Paschal Emeka, Abuja / Posted December 8, 2023
The Military on Thursday said that it remain focus to its core mission of creating a safe and secure environment for the citizens by ensuring total destruction of threats perpertrating insecurity in the country.
The Director Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, stated this today while briefing news men on the activities of the troops in the in the past one week.
He provided a comprehensive report on the activities of the troops : JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Ngala, Monguno and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Troops ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Gwoza and Kaga LGAs of Borno State. Following troops activities, ISWAP/JAS terrorists surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols in Gwoza, Bama, Nganzai, kaga, Marte and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State. Troops arrested suspected kidnappers and foiled kidnapping incident in Gulani and Biu LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively. Furthermore, troops arrested and neutralized ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Konduga and Madagali LGAs of Borno and Adamawa States respectively. Also, troops conducted raid operation as well as discovered and destroyed IED in Kukawa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.
Details as follows : Arrests of Suspected BH/ISWAP Collaborators.
On 29 November 2023, in separate operations, following intelligence report, troops arrested 5 suspected BH/ISAWP terrorists collaborators in Ngala and Monguno LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 mobile phones, blankets, foodstuffs and medical supplies.
Between 30 November to 4 December 2023, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Dikwa, MMC, Biu, Monguno and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and rescued rescued kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones, 2 bicycles, solar panels, medical supplies, food stuffs and the sum of N34,500.00 amongst other items.
Ambush on ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. On 30 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special and 11 bicycles amongst others.
On 5 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrol ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorirst in Kaga LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle with 9 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
Surrendered ISWAP/JAS Terrorists.
On 1 December 2023, following troops activities, one ISWAP/JAS terrorist surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine and 13 rounds of refilled 7.62mm Special ammo.
Between 29 November and 5 December 2023, a total of 121 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families comprising of 5 adult males, 41 adult females and 75 children surrendered to troops with the theatre of operations.
Fighting Patrols. Between 1 – 5 December 2023, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations to terrorists enclaves in Gwoza, Bama, Nganzai, Kaga, Marte and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 17 terrorists and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 GPMGs, 4 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 4 magazines, 93 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst other items.
Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper. On 2 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces on patrol arrested a suspected kidnapper in Gulani LGA of Yobe State. During investigation, the suspects who confessed to have been part of a kidnap syndicate for over 10 years. Troops recovered one mobile phone and a sum of Seven Thousand Naira (₦7,000.00) only.
Attempted Kidnap Incident. On 3 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces responded to kidnapping activities in Biu LGA of Borno State. Sighting troops, the criminals fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles.
Discovery and Detonation of IED. On 2 December 2023, troops while on patrol discovered an IED prepared inside 3 cylinders with 2 pressure plates in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. The IED was safely recovered and detonated by troops.
Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terr. On 2 December 2023, troops with Hybrid Forces arrested 2 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect recently returned from terrorists enclave within Geizuwa general area.
Neutralization of ISWAP/JAS Terr. On 4 December 2023, troops on offensive operation neutralized one ISWAP/JAS terrorist combatant that was attempting untoward activities against troops in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
Raid Op. On 5 December 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces raided ISWAP/JAS terrorist enclave in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special and 3 bicycles.
Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 31 terrorists, arrested 16 and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 GPMGs, 9 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 4 magazines, 2 mobile phones,11 bicycles and the sum of N41,500.00
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested suspected criminals in Zango Kataf and Jos East LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States respectively. Troops raided a suspected illegal arms factory in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. Troops arrested suspected criminals and illegal miners in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
Additionally, troops arrested suspected kidnappers and foiled kidnapping incident in Bokkos, Jos East, Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also, rescued kidnapped hostages in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
Details are as follows: Arrest of Suspected CRIMINALS. Troops conducted a fighting patrol in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Troops responded to terrorists activities in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Troops responded to suspected terrorists activities in Logo LGA of Benue State. Troops also conducted raid operations and arrested illegal miners in Lafia and Karu LGAs of Nasarawa State.
Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrol and foiled attacks on civilian in Katsina-Ala and Logo LGAs of Benue State. Troops arrested suspected criminals and armed militias in Katsina-Ala and Logo of Benue State.
Details are as follows: Fighting Patrol. On 29 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol recovered a stolen vehicle in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the vehicle was snatched within the same LGA.
Terrorists Activities. On 30 November 2023, troops responded to a distress call on suspected terrorists attack in Logo LGA of Benue State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralised 3 terrorists and recovered one locally fabricated pistol loaded with one cartridge and 4 mobile phones amongst others items.
Raid Operations. On 5 December 2023, following a tip-off, troops raided a kidnappers’ hideout in Lafia LGA of Nasarawa State. However, troops made no contact. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, one locally made pistol, 7 AK47 magazines, one locally made pistol magazine, 218 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one knife, 3 mobile phones amongst others.
Troops raided Illegal Mining site. On 5 December 2023, troops on fighting patrol raided suspected illegal mining sites in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops arrested 5 illegal miners including 2 Chinese Nationals. Troops recovered 6 bags of mined Micah.
Fighting Patrols. On 1 December 2903, troops while on fighting patrol arrested a suspected bandit informant in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect is a girlfriend to suspected bandit leader identified as Konyo (aka Overall).
Troops recovered 2 mobile phones, one ATM card, one bag and the sum of Twenty Five Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Naira (₦25,250.00) only.
Attack on Civilians. On 30 November 2023, troops on patrol responded to distress call on suspected bandits attack on civilian in Logo LGA of Benue State. Troops made contact with terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralised 3 terrorist and recovered one locally fabricated pistol loaded with one cart, 4 mob phones, one bag containing charms and one NP head warmer.
Arrest of Suspected Criminal. On 2 December 2023, troops while on patrol arrested a suspect in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. The suspect identified as Jessica Wondo Addy; a girlfriend of a suspected terrorist leader Uasha.
Suspected Armed Militias Activities. On 4 December 2023, troops on night patrol responded to sounds of sporadic gunshots in Logo LGA of Benue State. Troops rescued 25 locals in the operation .
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 12 terrorists and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 2 locally fabricated pistols, one locally made pistol loaded with one cartridge, 7 AK47 magazines, 2 pistol magazines, 218 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one cartridge, 13 mobile phones and the sum of N25,250.00 amongst other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI rescued kidnapped hostages in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Troops responded to terrorists activities between Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops also had meeting egagement with terrorists in Jibia LGA of Katsina State.
Additionally, troops responded to bandits activities in Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs in Zamfara, as well as Danmusa LGA in Katsina States. Troops conducted fighting patrol and intercepted notorious bandits vehicle in Kankara and Dank-Wasagu LGAs of Katsina and Kebbi States respectively.
Details are as follows; Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 29 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted a kidnapped victim in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim had escaped from her adoptors in the same LGA.
On 30 November 2023, troops while on patrol rescued one kidnapped victim in Tundun Wada LGA of Kano State. Preliminary investigation revealed that victims was kidnapped in Ikara LGA of Kaduna State and abandoned by suspected kidnappers in Kano State.
Terrorists Activities. On 1 December 2023, troops responded to a distress call on terrorists activities between Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and one motorcycle.
Meeting Engagement. On 2 December 2023, troops while on patrol made contact with terrorists in Jibia LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one HK 21 gun, 4 belts with 249 rounds, 3 magazines loaded with 90 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one motorcycle, one cam jacket and one mobile phone.
Banditry Activities. On 1 December 2023, troops responded to a distress call on banditry activities and made contact between Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and one motorcycle.
On 2 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on bandits raid in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
On 5 December 2023, following a tip-off, troops raided suspected terrorist’ hideout and made contact in Suru LGA of Kebbi State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, one motorcycle, 4 mobile phones and the sum of Six Hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand, Two Hundred and Eighty Naira (₦627,280.00) only.
Fighting Patrols. On 4 December 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol and made contact with terrorists in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle with 27 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 5 magazines and 5 mobile phones.
Interception of a Suspected Bandit Vehicle. On 3 December 2023, troops while on patrol intercepted a vehicle belonging to notorious terrorist in Danko – Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. The vehicle belong to notorious terrorist identified as Mai Tuku in Maru LGA of Zamfara.
Air Interdiction. Following INTEL and ISR on newly uncovered terrorist kingpin Audu Lankai enclave in Jibia LGA of Katsina State. The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI on 3rd December 2023, acquired and attacked the target with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorists were neutralized and structures destroyed.
Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 12 terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one HK21 gun, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 belts with 249 rounds, 5 magazines loaded with 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle, 4 motorcycles and 10 mobile phones and the sum of N627,800.00 amongst others.
OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested a suspected criminals in Lokoja and Tafa LGAs of Kogi and Niger States respectively. Troops conducted raid operation and rescued kidnapped hostages in Tafa and Rafi LGAs of Niger State. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers and their collaborators in Tafa LGA of Niger State as well as Abuja Municipal Council ( AMAC) of FCT Abuja.
Details as follows: Arrest.
On 30 November 2023, troops arrested 4 suspects in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. During investigation, suspects claimed to be members of hunters group in Okene LGA and were hired to protest at INEC office Lokoja. Troops recovered 2 pump action guns and 8 cartridges.
On 2 December 2023, troops while on night patrol arrested 3 suspected criminals in Tafa LGA of Niger State. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones, 4 cutlasses, assorted charms and the sum of Ten Thousand Four Hundred Naira (₦10,400.00) amongst others.
Raid Operation. On 30 November 2023, troops in collaboration with DSS operatives raided suspected terrorists hideout in Tafa LGA of Niger State. During the operation, troops arrested one BH/ISWAP terrorists with a suicide belt. He is cooperating with investigation.
On 30 November 2023, troops while on routine patrol intercepted 2 kidnapped victims with a baby in Rafi LGA of Niger State. Troops also arrested 2 suspected terrorist in the same LGA. Preliminary investigation revealed that kidnapped victims had been in captivity since 2021. Rescued victims have been evacuated to hospital for medical attention and efforts is ongoing to reunite them with their families.
Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper. On 4 December 2023, troops while on patrol arrested a suspected kidnapper in Tafa LGA of Niger State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect is a brother to a wanted kidnapper identified as Ebola. Troops recovered one cutlass and the sum of Thirty Thousand Eight Hundred and Ten Naira (₦30,810.00) only amongst others.
Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers’ Associate. On 4 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces while on night patrol arrested 2 suspected kidnappers in AMAC of FCT, ABUJA. Investigation ongoing.
Air Interdiction. On 30 November 2023, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air Interdiction on terrorist’s leader Alhaji Labi’s enclave in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. ISR revealed the location to be active with terrorists activities. Subsequently, the target was attacked with rockets and cannons and neutralized several terrorists as well as destroying their structures.
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 23 suspected terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 pump action guns, 8 catridges, 2 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N41,010.00 amongst other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops raided a suspected criminals hideouts in Oshimili South and Boki LGAs of Delta and Cross River States respectively.
Additionally, troops arrested suspected criminals and cultists in Obubra and Odukpani LGAs Cross River States as well as Warri South LGA of Delta State.
Details as follows: Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 81,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 239,500 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,000 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 124 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 2 dugout pits, 11 boats, 15 storage tanks, 356 drums and 2 vehicles. Other items recovered include 42 cooking ovens, one outboard engine and 20 illegal refining sites.
Raid Operation. On 28 November 2023, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected criminals’ hideout in Oshimili South LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops arrested 120 suspected criminals. Following the profiling, 8 out of the 120 suspects were identified as robbers by occupants of some houses that were earlier robbed.
On 2 December 2023, following a tip off, troops raided suspected criminal hideout in Boki LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected Ambazonian fighters.
Arrest of Suspected Criminals.
On 30 November 2023, troops on patrol arrested 4 suspects in Warri South LGA of Delta State.
On 1 December 2023, troops while on patrol arrested a suspected criminal in Obubra LGA of Cross River State. Following the arrest, troops recovered one Pump action rifle and 2 cartridges.
Arrest of Suspected Cultist. On 30 November 2023, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected cultist in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State. Suspect was apprehended after attacking one Mr Utibe Edet with cutlass and in the process cut off the victim’s hands.
Militancy/Sea Piracy Activities. On 3 December 2023, troops responded to militancy activities and arrested suspected militants in Degema LGA of Rivers State. On sighting troops, the sea pirates fled. Troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one 85 horse power fiver boat, one Pump action gun, one magazine and one cutlass.
Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 204,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 251,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, 5,000 litres of DPK and 10,800 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 8 dugout pits, 22 boats, 46 storage tanks, 356 drums and 7 vehicles. Other items recovered include 84 cooking ovens, one outboard engine one pumping machine and 48 illegal refining sites,
Troops also apprehended 140 suspected oil thefts and other criminals elements as well as recovered 35 assorted ammunition, 7 assorted weapons and 2 cutlasses amongst other.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted stop and search operation in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State. Troops arrested suspected criminals in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops intercepted suspected IPOB/ESN recruits in Aguata LGA of Anambra State. Troops also raided criminal hideout in Edda and Afikpo LGAs of Ebonyi State.
Details as follows: Stop and Search Operation. On 28 November 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted stop and search operation in Idemili South LGA of Anambra State. During the operation, troops intercepted a vehicle, while the occupants fled on sighting troops. Troops search the vehicle and recovered 2 locally made pistols, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, one live cartridge and one mobile phone amongst other items.
Arrest of Suspected Criminals. On 30 November 2023, troops while on patrol intercepted a vehicle in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects who claimed to be members of a vigilante group from Anambra State. Troops recovered 4 Pump action guns, 29 live cartridges and a vehicle amongst others.
Interception of Suspected IPOB/ESN Recruits. On 2 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces intercepted a truck conveying suspected IPOB/ESN recruits in Aguata LGA of Anambra State. The vehicle conveying 49 adult males and 4 adult females IPOB/ESN criminals. Troops recovered cutlasses and charms among other items.
Raid Operation. On 3 and 4 December 2023, following INTEL, troops in a separate operations raided criminal hideouts in Edda and Afikpo LGAs of Ebonyi State. During the operations, troops arrested 6 suspected criminals. Following investigation, two among the suspects were revealed to be a IPOB armourer and one Peter Irem (Governor of Edda State). Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 18 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 2 Pump action guns, one Dane gun and 4 mob phones.
Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 2 criminals, arrested 78 suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, 6 pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, one dane gun, 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 25 live cartridges, one vehicle and 5 mobile phone amongst other items. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.