Update From DHQ.

By Helen Udoh, Outlook Media ABUJA.

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 20 OCTOBER 2023

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continous onslaught led to surrender of BH/ISWAP terrorists fighers at Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops arrested BH/ISWAP terrorist collaborator in Maiduguri Municipal Council of Borno State. Troops conducted fighting patrols and neutralized terrorists in Gwoza, Kukawa, Bama and Gamboru LGAs of Borno State.
2. Troops conducted stop and search operation that led to arrest of terrorists and their collaborators in Damboa, Bama, Gubio, Kukawa, Gamboa LGAs of Borno State and Damaturu LGA of Yobe State. Troops also discovered concealed ammo in Chibok LGA of Borno State. Meanwhile, troop’s onslaught led to surrendered of BHT Commander in Gubio LGA of Borno State.
3. Details as follows:

a. Surrendered BH/ISWAP Terrorist Fighters. On 9 October 2023, 3 BH/ISWAP terrorist fighters surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles and 16 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the rifles with reg no TH3324 belongs to late 21NA/80/6268 Pte Yusuf Gyang who was KIA during BH/ISWAP attack at troop’s location on 20 September 2023. Terrorists confirmed to have staged the attack at FOB PULKA. Between 11 and 17 Oct 23, a total of 48 terrorist comprising 2 adult males, 14 adult females and 32 children surrendered to troops within theatre.
b. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorist Collaborator. On 10 October 2023, troops arrested a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorist collaborator in Maiduguri Municipal Council of Borno State. He is cooperating with investigations.
c. Fighting Patrol
(1) On 11 October 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized one terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 6 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo.
(2) Between 11 – 12 October 2023, in a separate operations, troops in conjunction with Hybrid Forces conducted fighting patrols in Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Troops made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one dane gun, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones.
(3) On 13 and 14 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols in Bama and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists. During the operations, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones.
(4) On 16 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid force conducted fighting patrol to suspected BH/ISWAP terrorist’s enclaves in Gamboru LGA of Borno State. During the patrol, troops made contact with Terrorists and neutralized 2 and other fled. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles with 2 bicycles.
d. Arrest of BH/ISWAP Terrorist Collaborators
(1) Between 9 and 10 October 2023, in a separate operation, troops arrested 9 BH/ISWAP terrorists’ collaborators in Damboa and Damaturu LGA of Borno and Yobe State respectively. Troops recovered assorted food items, medical supplies, clothen, and large quantity of PMS amongst many other items.
(2) On 13 to 15 October 2023, troops while on patrol arrested 28 terrorists’ collaborators/logistics suppliers in Kaga, Monguno, Bama, Gubio, Kukawa and Damboa LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 4 vehicles, 7 mobile phones, 10 motorcycles tubes, solar panels, assorted food stuffs, medical supplies, kegs of PMS and the sum of N523,190.00.
e. Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorist. Between 15 – 17 October 2023, troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists. During these operations, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 4 magazines, 75 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 bicycles, 4 motorcycles amongst others items.
f. Escape of Kidnapped Persons. Between 10 and 11 October 2023 troops intercepted 2 kidnapped escapees. Troops also arrested 3 terrorists’ collaborators in Nganzai LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the 3 collaborators were terrorists ransom facilitators. Troops reunite the 2 escapees with their family.
j. Discovery of Ammo. On 15 October 2023, troops while on patrol discovered concealed ammunition in Chibok LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 improvised grenade, 2 magazines containing 5 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one empty bandolier bag and one bicycle among other items.
k. Surrender of BHT Comd. On 17 October 23, one BHT identified as Bulama Bukar surrendered to troops in Gubio of Borno State. The terrorist surrendered with an AK47 rifle, 5 AK47 rifle magazines, 44 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one amongst other items.

SUMMARY

4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 13 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 4 magazines, 2 fabricated guns, 203 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones, 2 bicycles, medical supplies, assorted food items among others. Troops also neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 57 and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested a notorious kidnapper in Quan’pan LGA of Plateau State. Troops conducted patrols and arrested suspected criminals in Zango Kataf and Jema’a LGAs of Kaduna and Mangu LGA of Plateau States. Troop resilience led to neutralized terrorists as well as the recovery of arms and ammunitions in Barkin Ladi and Quan’pan LGAs of Plateau State.
6. Additionally, troops arrested a gunrunner in Jos East of Plateau State and rescued kidnapped hostages in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Troop’s quick response foiled a kidnapped incident in Toro LGA of Bauchi State.
7. Details are as follows: 

a. Arrest of Notorious Kidnapper. On 9 October 2023, troops arrested one notorious kidnapper in Quan’pan LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one motorcycle. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect is linked to the kidnapping of an accountant with Union Bank Branch in same LGA.
b. Arrest of Suspected Criminals.
(1) On 10 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces arrested 2 suspected kidnappers in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Troops recovered one dane gun, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones, one dagger and the sum of Twenty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred and Ten Naira (₦22,810) only.
(2) On 12 October 2023, following a tip off, troops while on patrol arrested a suspected criminal in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one motorcycle, one mobile phone and sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (₦400,000.00) only.
(3) On 13 October 2023, troops conducted a raid at criminals’ hideout in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspected criminals while others fled.
c. Troops Neutralized Terrorists.
(1) On 11 October 2023, following a tip off, troops conducted raid at hideout of of a notorious terrorist one Mr Saidu (aka Director) in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. The terrorist engaged troops in a fire fight resulting in him being neutralized and the recovery of an AK 47 Rifle, 30 rounds of 7.62 mm Special, one mobile phone,5 cartridges, one Baofeng radio and charger and the sum of Twenty-Eight Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Naira (₦28,550.00) only.

(2) On 11 October 2023, troops responded to information of armed robbery incident in Quan’ Pan LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops neutralized one combatant and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62 mm Special, one mobile phone and pair of sucks.
d. Arrest of Suspected Gunrunners. On 12 October 2023, troops on patrol arrested a gunrunner in Jos East LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered one fabricated SMG, one pistol, 28 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 32 cartridges, 12 empty cartridges, one fragmental jacket and one mob phone amongst others.
e. Rescue the victim. On 17 October 2023, troops responded to distress call on kidnapping activities in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Sighting troops, the kidnapper fled and abandoning 2 victims and a vehicle. During preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the kidnappers fled with a hostage and efforts are ongoing to rescue the hostage.
f. Foiled Kidnap Incident. On 15 October 2023, troops responded to information on suspected kidnappers activities in Toro LGA of Bauchi State. Troops mobilized to the scene and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages.

SUMMARY

8. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 AK47 rifle magazines loaded with 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 fabricated AK47 rifles, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 28 rounds of 9mm ammo, 37 live cartridges, 12 empty cartridges, 4 magazines, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, one boafeng radio and charger, and the sum of N451,360.00.
9. Troops also neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 53 and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

10. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted fighting patrol and arrested bandit in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Troops foiled kidnapping incident in Makurdi LGA of Benue State and conducted raid on bandits hideout in Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
11. Troops operations led to the recovery of arms and ammunitions. Troops also foiled an armed robbery incident in Gwer West LGA of Benue State.
12. Details are as follows:
    a. Fighting Patrols. On 9 October 2023, troops while on fighting patrol arrested one terrorist collaborator in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect collects levies from the locals for the terrorist.
    b. Troops Foil kidnap Incident. On 13 October 2023, following a tip off, troops foiled a kidnapping in Makurdi LGA of Benue State. Troops rescued a kidnap hostage, while the kidnappers fled after exchange of fire.

c. Raid Operation. On 12 October 2023, troops raided a suspected bandits hideout hibernating in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Following the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected bandits and recovered one Dane gun, 3 mobile phones, 8 bags of substances suspected to be Cannabis and the sum of One Hundred and Fourteen Thousand Five Hundred Naira (₦114,500.00) only.
d. Robbery Incidents. On 13 October 2023, troops responded to a distress call of armed robbery activity in Gwer West LGA of Benue State. Troops mobile to the sense and arrested 3 suspects. Troops recovered one locally made pistol, 4 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 3 mobile phones, one motorcycle, charms and the sum of Ten Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (₦10,150.00) only.

SUMMARY 

13. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 6 terrorists and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one dane gun, 3 mobile phones, 8 bags of substances suspected to be cannabis and the sum of N114,500.00

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

14. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI rescued kidnapped hostages in Gudu and Danko-Wasagu LGAs of Sokoto and Kebbi States respectively. Troops also conducted raid operation on terrorists hideouts in Gassol LGA of Taraba State. Additionally, troops conducted search and rescue that led to the arrest of an ammunition courier in Birnin Magaji in Zamfara State.
15. Details are as follows;

a. Rescued of Kidnapped Hostages.
(1) On 9 October 2023, troops responded to information of terrorist activities in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State. Troops engaged the terrorist rescueing 2 of 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops efforts are ongoing to rescue the remaining 3 hostages and apprehend the terrorist.
(2) On 12 October 2023, troops responded to information of terrorist kidnapping some locals in Danko Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. Troops engaged the terrorist and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages.
b. Raid Operation. Following intelligence, on 13 Oct 23, troops conducted a raid based on terrorist hideout. During the raid, troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles in Gassol LGA of Taraba State.
c. Arrest of Suspected Ammo Courier. On 17 October 2023, troop conducted stop and search operation in Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops arrested an ammo courier that was on a mission to make delivery to a terrorist leader identified as Gishiri hibernating within in Zurmi LGA of the State. Troops recovered a bag containing 224 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, a pair of clothing, one mobile phone and the sum of Four Thousand Naira (₦4,000.00) only.

16. Air Interdiction On 11 October 2023, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted strikes on terrorist led by Ali Kawaje in Danko-Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. The terrorists were struck while moving from Zamfara to Kebbi States for an attacks. During mop up and exploitation, troop discovered that 17 armed bandits were neutralized as well as 17 motorcycles destroyed. Additionally, troops recovered several damaged AK47 rifles, 7 burnt magazines and 158 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Further information about the air strike revealed that the terrorist buried over 40 corpses in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.

SUMMARY 

17. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages. Troop’s also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, several burnt AK47 rifles, 7 burnt magazines, 158 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 17 motorcycles.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

18. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested a terrorist collaborator in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also conducted fighting patrols in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State and Kuje Area Council of FCT. Additionally, troops conducted raid operation to terrorist hideouts in Ikara LGA and ambush operation in Birni Gwari LGA, all in Kaduna State.
19. Details as follows: 

a. Arrest of Suspected Bandits Informants. On 9 October 2023, troops acted on intelligence arrested suspected terrorist in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops conducted dawn operation on suspects residence and arrested 4 suspects. Troops recovered 9 locally made guns, amulets jackets, 3 mobile phones and a military jungle hat.
b. Fighting Patrols
(1) On 11 October 2023, troops while on fighting patrol rescued 10 kidnapped hostages in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops handed over 7 of the hostages to OLAMS Farm management while the others were re-united with their families.
(2) On 11 October 2023, troops conducted fighting patrols to a suspected bandits’ hideout in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja. Following the operations, troops apprehended 3 terrorist suspects and recovered 5 Dane guns, 4 cartridges, 3 mobile phones, 20 arrows and the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (₦50,000.00) only.
c. Raid Operation. On 15 October 2023, troops in conjunction with DSS personnel raided bandits hideout in Ikara LGA of Kaduna State. Troops arrested one suspected arms dealer and recovered 8 locally made Dane guns, 3 locally made pistols and other items used for the fabrication.
d. Ambush Operation. On 17 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted ambush operation and made contact with bandits in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 bandit while others escaped with GSW. Troops recovered 211 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammo, 7 AK47 empty magazines, 2 motorcycles, one HH radio and 2 mobile phones.

SUMMARY

20. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recovered 9 locally made guns, 17 dane guns, 3 locally made pistols, 7 magazines, 211 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 cartridges, 2 motorcycles, one HH radio, 5 mobile phones, one amulet jacket, 20 arrows and the sum of N50,000.00.
21. Troops also eliminated 10 terrorists, arrested 31 suspected terrorists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

22. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
23. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops discovered and destroyed 42 dugout pits, 82 boats, 143 storage tanks, 20 vehicles, 234 cooking ovens, 56 illegal refining sites, 61 hoses, 17 drums, one pumping machine, 2 outboard engines, one vessel, one tricycle and 14 mobile phones. Troops recovered 6,009,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 425,715 litres of illegally refined AGO, 38,100 litres of DPK and 4,500 litres of PMS. Troops also apprehended 100 suspected oil thefts.
b. Arrest of Suspected Impostor. On 11 October 2023, troops while on patrol arrested a suspected impostor in Oshimili South LGA of Delta State. Suspect claimed to be a member of 69 RC posted to NAAC and deployed at 21 Bde Bama. Troops recovered one military ID card, a vehicle, 3 mobile phones amongst others.

24. Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdictions at illegal refining sites (IRS) at Bille and Krakrama respectively. Accordingly, the targets were acquired and engaged with rockets, disrupting the illegal refining activities.

SUMMARY

25. 42 dugout pits, 82 boats, 143 storage tanks, 234 cooking ovens, 56 illegal refining sites, 61 hoses, 17 drums, one pumping machine, 2 outboard engines and one vessel. Troops recovered 6,009,500 litres of stolen crude oil, 425,715 litres of illegally refined AGO, 38,100 litres of DPK and 4,500 litres of PMS
26. Troops also apprehended 100 suspected oil theft and other criminal and recovered 20 vehicles, one tricycle, and 17 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

27. Troops of operation UDO KA ambushed IPOB/ESN terrorist in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State and conducted fighting patrols in Isiala-Ngwa South LGA of Abia State. Troops also conducted raid operation on IPOB/ESN hideout in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State. While, troops operations led to the arrest of terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
28. Details as follows:

a. Ambush Operation on IPOB/ESN criminals. On 9 October 2023, troops laid ambush on IPOB/ESN criminals in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Troops made contact with IPOB/ESN extremist and neutralized one and recovered; one pump action rifle, one tube-shaped IED and one CCTV camera mounted on a tree along the route.
b. Fighting Patrol.
(1) On 9 October 2023, troops on fighting patrol intercepted a tanker and arrested oil bunkerers in Isiala-Ngwa South LGA of Abia State. The tanker was loaded with 33,000 litres of illegal refining AGO moving to Kano. Troops arrested 5 suspected bunkerers.
(2) On 12 October 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to suspected IPOB/ESN criminal’s camps at in Awgu LGA of Enugu State. Following the operations, troops arrested one extremist and recovered 13 cartridges, 2 motorcycles, IPOB berets among others items.
c. Raid Operation. On 10 October 2023, troops in conjunction with NP personnel raided the hideout of a suspected IPOB/ESN extremist identified as Thankgod Okeke (alias TANGEE) in Orumba South LGA of Anambra State. Troops however made no contact with the criminals. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one Pump action gun, 10 generator sets, 4 refrigerators, one 55-inch TV and one stabilizer.
SUMMARY

29. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 21 extremist/crimi
    nals and rescued one kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 pump action guns, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 113 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles, one HH radio, 4 mobile phones, 10 generator sets, 4 refrigerators and 33,000 litres of illegal refined AGO among others.
30. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations