, killed four insurgents during another attempted infiltration.

Buratai further disclosed that troops neutralised a top ISWAP commander, Abu Jarir, describing the development as a major setback for the group’s leadership structure.

He said the successes were bolstered by precision airstrikes conducted by the Air Force in the Lake Chad region, where several ISWAP fighters were killed after their positions on Kaniram Island were bombarded.

In the North-West, Buratai noted that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded breakthroughs against bandits. In Katsina State, soldiers forced a notorious bandit leader, Muhammad Filani, to abandon 225 rustled cattle, which were subsequently returned to their owners.

He added that troops destroyed criminal camps in Munhaye Forest, Zamfara State, and carried out ambush operations in Kaduna State, leading to arrests, recovery of ammunition and rescue of kidnapped victims.

In the North-Central, he said troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested suspected militia members involved in cattle rustling in Plateau State, recovering dozens of stolen livestock.

Highlighting operations in the South-South, Buratai commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in Operation Delta Safe, noting that naval personnel uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites in Rivers State and recovered thousands of litres of stolen crude oil.

He also praised the Navy’s sustained surveillance and deterrence patrols, which he said had contributed to a drastic reduction in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

In the South-East, Buratai disclosed that troops arrested a suspected IPOB commander linked to attacks on security personnel, while also recovering the remains of two soldiers killed in 2022, who are now set to receive full military honours.

The former army chief attributed the recent gains to improved intelligence, enhanced inter-agency cooperation and the resilience of troops on the frontline.

He urged Nigerians to support the military and avoid spreading unverified information capable of demoralising personnel.

“The momentum must be sustained. The enemy is weakened but not defeated. This is the time to intensify operations and consolidate on the gains recorded,” he said.

Buratai also commended the leadership of the armed forces and security agencies for fostering coordination across operations nationwide.

He added that continued public support and cooperation with security agencies would be critical to restoring lasting peace across the country.

DR. CHETACHI ECTON NWOGA REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO APC, HONOURED IN AHIAZU MBAISE, DONATES MILLIONS TO PARTY

Dr. Chetachi Ecton Nwoga, Owerri Zone Senatorial Hopeful, continues to demonstrate strong leadership, grassroots connection, and unwavering commitment to the unity and growth of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Imo State.

During a courtesy visit to the APC Secretariat in Ahiazu Mbaise, Dr. Nwoga was warmly received by the party chairman and key stakeholders. In a remarkable show of support, she donated ten million naira (₦10,000,000) to the party at the local government level. In recognition of her impactful leadership and contributions, she was also conferred with the prestigious traditional title Ada Ahiazu Dum by the 21 Ezes of Ahiazu Mbaise.

Further reinforcing her role within the party, Dr. Nwoga participated in a crucial APC stakeholders’ meeting in Imo State, attended by the Executive Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma. The meeting served as a strategic platform for dialogue, unity, and strengthening the party’s direction across the state.

Dr. Nwoga emphasized the importance of cohesion among party members, describing unity as the bedrock of sustainable political success. She reaffirmed her strong support for the Charter of Equity, championed by the Governor, noting that it remains essential for fairness, inclusion, and political balance in Imo State.

Highlighting her contributions, she noted her support toward the reconstruction of the APC State Secretariat as part of efforts to reposition the party for efficiency and long-term stability.

In a significant demonstration of commitment, Dr. Nwoga donated forty million naira (₦40,000,000) at the stakeholders’ meeting. This follows her earlier contribution of thirty million naira (₦30,000,000) to the APC Owerri Zone, bringing her total support to eighty million naira (₦80,000,000) to the APC in Imo State so far.

Dr. Nwoga reiterated that unity, sacrifice, and a shared vision remain critical to achieving political stability and sustainable development, urging party members to remain committed to the collective progress of Imo State.

“No Retreat, No Complacency: Buratai Insists Fighting Spirit Must Remain Unbroken as Troops Turn the Tide”

ABUJA — Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said Nigerian troops have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres of operation, noting that recent gains indicate a shifting momentum in the fight against insurgency, banditry and other security threats.

Buratai disclosed this in a post on his verified Facebook page, stating that coordinated efforts by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force have contributed to sustained pressure on criminal elements across the country.

In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai repelled a major attack on Kukareta community in Borno State, killing 24 terrorists and recovering a cache of weapons, including rifles, machine guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.

He added that follow-up operations led to the discovery of additional terrorist casualties, while troops in Kanamma, Yobe State, neutralised four insurgents alongside a high-value ISWAP commander identified as Abu Jarir.

Buratai further stated that airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force in the Lake Chad region targeted gatherings of ISWAP fighters on Kaniram Island, resulting in heavy casualties and disruption of their movement.

In the North-West, troops under Operation Fansan Yamma recorded notable successes against bandits, including the recovery of over 200 rustled cattle in Katsina State after an encounter with a group led by a suspected kingpin, Muhammad Filani.

He noted that similar operations in Zamfara State and Kaduna State led to the destruction of criminal hideouts, recovery of arms, rescue of kidnapped victims and arrest of suspects.

In the North-Central, Buratai said troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested suspected militia members involved in cattle rustling in Plateau State and recovered stolen livestock, while ambush operations led to the neutralisation of armed bandits.

He also disclosed that troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered illegal oil bunkering activities in Rivers State, recovering large quantities of stolen crude oil

In the South-East, security forces arrested a suspected commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra known as “Calamity,” allegedly linked to attacks on security personnel.

Buratai further revealed that the remains of two soldiers killed in 2022—Master Warrant Officer Linus Musa Audu and Lance Corporal Gloria Mathew—had been recovered and would be accorded full military burial honours.

He attributed the operational gains to improved intelligence gathering, enhanced inter-agency collaboration and the resilience of troops on the frontlines.

While acknowledging that the fight against insecurity is not yet over, Buratai urged Nigerians to sustain support for the military and other security agencies through credible intelligence and encouragement.

He stressed that the moment demands heightened resolve from troops.

“The terrorists and bandits are weakened but still dangerous. This is the time to intensify operations and not relent,” he said.

Buratai also called on the media to maintain balanced reporting on security matters, noting that highlighting both successes and challenges remains essential to sustaining public trust and national morale.