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The Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba stated this in a statement while highlighting the activities of the military within the week.
General Buba revealed that the week under review, Troops neutralised 216 and arrested 332 persons. Troops also arrested 24 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 161 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Four Hundred and Forty Eight Million Five Hundred Fifty Seven Thousand Five Hundred and Ninty Naira (N448,557,590.00) only.
He further noted that troops recovered 234 assorted weapons and 5,994 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 131 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT guns, one M16 rifle, 43 locally fabricated gun, 21 dane guns, one 105mm gun, 2 automatic pump action guns, 18 locally fabricated pistols, 8 single barrel guns, 2 automatic pump action guns, one LG4 bomb, one MG skeleton, 3 explosive IED case, one MOWAG APC, one 81mm mortar tripod stand
Others are: 3,120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,195 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 211 rounds of 9mm ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 467 live cartridges, one rifle butt, 15 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 10 vehicles, 38 motorcycles, 43 mobile phones and the sum of N871,500.00 amongst other items.
Troops in the Niger Delta area, according to General Buba discovered and destroyed 97 dugout pits, 6 boats, 20 storage tanks, 2 receivers, 16 drums and 7 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 174 cooking ovens, one pumping machine and 8 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 533,127 litres of stolen crude oil and 24,520 litres of illegally refined AGO.
He stressed that troops are maintaining the momentum in neutralizing the terrorist leaders and commanders. Indeed, we remain focused in fighting for the basic safety and security of citizens of this country.
Below is the breakdown of on ongoing military operations by the troops as at 26 April 2024
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; rescued abducted chibok girl, conducted fighting patrol, discovered ammo and surrendering of BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters and theirs families in Gwoza, Damboa, Kukawa, Bama, Kala, Mafa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State respectively.
2. Details as follows:
a. Rescued of Abducted Chibok Girl. On the 17 April 2024, troops while on offensive operations intercepted and rescued one of the abducted Chibok girls’ identified as Lydia Simon with 3 of her children in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the hostage was with 5 months pregnancy and hails from Pemi town in Chibok LGA.
b. Fighting Patrols. Between 15 and 19 April 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with terrorists in Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State as well as Damboa and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 35 terrorists and arrested 4 suspected terrorists collaborators. Troops also recovered 25 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT guns, 1 x 105mm PH gun, 7 danes, one MG1 skeleton, one LG4 bomb, one burnt RPG tube, 3 explosive IED case, one 81mm mortar tripod stand, 432 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 241 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 2 gun trucks, 3 motorcycles, one filling machine and one lister generator amongst others.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 19 and 22 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Biu, MMC, Jere, Gwoza, Damboa and Marte LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 21 terrorists and recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 3 x 122mm 2 Artillery shells, one 60mm mortar shell, 6 magazines, 322 rounds of 7.62mm special, 258 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one MOWAG APC, one canter truck, 8 motorcycles, 12 bicycles and the sum of N60,000.00 only amongst others
d. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Logistics Suppliers. Between 17 and 23 April 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Geidam, Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State as well as Monguno, Mobbar, Kukawa, Ngala and Damboa LGAs of Borno State. Additionally, Troops conducted patrol in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. During the operations, troops arrested 27 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and recovered 5 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones, medical supplies, food stuffs, POL and the sum of N579,500.00 only amongst others.
e. Discovery of Ammo. On 19 April 2024, troops while on patrol discovered 323 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo in sack abandoned in a building under renovation in Kukawa LGA of Borno State.
d. Surrendered of BH/ISWAP Terrorists IED Experts. On 21 April 2024, troops non kinetic effort resulted in the surrender of 2 BH/ISWAP terrorists improvised explosive device experts identified as Abubakar Mohammed (aka Garba) 19yrs and Bana Modu 13yrs in Monguno LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects surrendered while on mission to plant IEDs in Kukawa LGA of the same state. Troops recovered 2 IEDs, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N53,000.00 only.
f. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrorists.
(1) On 15 April 2024, 28 BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants and their families members comprising of 3 adult males, 10 adult females and 17 children surrendered to troops in Bama, Kala, Mafa, Kukawa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State.
(2) Between 17 and 23 Apr 24, a total of 302 terrorist comprising 39 adult males 91 adult females and 172 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
3. Air Interdiction. Following intelligence and confirmatory ISR of massing up of terrorists with gun trucks, motorcycles and other logistics with intention of ambush on troops. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI with NA aeroson UAV on 15 and 16 April 2024 conducted multiple close air support and air interdiction. Accordingly, the targets were acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their gun trucks as well as other logistics destroyed. Additionally, further exploitation by surface troops led to recovery of one hilux vehicle and one 105 pack howitzer.
SUMMARY
4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 61 suspects and rescued 43 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered 42 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT guns, one 105mm gun, 12 dane guns, one MG skeleton, one LG4 bomb, 1,087 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 499 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, one burnt RPG tube, 3 explosive IED case, one 81mm mortar tripod stand, 2 gun trucks, 16 motorcycles, 12 bicycles, 12 mobile phones and the sum of N639,500.00 only amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrested violent extremists/terrorists in Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
6. Details are as follows:
a. Arrests Operations.
(1) Between 15 and 18 April 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on violent extremists/terrorists activities in Barkin Ladi, Jos East, Bokkos and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 10 violent extremists and recovered 4 fabricated rifles, one fabricated pistol, 79 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 23 rounds of 9mm ammo, one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) On 17 and 22 April 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 6 violent extremists in Riyom LGA of Plateau State as well as Kachia and Lere LGAs of Kaduna State respectively.
b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Operations . Between 17 and 21 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted Counter/anti kidnapping operations in Mangu, Bassa, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 9 violent extremists/armed robbers and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 2 fabricated pistols, one dane gun, 89 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 97 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
7. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 8 insurgents, arrested 48 violent extremists and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated guns, 3 fabricated pistols, 89 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 176 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 23 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
8. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; troops conducted offensive operations in Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State as well as Awe and Yorro LGAs of Nasarawa and Taraba States.
9. Details are as follows:
a. Offensive Operations. Between 15 and 18 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State as well as Awe and Yorro LGAs of Nasarawa and Taraba States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 9 terrorists and arrested 5 violent extremists/gunrunners and kidnappers. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 6 dane guns, 171 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 125 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and assorted charms amonsgt others.
b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. Between 17 and 21 April 2024, troops with DSS operatives and hybrid forces in separate operations raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Gwer, Ukum and Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State as well as Karim-Lamido and Awe LGAs of Taraba and Nasarawa State. During the operations, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and arrested 7 suspected violent extremists/gunrunners and armed herders. Troops also recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 235 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 86 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 magazines, 5 motorcycles and 6 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Arrest Operations. On 18 and 21 April 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on violent extremists/kidnappers activities in Gwer LGA of Benue State as well as Yorro and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 13 suspected violent extremists and recovered 3 dane guns and 95 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
SUMMARY
10. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 39 violent extremists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 11 dane guns, 406 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 306 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 magazines, 8 motorcycles and 10 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
11. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operations and arrested suspected terrorists collaborators in Faskari and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Maru LGA of Zamfara State.
12. Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 16 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Faskari and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and arrested one suspected terrorist collaborator identifed as Abubakar Likita age 50. Troops also recovered 3 dane guns, jerricans of PMS and the sum of N568,000.00 only.
(2) Between 17 and 23 April 2024, troops in separate conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Danmusa, Batsari, Safana, Faskari and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State as well as Rogo LGA of Kano State. Troops also conducted operations in Giwa, Igabi and Sabon Birni LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 28 terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 2 single barrel guns, 4 fabricated pistols, 432 rounds of 7.62mm special, 301 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 97 rounds of 9mm ammo, 110 live cartridges, one rifle butt, 2 baofeng radios, 8 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and military accoutrements amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 17 April 2024, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested 2 suspected terrorists collaborators identified as Akilu Lawal 25 yrs and Lawal Yar Kariya 40 yrs in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State.
(2) Between 17 and 21 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Danmusa and Gwadabawa LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto States as well as Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 8 suspected terrorists and recovered 2 fabricated pistols, 34 live cartridges, empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and the sum of 189,000.00 only amongst others.
b. Counter/anti -kidnapping operations.
(1) On 22 and 23 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations and made contact with terrorists in Tsafe, Talata Mafara and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Tangaza and Goronyo LGAs of Sokoto State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 6 and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 114 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 76 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 6 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) On 25 April 2024, troops in conjunction with DSS operatives while on counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to distress call on movement of terrorists and made contact in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 150 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 mobile phones and 4 cutlasses.
c. Ambush Operation. On 24 April 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces while conducting offensive operations ambushed terrorists in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 32 terrorists including a terrorists kingpin identified as Shuaibu Danlukutus. Troops also recovered 25 AK47 rifles, 7 dane guns, 3 fabricated pistols, 432 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 245 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 6 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones.
13. Air Interdiction. On 15 and 19 April 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI in multiple passes conducted air interdiction following report and confirmatory ISR at terrorists kingpins Babaru’s and Kamilu Buzaru’s hideouts in Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State. The terrorists kingpins were sighted hibernating at respective locations with their cronies mobilizing associates for planned attacked around the locations. Consequently, the locations were acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with their structures and logistics destroyed.
14. Additionally, on 20 April 2024, intelligence revealed that terrorists kingpins Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru with cronies were attending a naming ceremony at a populace North of Bichi in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. On sighting air platform, the terrorists fled. The air component acquired and attacked fleeing terrorists on motorcycles North and South of the location.
SUMMARY
15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 116 terrorists, arrested 42 terrorists and rescued 52 kidnapped hostages, Troops recovered 67 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated guns, 10 fabricated pistols, 2 single barrel guns, 8 dane guns, 1,310 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 732 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 97 rounds of 9mm ammo, 144 live cartridges, one rifle butt, 17 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 19 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and the sum of N189,000.00 amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
16. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrols and arrested violent extremists in Giwa and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Ofu LGA and AMAC of Kogi State and FCT Abuja.
17. Details are as follows;
a. Fighting Patrols. On 18 and 19 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with terrorists in Giwa and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 98 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 motorcycles, one mobile and cutlasses.
b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists.
(1) On 18 April 2024, troops on patrol responded to distress call on activities of suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Ofu LGA of Kogi State. During the operation, troops intercepted and arrested 4 violent extremists/gunrunners and notorious kidnappers as well as recovered 3 fabricated guns.
(2) On 16 and 19 April 2024, following report troops in separate operations conducted sting operations and arrested 2 violent extremists/kidnapper and informant in AMAC of FCT Abuja. Preliminary investigation revealed that the arrested persons identified as Musa Usman and Abdulrasheed Hassan were on the wanted list of security agencies and were alleged to be responsible for several kidnapping incident within the FCT.
c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping and Criminality Op. On 21 April 2024, troops while conducting anti/counter kidnapping operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideout in AMAC of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 19 suspected violent extremists.
18. Temporary Withdrawal of Troops from FOB Alawa. The ongoing campaign to flush out violent terrorists within Niger State suffered some setbacks during the period under review. Accordingly, troop restrategized causing troops at Alawa FOB to be temporarily withdrawn. The troops encountered several terrorists IED attacks/explosion due to unmotorable state of the roads around the area due to the offset of the rainy season which made it easier for the terrorist to lay IEDs along the route. The withdrawal of the troops coupled with the new strategy to be adopted is to give troops effective dominance and tactical advantage over the terrorist.
necessary measures have been put in place to forestall any security breaches in the AOR.
19. Air Interdiction. On 19 April 2024, following confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at terrorists kingpin Mallam Yadee’s enclave In Mariga LGA of Niger State. The terrorists kingpin is an ally to terrorists kingpin Dogo Gide location’s was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists including one Kachalla Zugudum, Mallam Yadee’s lieutenant were neutralized with their structures and logistics destroyed.
SUMMARY
20. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 37 suspects and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 8 fabricated guns, 98 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 motorcycles and one mobile phone amonsgt others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
21. 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 also arrested suspected violent extremists/vandals in Ethiope West, Ughelli and Ndokwa LGAs of Delta State as well as Orhionmwon and Esan North East LGAs of Edo State respectively.
22. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 533,125 litres of stolen crude oil and 24,520 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 97 dugout pits, 6 boats, 16 drums, 2 receiver and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 174 cooking ovens, 7 vehicles, one pumping machine, 2 motorcycles and 8 illegal refining sites.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 15 and 17 April 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Ethiope West, Ughelli and Ndokwa LGAs of Delta State as well as Orhionmwon and Esan North East LGAs of Edo State. During the operations, troops arrested 21 suspected violent extremists/terrorists, cultists and pipeline vandals as well as recovered 5 fabricated rifles, 3 fabricated pistols, 3 single barrel guns, 247 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 91 rounds of 9mm ammo, 41 live cartridges, 10 mobile phones and the sum of N43,000.00 only amongst others.
(1) On 17 and 22 April 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members in Ndokwa and Akpabuyo LGAs of Delta and Bayelsa States as well as Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Suspects were identified as Nwachukwu Chukwuma (aka onyea army), Ignatius Edwin, Ezekiel Emmanuel Asuqua, David Sunday and Azubeze Nwannokolo.
(2) On 20 April 2024, troops responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Ikwerre LGA of River State. During the operation, troops arrested 11 suspected violent extremists and accomplices.
c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. Between 17 and 22 April 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operations arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members in Bonny LGA of Rivers State, Aniocha and Ethiope West LGA of Delta State as well as Oguta and Ovia South-West LGAs of Anambra and Edo States. During the operations, troops arrested 10 violent extremists and recovered 3 pump actions, 3 single barrel guns, one auto single barrel foreign made gun, 195 live cartridges, 6 mobile phones and the sum of N43,000.00 only amongst others.
SUMMARY
23. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 533,125 litres of stolen crude oil and 24,520 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 97 dugout pits, 6 boats, 16 drums, 2 receiver and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 174 cooking ovens, 7 vehicles, one pumping machine, 2 motorcycles and 8 illegal refining sites.
24. Troops apprehended 45 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 18 weapons and 615 assorted ammunitions.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
25. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrols in Ohaji/Egbema and Orlu LGAs of Imo State as well as Boki LGA of Cross River State respectively.
26. Details as follows:
a. Fighting Patrols. On 15 and 16 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with violent extremists in Ohaji/Egbema and Orlu LGAs of Imo State as well as Boki LGA of Cross River State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 extremists and recovered one M16 rifle, 2 automatic pump action guns, one dane gun, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 34 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 87 live cartridges and one magazine amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations. On 18 and 21 April 2024, troops in conjunction with DSS operatives during separate operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists and notorious kidnapper in Udenu and Idemili South LGAs of Enugu and Anambra States respectively.
SUMMARY
27. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 35 violent extremists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one M16 rifle, 2 automatic pump action guns, one dane gun, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 34 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 87 live cartridges and one magazine amongst other. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.