Fresh Update On Ongoing Military Operations By The Armed Forces Of Nigeria As At 16 May 2024 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin KAI (North East).

The Statement Reads In Part:

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 16 MAY 2024JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; received arrested kidnappers,witnesses additional surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, arrest of suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and arms dealers as well as despatch of fighting patrols in Gubio, Chibok, Magumeri, Damboa, Mafa, Bama, Dikwa and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam and Yunusari LGAs of Yobe State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Michika LGA of Adamawa State.
2. Details as follows:

a. Handover of Arrested Kidnapper. On 6 May 2024, troops received one suspected kidnapper and 2 other terrorist collaborators arrested by members of Civilian JTF in Gubio LGA of Borno State. Suspects arr alleged to be a kidnapping syndicate that attempted to kidnap a Fulani man earlier on 5 May 2024. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of N13,000.00 only.

b. Surrender of Additional BH/ISWAP Terrorists and Family Members.(1) On 6 and 12 May 2024, 52 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants and families members comprising of 16 adult males, 15 adult females and 21 children surrendered to troops in Mafa and Bama LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State . Troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated guns, 2 dane guns, one locally made IED, 342 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 142 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 baofeng radios, 5 magazines, 3 motorcycles and the sum of N25,000.00 only amongst others.(2) Between 8 and 14 May 24, a total of 219 terrorist comprising 29 adult males, 65 adult females and 125 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

c. Incident Report. On 6 May 2024, following reports troops conducted search operation and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants in Chibok LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 2 x 36 hand grenades, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 88 rounds of 5.56mm ammo and 2 woodland camo frag jackets.d.

Offensive Operations.

(1) Between 8 and 10 May 2024, troops conducted separate offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Damboa, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 28 terrorists, arrested 4 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, one GPMGs barrel, 7 dane guns, one PKM magazine with 402 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm NATO, 110 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 AK47 rifle magazines, 6 motorcycles, 7 bicycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.

(2) Between 11 and 14 May 2024, troops conducted separate offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza, Bama and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and rescued 14 BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters family members. During the operations, troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 12 fabricated rifles, 17 dane guns, one PKM, 3 hand grenades, one RPG 7 tubes, one RPG 7 charger, 4 AGL rounds, one barrel of QJC Gun, 197 rnds of 7.62mm special ammo, 163 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 99 rnds of 7.62mm x 51mm ammo and 554 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammo. Others are: one barrel of PKT with receiver, one barrel of Dushka Gun, 250kg bombs used by NATO and Eastern Bloc aircraft, one MRAP and 2 tactors, one burnt Proforce MRAP, 2 baofeng radios, 3 vehicles, 5 motorcycles, 2 bicycles, 3 mob phones, 2 bandoliers and one HH (PMTL) radio amongst others.

e. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Informant Collaborator. Between 11 and 14 May 2024, following reports, troops conducted separate operations in Kukawa, Bama, Damboa and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants.

f. Rescue of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Hostage. On 10 May 2024, troops while on fighting patrol rescued a woman and a minor that were terrorists hostages in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that they were being held hostage at a terrorists camp in Mandara mountains of the same LGA.

g. Arrest of BH/ISWAP terrorists Collaborators. Between 6 and 9 May 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations arrested 5 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and kidnappers in Yunusari and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State as well as Michika LGA of Adamawa State respectively.h. Arrest of Suspected Gunrunners/Arms Dealer. On 8 and 9 May 2024, troops in separate stop and search operations arrested 4 gunrunners and arms dealers in Madagali and MMC of Yobe and Borno States respectively. During the operation, troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 899 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 129 live cartridges and 4 x 36 hand grenade.

i. Fighting Patrols. On 8 and 9 May 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Magumeri, Damboa, Mafa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 BH/ISWAP terrorists, arrested 2 and rescued one minor. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, one PKM magazine, 4 AK47 magazines, 516 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 220 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, j. Recovery of Ammo. On 8 May 2024, troops while on fighting patrol recovered 61 rounds of 7.62mm NATO (belted) concealed under a shrub in Konduga LGA of Borno State.

SUMMARY

3. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 83 terrorists, arrested 59 suspects and rescued 58 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, 62 AK47 rifles, 24 fabricated rifles, 35 dane guns, 3 locally made pistols, 6 x 36 hand grenade, 2,120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 696 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds 5.56mm ammo, 956 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 99 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 129 live cartridges, one RPG 7 tubes, one RPG 7 charger, 4 AGL rounds, one barrel of QJC Gun, one barrel of PKT with receiver, one barrel of Dushka Gun, 250kg bombs used by NATO, one PKM magazine and 4 magazines amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

4. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrested suspected violent extremists/terrorists and rescued kidnapped hostages in Barkin Ladi, Shendam and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.
5. Details are as follows:

a. Arrest Operations. (1) On 6 and 9 May 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/kidnapper and impostor in Barkin Ladi and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.

(2) On 10 and 11 May 24, troop in separate fighting patrols responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Barkin Ladi and Jema’a LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops intercepted and arrested 3 suspects and recovered 2 dane guns, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones.

b Rescued Hostage. On 10 May 2024, troops responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Shendam LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops rescued one kidnapped hostage.

c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations. Between 10 and 13 May 2024, troops conducted separate counter/anti kidnapping operations in Jema’a and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Shendam and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and recovered one fabricated rifle, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and one mobile phone.

SUMMARY

6. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 10 insurgents, arrested 31 violent extremists and rescued 24 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; troops conducted offensive operations, arrest suspected violent extremists in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops further made arrest in Nasarawa and Yorro LGAs Nasarawa and Taraba States.
8. Details are as follows:

a. Offensive Operation.

(1) On 8 May 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted offensive operations and raided illegal mining site in Bwari Area Council FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 73 illegal miners and recovered 28 motorcycles.

(2) On 9 and 12 May 2024, troops conducted separate offensive operations in Takum and Wamba LGAs of Taraba and Nasarawa States as well as Agatu LGA of Benue State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 violent extremists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 1,546 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 17 rounds 7.62 x 39mm, 15 cartridges,3 mobile phones and the sum of N20,000.00 only amongst others.

(3) On 13 May 2024, troops conducted offensive operation in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered 3 motorcycles.

b. Arrest. (1) On 8 May 2024, following reports troops in separate operations arrested 15 suspected violent extremists/ kidnappers and hunters in Nasarawa and Yorro LGAs of Nasarawa and Taraba States respectively. Troops also recovered 5 dane guns, 8 motorcycles and 8 mobile phones.

(2) Between 10 and 13 May 2024, troops conducted separate fighting patrols and arrested suspected violent extremists in Makurdi and Keana LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States as well as Bali LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops arrested 11 suspected violent extremists, gunrunners and kidnappers. Troops also recovered 2 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 11 cartridges, one motorcycle, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N1,610,000.00 only.

SUMMARY

9. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 123 violent extremists and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 7 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 1,546 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 17 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 26 live cartridges, 31 motorcycles, 16 mobile phones and the sum of N1,630,000.00 only, amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

10. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; arrested illgal miners and fighting patrol in Maru LGA of Zamfara as well as Augie and Illela LGAs Kebbi and Sokoto States. Troops also encountered ambush at Kuran Mota Village as well as along Road Alikere – Yarmalimai Village in Zamfara State.
11. Details are as follows;

a. Arrest of Illegal Miners. On 8 May 2024, following reports, troops raided an illegal mining site and arrested 74 suspected illegal miners in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops recovered 6 dane guns, 25 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones and 12 cutlasses amongst others.

b. Fighting Patrols. On 9 May 2024, troops in separate fighting patrols made contact with terrorists in Augie and Illela LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and arrested 2 terrorists. Troops also recovered, 12 AK47 rifles, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one motorcycle.

c. Offensive Operations. Between 9 and 14 May 2024, troops conducted separate offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Danmusa and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State as well as Gusau, Talata Mafara and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Gwarzo and Giwa LGAs of Kano and Kaduna States respectively. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 26 terrorists, arrested 9 suspects and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 243 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 122 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 45 live cartridges, 4 magazines, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

d. Counter/Anti – Kidnapping Operations.

(1) Between 9 and 14 May 2024, troops conducted separate counter/anti kidnapping operations in Kunchi and Isa LGAs of Kano and Sokoto as well as Zurmi and Faskari LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina States. During the operations, troops arrested 5 terrorists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages.

(2) Between 11 and 13 May 2024, troops in separate operations conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Batsari and Kagarko LGAs of Kastina and Kaduna States as well as Zurmi, Maru Maradun and Isa LGAs of Zamfara State. During the operations, arrested 6 suspects and rescued 35 kidnapped hostages.Ambush Incident

• On 12 May 2024, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI encountered 2 seperate ambushes namely at Kuran Mota Village as well as along Road Alikere – Yarmalimai Village in Zamfara State. Though troops fought fiercely to extricate themselves from the situation. Sadly, troops recorded casualties of 4 soldiers killed in action, while 3 were wounded in action in the first ambush. In the second ambush incident 5 soldiers sustained minor injuries of gunshot wounds and the soldiers have been stabilized as they were evacuated to FOB Faskari for medication care.
• During the ambush, troops received support from the air component OP HADARIN DAJI as well as reinforcement from FOB YARMALIMAI. The joint effort of both forces dealth severe blow to the coalition of terrorist that gathered in numerical strength to execute both ambushes. Accordingly, several of the terrorist were neutralised as they suffered heavy casualties. However, troops unlock the change in tactics of these terrorist and made necessary adjustments to maintain tactical superiority in the battlefield.
• Air Interdiction. Following intelligence trail and confirmatory ISR on migration of notorious terrorists elements to a deserted settlement as new enclave in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. On 8 May 2024, air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction mission at the location. Consequently, the target was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.
• Similarly, on 10 May 2024, the air component conducted air interdiction following confirmatory ISR on uncovered influx of terrorists into Bayan Ruwa, Maradun LGA of Zamfara State. Accordingl, the location was acquired and attacked with bombs in multiple passes. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY

16. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested 125 terrorists and rescued 105 kidnapped hostages, Troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 12 dane guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 344 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 122 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 45 live cartridges, 4 magazines, 30 motorcycles, 37 mobile phones and 12 cutlasses amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

17. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrols, offensive operations and rescued kidnapped hostages in Kachia and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State.
18. Details are as follows;

a. Fighting Patrol. On 6 May 2024, troops while on fighting patrol responded to information on movement of suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops made no contact with violent extremists. Troops further exploited the general area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 72 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 AK47 magazines.

b. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 6 May 2024, troops responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops rescued 11 kidnapped hostages.

c. Offensive Operation.(1) On 9 May 2024, troops while on offensive operation responded to information of activities of terrorists destroying farms and abducting farmers in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorist and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action rifles, one IED, 2 magazines, 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 cartridges, 2 baofeng radios and a bag of elicit drugs.

(2) On 11 May 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided a suspected illegal mining site in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 68 illegal miners.

d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping and Operation. On 11 and 12 May 2024, following earlier kidnap incident of Student of Confluence University, troops with DSS, Nigerian Police and Local vigilante group conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Adavi LGA of Kogi State. During the operation, troops rescued 14 kidnapped students.

e. Arrest Operation.

On 14 May 2024, troop in separate operations responded to distress calls in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Suleja LGA of Niger State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/ kidnapper and informant.

19. Air Interdiction. Following INTREP and confirmatory ISR on sited terrorists training camp at Kuduru in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH on 10 May 2024, conducted air Interdiction over the location. Accordingly, the targets were sighted and engaged with rockets and canons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY

20. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 25 terrorists, arrested 97 suspects and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action rifles, one IED, 188 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 live cartridges, 5 magazines and 2 baofeng radios amonsgt others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

21. 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 arrested militants, despatched fighting patrols and conducted raid operations in Odukpani LGA of Cross River, Ovia South-West LGA of Edo State and Brass LGA Bayelsa State

.22. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 1,442,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 154,650 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 18 dugout pits, 34 boats, 5 drums, 4 receiver, 4 reservoirs and 97 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 198 cooking ovens, 9 vehicles, 3 pumping machines, 2 speedboats, one outboard engine and 57 illegal refining sites.

b. Arrest of Suspected Militants. On 6 May 2024, following a tip off, troops arrested 4 suspected militants identified as Ideba Ideba Igbo, Iliya Adamu, Ntufam Lemmy Agbor and Julius Awor in Odukpani LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops recovered one vehicle and 7 mobile phones.

c. Fighting Patrol. On 9 May 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol raided a violent extremist/notorious gang leader hideout identified as Lawrence Yambor in Ovia South-West LGA of Edo State. During the operations, troops recovered 8 dane guns, one axe and cutlasses amongst others.

d. Raid Operation.(1) On 9 May 2024, troops while on the raid of suspected violent extremists identified Sunday Godslaw resident in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect identified as Smart Ibikoro and recovered one locally made gun.

(2) On 10 May 2024, following report, troops with NDLEA operatives in a separate operations raided suspected violent extremists/drug peddlers hideouts in Ethiope East and Sapele LGAs of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspected violent extremists and recovered substances suspected to be cannabis sativa amongst other items.

SUMMARY

23. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,442,700 litres of stolen crude oil and 154,650 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 18 dugout pits, 34 boats, 5 drums, 4 receiver, 4 reservoirs and 97 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 198 cooking ovens, 9 vehicles, 3 pumping machines, 2 speedboats, one baofeng radio, one outboard engine and 57 illegal refining sites.
24. Troops neutralized 3 extremists and apprehended 16 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 magazines, 2 weapons and 79 assorted ammunitions.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

25. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; troops conducted fighting patrols, discovered weapons in Isiala-Ngwa and Orsu LGAs of Aba and Imo States respectively.
26. Details as follows:

a. Discovery of Weapon. On 7 May 2024, troops while on separate patrol operations discovered an abandoned bag containing one locally fabricated pistol, 22 live cartridges, 2 IEDs, one metal file and assorted charms in Isiala-Ngwa North and Orsu LGAs in Abia and Imo States respectively.

b. Fighting Patrol. On 8 May 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol arrested 18 violent extremists/IPOB/ESN collaborators and sympathers in Orsu LGA of Imo State. Troops also recovered Biafran currencies, CCTV cameras and 3 mobile phones.

c. Arrest. On 7 May 2024, following tip off, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected violent extremist/cultist informant in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State.

SUMMARY

27. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 21 terrorists, arrested 45 violent extremists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one locally made pistol, 2 IEDs, 22 live cartridges and 3 mobile phones amongst 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)