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Nigeria's Presidential Guards Brigade Flags Off 2025 WO/SNCO Competition in Keffi, 177 Battalion Shines in Opening Event

In line with the Nigerian Army Forecast of Events and the Guards Brigade Training Directives for 2025, the Guards Brigade has commenced the 2025 Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition at Sh*ttu Alao Barracks in Keffi, Nasarawa State. As part of the opening ceremony, the 177 Guards Battalion emerged as champions in the Weapon Handling and Shooting Competition.

The Special Guest of Honour, Commander, 4 Special Forces Command, Nigerian Army, Major General Hilary Nzan, represented by the Chief of Staff, 4 Special Forces Command, Brigadier General Murtala Abuh in his opening remarks, stated that the essence of this competition is to enhance combat readiness, strengthen teamwork, reinforce discipline, and assess unit-level training efficiency.

Major General Nzan said the Competition offers a unique opportunity to gauge the capabilities and preparedness of our Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers, who remain the backbone of the Nigerian Army.

He said the competition aligns with the "vision and transformation drive of the Chief of Army Staff", which is focused on building a highly motivated, well-trained, and combat-effective Nigerian Army capable of operating decisively in joint and multi-agency environments.

"This competition could not have come at a more critical time, as our nation continues to contend with complex security challenges. In response, the Nigerian Army remains at the forefront of national efforts to ensure peace and stability. It is therefore imperative that our personnel remain physically fit, tactically sound, and professionally grounded, "he said

While declaring the Competition open, Major General Nzan stressed that throughout this competition, participants will engage in various events including: Drill, Endurance Race, Physical Fitness Test, Obstacle Crossing, Point-to-Point Navigation, Weapon Handling and Swimming.

He urged all participants to uphold the core values of integrity, discipline, and sportsmanship throughout the competition.

Earlier in his welcome address, Commander Guards Brigade, Brigadier General Adebisi Olusegun Onasanya ably represented by the Chief of Staff, Colonel Abdulrahman Bello said this competition is a vital component of the Nigerian Army’s Training and Development Programme.

He noted that it is designed to showcase the exceptional marksmanship, tactical proficiency, and physical endurance of our personnel, in line with the Guards Brigade’s enduring commitment to operational excellence and combat readiness.

He added that beyond competition, today’s activities foster discipline, teamwork, and esprit de corps—qualities that are foundational to the professionalism of the Nigerian Army.

"The weapon handling and shooting exercises, in particular, are pivotal to enhancing combat effectiveness and sharpening the leadership and organizational capabilities of participants.

"Through this platform, our personnel will hone critical operational skills, improve decision-making under pressure, and reinforce their physical and mental resilience—key attributes for contemporary military operations.

"The Guards Brigade is proud of its storied legacy, and this competition further cements our role as a symbol of dedication, discipline, and excellence within the Nigerian Army," he said

From the Guards Brigade Range, Keffi, the venue for the weapon handling and shooting phase of the 2025 Warrant Officers and Senior Non-Commissioned Officers Competition, SpyeTV News reports that 14 participants competed in each of the competitions from the 7 Guards Battalion Lungi Barracks, FCT, 102 Guards Battalion, Suleja, Niger State, 176 Guards Battalion, Gwagwalada FCT, 177 Guards Battalion Keffi Nasarawa State, and Guards Brigade Garrison, Mambilla Barrack, Asokoro, Abuja
- SpyeTVNews

TROOPS OF OPERATION HADIN KAI NEUTRALIZE 24 BOKO HARAM INSURGENTS AND RECOVER WEAPONS IN OFFENSIVE OPERATIONS BETWEEN 4 - 9 JULY 2025

In continuation of the series of coordinated offensive operations across the North East Theatre of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), bolstered by close air support from the Air Component and collaboration with Civilian Joint Task Force and hunters, have carried out successful kinetic operations against Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in theatre between 4 - 9 July 2025, eliminating several terrorists.

In one of the ambushes conducted at Platari on 4 July 2025, the gallant troops, while lying in wait, made contact with JAS/ISWAP terrorists mounted on bicycles moving from the Sambisa Forest axis to the Timbuktu Triangle. The terrorists were immediately subdued with heavy fire, leading to the neutralization of 3 terrorists.

Similarly, following intelligence on movements of the insurgents around Komala general area, troops sprang another ambush on the terrorists, neutralizing another fighter. On exploitation of the general area, troops recovered motorcycles and spare parts, knapsack sprayers, pesticides, and terrorists' food items.

Relatedly, troops conducted a night ambush on the same day at terrorists' hideouts around the Kawuri general area in Konduga Local Government. During the deliberate operations, the resilient troops came into contact with the insurgents. Consequently, 2 terrorists conveying logistics were immediately eliminated, while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops also recovered packets of salt, food seasoning, detergents, and other sundry items.

In the same vein, troops on 5 July 2025, intercepted terrorists attempting to access the Madarari Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Konduga Local Government Area. The troops swiftly engaged the insurgents, killing one terrorists, while others escaped with traces of gunshot wounds. Troops subsequently recovered several rounds of ammunition during the exploitation of the area.

In another development, troops conducted a fighting patrol to terrorists' enclaves at Leno Kura. Resultantly, the troops came into contact with the insurgents and engaged them with simultaneous gunfire from different directions. Accordingly, 3 terrorists met their Waterloo, while troops continued exploitation of the area.

Furthermore, on 6 July 2025, troops carried out a night ambush at a suspected terrorists' crossing point along the roads Ngoshe - Gava, Ngoshe - Ashigashiya, as well as Amuda - Gava areas.Troops made contact, and an insurgent was neutralized while others fled.

On 7 July 2025 also, troops sprang another ambush following an intelligence report close to Sabsawa village. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists' logistics suppliers and successfully neutralized 2 insurgents. On exploitation of the area, the gallant troops recovered bicycles, sacks of slippers, several torchlights, batteries, detergents, salt, and rubber shoes, amongst other sundry items.

On 8 July 2025, troops in conjunction with the Civilian Joint Task Force, under close air support provided by the Air Component of OPHK, conducted clearance operations at Bula Marwa, a known ISWAP/JAS enclave. In the course of the operation, the troops eliminated an insurgent and recovered a gun, terrorists' uniforms, while their life-supporting structures were totally destroyed.

Additionally, troops in a joint operation with hunters and the Civilian Joint Task Force, conducted fighting patrol at terrorists' hideouts at Pambula village in Madagali Local Government Area of Adamawa State. During the patrol, contact was made with JAS/ISWAP terrorists, who were immediately engaged with a high volume of fire, forcing the terrorists to disperse in disarray. Consequent upon the firefight, the troops neutralized a terrorist, recovering four motorcycles and his weapon. The determined troops continued exploiting the general area to rid it of any terrorists activities.

In another coordinated clearance operations conducted on 8 July 2025 at Bula Marwa, troops neutralized a terrorist fighter, while others fled. Items recovered included a gun and terrorists' uniforms. Troops also destroyed the insurgents' camp.

On 9 July 2025, troops in joint operations with Civilian Joint Task Force, also conducted a clearance operation in JAS/ISWAP enclave at Tangalanga and Bula Marwa. After a heavy firefight, 3 insurgents were eliminated. Terrorists' life supporting structures in the camp, were also destroyed completely. Troops recovered six AK 47 rifles 47 magazines and ninety rounds of 7.62mm ammunition during exploitation of the area.

In furtherance of the offensive operations, troops in conjunction with CJTF conducted ambush at Ngailda, Manjim and Wulle villages, where contact was made with the insurgents. Following the contact, troops successfully eliminated 6 terrorists while others fled in disarray. Items recovered by the troops during exploitation included motorcycles and bicycles.

The neutralisation of 24 insurgents with close air support underscores the determination, collaboration, and concerted efforts by the troops of OPHK, to ensure terrorists are placed on the back foot, thereby creating conducive environment for socio-economic activities to thrive in the North East region.

REUBEN KOVANGIYA
Captain
Acting Deputy Director Army Public Relations
Headquarters Theatre Command Operation HADIN KAI
9 July 2025

NAF STRIKES JAS HIDEOUTS, DISRUPTS LOGISTICS CHAIN AND NEUTRALISES SCORES OF TERRORISTS*

In a major blow to insurgent networks in Nigeria’s North-East, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), under Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK), launched precision air strikes on 6 July 2025 against key terrorist strongholds nestled in the Mandara Mountains, located in Borno State. The high-profile targets, Wa Jahode and Loghpere, have long served as fortified enclaves for the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction of Boko Haram. The locations, known for their rugged, mountain-covered terrain along Nigeria’s border with Cameroon, had recently witnessed increased terrorist activity, including reports of a logistics build-up and the presence of senior JAS Commanders.

The strikes followed confirmatory Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance missions revealing clusters of structures fitted with solar panels, black flags, and fortified compounds, clear signs of insurgent resurgence and preparations for coordinated attacks. In response, NAF strike aircraft executed a series of well-coordinated air interdictions, targeting and destroying high-value terrorist infrastructure including logistics warehouses, command centres, and defensive shelters. Several terrorists were neutralised in the operation, effectively disrupting their supply chain and diminishing their capability to sustain further offensives. The Nigerian Air Force remains resolute to sustain the ongoing onslaught against terrorists and restore lasting peace to all troubled regions across the Country.

*Ehimen Ejodame*
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

7 July 2025

*PRESS RELEASE*

*CAS SALUTES COURAGE AND SACRIFICE OF NAF VETERANS IN NATIONWIDE PARLEY*

As a gesture of gratitude and remembrance, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), on 5th July 2025, hosted a nationwide Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) Veterans’ Parley, a landmark initiative designed to reconnect with its retired personnel, honour their legacy of service, and reinforce institutional unity. The engagement, held simultaneously across NAF Commands and units nationwide, reflecting the leadership vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Bala Abubakar, who continues to place people, professionalism, and heritage at the heart of his transformational agenda.

The parley served not only as a homecoming for hundreds of retired officers and airmen but also as a reaffirmation of the NAF’s deep respect for those who paved the path of progress through decades of sacrifice, discipline, and courage. Emotions ran high during the interactions, which featured heartfelt tributes, recollections from past operations, and open discussions on welfare and reintegration challenges.

Addressing the veterans through a special nationwide message, Air Marshal Abubakar described the parley as “a national call to remembrance, reflection, and reconnection,” adding that, “This is not just a symbolic event. It is a reaffirmation that your contributions matter, yesterday, today, and always. You are living embodiments of courage and commitment. Your legacy forms the bedrock of the Nigerian Air Force we proudly serve in today.”

The CAS further assured the veterans of ongoing efforts to improve post-service welfare, including enhanced access to healthcare, improved pension structures, and more robust social reintegration pathways. “We are determined to ensure that you are not only remembered, but continuously supported,” he said. “This is your home, and your voice will always count.”

Across the various locations, from Kaduna to Calabar, Bauchi to Port Harcourt, veterans were warmly welcomed by serving personnel, reinforcing the message that the NAF remains one united family. In Bayelsa, Retired Master Warrant Officer Apreala Edmund said, “We never asked for thanks, but today, we feel seen. This gesture by the Nigerian Air Force reminds us that our service mattered, and still does.” Another veteran in Kano described the event as “a humbling reminder of the legacy we once risked everything for. It is heartening to know that the NAF still remembers and respects that sacrifice.”

The Veterans’ Parley resonated with all who attended, blending pride with purpose, memories with renewed bonds. By anchoring the event across the country, the NAF reinforced that honouring veterans is not a one-day tribute but a continuous duty of care, appreciation, and inclusion. As the Nigerian Air Force charts a future defined by innovation, operational excellence, and national security, it does so with its roots deeply grounded in the sacrifices of those who served before. Through the CAS Veterans’ Parley, the NAF has not only honoured its past but also lit the path forward with unity, gratitude, and purpose.

*Ehimen Ejodame*
Air Commodore
Director of Public Relations and Information,
Headquarters, Nigerian Air Force.

6 July 2025