Fresh Update From DHQ On Ongoing Military Operations By The Armed Forces Of Nigeria As At 28 March 2024.

The statement reads in part:

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 28 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; arrested BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators, conducted fighting patrol and ambush operations. BH/ISWAP terrorists commanders combatants surrendered to troops in Jere, Chibok, Monguno, Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
2. During the week, as follow up to a court order of the Federal High Court in Maiduguri. A total of 313 suspects in detention for terrorism-related offenses were to be released to the Borno State government. The court ordered the release for want of evidence after the conclusion of investigation and other ancillary matters.
3. The cases were prosecuted by the Department of Prosecution , Federal Mrnin misery of Justice. Accordingly they would be handed over to the Borno State Government for further action.
4. Details as follows:

a. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists collaborators. On 20 March 2024, troops while on patrol responded to report and arrested 7 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators in Jere LGA of Borno State.
b. Fighting Patrol. On 26 March 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrol made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one locally made explosive, 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and one mobile phone.
c. Ambush. On 24 March 2024, following report, troops conducted ambush operation and made contact with terrorists in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 14 terrorists and recovered 3 M56 rifles, 10 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 97 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 M56 magazines and one mobile phone amonsgt others.
d. Surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Comds. On 25 March 2024, 2 ISWAP/JAS terrorists commanders identified as Ibrahim Muhammed and Auwal Muhammed (a.k.a Wanka) surrendered to troops in Monguno LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 hand grenades, 291 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 magazines, 2 magazines carriers, one HH radio and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
e. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists. On 20 March 2024, 91 BH/ISWAP terrorists members and their families comprising 6 adult male, 5 adult female and 7 children surrendered to troops in Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 65 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one mobile phone and the sum of ₦340,500.00 amongst others.
f. Offensive Operations. On 22 and 24 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gamboru Ngala and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 26 and rescued 78 kidnapped hostages comprising of 35 adult females and 43 children. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 3 locally fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 254 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 4 magazines, 2 motorcycles and 2 bicycles amongst others
g. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorist Collaborators. Between 21 and 26 March 2024, following report, troops in separate operations arrested 15 ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and Informant in Jere and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
g. Arrest of suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Fighter. Between 22 and 25 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 15 ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families in Marte, Monguno, Gwoza and Gamboru-Ngala LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 72 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 92 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 mobile phones, 2 motorcycles and one bicycle.

5. Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI in multiple passes conducted air interdiction on terrorists hibernating in North West Arina Woje and Tumbum Shitu on 22 and 24 March 2024. The locations were observed to be active with terrorists activities and logistics. Consequently, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY

6. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 52 terrorists, arrested 137 and rescued 78 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 M56 rifles, 40 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT guns, 13 fabricated rifles, 2 hand grenades, one locally made explosive, 889 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 6 AK47 rifles magazines, 2 M56 rifle magazines, 2 magazine carriers, one motorcycle, 6 mobile phones, one HH radio, 3 bicycles and the sum of N340,500.00 amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

7. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists, gunrunners and conducted raid operation in Mangu, Jos East, Qua’an Pan and Wase LGAs of Plateau State.
8. Details are as follows:  a. Arrests of Violent Extremist/Terrorists.
   (1) On 18 March 2024, troops while conducting stop and search operations intercepted and arrested 4 violent extremists in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. Troops also recovered 2 fabricated pistols, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle and knives.
   (2) On 18 and 20 March 2024, following report, a troops arrested 2 violent extremists/gunrunners in Jos East and Qua’an Pan LGAs of Plateau State. Troops recovered 2 fabricated pistols, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo and one mobile phone.
   (3) Between 20 and 25 March 2024, following report troops in separate operations arrested 17 violent extremists in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, North and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kaura and Jema’a LGAs of Kaduna State respectively.
   b. Offensive Operations. Between 20 and 24 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered
   c. Raid Operations. On 18 March 2024, following information on the activities of violent extremists, troops conducted raid operation in Wase LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested one violent extremist and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62mm pecial ammo as well as 2 empty cases.
   d. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Gunrunner. On 27 March 2024, following credible INTREP, troops with DIA tracking team in separate operations arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/gunrunners in Wase LGA of Plateau State as well as Bogoro and Tafawa Balewa LGAs of Bauchi State. Suspects identified as Mr Muncailu Muhammad (a.k.a Mai Wada ), John Danadi, Manasseh Williams and Taimako Mako (a.k.a China) were tracked and arrested following the earlier arrested of syndicate leader one Mr Muhammadu Haddi (a.k.a Sec). Troops recovered 2 PKT guns, 191 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo metal links ball, one motorcycle and one tracked mobile phone amonsgt others.

SUMMARY

9. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 10 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 2 PKT guns, one AK47 rifle, 4 locally fabricated pistols, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 17 rounds of 9mm ammo, 191 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo metal links ball, one vehicle and one mobile phone amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

10. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrols and raid operations in Ussa and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Ukum LGA of Benue State.
11. Details are as follows: 

a. Fighting Patrol. On 20 March 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists in Ussa and Takum LGAs of Taraba State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 22 terrorists and recovered 15 AK47 rifles, 2 locally made pistols, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone amonsgt others.
b. Raid Operation.
(1) On 20 March 2024, troops while on patrol raided a violent extremists hideouts in Ukum LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists Informants and accomplices. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects was Nigerian Police officers while the remaining 2 were members of Benue State Vigilantes Group.
(2) On 22 March 2024, following a tip off, troops with DSS and hybrid forces raided a violent extremists/kidnapper hideout in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected kidnapper and recovered the sum of N270,000.00.
c. Counter/Anti- Kidnapping/Criminality Op. Between 21 and 24 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Katsina-Ala, Ado and Gwer LGAs of Benue State as well as Ibi LGA of Taraba State. Additionally, in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspected violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered one corpse.
d. Offensive Ops. On 24 March 2024, troops while conducting offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Sabon Birni and Igabi LGAs Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorist and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 93 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 magazines.
e. Counter/Anti- Kidnapping/Criminality Op. On 25 March 2024, troops responded to a kidnap incident and made contact with violent extremists/kidnappers in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorist and arrested suspects. Troops also recovered 13 locally made single barrel guns and 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

SUMMARY 

12. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 47 violent extremists, arrested 7 violent extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated pistols, 13 locally made single barrel guns, 205 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 32 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 magazines, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone and the sum of N270,00.00 amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

13. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; rescued kidnapped hostages, responded to terrorists activities and conducted offensive operations in Maru and Bukuyyum LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Dutsinma and Sabon Birni LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto States respectively.
14. Details are as follows;

a. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 24 March 2024, troops rescued 137 students of Kuriga primary school comprising 61 males and 76 females earlier abducted in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
b. Terrorists Activities. On 20 March 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on terrorists activities in Dutsinma and Bukuyyum LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 20 locally made dane guns.
c. Offensive Operation.
(1) On 20 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted offensive operation and made contact with terrorists in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 28 terrorists and recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 142 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 magazines.
(2) Between 21 and 26 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Kachia, Chikun and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 34 terrorists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 20 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, 211 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 32 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones.

d. Counter/Anti- Kidnapping/Criminality Operations. Between 21 and 25 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Gusau and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Yauri and Igabi LGAs of Kebbi and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspects and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
e. Arrest of Terrorists. On 21 and 24 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 5 terrorists and their informant in Igabi and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered 3 mobile phones and the sum of N110,000.00.

15. Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on terrorists commander Maudi Maudi’s and Mallam Aibo’s enclaves in Safana LGA of Katsina State. Following confirmatory ISR, the rocky terrain at the locations used by terrorists as hideout and forward base was acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures and logistic base destroyed.
16. Additionally, following reports on the massing up of terrorists, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on location of interest in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. The location was acquired and engaged with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY 

17. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 62 terrorists, arrested 12 terrorists and rescued 162 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 46 AK47 rifles, 26 locally made dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, 352 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 magazines, 4 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones 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; conducted offensive operations, arrested violent extremists, kidnappers and raided violent extremists hideout in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State and Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State as well as Bwari Area Councils of FCT Abuja.
19. Details are as follows;

a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 21 March 2024, troops while on offensive operations responded to information on terrorists activities in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops made no contact. Troops further exploited the general area and recovered 2 dane guns, 2 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
(2) On 19 and 22 March, troops while conducting offensive operations arrested 34 person suspected to be involved in criminality as well as being drug peddlers in Kuje And Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops recovered large quantities of substance suspected to be cannabis and the sum of N110,460.00.
b. Arrest of Violent Extremists. On 20 March 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on patrol raided a violent extremists/kidnappers hideout in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects. Troops recovered one locally made pistol, 2 cartridges, one motorcycle and the sum of N27,000.
c. Raid Operations. On 18 March 2024, following reports, troops raided a suspected violent extremists/notorious kidnap kingpin in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 7 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers.

18. Air Interdiction. On 22 and 23 March 2024, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH in several passes conducted armed recce missions and air interdiction at terrorists locations Yadi and Abu Bilal’s enclave in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Following intensive and confirmatory ISR, the locations were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY 

19. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 43 violent extremists recovered 2 dane guns, 2 fabricated pistols, 2 cartridges, 3 motorcycles, one mobile phone and the sum of N137,460.00 amonsgt others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

20. 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 raided suspected violent extremists hideout in Ini LGA of Akwa Ibom.
21. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 944,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 171,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 102 dugout pits, 41 boats and 36 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 49 cooking ovens, 6 pumping machines, 4 vehicles and 61 illegal refining sites.
b. Raid Operations. On 18 March 2024, following reports, troops raided a violent extremists/gunrunner hideout in Ini LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Suspect identified as Umoh Ekpeyak resident was raided sequel to a report from the National Centre for the Con of Small Arms/Light Weapons on the suspects suspicious activities.
c. Search and Rescue Operation. On 21 and 25 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted search and rescue operations in Ughelli South and Bururtu LGAs of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 violent extremists and recovered 10 dane guns as well as 111 live cartridges.
d. Counter/Anti- Kidnapping/Criminality Op. On 24 March 2024, Following report, troops raided the residence of one Mr Justice and recovered one Pump action gun and one cartridge in Eleme LGA of Rivers State.

SUMMARY

22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 944,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 171,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 102 dugout pits, 41 boats and 36 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 49 cooking ovens, 6 pumping machines, 8 vehicles and 61 illegal refining sites.
23. Troops apprehended 29 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 12 weapons and 113 assorted ammunitions.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

24. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; troops arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers, gunrunners and raided IPOB/ESN camp in Onitsha North and Izi LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively.
25. Details as follows:

a. Arrest of Violent Extremists.
(1) On 20 and 21 March 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations arrested 3 violent extremists suspected of being kidnappers . The gang members include a female gunrunner in Onitsha North LGA of Anambra State as well as Nsukka and Onitsha South LGAs of Enugu State.
(2) On 24 March 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 9 violent extremists in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
b. Raid Operations.
(1) On 21 March 2024, troops raided a violent extremists/IPOB/ESN camp in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops neutralized 11 violent extremists/IPOB member and recovered 10 AK47 rifle, 2 AK47 magazines, 254 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 vehicles.
(2) On 24 March 2024, troops while on patrol raided a violent extremists hideout and recovered one incomplete AK47 rifle concealed in a drum of engine oil in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.
c. Counter/Anti- Kidnapping/Criminality Op. On 20 and 25 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Igbo-eze and Afikpo LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members.

SUMMARY

26. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 11 terrorist and arrested 14 violent extremists. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 254 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines and 3 vehicles amonsgt other. 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)

In the same vein:

PRESS RELEASE ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 28 MARCH 2024

1. The armed force is bent on sustaining the winning ways of our operational engagements as demonstrated with the recent rescue of 16 and 137 hostages in Sokoto and Kaduna States, respectively. The rescue of these hostages is indicative of a better understanding of the dynamics of what we are dealing with ,and to address the issue in a much safer manner.
2. The rescue operations was based on collaboration between the military working with local authorities and government agencies across the country, in a coordinated approach. The success demonstrates the unwavering commitment of the armed forces to secure and protect the citizens against harm and acts of terror.
3. The pressure of military operations created a significant level of distress both for the terrorist and the children. Given the situation, troops line of interest was the children. The level of distressed created by the children was sufficient enough for troops to exploit in their rescue. Additionally, cursory operations in the general areas by troops culminated in the neutralization of several terrorist leaders and commanders in OP HADARIN DAJI theatre of operation.
4. On the flip side, we must never allow the incident that occurred in Delta State that led to the killing of 17 soldiers that were buried on 27 March 2024 to ever happen again. The armed forces is a force for stability that employs both kinetic and non knowledge netic measures to achieve the desired end state.
5. Prior to the ugly incident, the military had constructed several civic projects in Delta State as a sign of good will. For instance, the construction of Multipurpose Hall and Borehole Projects in Patani LGA and Medical Outreach at Aladja Community in Udu LGA all in Delta State, among several others. Needless to mention, the elders and community leaders have an obligation to expose these wanted persons.
6. Nevertheless, troops would continue with their efforts until the culprits are found ,arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law. The banner of eight wanted persons involved with the killing including a woman is hereby released. Accordingly, it is necessary to state that citizens are our first line of intelligence and must rise to the occasion in honour of their nation.
7. Meanwhile, during the week under review. Troops neutralised 212 and arrested 252 persons. Troops also arrested 29 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 244 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion Fifty Million Seven and Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Naira (N1,050,715,260.00) only.
8. Furthermore, troops recovered 223 assorted weapons and 2,756 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 3 M56 rifles, 115 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT gun, 24 locally fabricated gun, 36 dane guns, 7 locally fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver pistol, 3 locally made single barrel guns, 2 hand grenades and one locally made explosive.
9. Others are: 1,716 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 494 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammo, 290 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 81 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 live cartridges, 16 magazines, 3 M56 rifles magazines, one HH radio, 5 vehicles, 14 motorcycles, 15 mobile phones and the sum of N857,960.00 amongst other items.
10. Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 102 dugout pits, 41 boats, 36 storage tanks and 8 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 39 cooking ovens, 6 pumping machines and 61 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 944,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 171,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,500 litres of DPK.
11. The foregoing indicates that troops are weathering the storm through offensive posture and improved understanding of modus operandi of the adversary. Accordingly, we are doing our best to rescue other hostages in terrorist captivity.
12. Troops would also continue to elimination threats posed by these terrorist and their cohorts. However, citizens should remember that they are our first line of intelligence. Therefore, as citizens, we have a collective responsibility of doing right.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations