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INSECURITY: Military Neutralise 286 Terrorists, Rescue 122.

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By Helen Udoh, Outlook media ABUJA.


The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said it’s troops of the Armed  Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have neutralised 286 terrorists ,arrested 244 in one week.

In South-South  troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Two Billion Five Hundred and Sixty-Five Million Four Hundred and Seventy-Nine Thousand and Seven Hundred and Twenty Naira (N2,565,479,720.00) only.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba made this known to newsmen during a bi-weekly media as at 22 February 2024 on Thursday in Abuja.

According to him” (NORTH EAST)Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists, conducted fighting patrol and intercepted surrendered ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters Damaturu and Potiskum LGAs of Yobe State and Ngala Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno State.

Additionally, troops arrested suspected terrorists collaborators, kidnappers, rail sleepers vandals and conducted night ambush operation in Monguno, Ngala, Chibok and Kaga LGAs of Borno State and Potiskum and Gujba LGAs of Borno State respectively. As well as Song LGA of Adamawa State.

Details as follows:

a. Arrests of Suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists. On 13 and 15 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations responded to activities of a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and communal clash in Damaturu and Potiskum LGAs of Yobe State as well as Askira-Uba LGA of Borno State. During the operations, troops arrested 7 suspected terrorists including one logistician identified as Alimaye Modu. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle, one mobile phone, bows and arrows and the sum of ₦11,500.00 amongst others.
b. Fighting Patrol.
(1) On 14 February 2024, troops with surrendered terrorists conducted fighting patrol to ISWAP/JAS terrorists enclave and made contact in Bama LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 20 terrorists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 5 locally fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 354 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 32 rounds of 9mm ammo, 5 magazines, 2 HH radios, 3 mobile phones and cutlasses.
(2) On 17 and 18 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted fighting patrol and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Konduga and Damaturu LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 32 terrorists and recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 2 pump action guns, 3 dane guns, 411 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 152 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 72 belted rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 76 cartridges, 4 magazines, one HH radio, 11 motorcycles, 3 bicycles and 2 mobile phones.
c. Surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists fighters.
(1) Between 12 and 16 February 2024, 4 ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families members comprising of 5 adult males, 40 adult females and 7 children surrendered to troops in Ngala, Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Following the surrendering, troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 39 rounds 7.62mm refilled ammo, 2 x 36 hand grenades and 5 magazines amongst others.
(2) On 19 February 2024, 3 BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters surrendered to troops in Damboa and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N10,000.00 amonsgt others.
(2) Between 14 and 20 February 2024, a total of 234 terr comprising 20 adult males 74 adult females and 140 children surrendered to troops within the theatre operations.
d. Arrest of Suspected Terrorist/Kidnappers.
(1) On 14 and 15 February 2024, following report, troops in separate operations arrested 7 suspected militias and kidnappers in Chibok and Potiskum LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively.
(2) On 19 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to kidnapping incidents in Song LGA of Adamawa State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, one FN rifle and 47 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
e. Arrest of Suspected Railway Sleeper Vandals. On 15 February 2024, in separate operations, troops while on patrol arrested 6 suspected rail sleepers vandals in Kaga and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 2 vehicles, 341 railway sleepers and 3 mobile phones.
f. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Collaborators. On 17 and 19 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces while conducting stop and search operation arrested 3 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and Informant in Monguno LGA of Borno State. The informant identified as Ibrahim Yura Aliyu was recognised and identified by a repentant ranger.
g. Night Ambush on ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. On 17 February 2024, troops with Hybrid Forces conducted night ambush and made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Ngala LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 18 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 12 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 131 rounds of 7.62mm special, 320 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 23 cartridges, 7 motorcycles, 4 bicycles and cutlasses.

  1. On 18 February 2024, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on the massing up of terrorists at the Southern Tumbuns. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities around clusters of structures concealed under trees. Subsequently, the locations was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics base destroyed.
  2. Between 13 and 15 February 2024, the air component of Operation HADIN KAIconducted air recconaissance and interdiction in Bama, Dikwa, South East and West of Maiduguri. The locations were observed to be active with terrorists activities. Subsequently the locations were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. All other locations were thoroughly scanned with no threat observed.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 70 terrorists, arrested 31 BH/ISWAP terrorists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 47 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, 21 fabricated guns, 8 dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 2 hand grenades, 3 locally made pistols, 1,163 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 604 rounds of 7.62mm NATO,72 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, 32 rounds of 9mm ammo, 39 rounds of 7.62mm refilled, 99 cartridges, 16 magazines, 3 vehicles, 18 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones, 2 HH radios and the sum of N21,500.00 among others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

  1. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; rescued kidnapped hostages, responded to violent extremists/terrorists activities, conducted raid operation, arrested suspected violent extremists and notorious kidnapper in Bassa, Mangu, Jos South, Barkin Ladi Bokkos and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State.
  2. Details are as follows: 

a. Rescue of Kidnap Victims. On 12 and 14 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Bassa and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages including 4 students and one Mis Habiba Haruna.
b. Violent Extremists/Terrorists Activities. On 16 February 2024, troops while on patrol made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 violent extremists/terrorists recovered 4 AK47 rifles loaded with 82 rounds of 7.62mm special.
c. Raid Operations. Between 15 and 18 February 2024, troops in separate operations raided suspected violent extremists/drug peddlers hideouts in Mangu and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 32 violent extremists and recovered 3 fabricated pistols, 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 mobile phones, substance suspected to be cannabis and assorted charms.
d. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Terrorists. On 16 and 17 February 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists in Bokkos, Bassa and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. Suspects identified as Friday Machem, Saidu Gadafi and Nash Gwom were alledge to be member of notorious extremist groups. During the operations, troops 2 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, one magazine, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N13,000.00 amongst others.
e. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Notorious Kidnapper Kingpin. On 19 February 2024, following tip-off, troops arrested a notorious violent extremist/kidnapper kingpin in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 5 insurgents, arrested 36 violent extremists and 5 rescued kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 82 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of N642,930.00 amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

  1. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrols, foiled attack on civilians and conducted raid operations in Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State.
  2. Details are as follows: 

a. Fighting Patrol. On 14 February 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns and 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
b. Attack on Civilians. On 15 and 18 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to attack on civilan by suspected armed herders in Apa, Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops arrested 12 suspected violent extremists and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, 148 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 94 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones.
c. Raid Operations On 20 February 2024, following a tip off, troops raided a notorious violent extremist/militia’s hideout in Ukum LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops made contact with violent extremist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated pistols, one dane gun, 134 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 91 rounds of 9mm ammo, 54 live cartridges and 3 motorcycles.

SUMMARY 

  1. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 14 violent extremists/terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued 5 kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 15 AK47 rifle, 2 fabricated pistols, 8 dane guns, 336 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 94 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 91 rounds of 9mm ammo, 54 cartridges, 7 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N655,930.00 amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

  1. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; rescue kidnapped hostages, conducted offensive operation, fighting patrol, arrested suspected terrorists collaborators, responded to suspected terrorists and conducted ambush operation in Tsafe, Bakura, Bukuyyum, Zurmi and Maradun LGAs of Zamfara State and Sabuwa, Batsari and Katsina State. In addition, Isa and Gwarzo Sokoto and Kano States respectively.
  2. Details are as follows;

a. Rescue of kidnapped victims. On 12 February 2024, troops on patrol responded insurgents attack on commuters and made contact in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 injured victims.
b. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 14 and 15 February 2024, troops in seperate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Sabuwa and Isa LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 3 locally fabricated guns, one locally made pistol, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 rounds of 9mm ammo, one mobile phone and one motorcycle.
(2) On 18 February 2024, troops while on offensive made contact with terrorists in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 9 locally fabricated guns, one revolver pistol, 163 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones.
c. Fighting Patrol. On 15 February 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with terrorists in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped victims. Troops also recovered 5 locally fabricated guns and 67 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
d. Arrest of Suspected Terrorists Collaborator. On 14 February 2024, following ongoing investigation of terrorist suspect identified as Salisu Usman, troops further arrested one suspected terrorists collaborator in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State. Suspect identified as 12NA/67/1531 Cpl Ibrahim Rabiu a personnel of Nigerian Army alleged to be supplying military accoutrements to insurgents. The case is undergoing investigation .
e. Responded to Suspected Terrorists Activities.

(1) On 15 and 18 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on terrorists activities in Munya LGA of Niger State and Batsari, Sabuwa and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State. In addition, Zurmi LGA of Zamfara Stats. During the operations, troops rescued 35 rescued kidnapped hostages.
(2) On 19 and 20 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to kidnapping incidents in Tsafe, Bakura and Bukuyyum LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Danmusa LGA of Katsina State respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 19 kidnapped hostages and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 pistols, 97 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 24 rounds of 9mm, 2 magazines and one pistol jacket amongst others
f. Ambush on Terrorists. On 18 February 2024, troops ambushed suspected terrorists and made contact in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 23 terrorists and recovered 15 AK rifles, 3 dane guns, 243 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 113 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones.
g. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Terrorists. On 19 February 2024, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected violent extremist in Gwarzo LGA of Kano State. During the operation, troops recovered 72 rounds of 6.72mm special ammo and one mobile phone.

  1. On 13 and 14 February 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI in conducted air interdiction on Maradun and Sabuwa LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina States respectively. The missions were conducted in response to massing up of terrorists at the locations and to degrade their capabilities to ensure a smooth operating environment for troops clearance and rescue operations. Subsequently, the locations were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.
  2. Between 15 and 18 February 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI in multiple passes conducted air interdiction in Kankara and Zurmi LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively. The missions were conducted base on observed massing up of terrorists in terrorists kingpin Abdulkarim and Sani Black enclaves. Subsequently, the locations were engaged with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY 

  1. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested 5 terrorists and rescued 76 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, one fabricated pistol, 2 pistols, one revolver pistol, 524 rounds of 7.62mm special, 343 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 56 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amonsgt other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

  1. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; ambushed violent extremists/insurgents, intercepted released kidnapped victims, responded to violent extremists activities, conducted fighting and arrested suspected violent extremists in Chikun, Kachia, Kajuru, Giwa, Makarfi and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State and AMAC and Gwagwalada Area Councils of FCT Abuja. As well as Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
  2. Details are as follows;

a. Ambushed Violent Extremists/Terrorists. On 14 February 2024, troops in a separate operations ambushed suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Chikun and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 20 insurgents and arrested one suspected violent extremist/collaborator. Troops also recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 4 pump action guns, 280 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 104 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 84 live cartridges, 3 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N2,000,000.00 amongst others.
b. Interception of Released Kidnapped Victims. On 14 February 2024, troos while on patrol intercepted 7 released kidnapped victims in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation revealed that victims had spent 3 weeks in captivity.
c. Violent Extremists/Terrorists Activities. On 14 February 2024, troops responded to information on suspected violent extremists/terrorists activities in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops made contact with violent extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 insurgents and arrested 2 suspects. Troops also recovered 2 fabricated rifles, one locally made gun capable of firing 7.62 mm ammo, 43 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 mobile phones.
d. Fighting Patrol. On 14 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol and made contact with violent extremists/Terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 16 insurgents and recovered 11 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 5 magazines, 228 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 11 motorcycles.
e. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists Informants. on 16 February 2024, troops while on routine patrol arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/informants in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. Suspects identified as Mr Salmanu Suleiman (28 yrs) and Ibrahim Sani (20 yrs) were alleged to be involved in insurgents activities in the same LGA.
f. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Drug peddlers. On 16 February 2024, troos raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 5 suspects and recovered substance suspected to be cannabis, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N6,950.00) amomgst others.
g. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Terrorists. On 14 February 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 18 suspected violent extremists in AMAC of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops recovered bulletproof vest, substance suspected to be cannabis, assorted charms and the sum of N9,000.00 amongst others.
h. Fighting Patrols.
(1) On 14 and 16 February 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Birnin Gwari, Chikun and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 21 violent extremists and 14 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated guns, 5 magazines, 234 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 123 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 19 motorcycles.
(2) On 17 and 18 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrols made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 184 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 93 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines and the sum of N3,537,000.00 amongst others.
(3) On 18 and 19 February 2024, in separate operations, troops while on fighting patrols made contact with violent extremists in Kajuru and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 violent extremists and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated guns, 3 double barrel guns, 2 fabricated revolver pistols, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 331 PKT rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 PKT link of 7.62mm special ammo, one empty box of PKT rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 9 baofeng radios chargers and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

  1. Following report of presence of a kidnapping syndicate hibernating in new kidnapper’s kingpin Alhaji Lawal enclave in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction on 14 February 2024. The location was observed to be active with violent extremists/kidnappers activities and was attacked with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the violent extremists kingpin and several of his foot soldiers were neutralized with their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY 

  1. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 93 insurgents, arrested 32 violent extremists/terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 55 AK47 rifles, 14 locally fabricated guns, 7 dane guns, 4 pump action guns, 3 double barrel guns, 2 fabricated revolver pistos, 1,123 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 411 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 331 PKT rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 PKT link of 7.62mm special, 84 cartridges, 5 magazines, 33 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones, 2 HH radios and the sum of N6,452,950.00 amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

  1. 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 arrested suspected violent extremists/bunkerers, armed robbers, cultists and raided illegal mining site in Okpe, Oshimili North and Ika South LGA of Delta State and Biase LGA of Cross River.
  2. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 2,947,770 litres of stolen crude oil, 251,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,125 litres of DPK and 6,790 litres of PMS. Troops also apprehended 83 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 149 cooking ovens, one speedboat, 11 vehicles, 8 motorcycles and 74 illegal refining sites.
b. Arrest. On 14 February 2024, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested 8 suspected violent extremists/vandal/ bunkerers in Ika South LGA of Delta State. Troops recovered one vehicle, some equipment and the sum of ₦485,000.00 amongst others.
c. Arrest of Suspected Cultists. On 16 February 2024, troops responded to a distress call on activities of suspected violent extremists/cultists group in Okpe LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists and recovered one fabricated revolver pistol, 16 rounds of 9mm ammo and 2 mobile phones.
d. Suspected Violent Extremists/Armed Robbery Attk. On 18 February 2024, troops responded to a distress call on violent extremists/armed robbery activity in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops made contact with violent extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 violent extremists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 78 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 8 mobile phones amongst others.
e. Troops Raided Illegal Mining site. On 19 February 2024, troops while on patrol raided a suspected mining site in Biase LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected illegal miners and recovered one dane gun one pumping machine.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 2,947,770 litres of stolen crude oil, 251,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,125 litres of DPK and 6,790 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 149 cooking ovens, one speedboat, 11 vehicles, 8 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones and 74 illegal refining sites.
  2. Troops neutralised 5 violent extremists, apprehended 98 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists/insurgents. Troops also recovered 9 weapons and 171 ammunitions amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

  1. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrols, raid operation, ambush violent extremists and arrested violent extremists and kidnappers in Orsu, Obowo and Ihiala LGAs of Imo State as well as Awka and Nsukka LGAs of Anambra State.
  2. Details as follows:

b. Fighting Patrols.
(1) On 14 and 15 February 2024, troops in separate operations raided suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN hideouts in Orsu LGA of Imo State. During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and arrested 2 violent extremists/ collaborators. Troops also recovered 3 pump action guns, 2 double barrel automatic pump action guns, 33 cartridges, IED making materials, military camouflage, IPOB uniforms and currency. In addition, troops discovered and successfully detonated IEDs.
(2) On 18 February 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrol arrested one suspected violent extremists in Isi LGA of Enugu State.
c. Raid Operations. On 18 and 19 February 2024, in separate operations, troops raided suspected violent extremists/IPOB hideouts and shrine in Orsu and Awka North LGAs of Imo and Anambra States respectively. During the operation, troops made contact with violents extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 extremists and arrested 3 suspects. Troops also recovered 4 pump action guns, 10 IEDs (Ogbunigwe), 371 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 236 rounds of 7.62mm special, 180 rounds of 5.5mm ammo, 72 live cartridges, 8 magazines, 3 baofeng radios, 5 vehicles, 3 mobile phones, military and Biafran uniforms amonsgt others.
e. Ambush on Violent Extremists/IPOB/ESN. On 17 and 19 February 2024, troops in a separate operations ambushed suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN hideouts and made contact with extremists in Orsu and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 19 violent extremists and recovered 10 pump action guns, one pistol, 4 locally fabricated pistols, 2 double barrel guns, 101 live cartridges, 45 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and 2 radios.
h. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Kidnappers. On 18 February 2024, in a separate operations, troops while on patrol responded to information on kidnapping activities in Obowo and Nsukka LGAs of Imo and Anambra States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one automatic pump action gun, one fabricated pistol, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 3 mobile phones.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA nuetralized 39 insurgents and arrested 10 violent extremists. Troops recovered 17 pump action guns, 3 double barrel automatic pump action guns, 2 double guns, one pistol, 5 fabricated pistols, 236 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 371 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 180 rounds of 5.5mm ammo, 206 cartridges, 10 IEDs, 5 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones, military accoutrements amongst other items. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

According to him”The military is wasting no time and sparing any effort to ensure security and safety of citizens across the country. Accordingly, we would continue to take necessary measures to ensure a secured and safer environment for citizens.

Following the chorus of voices saturating the air waves in the country, there is no gain saying that, there are sailent challenges affecting our country that require practical ideas and solutions. It is against this background that the military finds itself uniquely positioned to unabatedly address the security challenges in the country.

The armed forces is not only ensuring decimination of terrorist and the cohorts in the country. It remains focussed and concentrates on the task and mission at hand.

For instance, during the week under review, troops neutralised 286 and arrested 244 of them. Troops also arrested 83 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 122 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Two Billion Five Hundred and Sixty Five Million Four Hundred and Seventy Nine Thousand and Seven Hundred and Twenty Naira (N2,565,479,720.00) only.

Furthermore, troops recovered 587 assorted weapons and 7,943 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 207 AK47 rifles, 56 locally fabricated guns, 17 pump action guns, 10 locally fabricated pistols, 22 dane guns, one FN rifle, 6 double barrel automatic pump action, 2 double barrel guns, 2 x 36 hand grenades and 10 IEDs.

Others are: 4,088 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,529 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 138 rounds of 9mm ammo, 39 rounds of 7.62mm refilled ammo, 331 P445 rounds of 7.62mm special, 180 rounds 5.5mm ammo, 2 PKT link of 7.62mm special, 445 live cartridges, 67 magazines, 6 HH radios,14 vehicles, 32 motorcycles, 34 mobile phones and the sum of N4,876,950.00 amongst other items.

Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 149 cooking ovens, one speedboat, 11 vehicles, 8 motorcycles and 74 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 2,947,770 litres of stolen crude oil, 251,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,125 litres of DPK and 6,790 litres of PMS.

. On one hand, the above is indicative of the fact that troops are recording successes week in and week out in the ongoing counters insurgency operations across the country. On the other hand,the classic principle of counterinsurgency is that you can not win this kind of war militarily.

We have eliminated several terrorist, their leaders and commanders.Troops are continually going after the terrorist and dislodging them from their hideouts. In spite of all these, it would appear that there more to be done to win this war outside the use of military pressure.

Accordingly , we must now win this war by changing the conditions that make the insurgents willing to fight. We must also win the war by increasing support for government at various levels through heart and mind projects indicative of good governance.

There is no doubt that, the times that we are in, is difficult and therefore a watershed moment for our country. Citizens are urged to realize that tough times do not last, but tough people do. As a people, we are renowned for our pride in being tough and resilient. There is a a no better time to manifest these qualities in us in overcoming the pains of today, in order for the gains of tomorrow. I dare say that, this too shall pass.

The time is ripe for patriotic and well-meaning citizens to contribute alternative ideas on ways to make a difference in turning the situation around. Collaborative effort is essential at this time. Simply put, we are one people, one nation and one destiny.

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