Troops Of JTF Operations Arrests Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists, Commanders, Arms Dealer And Ĉollaborators.

By Helen Udo, Outlook Media.

the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of JTF Ops arrest suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists, commanders, arms dealer and collaborators in the Last one eek.

Also troops neutralized 108 criminals, arrested 172 and rescued 214 kidnapped hostages in the last one week.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations ,said troops’ operations spanned various regions, including the Niger Delta, North-East, North-West, and South-East, targeting a range of criminal activities.

About South-East, the Director said troops neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. The military also conducted anti-illegal bunkering operations, arresting 2 suspected violent extremists/bunkers, including an NSCDC personnel.

The DHQ’s operations demonstrate the military’s resolve to address emerging security challenges, protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, and ensure the safety of citizens. The significant results achieved in one week underscore the military’s commitment to peace and security in Nigeria.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, offensive operations, arrested of suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists, commanders, collaborators and suspected arms dealer as well as fighting patrols in Bama, Gwoza, Kaga, Monguno, Mobbar, Biu, Gubio,  Konduga, Dikwa and Jere LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba and Nguru LGAs of Yobe State.

    Details as follows:

a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrs.
(1)     Between 31 Jul and 6 Aug 24, a total of 622 terrs comprising 90 adult males 182 adult females and 350 children surrendered to troops  within the theatre of operations.
(2) Between 31 July and 4 August 2023, a total of 52 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families surrendered to troops in Bama, Gwoza and Kaga LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered one GPMG, one AK56 rifle, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, one bandolier and one mobile phone amongst others
b. Offensive Operations.

Troops while conducting Operation DESERT SANITY III conducted separate offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists within Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 35 terrorists and rescued 118 kidnapped hostages including children. Troops also recovered one dushka, one MG, 29 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, 4 MRAPS, 2 x Canter Trucks, 2 Gun trucks, 980 rounds of 7.62mm special, 503 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammo, 400 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 201 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 4 x motorcycles amongst others.

Troops while conducting Operation LAKE SANITY II conducted offensive operations to BH/ISWAP terrorists hideouts and made contact with terrorists around Lake Chad Island.  Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists including high profile commanders and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 8 motorcycles amongst others.

Between 1 and 4 August 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Damboa, Monguno and Jere LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.
c.      Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists Commaders.  On 4 August 2024, following credible intelligence, troops while on sting operations intercepted and arrested 2 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists commanders identified as Bana Yamode and Babagana Usman who infiltrated IDP Camps in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.
d. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborators.  Between 2 and 5 August 2024, following reports , troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested 14 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Gujba and Nguru LGA of Yobe State as well as Mobbar, Gubio, Biu, Jere and Damboa LGAs of Borno State respectively.
e.      Arrest of A Soldier in Possession of Ammunition. On 5 August 2024, troops while on stop and search operations intercepted and arrested one soldier identified as Sgt Saad Adamu suspected to be a arms dealer with caches of ammunitions concealed in inside a bagco bag in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered 313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammo, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 magazines.
f.      Fighting Patrols.    On 4 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested 2 suspected terrorists collaborators identified as Malam Mustapha Ismaila and Abdulmudalabi Haruna as well as rescued 2 kidnapped hostages (minors) in Bama, Gwoza and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State.

  Air Interdiction.  Following several HUMINT and confirmatory ISR the air component of Operation HADIN KAI on 2 August 2024, conducted air interdiction at newly uncovered BH/ISWAP terrorists hideout and IED factory in Mandara mountains. Subsequently, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and the IED factory as well as their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 47 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects and rescued 130 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered one dushka, one MG, one GPMG, one AK56 rifle, 37 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 4 MRAPs, 2 Gun trucks, 313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammo, 1,146 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 513 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 503 rounds 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 201 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 6 magazines, one bandolier and 12 motorcycles mongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrested suspected violent extremists, conducted offensive operations and counter/anti kidnapping operations in Lere,  Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Mangu, Wase, Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Jos South and North LGAs of Plateau State.

Details are as follows: 

a.       Arrest Operations.
(1)   On 3 August 2024, following credible intelligence, troops with other security agencies intercepted and arrested a notorious violent extremists/gunrunner Identified as Mallam Hashimu Ahmad while on the movement to supply arms and ammo in Lere LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered one GPMG, one RPG Launcher, one RPG Bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one belt of 7.62mm NATO ammo amongst others.
(2)     Between 30 July and 4 August 2024, troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 13 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers, gunrunners and vandals in Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Mangu, Wase, Jos South and North LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also conducted operations in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State. During the operations, troops recovered one dane gun, 3 locally made pistols, 99 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 9 cartridges amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. On 30 July and 3 August 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Sanga and Bokkos LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 11 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage as well as recovered one corpse.
c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations .  Between 31 July and 5 August 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Jos East  and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 14 kidnapped hostages.

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 7 insurgents, arrested 41 violent extremists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, one RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, one dane gun, 3 locally made pistols, 1,069 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 99 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 9 cartridges and one belt of 7.62mm NATO ammo only amongst others.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; arrested suspected violent extremists/terrorists Ukum LGA of Benue State as well as Jalingo and Keffi LGAs of Taraba and Nasarawa States.

Details are as follows:

a. Arrest Operation.
(1)  On 1 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided a suspected violent extremists’ informant hideout identified as Honourable Sughnan and arrested suspect in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
(2)   On 30 July and 2 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists in Jalingo and Keffi LGAs of Taraba and Nasarawa States respectively.

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 16 violent extremists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations and arrested suspected terrorist in Faskari and Sabuwa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Isa and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Suleja and Kushi LGAs of Niger State as well as Kumbotso LGA of Kano State respectively.

  Details are as follows;

a. Counter/Anti Kidnapping  Operations.
(1)      On 3 August 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to a distress call on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers and made contact in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and rescued kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 locally fabricated rifles and 87 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

On 2 and 5 August 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on kidnapping incidents in Faskari and Sabuwa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Birnin Magaji LGA of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops rescued 13 kidnapped hostages.
b. Arrest Operations.

On 1 and 5 August 2024, troops in separate operation responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/armed robbers in Suleja and Kushi LGAs of Niger and Kano States respectively. One of the suspects identified as Hassan Ilyasu. During the operations, troops arrested 4 extremists and recovered one pump action gun, 5 AK47 rifles, 147 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of N4,986,000.00 only amongst others.

On 5 August 2024, troops inconjunction with DSS operatives intercepted and arrested one violent protest instigator and distributor of Russian Flag in Kumbotso LGA of Kano State.

Air Interdiction. On 30 July and 1 August 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction missions at suspected terrorists kingpin Kamilu Burazu’s enclave and newly uncovered terrorists hideout In Danmusa and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State respectively. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures as well as logistics were destroyed.

SUMMARY 

Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 22 terrorists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 fabricated rifles, 147 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 87 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and the sum of  N4,986,000.00 only amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; counter/anti kidnapping operations and arrested suspected violent extremists in Adavi, Lokoja and Yagba West LGAs of Kogi States.

Details are as follows;

a. Counter/Anti Kidnapping  Operation.
(1)   On 29 and 30 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Adavi and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State. During the operations, troops one suspected extremists Identified as Sani Dada as well as rescued kidnapped hostages.

On 3 August 2024, troops with DSS while on counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to a kidnap incidents of former chairman of Kabba LGA in Kabba-Bunu LGA of Kogi State. Following search and rescue operation, troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostage including the chairman and arrested 2 suspected extremists/kidnappers including notorious kidnapping kingpin identified as Mohammed Bello.
b. Arrest Operations.  On 3 August 2024, troops while patrol responded to information of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State. During the operations, troops arrested one suspected extremists/kidnappers who confessed to be a member of 7-man kidnapping gang.

Air Interdiction. On 31 July 2024, following intelligence report and confirmatory ISR on activities of suspected terrorists, air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at uncovered terrorists kingpin Buhari’s Camp in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Subsequently, the location was acquired and engaged with bombs and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 8 terrorists, arrested 22 suspects and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

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 criminality operations and arrested suspected violent extremists/bunkerers in Isoko North and Tai LGAs of Delta and Rivers States respectively.

Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 1,133,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 228,770 litres of illegally refined AGO, 100 litres of DPK and 20,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 487 dugout pits, 32 boats and 12 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 71 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, 2 pumping machines, 2 HH radios, 19 vehicles, 32 motorcycles, one tricycle, one wheelbarrow and 76 illegal refining sites.
b.   Arrest Operations.  On 3 August 2024, acting on credible Intelligence, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/bunkerers in Isoko North LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops recovered stolen illegal products.
c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operation . On 2 August 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to information of a kidnapping incident in Tai LGA of River State. During the operations, troops rescued kidnapped hostages.

22.  Air Interdiction. The Air Component Operation DELTA SAFE conducted several air operations aimed at securing oil and gas infrastructure (especially pipelines and wellheads), deterring economic saboteurs’ freedom of action, destroying illegal refining sites as well as curbing other security threats within the region with a view to the restoration of oil and gas production to full capacity. Additionally, on 30 July 2024, the maritime component conducted search and rescue operation and rescued 20 sinking dredging personnel at sea.

SUMMARY

22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,133,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 228,770 litres of illegally refined AGO, 100 litres of DPK and 20,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 487 dugout pits, 32 boats and 12 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 71 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, 2 pumping machines, 2 HH radios, 19 vehicles, 32 motorcycles, one tricycle, one wheelbarrow and 76 illegal refining sites.

23. Troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 32 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 11 assorted weapons.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

24. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; arrested suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN and conducted anti-illegal bunkering operation in Nkwerre and Ohaji Egbema LGAs of Imo State as well as Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State respectively.

25.    Details as follows:

a. Arrest Operations.  On 30 July and 1 August 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN and kidnappers in Ishielu and Nkwerre LGAs of Ebonyi and Imo States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 4 suspects.
b.    Anti-illegal Bunkering Operation.  On 29 July 2024, troops in separate anti illegal bunkering operations intercepted and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/bunkerers including one NSCDC personnel in Ohaji Egbema LGA of Imo State.

SUMMARY Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.