Command Network

SORRY MOM 💔😭

NO FOREIGN SOLDIER PARTICIPATED IN OPERATION AGAINST TERRORIST COMMANDER ABU BILAL AL-MINUKI — DHQ

The Director of Defence Media Operations, , has clarified that no foreign soldier participated directly in the operation that led to the elimination of terrorist commander Abu Bilal Al-Minuki.

According to the Defence Headquarters, the operation was carried out by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, while international collaboration remained strictly within the framework of intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation.

The clarification follows growing public discussions regarding reports surrounding the counter-terrorism operation conducted in the Lake Chad region.

Major General Onoja reaffirmed the professionalism, capability, and operational readiness of Nigerian troops in executing complex counter-terrorism missions aimed at dismantling terrorist networks threatening national and regional security.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria continue to demonstrate resilience, courage, and commitment in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency.

A special tribute to the President of the Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association, Mrs. Ngozi Aneke, and the entire Nigerian Air Force Officers’ Wives Association family.

Your exceptional leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment to humanitarian service continue to inspire countless lives within and beyond the Nigerian Air Force community. Through various empowerment programs, educational initiatives, healthcare support, and welfare services, NAFOWA has remained a pillar of hope, unity, and strength for families of personnel across the nation.

Under your leadership, the association continues to demonstrate dignity, service, and selfless dedication to humanity while supporting the vision and welfare of the Nigerian Air Force family.

We sincerely appreciate the sacrifices, care, and positive impact NAFOWA continues to make in the lives of women, children, widows, and communities nationwide.

May God continue to strengthen and guide your efforts as you continue to serve humanity with honor and compassion.

Respect and admiration to Mrs. Ngozi Aneke and every member of NAFOWA nationwide.

- Nigerian Air Force Officers' Wives Association
Nigerian Air Force HQ

DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS CLARIFIES REPORTS ON NEUTRALISATION OF TERRORIST COMMANDER ABU-BILAL AL-MINUKI

The has issued a clarification regarding recent public discussions surrounding the neutralisation of terrorist commander Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki during a joint counter-terrorism operation conducted alongside the on 16 May 2026.

According to the Defence Headquarters, reports referencing a similar operation in 2024 involving a terrorist commander bearing the same name have understandably raised questions about the identity of the individual recently eliminated.

The military, however, clarified that within terrorist networks operating across the North East and the Lake Chad Basin, the use of identical names, aliases, and nom de guerres is common among ISWAP and Boko Haram elements as part of efforts to conceal identities and complicate intelligence tracking.

DHQ further stated that the Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki neutralised during the recent operation was positively identified through credible human intelligence and technical surveillance as a senior global operative within the Islamic State network, with direct links to international terrorist coordination, funding, and operations across the Sahel region.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria described the operation as a significant milestone in ongoing counter-terrorism efforts aimed at dismantling terrorist networks threatening regional peace and stability.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria, in collaboration with international partners, remain committed to sustaining pressure against terrorism and protecting innocent lives.

The public and media organisations were also urged to rely only on verified information released through official channels to avoid confusion arising from similarities in terrorist aliases and identities.

Investing in the boy child today is investing in a stronger, safer, and more responsible future for the nation.

6 BRIGADE ASSURES WAEC AND INEC OF ADEQUATE SECURITY SUPPORT IN TARABA STATE

The Commander, 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), , has reaffirmed the Brigade’s commitment to providing adequate security support for critical national activities across Taraba State.

The assurance was given during separate courtesy visits by delegations from the (WAEC) and the (INEC) to the Brigade Headquarters in Jalingo.

Leading the WAEC delegation, Taraba State Branch Controller, , stated that the visit aimed to strengthen collaboration with the Nigerian Army to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of ongoing examinations across the state.

In response, Brigadier General Akaliro assured that the Brigade would provide necessary security coverage throughout the examination period, emphasizing that the safety of candidates, officials, and examination materials remains a top priority.

Similarly, the Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC in Taraba State, , also visited the Brigade Headquarters to strengthen inter-agency cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

He commended the Nigerian Army for its role in maintaining peace and national unity while stressing the importance of collaboration in ensuring peaceful, credible, and transparent electoral processes.

Brigadier General Akaliro reiterated the Brigade’s readiness to support civil authorities and provide adequate security arrangements whenever required, noting that effective collaboration among stakeholders remains essential for peaceful examinations and violence-free elections.

The visits further highlight the growing partnership between the Nigerian Army and key civil institutions toward strengthening public confidence, stability, and national development.

Episode 6 – Run or Stand

The figures were getting closer.

Fast.

Even from a distance, Tamuno could tell they weren’t moving like trained patrol units. There was no controlled spacing, no tactical caution, no effort to conceal their advance.

They moved with speed.

With aggression.

With the kind of momentum that came from men who believed fear alone could break whoever stood in front of them.

Dust rose behind them as they pushed across the rough terrain, their silhouettes becoming clearer with every passing second.

Bello tightened his grip on the injured soldier.

“We’re not outrunning that.”

Tamuno didn’t answer immediately.

Because he already knew.

The injured soldier was slowing them down badly. Every few steps, his body threatened to collapse under its own weight, yet he kept forcing himself forward through pure determination.

Chinedu looked back again, his breathing sharper now.

“They’ve seen us.”

Another burst of gunfire cracked across the rocks.

Closer this time.

A round struck the stone beside them, sending fragments into the air.

“They’re firing!” Bello shouted.

“Keep moving!” Tamuno ordered immediately.

They pushed harder.

Boots scraping against rock.

Breathing growing heavier.

The injured soldier stumbled again, nearly dragging Bello down with him.

“I said I can move,” the man growled through pain.

“And I said stay on your feet,” Bello snapped back.

Tamuno scanned the terrain desperately while running.

They needed cover.

Real cover.

Not open rock formations that could trap them.

Then he saw it ahead.

A narrow break between two elevated ridges.

Not perfect.

But defensible.

“There!” Tamuno pointed.

“Move to the gap!”

The squad shifted direction instantly, forcing themselves toward the narrow passage as gunfire continued behind them.

By the time they reached it, their lungs burned from exhaustion.

But there was no time to rest.

Tamuno immediately took position near the entrance, scanning the advancing figures now becoming visible through the dust.

And for the first time…

He saw their faces clearly.

Young.

Hard.

Focused.

But different from the enemy they had encountered before.

There was no patience in them.

No calculation.

Only intensity.

Only destruction.

Bello lowered the injured soldier carefully behind cover.

Chinedu dropped beside Tamuno, checking his surroundings.

“How many?”

Tamuno kept watching.

“Too many.”

Another shot cracked against the rocks.

Closer.

Testing them.

Bello looked toward Tamuno, his voice tighter now.

“What’s the plan?”

Tamuno didn’t answer immediately.

Because there were only two options.

Run again…

Or stand and fight.

And neither felt good enough.

The injured soldier tried to sit upright despite the pain.

“You can’t stay here long,” he warned.

“They’ll surround you.”

Tamuno nodded faintly.

“I know.”

Chinedu glanced toward the narrow opening behind them.

“There’s another exit further through the ridge.”

Bello frowned.

“You sure?”

“I saw it while we were moving.”

Tamuno looked toward the deeper path briefly.

A possible escape.

But reaching it would take time.

And time was exactly what they did not have.

Gunfire erupted again.

This time more aggressive.

Rounds struck the outer rocks repeatedly, forcing dust into the air.

“They’re closing in!” Chinedu shouted.

Tamuno made the decision instantly.

“Bello, get him through the ridge.”

Bello looked at him sharply.

“What about you two?”

“We hold them long enough.”

The answer came too quickly.

Too calmly.

Bello stared at him for half a second longer.

Then shook his head.

“No.”

Tamuno’s eyes hardened.

“That wasn’t a discussion.”

Bello stepped closer.

“We split here, we may not regroup.”

The truth of that hung heavily between them.

Because both of them understood what holding a position like this could mean.

Especially against numbers.

Chinedu checked his weapon quickly, then looked toward Bello.

“Just move him,” he said quietly.

“We’ll catch up.”

The injured soldier immediately protested.

“No. Leave me here.”

All three of them turned toward him.

His face was pale now, exhaustion and blood loss draining what strength he had left.

“I’m slowing you down,” he continued.

“If you stay because of me, all of you die here.”

“No one’s leaving you,” Bello said firmly.

The soldier gave a weak, bitter smile.

“That’s easy to say before reality catches up.”

Another burst of gunfire slammed into the rocks.

Closer than before.

Tamuno could hear voices now.

Shouting.

Advancing.

The line was collapsing quickly.

He looked back at Bello.

“Go.”

Bello didn’t move.

Tamuno’s voice sharpened.

“That’s an order.”

For a second, anger flashed across Bello’s face.

Not disrespect.

Not refusal.

Just frustration.

Because soldiers understood something civilians rarely did—

Sometimes survival demanded choices that stayed with you forever.

Finally, Bello nodded once.

Slowly.

Reluctantly.

He grabbed the injured soldier again, pulling him upward.

“Move.”

Chinedu shifted beside Tamuno, eyes locked on the approaching figures.

The sounds outside grew louder.

Closer.

More violent.

Then—

A figure appeared briefly at the edge of the passage.

Tamuno fired instantly.

The shot echoed through the rocks.

The figure disappeared.

But many more remained behind him.

And they were still coming.

Chinedu exhaled slowly beside him.

“Well…”

A pause.

“I guess this is where things change.”

Tamuno kept his weapon raised, eyes focused ahead.

“No,” he said quietly.

“They already have.”

The next wave of movement surged toward the ridge.

And this time—

It came fast.

To be continued…

👉 Season 3, Episode 7 – Holding the Ridge