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Nigerian Army accommodation for personnel in Abuja

By Sumaila Ogbaje
Accommodation
Abuja, Dec. 23, 2019 (NAN) The Minister of Defence, retired Maj.-Gen. Bashir Magashi, has inaugurated 150 flats for residential accommodation for the personnel of Nigerian Army at Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment, Giri, Abuja.

Inaugurating the facility on Monday, Magashi said provision of befitting accommodation for personnel of Nigerian armed forces is in line with the next level agenda of Buhari’s administration to improve welfare of personnel.

He said that the government was committed to supporting the Nigerian army to provide more accommodation within the barracks, adding that provision had been made in the armed forces 2020 budget.

The minister added that addressing the welfare needs of personnel of armed forces was paramount to the federal government.

“I am very optimistic that the 150 flats commissioned today will reduce the burden of accommodation you have been facing as well as enable personnel to focus on enhanced operational efficiency.

“The conceptualisation of Muhammadu Buhari Cantonment in Giri is in line with the next level agenda of the present administration by enhancing welfare packages of personnel through the provision of adequate office and residential accommodations for the armed forces.

“Moreso, it is with the knowledge that the government is ever ready to provide the tools that the troops require to fulfil their mission is a great factor in winning battle.

“In addition, the morale component of fighting power is boosted by improving troops’ welfare and their morale.

“The completion of the 150 flats accommodation for officers and soldiers of Nigerian Army shows the relentless effort of the government to improving the welfare of troops and by extension the morale component of the fighting force of Nigerian army,” he said.

The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the project was initiated in 2017 to address the challenge of acute shortage of accommodation for the personnel in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Buratai said that there was nexus between efficiency and conducive environment, adding that the new blocks of accommodation in the barracks will address the housing needs of 150 families of officers and soldiers.

He disclosed that basic amenities like access roads, power and water supplies had been provided within the facilities, pledging that the army authorities will continue to ensure that its personnel are properly accommodated nationwide.

Buratai however solicited for continuous support for the Ministry of Defence to provide more accommodation for army personnel across the country.

He also urged the personnel to reciprocate the gesture by offering effective service by implementing his strategic direction for the year 2020.

According to him, the project is captured in the capital budget of 2018 for construction in the Cantonment to ameliorate the challenges of acute shortage of accommodation facing the personnel.

“To address the office and accommodation challenges in Abuja, I tasked the Headquarters of Nigerian Army Engineers and the Nigerian Army Special Project coordinator to commence the construction of infrastructures in the cantonment.

“This was based on my conviction that there is a nexus between efficiency and environment from where men live and work.

“In that vain, to have a professionally and responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles, requires having a befitting office and residential accommodation,“ he said.

The Chief of Logistics, Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. J.I Onuigbe, said that army headquarters had successfully relocated some key units and formations to the cantonment since its ground breaking in 2017.

Onuigbe also disclosed that the Nigerian Army Women Corps, Nigerian Army Aviation, Cyber Warfare Command and Nigerian Army Ranch, among others, had been relocated to the cantonment.

He commended the Chief of Army Staff for his commitment to the welfare of officers and soldiers by providing befitting accommodation for them. (NAN)
OYS/UB/MST
Edited by Blessing Udeh/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

Army provides free medical services to community in Ondo

Army provides free medical services to community in Ondo

Army

By Muftau Ogunyemi

Ugbo(Ondo State), Nov.17, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army on Sunday provided free medical services to people of Ugbo community in Ilaje Local Government area of Ondo State.

Brig. Gen. Zakari Abubakar, the Commander of 32 Artillery Brigade, said that the gesture was part of on-going exercise of Crocodile Smile lV in the area.

He said that the gesture was to enhance the life of the people in the area.

According to Abubakar, it is also to cement the relationship between the military and civil populace.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigerian Army had earlier donated some computers, printers, exercise books, generators, stationary and sporting materials to schools at Atijere community in Ilaje Local Government area on Nov.13.

NAN also reports that the gesture was part of civil-military activities as Crocodile Smile IV  flag off in the southern part of Ondo State will last from Nov.8 to Dec. 23, 2019.

Abubakar said that the medical services delivered included services at the general outpatient department for general consultation, general eye examination, health education, oral care, laboratory investigations, issuance of free mosquito nets and drugs.

He thanked the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, and General Officer Commanding 2 Division,Ibadan, Maj. Gen. Anthony Omozoje, for they exemplary leadership and for finding the Brigade worthy of hosting the exercise and approving the civil-military activities.

“The COAS is particularly  concerned about the health and well being of our community knowing fully that health is wealth. It is in this light that he has taken by his step to provide this medical outreach.

“The objective is for you to embrace peace and shun every act of violence and criminality.

“COAS believes with peace, come development. There will not be development without peace,” Abubakar said.

,Maj. James Agbe, the Commanding Officer, 32 Artillery Brigade Medical Centre, Akure, said that one of the services rendered was to teach people on how to brush.

“We also rendering free eye care handled by specialists, free toothpaste and brushes, free drugs for common ailment in the community, free mosquito net to prevent mosquito bite considering the environment in which they living as riverine area.

“Community should take the advantage of the services being provided by COAS to make maximum use of the services and drugs effectively, ” Agbe admonished.

In his welcome address, Oba Akinruntan Obateru,Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom, who was represented by the High Chief Hosea Iperepolu and Chairman of Ugbo Council of Chiefs, commended the gesture.

He said that the gesture would bring cordial relationship between the Nigerian Army and the community.

“The exercise is laudable one because we all know that health is wealth.

“This will bring cordial relationship between civilian and Nigerian Army. People are always afraid of Army, but with this new development, people will not see them as their enemy.

“When Army starts to come nearer to the people like this, people will be able to interact with them and it will reduce the rate of insurgency, kidnapping and all unnecessary crime in the societies,” he said.

Obateru charged the community to see the Nigerian Army as their friend and admonished the Army to continue with their good relationship so that people would not see them as their enemy.

The monarch promised Nigerian Army that Ugbo kingdom would continue to support and cooperate with them so that the issue of kidnapping, pipeline vandalism and many other crimes would reduce in the area.

One of the participants, Mr Akin Adetuo, a 60-year-old farmer with eye problem, thanked the Nigerian Army for the gesture.

“I am here with my eye problem so that I can see very well, but with the service rendered by Army today am very happy. May Almighty God help them as they choose to help us,” he said.

Mr Maigba Israel, who said that he came from the neighboring town near Ugbo kingdom for stomach ache and eye problem, urged the Nigerian Army to continue to support civilians, especially on health related issues.

“I am not from Ugbo kingdom, but I am from Ugbo-Nla town.

“I believe this services will go a long way for our people, especially for me because I don’t have money to go to hospital that is why when I heard that Nigerian Army is giving free eye service, I left my food to benefit from the services,” he said. (NAN)

OMA/TA

Edited by Tajudeen Atitebi

 

Defence/Security

Army begins exercise “Ex Vulcan Glow VII’’ Oct. 28

Army begins exercise “Ex Vulcan Glow VII’’ Oct. 28

By Mohammad Tijjani
Exercise
Kaduna, Oct. 23, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery (NACA) says it will begin a Field Training Exercise, nicknamed “EX VULCAN GLOW VII’’, from Oct. 28 in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The Assistant Director, Army Public Relations Officer of the corps, Cpt. Mohammed Maidawa, announced this in a statement on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the exercise is in continuation of the Nigerian Army training activities for the year.
Maidawa said EX VULCAN GLOW VII will begin on Oct. 28 through Nov. 1, at the Military Training Range, Kachia.
According to him, during the period of the exercise, mass movement of troops, military weapons and equipment will be noticed as well as sound of gun shots.
“The general public especially residents of Kachia and environs are advised not to panic and also to keep away from the general area of the exercise.
“The exercise will be climaxed with a fire power demonstration on Friday, Nov. 1.
“A pulling out parade of some retired former Corps Commanders, Major Generals and Brigadier Generals of the Nigerian Army Corps of Artillery will hold on Nov. 2, at Nigerian Army School of Artillery parade ground,’’ Maidawa added. (NAN)
TJ/KM/MST
Edited by Kabir Muhammad/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

Boko Haram: Army continues onslaught against terrorists in N/East

Boko Haram: Army continues onslaught against terrorists in N/East

By Sumaila Ogbaje
Terrorists
Abuja, Oct. 18, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army said that its troops had continued to hunt for fleeing Boko Haram insurgents and increased onslaught against them in Borno and other parts of the North East.
The Nigerian Army Operations Media Coordinator, Col. Aminu Iliyasu, said this in a statement on Friday in Abuja.
Iliyasu said that the troops of Sector 3 Operation Lafiya Dole (OPLD) had recovered additional four AK47 Riffles and one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG) Tube, one 60mm Commando Mortar.
According to him, the troops also recovered one abandoned Gun Truck and one Motorcycle belonging to the fleeing Boko Haram criminals.
He added that the troops deployed at Gubio successfully repelled a Boko Haram attack on their location and neutralised one of the terrorists.
According to him, one AK47 Riffle, one magazine, one Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio, one mobile phone in addition to syringes/ample of injections were recovered during mop up operations.
“Additionally, troops of 231 Battalion arrested one Boko Haram criminal suspect named Baana Zakari also known as Okocha at Biu main Motor Park.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect acts as an informant to Boko Haram criminals within Bama general area.
“Furthermore, troops of 231 Battalion in conjunction with of 331 Artillery Regiment and Vigilantes arrested another logistics supplier, Alhaji Lawan, also known as Caffenol at Maina Hari check point.
“He was arrested while trying to cross with some consignments believed to be meant for the criminals.
“Items recovered from the suspect include two jerricans of palm oil, two jerricans of vegetable oil, two cartons of biscuits, one carton of spaghetti and 30 packets of mosquito coils.
“Suspect is already making useful confessions to interrogators,” he said.
Iliyasu further disclosed that the Joint Tactical Team made a significant arrest of an Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) logistics supplier and courier.
He said that preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect, Usman Yage, (Chadian) had maintained communication with Goni Jere, Abul Qaqa and Modu Sulum who are all top wanted Boko Haram/ISWAP commanders.
According to him, investigations further revealed that the suspect used one of Goni Jere’s phone numbers to purchase vehicles and motor cycles spare parts for ISWAP.
He added that the suspect was in possession of motorcycle spare parts and locally made smoke perfumes which were intended to be delivered to Goni Jere.
The spokesperson further disclosed that army operations in other parts of the country had resulted in a number of arrests and recoveries in recent time.
He also said that troops of 144 Battalion (Rear) under operation MESA had intercepted and arrested one Chinedu Mark in Abiriba in Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia.
He said that the suspect was in possession of a locally made pistol and two cartridges hidden in a polythene bag stuffed with garri.
According to him, the suspect confessed that he was conveying the arms to three of his friends who are now at large.
“Similarly, troops of 102 Guards Battalion arrested an imposter while on routine patrol along Jere–Katari–Kaduna–Abuja Expressway extorting money from motorists.
“The suspect, Godspower Linus, was found with a fake Military ID Card, camouflage jungle hat, military belt and a motorcycle.
“In addition, between Oct. 12 and 14, troops in the Niger Delta Region have intensified their operations against illegal oil bunkering, piracy, kidnapping, armed robbery and other sundry crimes.
“During the period, the troops destroyed four identified illegal oil refining sites, 6 large metal storage tanks containing illegally refined Automated Gas Oil (AGO) and four large ground reservoirs.
“Also recovered were 6,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 80,000 litres of refined products in plastic drums and Jerri cans as well as two vehicles and a motorcycle,” he said. (NAN)
OYS/IAA/MST
Edited by Isaac Aregbesola/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Education

Army, Bauchi Govt, others to reconstruct ATBU collapsed bridge

Army, Bauchi Govt, others to reconstruct ATBU collapsed bridge

By Mohammed Ahmed Kaigama
Bridge
Bauchi, Aug, 9, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army, Air Force and Bauchi State Government have promised to reconstruct the collapsed iron bridge and road networks for students of Abubakar Tafawa University (ATBU), Bauchi.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this action followed the collapse of the metal bridge linking classes with the student hostels at the Gubi Permanent Campus of the institution.
The incident which occurred on Aug. 5, at about 11 p.m., had claimed the lives of not less than three students of ATBU.
Prof. Mohammed Abdulaziz, the Vice Chancellor of the university, disclosed this at a news conference on the tragedy in Bauchi on Friday.
He said that many corporate bodies and individuals have indicated interest in assisting the institution since the incident occurred.
According to him, the Bauchi state government has promised to construct a road network within the campus while the Nigerian Air Force has offered to contribute to the development of the campus in order to make learning easier for the students.
He said United Bank of Africa also promised to build another bridge across the campus to facilitate student movement.
Abdulaziz Added that already corpses of the three deceased students have been transported to their respective places for burial, confirming that Salamat had been buried in Abuja.
The vice chancellor said the university has offered direct admission to qualified members of the bereaved families at a lower cost, among other palliatives being offered by the institution, though it is not in any way paying for the lost lives.
He assured that the university has put in place measures to avoid recurrence of such disaster in the future.
The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of ATBU Governing Council, Mrs Nimota Akanbi, lamented that the disaster has naturally thrown the university community into grief of unimaginable magnitude.
“As believers in the faithfulness of Allah, we cannot but thank Him for the limit of the catastrophe. It would have been worst if larger number of our students were leaving the campus for their hostels after reading overnight to prepare for examination,” she said.
Akanbi said that the university has already constituted a 7-man committee to carry out a thorough investigation on the causes of the incident, recommend ways to improve safety on the campuses, ways to avert future occurrence and submit its report within a week from today.
She however appreciated the Nigerian Army and Air Force; UBA; Gov. Bala Muhammad of Bauchi; the Emir of Bauchi, Dr Rilwanu Suleiman Adamu, as well as individuals and corporate bodies for their timely intervention to the disaster. (NAN)
MAK/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

Why we got into trouble in 2019 elections – Army

By Desmond Ejibas
Army
Port Harcourt, June 16, 2019 (NAN) The Nigerian Army has said that it incurred the anger of policticians becquae it refused to compromise the integrity of the 2019 General Elections due to its belief in the nation’s democracy.

The army said it also acted in the best interest of the country by assisting the police in the elections.

Maj.-Gen. Jamil Sarham, General Officer Commanding (GOC), 6 Division, Port Harcourt, disclosed this while receiving two individual Awards of Excellence at the divisional headquarters on Sunday in Port Harcourt.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that two youth groups: the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Youth Council, and the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, presented the awards.

According to Sarham, the elections in Rivers offered a unique experience to which the army satisfactorily carried out its responsibilities.

“The 2019 general elections which the division acted in aid of Nigerian police and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) offered the army a unique experience.

“This is because some subversive elements tried, but failed to cause the division to compromise the integrity of the polls.

“Their failure was due to the resilience and doggedness of our personnel, whom some of them, unfortunately paid the supreme price in defence of our democracy,”  he said.

Sarham said the awards were recognition that some groups and individuals had closely monitored the elections as well as independently verified activities of the army.

“Among the groups are the ECOWAS Youth Council and the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria which are presenting these awards.

“I have been made to understand that there are many more similar organisations that are also processing their request (award) through the Army Headquarters,” he said.

The GOC said the recognition wouldn’t have been possible without the support and guidance of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai,and troops of the division.

He dedicated the awards to soldiers who lost their lives while assisting the police in the elections.

Earlier, the Director of Cabinet, ECOWAS Youth Council, who presented the ECOWAS award, commended the GOC for his professionalism to the nation’s security architecture.

“We also thank you (Sarham) for promoting peace and nation building. We believe that if Nigeria gets it right, Africa will also get it right,” he said.

On his part, Dr Isa Abubakar, President of the Northern Youth Council of Nigeria, said that Sarham provided effective leadership and contributed positively to the concluded elections in Rivers. (NAN)
DES/CHOM/MST
Edited by Chioma Ugboma/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Health

Army renovates primary school, offers medical support to 3,000 in Kaduna

Army renovates primary school, offers medical support to 3,000 in Kaduna
By Mohammad Tijjani
Outreach
Kaduna, Nov. 17, 2018 (NAN) The 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, on Saturday inaugurated a renovated primary school, offered free medical treatment to 3,000 people and donated 250 treated mosquito nets to pregnant women at Sayen Lemu village, Zaria Local Government Area, Kaduna State.
The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Division Nigerian Army, Kaduna, Maj.-Gen. Mohammed Mohammed, disclosed this during a medical outreach and inauguration of two renovated blocks of classrooms.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the medical outreach included free medical screening for hypertension, diabetes, kidney and eye diseases.
Others include mass de-worming, dental care, provision of lenses and reading glasses, health education, hepatitis B and HIV screening.
The outreach also witnessed the distribution of about 240 treated mosquito nets and free medical consultation to expectant mothers.
Mohammed explained that the army community engagement programme was aimed at winning the confidence of the people in the Army and the Armed Forces in general.
The GOC explained that the Army was not only formed for war but also to provide succour to all communities under its area of responsibility so as to get their cooperation, especially in information gathering as well as encouraging youths to join the Armed Forces and move the country forward.
He noted that the programme was in line with the directive of the Chief of Army Staff to all formations to promote civil-military relations.
The GOC said beneficiaries with minor cases would be given on the spot treatment, while those with critical cases would be referred to Kaduna for further treatment.
He noted that the idea of renovating the two blocks of classrooms was conceived to complement efforts of reducing the number of out of school children, assuring that the division would in the next few weeks construct boreholes to ease water scarcity in the community.
The Vice Chairman, Zaria Local Government Council, Malam Aliyu Ibrahim, expressed gratitude to the Nigerian Army for the kind gesture and pledged to complement the effort.
NAN also reports that some of the communities that benefitted from the Division’s medical outreach this year include Kasuwan Magani, Buruku, Kakangi, Tegina, Kawo, Pandogari and Sayen Lemu. (NAN)
TJ/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Army offers free medical treatment in Kaduna

Army offers free medical treatment in Kaduna
By Mohammad Tijjani
Outreach
Kachia (Kaduna State), Nov. 15, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Army Artillery Corps on Thursday offered free medical treatment and donated 2,000 treated mosquito nets to Adara community in Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the outreach included health education, diabetic screening, dental consultation, eye screening and issuance of eye glasses.
The three-day medical exercise is expected to end on Nov. 15.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai, said the free medical treatment for the community was part of activities to mark the annual exercise Vulcan Glow six.
Buratai disclosed that no specific number of people are targeted but based on records, so far, over 1,700 people have been attended to and more are coming.
Buratai, represented by the Commander Infantry Corps, Maj.-Gen. Hakeem Otiki, solicited the support of the civil populace within their localities to enable it carry out its constitutional role effectively.
He explained that the outreach was part of army’s efforts towards promoting civil-military relations, and urged well-meaning individuals and agencies to emulate the gesture of assisting the downtrodden.
The army chief expressed delight over the large turnout of beneficiaries and assured that the exercise would be sustained. (NAN)
TJ/OIF/MST
Edited by Ifeyinwa Okonkwo/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Defence/Security

Army neutralise 20 armed bandits, arrest 3 in Zamfara

Army neutralise 20 armed bandits, arrest 3 in Zamfara
By Mohammad Tijjani
Bandits
Kaduna, June 23, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Army, 1 Division Kaduna, on Saturday said it had neutralised 20 armed bandits and arrested three suspects at Jambrini Village in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara.
The Deputy Director, Army Public Relations, Col. Muhammad Dole, made the disclosure in a statement issued in Kaduna.
Dole said the troops of 1 Division Nigerian Army in the ongoing Operation IDON RAINI Corridor II conducted a raid on armed bandits’ hideouts in the general area of Jambrini village in the early hours of June 23.
According to him, during the raid operations several camps were destroyed and 20 bandits were neutralised.
“Three bandits were also arrested while some escaped with gunshot wounds.’’
He listed items recovered from the bandits to include four AK 47 rifles, one F99 Pistol, one PTT HH Motorola Handset, 111 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, five AK 47 rifle magazines, two dane guns, three mobile phones and one power bank.
Dole said the troops remain determined and committed to frustrating banditry activities in the area of operation.
He said this feat was achieved through reliable information provided by some well meaning residents of the area.
“The public is urged to share credible information with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies,” Dole said. (NAN)
TJ/MST
Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

General news

Army arrests 23 suspected cultists, 15 pipeline vandals

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai

Suspected pipline vandals arrested by the troops

Army

By Henry Oladele

Lagos, April 21, 2018 (NAN) The Nigerian Army said on Saturday that it arrested 23 suspected cultists, who were conducting physical training for new recruits, initiation, robbery and kidnapping.

The army also said that it arrested 15 other persons suspected to be pipeline vandals and recovered 31 jerry cans of refined petroleum products in the process.

Maj.-Gen. Enobong Udoh, the General Officer Commanding (GOC), 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, made this known at a news conference at the 174 Battalion, Ikorodu area of Lagos.

Udoh was represented by the Brigade Commander, Brig.-Gen. Moundhey Ali.

The GOC, who said the suspects were arrested at different times and locations, explained that the arrests were a result of intensive surveillance and intelligence report.

“In continuation of the crackdown on criminal elements and cultists in and around Lagos and Ogun states, the troops of 81 Division arrested 23 suspected cultists in Ikorodu area on April 16.

“Over 50 suspected cultists from “Eiye” confraternity were conducting physical training for new recruits, initiation and planning for robbery and kidnap activities.

“Their arrest was preceded by a shootout between the troops of 174 Battalion Ikorodu and the cultists after which, 23 of the suspected cultists were arrested while others escaped,’’ he said.

The GOC said that two of the suspects sustained gunshot wounds, adding that one of the suspected newly-recruited cultists died as a result of injuries inflicted on him during the cult initiation.

“However, one of our gallant soldiers, while combatting the cultists sustained a gunshot wound on his left leg during the encounter and was immediately evacuated.

“The soldier and the 2 wounded cultists are receiving treatment at the Battalion’s Medical Reception Station.

“Items recovered from the suspects include one locally-made double barrel pistol, five live cartridges, five machetes, four jack knives, two table knives, three locally-fabricated axes with nail like edges and five mobile phones.

“Also recovered from them are one parcel containing substance suspected to be Indian hemp. Others are two ATM cards, eight identity cards, nine passport photographs, packets of condom, rings and a variety of charms,’’ he said.

The GOC further said that the troops of the 81 Division also raided some suspected pipeline vandals at Ilara and Imagbon areas of Ikorodu to stop them from vandalising the country’s pipelines.

“The suspected vandals, armed with AK-47 rifles, fired sporadically and fled on sighting the troops.

“During the operation, sabotaged portions of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) pipelines were observed in Imoro Creek in Imagbon.

“Items recovered from them include: one wooden boat, 40 empty jerry cans each weighing 50 litres and a 1,000-metre-long hose, ostensibly used in siphoning products by the suspected vandals.

“The recovered items were destroyed and no arrest was made,’’ Udoh said.

The GOC also said that seven impersonators were arrested alongside eight suspected vandals on April 17 in Lagos and Ogun states.

“While on anti-bunkering patrol along Imoro Creek in Ikorodu, troops  discovered sabotaged points along the NNPC Pipeline including a loading area in the Creek for siphoned products where eight suspected vandals were arrested.

“Items recovered from them include; 10 Vehicles, 31 Jerry cans loaded with refined products, 77 empty Jerry cans, three coolers, nine mobile phones and substances suspected to be hard drugs.

“Another set of 1,320 empty Jerry cans were also discovered and destroyed.

“In addition, seven suspected impostors were arrested by troops while on operation CHECKMATE,’’ he said.

Udoh expressed appreciation to the general public and particularly the people of Lagos and Ogun states for their continuous cooperation.

He urged them to always give timely information that would help the Division in its operations.

He pledged not to relent until the Area of Responsibility of the division was completely rid of all forms of cultism, vandalism and other violent criminal activities and elements.

“The suspects are undergoing preliminary investigation after which they will be handed over to the appropriate security agencies for further investigations and prosecution,’’ he said. (NAN)

HOB/YETI/YEE

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Edited by Yetunde Bada/Emmanuel Yashim