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The Nigerian military air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on notorious terrorist Kingpin Ado Aliero’s enclave in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State where several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
Major General Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations disclosed this today, Thursday 11 January 2024 during a media briefing on ongoing Military Operational Activities by the Armed Forces of Nigeria within one week at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
The location, according to General Buba was observed to be active with terrorist activities led by a terrorist leader identified as Isuhu Dogo, an associate and sibling of notorious Ado Aliero. After a confirmatory ISR, the location was acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets.
General Buba added that on the same day, following a confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction at terrorist kingpin Hamisu Mopol’s enclave in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and structures destroyed.
Fighting patrols of Operation HADARIN DAJI were also conducted in Shangaan and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States respectively. Troops also responded to terrorist activities in Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto State as well as Maradun, Jibia and Danmusa LGAs in both Zamfara and Katsina States.
He added that troops raided violent extremists hideout in Kumbotso LGA of Kano State. Troops foiled Kidnap Incidents and arrested suspected violent extremist collaborators in Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Kabau LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested suspected violent extremists in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State.
On 3 January 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with terrorist in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorist and recovered 15 AK47 rifles, 157 rounds of 7. 62mm special ammo, 7 Dane guns, 3 locally fabricated guns, 2 locally fabricated swords, one GTA radio, a pair of woodland camouflage, 2 bandoliers, 4 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
On 4 and 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted a fighting patrol to terrorist hideouts in Batsari, Jibia Safana, Kankara and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and recovered 2 locally made guns, 5 motorcycles and one mobile phone as well as destroyed their makeshift houses.
On 8 January 2024, following reports, troops with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrols made contact with terrorists in Shanga and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State respectively. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists including a notorious terrorist commander known as Bello Asara. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 3 daDanene guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one radio, one mobile phone, one camouflage t-shirt and one MOPOL uniform.
On 3 and 5 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted search and rescue operations in the Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops rescued 14 kidnapped hostages and reunited them with their families.
Arrest of Terrorist Logistician. On 6 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on stop and search intercepted a vehicle in Wurno LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected terrorist collaborators.
Kidnap Incident. On 6 January 2024, troops responded to information about a kidnapping incident in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with violent extremists/insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized five terrorists, recovered 5 Ak 47 rifles with 88 rounds of 7. 62 mm special ammo and 16 rescued hostages. Arrest of Suspect Terrorist. On 7 and 8 January 2024, based on the report, troops with hybrid forces in separate covert operations arrested 2 suspected terrorists from Kabau and Danmusa LGAs of Kaduna and Katsina States respectively.
On 6 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Rijau LGA of Niger State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremist sympathizers.
Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 30 December 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to a kidnap incident in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops rescued 21 kidnapped hostages in the course of the operation.
Raid Operations. On 1 January 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations raided suspected violent extremist hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects including one violent extremist informant/collaborator and 2 kidnappers. The suspects are providing valuable intelligence which is supporting ongoing operations to make the FCT much safer.
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 13 violent extremists, arrested 15 and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 11 AK47 rifle, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 magazines, 9 motorcycles and one mobile phone.