The Nigerian military on Thursday revealed that, in the past 2 weeks, about one hundred and Fifty Three (153) Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province, Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals Terrorists, bandits were neutralized and about Two hundred and Sixty (260) terrorist logistics suppliers, suspected drug peddlers, suspected economic saboteurs were arrested by Nigerian troops at operational theaters within the 6 geo-political zones of the Country.
Director, Defence Media Operations Major General Musa Danmadami disclosed this today 9 February 2023, during the bi-weekly media briefing on operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies conducted in addressing the various security challenges across the Country between the period of 26 January - 9 February 2023.
General Danmadami said, Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in North East conducted fighting patrol to a Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves at villages in Borno State, and following the artillery fire mission, about One hundred and twenty-three (123) were neutralized, while about Forty-three (43) suspected terrorists, and their collaborators were arrested.
He noted that, cumulatively, within the period under review, troops in the North East region recovered arms and ammunition, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260 as well as a vehicle loaded with food items and other sundry items.
"Troops also rescued 59 civilians while a total of 340 terrorist and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females and 195 children surrendered to troops at different locations of the North East theatre of operation.
Furthermore, the air component of operation HADIN KAI conducted series of air interdiction operation at terrorist enclaves, hideout and camps, the battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with their structures and logistics bases destroyed in the various air strikes.
All recovered items, apprehended criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families are been profiled for further action.
Troops in the North Central zone of the Country conducted operational activities and responded to an armed robbery incident Plateau State, neutralizing about eight (8) terrorists, armed Robbers, while fourteen (14) suspected criminals, gunrunner were arrested.
Consequently, within the weeks in focus,Troops also recovered 36 cows, 10 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, 2 knives and 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Troops of operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West zone of the country neutralized seventeen (17) terrorists and arrested twelve (12) suspected terrorists and bandits collaborator.
Cumulatively, within the weeks in review, troops in the North West zone recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 16 locally made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 AK 47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, 1 vehicle, 3 MTN sim cards, one NIN card, 1 driver’s license, receipt of cash transfer, 66 cows, 18 sheep and assorted charms.
Troops of the Joint Task Force, operation DELTA SAFE and other Operations in the South South zone of the country have continued the war against oil theft and illegal refineries and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta region through aggressive and increased tempo in raids and clearance operations as well as patrol amongst other activities.
Troops of operation Delta Safe in the conduct of operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations, arrested fifty three (53) suspected economic saboteurs and three (3) suspected criminals, discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refining sites, 136 storage facilities, 66 ovens, 39 wooden boats, one generator, 11 vehicles and 2 tricycles.
Additionally, troops recovered 222,000 litres of suspected crude oil, 83,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene. All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action. It is worthy to note that the sum One Hundred and Twenty Eight Million Two Hundred and Sixty Thousand Nine Hundred and Ninety Naira (N128,260,990.00) only were denied oil thieves.
Equally, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction operations to several illegal refining sites and creeks in Rivers State as well as Akwa Ibom State between 30 January to 3 February 2023, over head the air crew observed some site to be active with illegal refining activities at the locations, while some were observed to have been abandoned.
The active targets locations were engaged with weapons and the location were observed to have exploded in an inferno after the strike, while the illegal refining equipment were equally destroyed.
In South East, Troops and other security agents have sustained the offensive against the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals, Fourteen (14) Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals were killed while about five (5) suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network collaborators were arrested.
Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle and destroyed the terrorist shrines including posters with inscription of ‘No ELECTION’.
Consequently, within the weeks under review, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifle, one dane gun, one double barrel gun, one SMG, one tear gas launcher, 6 locally made pistol, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 AK47 magazines, 260 rounds of 223 Remington ammunitions, one travor 21 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of 5.56mm ammo,11 expended cartridges, political banners, one vehicle, Nigerian police personnel uniforms, combat boots IPOB flyers , 3 motorcyles, and 2 mobile phones amongst others items.
Troops of Operation AWATSE in the South West zone of the country arrested 120 suspected drug peddlers in Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Area of Lagos State and 1 suspected criminal who was to waybill some arms in his possession at AJ Danpullo transport motor park at Iddo in Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The military high command commendations on troops efforts in the various theatres of operations across the nation and commended the media community for their partnership and continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies, in the quest to restore peace and security to the country.
He urged Nigerians to continue to provide prompt and creditable information on the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements, in their respective areas.