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The ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations across the country of the last one week, resulted in 67 neutralized terrorists with 190 arrested. Troops also arrested 57 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 47 kidnapped hostages.
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations disclosed this on Friday, 3rd November 2023 in a press statement made available to SpyeTV News in Abuja.
According to Major General Buba, in South South, troops denied oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Twenty Seven Million Seven Hundred and Eighty Six thousand Eight hundred (N727, 786,800.00) only.
He noted that troops within one week recovered 112 assorted weapons and 989 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: one GT3 rifle, 42 AK47 rifles, 11 locally fabricated rifles, 7 pump action guns, one locally made double barrel, pistols, 3 dane gun, 2 locally made pistols, 342 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 190 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 74 live cartridges.
“Others are: 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, empty shells, 27 magazines, 23 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones, 5 boafeng radios, 4 bicycles, cutlasses, axes, digital camera and the sum of N3,278,700.00 amongst other items.”
Major General Buba also added that troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, 8 pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, 2 speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined AGO and 51,000 litres of DPK.
He gave an exclusive report on Ongoing Military Operational Activities from all theatres by the Armed Forces of Nigeria as of 3 November 2023.
Troops of Operation HADIN conducted fighting patrols and neutralized terrorists in Bama and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam and Tarmuwa LGAs of Yobe State. Troops conducted ambush operations on terrorists in Bama and Gombi LGAs of Borno and Adamawa States respectively.
Troop’s activities caused BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants to surrendered in Geidam LGA of Yobe State. Similarly, troops foiled attack on locals in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
Details as follows: a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terr Fighters. On 26 October 2023, 5 BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants surrendered to troops in Geidam LGA of Yobe State. During investigation, the surrounding terrorist combatants explained to have migrate from Diffa in Niger Republic. Profilng and further investigation is ongoing.
Between 29 and 30 October 2023, a total of 81 BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants with their families surrendered to troops in Bama, Gubio, Dikwa and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Following the surrendered, troops recovered 15 AK47 rifles, 20 magazines and 123 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 67 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo (refilled).
Fighting Patrol.
On 25 October 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorists and neutralized 4 of them. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles and 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
On 25 October 2023, troops responded to information of BH/ISWAP terrorists collecting levies from locals in Geidam LGA of Yobe State. Troops mobilized to the scene and made contact with the terrorists and neutralized 2 of them. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
On 26 October 2023, troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 terrorists and recovered six AK47 rifle and 2 motorcycles amongst other items.
On 28 October 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 23 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 3 bags of harvested rice.
On 29 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to information on BH/ISWAP terrorists activities in Damboa LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists; neutralized 6 and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 37 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 bicycles among other sundry items.
Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorists. On 25 October 2023, troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 3 BH/ISWAP and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 magazines, 3 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, one bicycle, one camelback bag and the sum of the sum of Two Thousand Two Hundred Naira (₦2,200.00) only.
On 25 October 2023, troops patrol intercepted suspected kidnappers in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State. Following troops engagement, the criminals fled causing troops to exploit the area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles , 15 rounds of 7.62mm special and one motorcycle.
Troops Foiled Attack on Locals. On 25 October 2023, troops responded to information on terrorists activities in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Troops mobilised to the scene, causing the terrorist to flee on sighting troops fighting patrol.
Interception of Kidnapped Victims. On 29 October 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol intercepted 4 kidnapped victims in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victims escaped from terrorists enclave in the same LGA.
Air Interdiction. on 23 October 2023, the air component conducted air interdiction on terrorists enclaves in Grazah. The terrorists were sited hibernating in the location, causing it to be acquired and engaged with rockets.
Similarly, air interdiction was conducted on the enclave of a notorious terrorist leader known as Alhaji Labi’s. The location was struck with rockets and cannons destroying the terrorist hibernating at the location.
Additionally, on 29 October 2023, air interdiction was conducted on terrorists moving from Marte to Monguno. The terrorists was observed, acquired and struck with rockets and cannons destroying their gun trucks, motorcycles and logistics dumps. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 41 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 241 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 57 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 22 magazines, 7 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, one camel bag, one bicycle and the sum of N2,200. Troops also neutralized 42 terrorists, arrested 15 and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested criminals and members of gunrunning syndicate operating in Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Troops also raided a criminals hideout in Bokkos LGA of Platean State and recovered arms and ammunitions.
Details are as follows: a. Arrest of Criminals. On 23 and 24 October 2023, while conducting seperate operations, troops arrested 3 suspects in Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspect is connected with a gunrunning syndicate that specializes in illegal distribution of arms and ammo to criminals in Southern Kaduna. Troops recovered one vehicle, wrist watch, NP camo cap, wallet, 2 ATM cards and 3 mobile phones.
Similarly, on 26 and 27 October 2023, troops while conducting separate operations with hybrid forces arrested 2 suspected members of a gun running indicate in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Preliminary investigation revealed one to be a member of the gunrunning syndicate,while the other was an associate of notorious terrorist on the watch list known as Muhammad Kaduna Dantala. Troops recovered one pistol, 48 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 mobile phones, multiple ID cards, some illicit drugs and the sum of Two Hundred Thousand Naira (₦200,000.00) only.
Raid Operation. On 25 October 2023, following a tip off, troops raided suspected criminals hideout in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 kidnappers. The arrested persons were all on the wanted list of security agencies.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered one pistol, 48 rounds of 9mm ammo, one vehicle, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N200,000 only, amongst other items. Troops also neutralized 2 terrorists and arrested 6, while rescuing 2 kidnapped hostages.
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested suspected criminals in Katsina-Ala and Takum LGAs of Benue and Taraba States respectively. Troops also rescued kidnapped Okpokwu and Obi LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States respectively. Furthermore, troops raided criminal hideout in Takum LGA of Taraba State.
Details are as follows: a. Troops Arrest Kidnappers. On 23 October 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. The suspects are members of Benue State Livestock Guards. Preliminary investigation revealed the suspects masterminded series of kidnappings and other nefarious activities within Logo and Ukum LGAs of Benue State. Troops recovered 2 mobile phones, 2 ATM cards and the sum of Ten Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (₦10,900.00) only. Further investigation, ongoing.
On 23 October 2023, troops patrol arrested 3 suspected terrorists in Takum LGA of Taraba State. The arrested persons reportedly masterminded the killing of one Mr Tyovenda Iordye at Tse-Tana Village in Donga LGA of Taraba State on 22 Oct 23. Further investigation , ongoing.
b. Rescue of Kidnap Victim. On 23 October 2023, troops responded to kidnapping activities in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State. Troops mobilized to the scene and made contact with the terrorists. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and rescued a hostage.
Similarly, on 23 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to information on kidnapping activities in Obi LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops engaged the terrorist and rescued 12 hostages.
c. Arrest of Gunrunner. On 28 October 2023, troops fighting patrol arrested a suspected gunrunner in a vehicle with 3 other passengers in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops recovered 5 locally fabricated rifles from the suspect who claimed to be a vigilante. Investigation, ongoing.
d. Arrest of Kidnapper. On 27 October 2023, troops arrested a suspected kidnapper in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. The suspect was identified as one of the kidnappers terrorizing Keffi and its environs.
e. Raid Operation. On 24 October 2023, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Takum LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troop arrested 2 suspected kidnappers and investigation is in progress.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages. Also, troops recovered 5 locally fabricated rifles and 2 motorcycles.
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops also made arrest and, recovered of arms and ammunition.
Details are as follows; a. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 24 October 2023, troops night patrol foiled a kidnap incident in Faskari LGA of Katsina State and rescued 2 hostages. The hostages have been reunited with their families.
14. Air Interdiction.
On 27 October 2023 the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on a terrorists kingpin enclave in Zamfara State. The location belong to a terrorist kngoin known as Mai Solar was observed , acquired and engaged , destroying the terrorist hibernating in the location. Feedback reveals that several terrorists were neutralized.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 4 of them and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted raid on terrorists residence in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. While, troops arrested terrorists collaborators in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT.
Details as follows: a. Raid Operations On 22 October 2023, troops raided a suspected terrorist collaborator and logistician hideout in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. The suspect reportedly supplies ammunition and other items to the terrorist. The suspect identified as Dantani, supplies ammo to criminals around Zango Kataf general area while disguised as a yam seller. Following the raid, troops arrested 3 additional suspects and investigation is ongoing.
B. Troops Arrest Terrorists Informant. On 25 October 2023, troops arrested 4 suspected terrorists informants in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja. Investigation , ongoing.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 7 suspected terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
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 arreste suspected criminals in Udu and Akpabuyo LGAs of Delta and Cross River States respectively. Troops also conducted raid operation in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State.
Details as follows: a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops discovered and destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, 8 pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, 2 speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined AGO and 51,000 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 57 suspected oil thefts.
b. Troops Arrested Criminals. On 23 October 2023, troops responded to a distress call on youths firing sporadically into the air in Udu LGA of Delta State. The youths were said to be protesting a leadership tussle. During operation, troops arrested 12 suspects while 5 injured suspects were evacuated to the hospital. Troops recovered 3 pump action guns, 35 live cartridges, empty shell, axes and cutlasses.
On 23 October 2023, troops on patrol arrested a suspected kidnapper in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. During the operation troops recovered a Dane gun.
c. Raid Operation.
On 25 October 2023, troops raided a smugglers and sea pirates hideout in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. Following the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected sea pirates and recovered 23 drums of PMS.
On 29 Oct ober 2023, following a tip off, troops raided the residence of a suspected gun runner and arms dealer in Eket LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Following the raid, troops arrested one suspect and recovered one double barrel locally made rifle, 3 live cartridges, 4 walking talking radios, 3 mobile phones, assorted charms and some military accoutrements.
d. Handover of Ammo. On 25 October 2023, a fisherman handed over 166 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO (Linked) to troops in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State. The fisherman reported that he discovered the ammo at Nembe River wrapped and tied in a cellophane bag.
e. Arrest of Suspected Cultists/Armed Robber. On 29 October 2023, troops while on patrol arrested 3 suspected cultists/armed robbers in a tricycle in Oshimili South LGA of Delta State. Troops recovered a pistol, 2 rounds of 9mm, 2 knives, one mobile phone, 3 motorcycle, a tricycle and 3 tricycle amongst others.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 106 dugout pits, 111 boats, 229 storage tanks, 290 cooking ovens, 8 pumping machine, 10 outboard engine, 2 speedboats, one vessel and 96 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 506,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 477,790 litres of illegally refined AGO and 51,000 litres of DPK.
Troops also apprehended 57 suspected oil theft perpetrators and recovered 3 pump action guns, one pistols, one locally made double barrel rifle, one dane gun, 166 rounds of 7.62mm NATO (linked), 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, 38 live cartridges, 15 vehicles, 6 motorcycles 3 mobile phones amongst other items.
Troops of operation UDO KA conducted raid operation to criminals hideouts in Nnewi-South and Ohaukwu LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively.
Details as follows: a. Arrests of Suspected Criminals
On 23 October 2023, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout in Nnewi-South LGA of Anambra State. During the operation troops arrested 3 suspected criminals.
On 26 October 2023, in separates operations, troops raided a suspected criminals hideouts in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State. Following the operations, troops made 3 arrest and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 48 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 magazines.
b. Fighting Patrols. On 25 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols to notorious IPOB/ESN criminals’ camps in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Troops made contact. Following a fire fight, troops 2 neutralized extremist combatants and recovered 4 locally made IED (OGBUNIGWE), a pair of military accoutrements and one locally made handheld IED.
c. Search and Rescue Operations On 27 and 30 October 2023, troops in a seperate operations conducted search and rescue in different locations in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State. Following the operations, troops recovered 5 fabricated guns, 2 pistols, one dane gun, 179 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO, 35 cartridges, 3 AK47 magazines, 3 cutlasses, one axe and one digital camera.
d. Search Operations On 31 Oct 23, troops in conjunction with DSS personnel raided the house of an IPOB/ESN extremist at ISHIEKE in ABAKALIKI Metropolis of EBONYI State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected IPOB/ESN criminal and recovered one reel of detonating cord, 57 water gel explosive, and one bag of plastic explosive. Apprehended suspect and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.
f. Arrest of suspected IPOB/ESN Logistician and Collaborator. On 30 October 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected IPOB/ESN IED criminals in Okigwe and Ishielu LGAs of Imo and Ebonyi States respectively. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspect identified as Mr AKACHUKWU OKECHUKWU (aka AKIN) as an IPOB/ESN logistician. Investigation , ongoing.
SUMMARY
In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 6 terrorist, made 13 arrest and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, 2 pistols, one dane gun, 48 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 179 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO, 35 cartridges and 6 magazines.
All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
Troops substantially inflicted casualties on terrorist, insurgents and violent extremist through operations ranging from fighting patrols, ambushes, raids to air interdictions. The military will continue to deny the terrorist, insurgents and violent extremist the ability to achieve their selfish objectives. The war is on and their days are numbered, unless they surrender.
