Troops kills 177 Terrorists, Arrest 263, Rescue 158 Hostages In 1 Week – DHQ.

By Helen Udoh, Outlook Media.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) revealed that it’s troops have neutralised 177 terrorists ,arrested 263 while 158 kidnapped hostages   rescued

in the last one week, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) disclosed on Friday.

The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, in a statement said that

“The military is combating terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the operational theatres in the country. Our role in the ongoing war is clear and we are increasingly making progress.

• According to the statement “During the week under review, troops neutralised 177 and arrested 263 persons. Troops also arrested 41 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 158 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Five Hundred and One Million Eighty Nine Thousand Four Hundred Naira (N501,089,400.00) only.
• Furthermore, troops recovered 170 assorted weapons and 4,692 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 6 PKT guns, 63 AK47 rifles, 3 FN rifles, one SMG rifle, 29 locally fabricated gun, 37 dane guns, 20 pump action guns, one short double barrel gun, 2 double barrel guns, 2 single barrel guns, one locally made single barrel, 6 locally fabricated pistols, 4 bandoliers, RPG bombs, RPG charger, 2 primed IEDs and materials.
• Others are: 2,100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,239 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 419 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 212 rounds of 5.56 x 54mm ammo, 722 live cartridges, 13 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 74 AK47 magazines, 2 FN magazines, 6 baofeng radios, 17 vehicles, 43 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones and the sum of N2,149,700.00 only amongst other items.
• Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 32 boats and 32 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 58 cooking ovens, 17 vehicles, one pumping machine, 5 mobile phones and 49 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 1,007,115 litres of stolen crude oil and 141,664 litres of illegally refined AGO.
• Troops are taking the fight to the terrorist and making significant strides each passing day. Much is being done, however we are focussed on doing much more to address the security situation and safeguard citizens.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, ambush of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists, offensive operations such as fighting patrols , arrest of BH/ISWAP terrorists as well as discovery of IEDs and UXO in Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Kukawa, Chibok, Damboa, Askira-Uba, Mobbar, Gubio, Monguno, Kaga, Nganzai, Ngala and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.

2. Details as follows:

a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorist and Family Members.
(1) On 24 and 30 June 2024, a total 245 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families members comprising of 18 male adults, 70 adult females and 156 children surrendered to troops in Dikwa, Gwoza, Kukawa and Bama LGAs of Borno State.
(2) Between 26 Jun and 2 Jul 24, a total of 506 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters surrendered to troops comprising 66 adult males 157 adult females and 283 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Ambush on Terrorists. Between 25 and 27 June 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate ambush operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 14 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 4 dane guns, 3 magazines, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 98 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 motorcycles, 12 bicycles and one mobile amongst others.
c. Fighting Patrol. On 25 June 2024, troops 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 6 terrorists and recovered one PKT gun, 3 dane guns, one fabricated rifle, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 87 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo and 2 motorcycles amongst others.
d. Offensive Operations. Between 26 June and 2 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Gwoza, Konduga, Chibok, Bama, Damboa, Kukawa, Gamboru Ngala and Nganzai LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 32 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 PKT guns, 13 AK47 rifles, 1 FN rifle, 5 fabricated rifles, 8 dane guns, one short double barrel gun, 431 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 231 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 322 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 101 cartridges, 21 magazines, 2 bandoliers, 11 motorcycles, 12 bicycles and 2 baofeng radios amongst others.

e. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborators. Between 27 June and 2 July 2024, following INTREP, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations intercepted and arrested 13 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators including gunrunners in Monguno, Kukawa, Konduga, Kaga and Gubio LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State respectively.
f. Discovery of IED and UXO. Between 27 June and 1 July 2024, troops while on separate fighting patrols discovered and detonated IEDs as well as recovered Unexploded Ordinance in Mobbar, Askira Uba, Gubio, Ngala, Kukawa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.

SUMMARY

4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 64 terrorists, arrested 55 suspects and rescued 29 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered 4 PKT guns, 19 AK47 rifles, 9 fabricated rifles, 15 dane guns, one FN rifle, one short double barrel gun, 2 bandoliers, 25 magazines, 594 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 430 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 419 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 101 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 15 motorcycles, 24 bicycles and 3 mobile phones mongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; conducted fighting patrols, offensive operations, counter/anti kidnapping operations and arrested violent extremists in Wase, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Jos North, Bassa, Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jema’a, Kauru and Zango Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State.
6. Details are as follows: 

a. Fighting Patrol. On 24 June 2024, troops with hybrid forces while on patrol made contact with violent extremists in Wase LGA of Plateau State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, one dane gun, one RPG bomb, 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one RPG charger and one motorcycle.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 24 and 25 June 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 3 violent extremists/armed robbers in Barkin Ladi and Jema’a LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively.
(2) Between 26 June and 1 July 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 15 suspected violent extremists/cultists and armed robbers in Riyom, Jos North and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State respectively. During the operations, troops also recovered 2 fabricated rifles, one long sword and a jack knife.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 26 June and 1 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations encountered suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Mangu, Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Bassa and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 extremists and arrested 12 suspects. Troops also recovered 9 empty case of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. On 29 June and 1 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State as well Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 12 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 fabricated rifles, 56 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 4 empty cases of 7.62mm NATO.

SUMMARY

7. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 13 insurgents, arrested 51 violent extremists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, one RPG bomb, one RPG charger, 100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, one motorcycle and one mobile phone amongst others.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

8. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; arrest of suspected violent extremists, conducted offensive operations and counter/anti kidnapping operations in Oju, and Karu LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa State as well as Wukari and Takum LGAs of Taraba State.
9. Details are as follows:

a. Arrests Operations. On 25 and 26 June 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/notorious kidnappers identified as Mr Onahi and Muhammad Bello in Oju and Karu LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States respectively.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 29 June and 1 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists in Karu and Katsina- Ala LGAs of Nasarawa and Benue States as well as Wukari LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops arrested 8 extremists and recovered one AK47 rifles, 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles.
c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. On 26 and 30 June 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists in Wukari and Takum LGAs of Taraba State. During the operations, troops rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.

SUMMARY

10. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

11. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; rescue kidnapped hostages, responded to activities of suspected terrorists, conducted offensive operations, counter/anti kidnapping operations and had meeting engagement with terrorists in Rabah, Isah, Tangaza, Kware, Sabon Birnin, Gwadabawa and Gudu LGAs Sokoto as wel as Gusau, Anka, Bukuyyum, Maradun and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Jibia and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State as well as Sanga, Kagarko and Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
12. Details are as follows;

a. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 24 June 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Rabah LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
b. Terrorists Activities.
(1) On 27 June 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists and made contact in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 double barrel guns, 3 dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 cartridges, 2 magazines and one mobile phone.
(2) Between 25 June and 1 July 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists and made contact in Isah, Rabah, Gudu, Tangaza, Kware, Sabon Birnin and Gwadabawa LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Gusau, Anka and Bukuyyum LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops also conducted operations in Jibia LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 8 suspects and rescued 7 Kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 9 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 2 double barrel guns, 722 rnds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 341 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 62 cartridges, 7 magazines, 2 bandoliers, 5 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Meeting Engagement. On 28 June 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on suspected terrorists activities and made contact in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 2 magazines, 143 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and one mobile phone.
d. Offensive Operations. Between 26 June and 1 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Maradun, Anka and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara as well as Chikun and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 7 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 7 motorcycles and 8 mobile phones amongst others.
e. Counter/Anti – Kidnapping/Criminality Op. Between 28 June and 1 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations in Shanga and Kankara LGAs of Kaduna and Katsina States as well as Bukuyyum and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State troops also conducted operations in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected terrorists and rescued 22 kidnapped hostages.
f. Arrest Operations. On 27 June 2024. Following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 2 suspected terrorists informants in in Gada LGA of Sokoto State.

SUMMARY 

15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 52 terrorists, arrested 41 terrorists and rescued 49 kidnapped hostages, Troops recovered 22 AK47rifles, 13 fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 4 double barrel guns, 2 bandoliers, 18 magazines, 722 rounds of 7.62mm special, 484 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 94 cartridges, 12 motorcycles and 14 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

16. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; conducted ambush operation and arrest of suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Kachia and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State as well as AMAC and Abaji Area Council of FCT Abuja.
17. Details are as follows;

a. Ambush on Terrorists. On 25 and 26 June 2024, troops in separate ambush operations ambushed suspected violent extremists/terrorists and made contact in Kachia and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 2 single barrel guns, 8 magazines, 332 rounds of 7.62mm special, 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 43 cartridges, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N408,500.00 only amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations. On 28 June and 2 July 2024, following reports , troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Abaji and AMAC of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops recovered one locally made single barrel gun, 2 cartridges and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

SUMMARY

19. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 19 terrorists, arrested 20 suspects and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 2 single barrel guns, one locally made single barrel gun, 8 magazines, 332 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 45 cartridges, 3 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N408,500.00 only 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 conducted offensive operations in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State.
21. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 1,007,115 litres of stolen crude oil and 141,664 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 32 boats and 32 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 17 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, 17 vehicles, 5 mobile phones and 49 illegal refining sites.
b. Offensive Operations. On 1 July 2024, troop while on offensive operation raided a suspected violent extremists/drug peddlers hideouts in Ethiope East LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists and recovered large quantities of substance suspected to cannabis and other elicit drugs.

SUMMARY

22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,007,115 litres of stolen crude oil and 141,664 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 32 boats and 32 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 17 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, 17 vehicles, 5 mobile phones and 49 illegal refining sites.
23. Troops apprehended 42 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

24. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted raid, offensive and counter/anti kidnapping operations as well as arrest of suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN criminals in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State and Aninri, Orji River and Isi-Uzo LGAs of Enugu States. Troops also conducted operations in Orumba South, North and Awka North LGAs of Anambra State as well as Orsu, Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs of Imo State respectively.
25. Details as follows:

a. Raid Operations. On 24 and 25 June 2024, troops in separate raid operations raided suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members hideouts in Umunneochi and Aninri LGAs of Abia and Enugu States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspects including suspected gunrunner. Troops also recovered 3 pump action guns, 216 cartridges, 2 motorcycles and the sum of N1,741,200 only amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 24 June and 2 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members hideouts and made contact in Orumba South, North and Awka North LGAs of Anambra State as well as Orsu, Okigwe and Onuimo LGAs of Imo State. Troops also conducted operations in Aninri and Orji River LGAs of Enugu State as well as Umunneochi LGA of Abia States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and arrested 30 suspected violent extremists including notorious gunrunner. Troops also recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, 9 dane guns, 17 pump action guns, 2 PKT guns, one SMG rifle, 6 locally made pistols, 341 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one PKT link belt containing 178 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 266 cartridges. Others are: 212 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 23 AK47 magazines, 2 FN rifle magazines, 2 primed IEDs and IED making materials, 4 walkie talkie radios, 11 magazines, 2 HH radios, 4 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and the sum of ₦1,741,200 amongst others.
c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. On 26 June 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to a distress call on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Okigwe LGA of Imo State. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
d. Arrest Operations. On 26 June 2024, following report, troops in conjunction with DSS operatives intercepted and arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members in Isi-Uzo LGA of Enugu State.

SUMMARY

• Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 42 violent extremists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 2 FN rifles, 20 pump action guns, 6 locally made pistols, one SMG rifle, one locally fabricated rocket launcher, 4 locally fabricated rocket ammo, 341 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 178 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 212 rounds of 7.62 x 5.56mm ammo, 482 live cartridges, 23 AK47 magazines, 2 FN rifle magazines, 6 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones, 2 HH radios, 2 primed IEDs and materials amongst other. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.