Fresh Update From DHQ On Ongoing Military Operations By The Armed Forces Of Nigeria As At 22 March 2024

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 22 MARCH 2024

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; conducted offensive operations, arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators, meeting engagement with terrorists at Ngala, Marte, Konduga, Jere and Biu LGAs all in Borno State. Additionally, BH/ISWAP terrorists raided former terrorist collaborator hideout in Damaturu LGA of Yobe State.
2. Details as follows:

a. Offensive Operations.
(1) Between 13 and 17 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Ngala, Marte and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 14 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 256 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 10 motorcycles and one bicycle. Troops also discovered and burnt one gun truck, atego sewing machine, suicide bomber vest, amongst other items.
(2) On 18 and 19 March 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Bama and Gamboru Ngala LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 240 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 210 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one baofeng radio, 3 motorcycles, one mobile phone and the sum of N55,000.00 amongst others
b. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Collaborators. On 16 March 2024, following reports, troops arrested 4 BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Jere and Biu LGAs of Borno State. One of the suspects identified as Mallam Malla Arji has been on security agencies wanted list. Investigation ongoing.
c. Meeting Engagement. On 17 March 2024, troops while on patrol had meeting engagement with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 118 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 magazines.
d. BH/ISWAP Terrorist Attack Former Collaborator. On 14 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on BH/ISWAP terrorists activities in Damaturu LGA of Yobe State. During the operation, troops discovered that terrorists had attacked the house of a former collaborator of the group identifed as Haya Umar and shot him. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 13 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo and some metal links as well as 76 rounds of 7.62mm special empty shells, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO empty shells and 14 MG links.
e. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. Between 13 and 19 Mar 24, a total of 46 terrorist comprising 8 adult males 14 adult females and 24 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

SUMMARY

7. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 38 terrorists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one PKT gun, 19 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action rifles, 374 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 210 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 240 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 15 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 76 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 19 empty case of 7.62mm NATO, 14 MG links, 6 magazines, 13 motorcycles, one bicycle, one mobile phone, one baofeng radio and the sum of N55,000.00 amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

8. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operations, arrested violent extremists, illegal miners, kidnappers, gunrunners, notorious armed robber, drug peddlers and cattle rustlers in Jos North, Pankshi, Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Jos South.
9. Troops also conducted search and rescue operations as well as foiled locals and herders clashes in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.
10. Details are as follows: 

a. Offensive Operations. On 18 March 2024, troops while on offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Wase and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested one person and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo.
b. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Illegal Miners/ Kidnappers. On 13 and 14 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 9 suspected violent extremists/illegal miners and kidnappers in Bokkos, Pankshin, Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.
c. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremist/Gunrunners and Notorious Armed Robber. On 14 and 15 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted routine patrols and arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/gunrunners and a notorious armed robber in Jos South and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops recovered one fabricated revolver pistol, 44 rounds of 9mm ammo, 71 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 knives.
d. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Cattle Rustlers/Drug Peddlers. Between 16 and 18 March 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations arrested 6 suspected violent extremists/cattle rustlers and drug peddlers in Riyom and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 fabricated pistols, 8 rounds of 9mm ammo and 14 cartridges.
e. Search and Rescue Operations. On 14 and 17 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted search and rescue operations in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered a corpse with a locally made mortar tube.
f. Locals and Herders Clashes. On 18 March 2024, troops with Nigerian Police personnel responded to information on clashes between locals and herders in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and recovered one fabricated AK47 rifle loaded with 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

SUMMARY

11. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 14 violent extremists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver, one mortar tube, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 52 rounds of 9mm ammo, 14 live cartridges and 2 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

12. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations, made arrest as well as conducted rescue operations in Bali and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State and Ushongo LGA of Benue State. Similar operations were conducted in Nasarawa and Awe LGAs of Nasarawa State.
13. Details are as follows: 

a. Offensive Operations. On 14 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with violent extremists in Bali and Ushongo LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and arrested 4 suspects. Preliminary investigation revealed close association with a wanted violent extremist (alais Full Fire).Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 4 AK47 magazines, 156 rouds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 mobile phones.
b. Arrest Operations. Between 11 and 18 March 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested violent extremists/kidnappers as well as Bassa militias in Nasarawa and Awe LGAs of Nasarawa State. During the operations, troops arrested 9 persons and recovered one locally made pistol, 27 cartridges, 30 empty cases of cartridges, one motorcycle, 8 mobile phones and the sum of N57,920.00 amongst others.
c. Rescue Operation. On 13 March 2024, troops on patrol rescued the traditional ruler of Chinkai Village, in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. The traditional ruler identified as Alhaji Gana was earlier kidnapped on 11 February 2023 by gunmen currently at large. Investigation ongoing.

SUMMARY 

14. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 7 violent extremists/terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued One kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 156 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 live cartridges, 30 empty cases of cartridges, 4 magazines, 11 mobile phones, one motorcycle and the sum of N57,920.00 amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

15. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operations, arrested suspected violent extremists/vandals, illegal miners in Jibia, Kankara, Batsari LGAs of Katsina State as well as Maru, Zurmi, Tsafe, Maradun, Gusau and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara. Similar operations were conducted in Birnin Gwari, Kajuru, Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State.
16. Details are as follows;

a. Offensive Operations.
(1) Between 14 and 19 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Jibia, Kankara and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State as well as Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 22 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 5 pump action rifles, 4 dane guns, 3 locally made pistols, 253 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 43 rounds of 9mm ammo, 111 live cartridges, one round of 81mm mortar bomb, one empty PKT ammo box/links, 6 magazines, 4 bandoliers, one ballistic helmet, 3 BAOFENG radios, 9 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and militaryy accoutrements amongst others.
(2) Between 14 and 17 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Birnin Gwari, Kajuru and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action rifles, 3 locally made dane guns, one locally fabricated pistols, 92 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 73 rounds of 7.62 x 54 mm ammo, 23 live cartridges, 4 magazines, one hand grenade, PKGM linkage belt, one recoiling spring, 3 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Vandals and Illegal Miners. On 13 and 15 March 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information of activities of violent extremists/vandal and illegal miners in Chikun and Batsari LGAs of Kaduna and Katsina States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 13 suspects.
c. Counter/Anti-Kidnapping Operations. Between 13 and 19 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted counter/anti-kidnapping operations in Zurmi, Tsafe, Maradun and Gusau LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Faskari, Sabuwa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. Similarly, troops conducted operations in Chikun and Shanono LGAs of Kaduna and Kano States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued a total of 40 kidnapped hostages and recovered 72 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo and 6 mobile phones.
d. Rescue of Kidnapped Hostages. On 18 March 2024, troops operation resulted in the rescue of 16 kidnapped hostages in Sabuwa LGA in Katsina State. Preliminary investigation, revealed the rescue hostages to be amongst the 54 adult females kidnapped on 31 January 2024 by the terrorist. Operations are ongoing to rescue 15 hostages and other kidnapped victims in the theatre.

SUMMARY 

17. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 31 terrorists, arrested 13 terrorists and rescued 56 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 7 locally fabricated guns, 7 dane guns, 4 locally made pistols, 7 pump action rifles, one hand grenade, 193 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 253 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 43 rounds of 9mm ammo, 73 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 134 live cartridges, 72 empty shells of 7.62mm special, one 81mm mortar bomb, 4 bandoliers, 10 magazines, 9 motorcycles, 15 mobile phones and 3 baofeng radios amonsgt other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

18. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; troops foiled a kidnap incident and conducted offensive operations in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State as well as Bwari Area Councils of FCT Abuja.
19. Details are as follows;

a. Kidnap Incident. On 17 March 2024, troops on patrol responded to information on violent extremists/insurgents activities in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Operations are still ongoing to rescue other kidnapped victims in the theatre.

b. Offensive Ops. On 13 and 18 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops arrested 9 violent extremists/kidnappers and their collaborators including a high profile kidnap kingpin. Investigation ongoing.

SUMMARY 

20. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 9 violent extremists/terrorists and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

21. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained the momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Accordingly, troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops also conducted offensive operations, arrested suspected violent extremists and responded to communal clashes in Southern Ijaw and Ekeremor LGAs of Bayelsa State and Ethiope LGA of Delta State. Similar operations were conducted in Okrika and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs of Rivers and Edo States respectively.

Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 772,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 80,530 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 17 boats and 15 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 21 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines, 4 vehicles and 40 illegal refining sites.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 13 and 17 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Ethiope and Southern Ijaw LGAs of Delta and Bayelsa States as well as Ahoada West LGA of Rivers State. During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 20 violent extremist and arrested 8 suspects. Troops recovered 11 AK47 rifles, 7 pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 70 live cartridges, 30 rounds of 9mm ammo, 5 baofeng radios, 6 Motorola Comm radios and 17 cutlasses amongst others.
c. Arrest Operation. On 16 March 2024 following reports troops conducted fighting patrols and arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Ekeremor and Okrika LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 6 violent extremists and recovered one locally made weapon.
d. Communal Clash. On 14 March 2024, troops on patrol responded to a distress call on sporadic shooting by violent extremists in Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and recovered 9 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 empty cases of 7.62mm NATO and 72 empty cases of cartridges as well as a large qty of cartridges which were burnt during the clash.

SUMMARY

22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 772,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 80,530 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 17 boats and 15 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 21 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines, 4 vehicles and 4 illegal refining sites.
23. Troops neutralised 20 insurgents and apprehended 22 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists/insurgents. Troops recovered 28 weapons and 346 assorted ammunitions.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

24. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the conducted offensive operations in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Troops also conducted rescue operation to free kidnap hostage.
25. Details as follows:

a. Offensive Operations. On 19 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces while conducting offensive operations discovered and destroyed IED factory. The factor had ready made IED for deployment as well as other IED making materials. The factory was located in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
b. Kidnap Incident. On 16 Marach 2024, troops responded to information on kidnapping incident of one renowned urologist Dr Amu’s wife and 4 children in Enugu North LGA of Enugu State. During the operation, troops rescued the kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.

SUMMARY

26. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA destroyed IED factory. 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

(@24_dmo)

PRESS RELEASE ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 22 MARCH 2024

1. The ongoing counter-insurgency and counter terrorist operation across the country is a fight for our sovereignty and territorial integrity of the nation. Troops would continue to put themselves in harms way in order protect and secure the citizens of this country.
2. Consequent upon these operations, troops rescued several kidnapped hostages reunited them with their loved ones. Troops also disrupted untoward activities of terrorist, thereby preventing them from carrying out acts of terror or harming citizens.
3. Troops have continued a manhunt for the perpetrators of the barbaric killing of 18 soldiers that occurred on 14 Mar 24. Accordingly, clearance operations as well as cordon and search were conducted to among other things recover the weapons of the deceased soldiers. Some of the communities in which troops have operates include: Akugbene, Ukuama and Okoloba Communities in Ugheli and Ugheli South of Delta State. Others are; Ukuama Amusamo, Akwagbe, Arhavwarien,Pirigbene and Igbomatoro Communities all in Delta State. The decomposing hearts of some of the killed soldiers were recovered during search, while the manhunt container with no significant arrest yet made.
4. Across theatres of operation in the country. Troops during the week neutralised 106 terrorist and made 103 arrest. Troops also arrested 22 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 96 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and and Fifty Four Million One Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand and Six Hundred Naira (N754,149,600.00) only.
5. Furthermore, troops recovered 171 assorted weapons and 2,452 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 47 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 18 pump action rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 14 dane guns, 12 locally fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver, one hand grenade, 81mm mortar bomb, one mortar tube and 4 bandoliers
6. Others are: 995 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 468 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 live cartridges, 125 rounds of 9mm ammo, 313 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 13 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 19 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 167 empty shells of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 empty shells of 7.62mm NATO, 72 empty cases of cartridges, 14 magazines, 10 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 19 mobile phones, one bicycles, 4 baofeng radios, and the sum of N112,920.00 amongst other items.
7. Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 17 boats, 15 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 21 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines and 40 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 772,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 80,530 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK.
8. Significantly, there is a viral video of person admitting to have perpertrated the killings of the soldier in Delta State. The video among other things helps to narrow investigations to persons of interest and their cohorts. Accordingly, the state governments and host communities of these personalities are required to assist instigation in flushing the out. There can be no hiding place for perpetrators of such dastardly act against our nation. This is a clarion call to duty by members of those communities and the state governments.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations

(@24_dmo)