Troops Neutralises 125 Terrorists, Arrests 200 Persons And 20 Perpetrators Of Oil Theft, Rescues 140 Hostages In One Week .

By Helen Udo, Outlook Media ABUJA.

The Defence Headquarters(DHQ) said it’s troops neutralised 125 terrorists ,arrested 200 person and 20 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 140 kidnapped hostages in the last one week.

This was Contained in a statement signed by Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO) and made available to Outlook Media on Friday in Abuja said In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Forty Four Million One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (N744,153,900.00) only,”

The Statement Reads In Part:

PRESS RELEASE ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 19 JULY 20241. The armed forces is engaged in multiple fronts targeting terrorist and their cohorts and dismantling their military capabilities. In the Niger Delta Region, the military is rejigging ongoing operations to combat crude oil theft.

2. Accordingly, the redesigned strategy aims to curb the menace of crude oil theft through a comprehensive approach. Operations would therefore be conducted through a unified command structure for all security agencies operating in the Niger Delta.

3. Additionally, operations would target specific areas that have significant capability to boost crude oil production. The targeted areas includes, but are not limited to enforcing and ensuring transparency by International Oil Companies operating in the region.

4. Others are; ensuring the integrity of the metering systems deployed at flow stations. Operations will also embark on the tracking of point of loading to destination point of the crude oil. Furthermore, operations will also concentrate on surveillance of the pipelines, jackets and well head to forestall breaches.

5. Overall, operations will galvanise the support of the people of the Niger Delta as well as the stakeholders in the oil sector to support the drive to boost the nations oil production. .Importantly,operations will ensure prosecution of culprits engaged in crude oil theft.

6. Meanwhile, during the week under review, troops neutralised 125 and arrested 200 persons. Troops also arrested 20 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 140 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Forty Four Million One Hundred and Fifty Three Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (N744,153,900.00) only.

7. Furthermore, troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated gun, 22 dane guns, one SMG rifle, 7 pump action guns, one fabricated barretta pistol, 7 locally made guns, 5 x 60mm mortar bomb Unexploded Ordinances and 2 small rubber gun powder.8. Others are: 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 383 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 78 live cartridges, 24 empty case of 7.62mm ammo, 21 AK47 magazines, one baofeng radio, 6 vehicles, 11 motorcycles, 5 bicycles, 38 mobile phones and the sum of N2,737,145.00 only amongst other items.9. Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and discovered and destroyed 11 dugout pits, 5 boats and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 31 cooking ovens, 5 vehicles, 3 mobile phones and 31 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 715,325 litres of stolen crude oil and 148,415 litres of illegally refined AGO. 10. On the whole, the military is in a good and strong position in the war against terrorist with many terrorist leaders killed. Our operation continues to focus at providing security and stability for the nation and citizens. EDWARD BUBAMajor GeneralDirector Defence Media Operations(@24_dmo)

Read Below:

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 19 JULY 2024

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, conducted offensive operations and arrest of BH/ISWAP terrorists. Troops also discovered IEDs and UXO in Kwaya Kursa, Gwoza, Bama, Kukawa, Marte, Damboa, Kukawa, Nganzai, and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State.
2. Details as follows:

a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorist and Family members.
(1) On 8 and 10 July 2024, a total of 302 BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters and their family members comprising of 40 adult males, 96 adult females and 166 children surrendered to troops in Bama, Dikwa, Mafa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.
(2) Between 3 and 9 Jul 24, a total of 993 terrorist comprising 122 adult males 299 adult females and 572 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 10 July 2024, furtherance to the troops attack on BH/ISWAP terrorists on 8 July 2024, troops conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 4 AK47 Rifle, 4 AK47 mag and 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
(2) Between 12 and 15 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Bama, Dikwa, Nganzai, Konduga and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Following fire fights, troops neutralized 32 and rescued 80 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 19 AK47 rifles, one SMG gun, 7 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 288 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 12 magazines, one baofeng radio, 5 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Arrest of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborators. Between 10 and 14 July 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 19 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators in Geidam and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State. Troops conducted similar operations in Kwaya Kursa, Bama and Monguno LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 8 mobile phones, 4 bicycles and the sum of N2,487,145.00
d. Discovery of IEDs and UXOs. Between 10 and 14 July 2024, troops in separate patrols discovered and detonated IEDs as well as recovered 5 x 60mm mortar bomb and Unexploded Ordinances in Damboa, Kukawa, Bama, Marte and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.

SUMMARY

4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 52 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects and rescued 14 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered 23 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, one SMG gun, 16 magazines, 408 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 5 x 60mm mortal bombs, 10 magazines, one baofeng radio, 5 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, 4 bicycles, and the sum of N2,487,145.00 only 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 offensive operations such as counter/anti kidnapping operations. Troops also arrested violent extremists in Mangu, Bokkos, Wase and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State. Similar operations led to arrest made in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State.
6. Details are as follows: 

a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 10 and 11 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and arrested 3 extremists/gunrunners. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 166 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one Motorcycle and cutlasses amongst others.
(2) Between 12 and 16 July 2024, troops with NIS Tac Team in separate offensive operations raided and made contact with suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and gunrunners in Barkin Ladi and Wase LGAs of Plateau State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 10 terrorists and arrested 6 violent extremists. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 8 fabricated rifles, 8 dane guns, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 small rubber bottles of gun powder, military accoutrements and cutlasses amongst others.
b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. Between 10 and 15 July 2024, troops in seperate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to distress calls on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Mangu, Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. Troops did same in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 6 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine, one vehicle, one motorcycle and the sum of N250,000.00 only.
c. Arrest Operations. On 10 and 15 July 2024, following a tip-off. Troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 3 violent extremists/kidnapper in Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State.

SUMMARY

7. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 19 insurgents, arrested 24 violent extremists and rescued 19 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated pistols, 11 dane guns, 328 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 empty cases of ammo, 2 small rubber guñ powder, one vehicle, one motorcycle and the sum of N250,000.00 only amongst others.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

8. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the arrested violent extremists/kidnappers in Doma LGAs of Nasarawa State. Troops equally did same in Donga and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State.
9. Details are as follows:

a. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 10 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided a suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and assassin hideout in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect identified as the ring leader of a kidnappings, assassinations and crime syndicate.
(2) On 12 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 6 violent extremists/kidnappers in Donga and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State as well as Doma LGA of Nasarawa State.

SUMMARY

10. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 14 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

11. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensives to degrade terrorist and conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations. These operations led to the arrest of terrorists in Zurmi and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State. Terrorist were equally arrested in Sabon Birnin and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State.
12. Details are as follows;

a. Terrorists Activities. On 12 July 2024, troops in separate operations. Troops made contact with terrorist in Zurmi and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops also made contact with terrorist at Sabon Birnin LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 221 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 motorcycles amongst others.
b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. On 13 July 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on terrorist activities. The terrorist were operating in Sabon Birnin of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.

c.  Arrest Operations.  On 11 and 15 July 2024, troops with DSS operatives in separate operations made contact with terrorists in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and arrested 4 suspects. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 172 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 magazines, one motorcycle and one bicycle amongst others.

15. Air Interdiction. On 12 July 2024, following intelligence and confirmatory ISR on converging of suspected terrorists around Bukuru in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction and attacked the location with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY 

15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 31 terrorists, arrested 21 terrorists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages, Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifle, 2 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 238 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 172 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones and one bicycle 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 offensive operations which includes ambushes and fighting patrols. Troops equally conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations Kagarko and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State. Similarly, troops conducted offensive operations to Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja, as well as Lokoja and Adavi LGA of Kogi State.
17. Details are as follows;

a. Ambush Operation. On 10 July 2024, troops while on offensive operation ambushed terrorists in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State neutralizing 11 terrorists and recovering 8 AK47 rifles. Troops also recovered 5 magazines, 118 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 4 motorcycles.
b. Kidnap Incidents. On 9 July 2024, troops while on patrol foiled a kidnapping incident in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
c. Offensive Operations. On 12 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops with DSS operatives raided a violent extremists/kidnappers hideout in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.
d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. Between 9 and 15 July 2024, troops in seperate counter/anti kidnapping operations in Lokoja and Adavi LGA of Kogi State as well as Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops rescued 41 kidnapped hostages.

18. Air Interdiction. On 8 and 12 July 2024, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction on terrorists kingpins enclaves. The air strikes were on enclaving belonging to terrorist commander Alhaji Layi’s in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
19. Similarly, on 13 July 2024, air interdiction was conducted at terrorists camps located in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY

19. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 13 suspects and rescued 53 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 5 magazines, 118 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 4 motorcycles 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 counter/anti kidnapping operations. Additionally, troops arrested violent extremists in Akoko-Edo and Owan West LGAs of Edo State as well as Ukanafu and Isoko North LGAs of Akwa Ibom State.
21. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 715,325 litres of stolen crude oil and 148,415 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 11 dugout pits, 5 boats and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 31 cooking ovens, 5 vehicles and 31 illegal refining sites.
b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. Between 10 and 12 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations foiled a kidnap incidents in Akoko-Edo and Owan West LGAs of Edo State. During the operations, troops rescued 9 kidnapped hostages.
c. Arrest Operations. On 14 and 15 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Ukanafu and Isoko North LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Delta States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspects and recovered 3 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 6 cartridges and 3 mobile phones.

SUMMARY

22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 715,325 litres of stolen crude oil and 148,415 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 11 dugout pits, 5 boats and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 31 cooking ovens, 5 vehicles, 3 mobile phones and 31 illegal refining sites.
23. Troops apprehended 20 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists as well as recovered 6 assorted ammo and 3 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

24. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations to include raids and fighting patrols to Aba South and Osisioma LGAs of Abia State. Troops also conducted offensive operations to Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State,as well as Orsu and Okigwe LGAs in Imo State.
25. Details as follows:

a. Raid Operation. On 8 July 2024, troops in separate operations raided violent extremists/cultists hideouts in Ohaozara and Aba South LGAs of Ebonyi and Abia States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 30 suspects and recovered 2 pump action guns, one fabricated barretta pistol and 34 live cartridges amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 10 and 12 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members hideouts in Osisioma LGA of Abia State. Similar operations were conducted to Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspected violent extremists including a high profile extremists Identified as Chinedu Iwedo and Chineye Wisdom. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 5 pump action guns, 7 locally made guns, 38 cartridges, one HHR and 13 mobile phones amongst others.

SUMMARY

26. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 45 violent extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 7 pump action guns, one locally fabricated barreta pistol, 7 locally made guns, 72 cartridges, one HHR and 13 mobile phones amongst other.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)

24. Troops of Operation AWATSE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations and arrest suspected violent extremist in Edu and Ifelodun LGAs of Kwara State as well as Edu and Ogbomoso South LGAs of Ekiti and Oyo States.
25. Details as follows:

a. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Op. On 13 and 15 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Emure and Edu LGAs of Ekiti and Kwara States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested one suspect and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered one AK47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 6 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.
b. Arrest Operations. Between 10 and 13 July 2024, troops with hybrid forces arrested 22 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers including an arms dealer in Ifelodun and Ogbomoso South LGAs of Kwara and Oyo States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 130 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 9 mobile phones amongst others.

SUMMARY

26. Overall, troops of Operation AWATSE arrested 23 violent extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 magazines, 152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 9 mobile phones and a pair of woodland camouflage. 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