The Defence Headquarters on Friday says, troops have arrested a high profile terrorists identified as Hamisu Sale (aka Master) and Abubakar Muhammad and the notorious terrorist identified as Bako Wurgi who murder the Sokoto Monarch, neutralized 212 other terrorists, arrested 272 person across the various theatres of operations in one week.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba revealed this in a signed press statement noting that these were achieved due to robust operations targeted at terrorist leadership being conducted across the various theatres of operations.
Maj. General Buba also added that troops arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft, rescued 152 kidnapped hostages, denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion One Hundred and Ninty Three Million Eight Hundred and Seventy Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Naira (N1,193,817,760.00) only.
On the arrested of high profile terrorists, Maj. General Buba said between 12 and 15 December 2024, following credible reports, Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in seperate offensive operations intercepted and arrested 14 violent extremists/kidnappers including high profile terrorists identified as Hamisu Sale (aka Master) and Abubakar Muhammad in Bokkos, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State as well as Ningi LGA of Bauchi State respectively.
While troops in the North West theatre of operation, arrested another high profile and notorious terrorist identified as Bako Wurgi. The arrested terror leader is linked to the murder of the Sokoto Monarch and a staunch ally of wanted high profile terrorist Bello Turji's.
The arrested terrorist leader, Bako Wurgi, eventually succumbed to gun shot injuries sustained during the fire fight. He nevertheless provided valuable intelligence to support troops operations before he died.
Between 6 and 18 Nov 24, a total of 83 terrorists comprising 3 adult males, 2 adult females and 7 children surrendered to troops of Operation HADIN KAI within the theatre of operations, as troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 79 terrorists, arrested 55 suspects and rescued 35 kidnappers hostages.
Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 35 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 35 boats, 51 storage tanks and 61 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 5 speedboats, 5 receivers, 59 drums, 3 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and 8 vehicles among others. Troops recovered 940,372 litres of stolen crude oil, 252,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 132 litres of PMS.
On 14 December 2024, following credible report and confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation UDO KA conducted air interdiction at IPOB/ESN terrorists hideout in Njaba LGA of Imo State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities and was engaged with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.
Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostage. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 31 violent extremists and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages, while troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 81 terrorists, arrested 40 persons and rescued 51 kidnapped hostages.
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 13 violent extremists, arrested 42 persons and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 31 violent extremists and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages. , troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 10 terrorists, arrested 27 violent extremists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.
Maj Gen buba stated that troops are bent on achieving sustenable peace in the nation by ensuring that the terrorist are held account for any act of aggression against citizens. Citizens are therefore urged to “See Something, Say Something“. Troops are on high alert and have increased readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression, particularly during the yuletide.