Fresh Update From DHQ: Troops Neutralises 96 Terrorists , Other In One Week. 

By Helen Udo,Outlook Media ABUJA.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ)said it’s troops have neutralised 96 terrorists, arrested 227 persons in the last one week in the country.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Baba revealed this in bi-weekly report of the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

According to Gen. Maj. Buba troops are actively distruping the operational capabilities of terrorists through ongoing operation across the country. Significantly, troops eliminated five IPOB/ ESN terrorist leaders during the week. Additionally, troops in the NC operational theatre, arrested a notorious terrorist commander identified as Usman Maisaje.

The arrested terrorist commander is a close associate of a wanted high profile terrorist leader known as Kachalla Boka. The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much needed intelligence for further operations.

Meanwhile, during the week under review, troops neutralised 96 and arrested 227 persons. Troops also arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 157 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Twelve Million Sixty Five Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty Naira (N712,065,450.00) only.

Furthermore, troops recovered 71 assorted weapons and 1,463 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 50 AK47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 5 pump action guns, 5 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol and 16 AK47 magazines.

Others are: 784 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 164 rounds 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 53 rounds of 9mm ammo, 67 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones and the sum of N4,087,630.00 and 46,000 cfa only amongst other items.

Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 4 dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums and 38 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 55 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, one tricycle, 6 mobile phones, 6 vehicles and 60 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO.

The military will not relent on its plan to kill terrorists and destroy the infrastructure that support them. We will increasingly degrade the terrorist military capability and effectiveness through our operations.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, arrested of terrorists/collaborators, as well as the conduct of fighting patrols and offensive operations in Bama, Gwoza, Kukawa, MMC, Biu, Guzamala, Monguno and Damboa in Borno State, as well as Madagali and Michika LGAs of Adamawa State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Damaturu, Geidam, Nguru and Bursari LGAs of Yobe State.

2. Details as follows:

a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Family Members.
(1) Between 7 and 13 October 2024, a total of 27 BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants and their families comprising of one Adult Male, 6 females and 14 children surrendered to troops in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.
(2) Between 9 and 15 Oct 24, a total of 47 terrorist comprising 6 adult males 11 adult females and 30 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborators. Between 9 and 14 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 29 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in Damboa, Biu and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Nguru, Geidam and Bursari LGAs of Yobe State respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 3 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and the sum of N214,050.00 only amongst others.
c. Fighting Patrols. On 7 and 8 October 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate fighting patrols made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama, Kukawa and Konduga LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State . Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 16 terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages including a minor. Troops also recovered 11 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 123 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 86 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 6 magazines, 6 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
d. Offensive Operations. Between 9 and 14 October 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gubio, Guzamala, MMC, Damboa, Kukawa, Bama and Monguno LGAs of Borno State as well as Damaturu and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State. Troops also conducted operations in Michika LGA of Adamawa State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and arrested 7 suspects as well as recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, 215 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, one PKT link with 78 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

4. Air Interdiction. On 9 Oct 24, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on terrorist hibernating in Bukar Meram around Tumbuns. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and structures as well as logistics were destroyed.

SUMMARY

5. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 54 terrorists, arrested 71 suspects and rescued 39 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 8 fabricated rifles, 201 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 86 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 215 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 6 magazines, 3 vehicles, 14 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrest of violent extremists/kidnappers and the conduct of counter/anti kidnapping operations in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos, Jos South, North and East LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zango Kataf, Sanga, Jema’a and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State.
7. Details are as follows: 

a. Arrest Operations.
(1) Between 8 and 10 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 13 violent extremists/kidnappers as well as political thugs in Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered one fabricated revolver rifle, 2 fabricated pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 5 cartridges, 2 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Between 11 and 14 October 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists including a gunrunner in Jos South, Mangu and Jos South LGAs of Kogi State as well as recovered 5 dane guns and 67 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.
b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations . Between 12 and 15 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to distress calls on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Jema’a, Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Bokkos, Riyom and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 7 extremists and rescued 29 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 3 fabricated rifles, 63 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 24 rounds of 9mm ammo, 13 live cartridges and 2 empty cases amongst others.

SUMMARY

8. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 5 violent extremists, arrested 36 violent extremists and rescued 46 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, one fabricated revolver rifle, 2 fabricated pistols, 6 magazines, 63 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 67 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 35 rounds of 9mm, 18 live cartridges, 2 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 motorcycle and 4 mobile phones amongst others.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

9. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted offensive operations in Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue State as well as Karu and Jalingo LGAs of Nasarawa and Taraba States.
10. Details are as follows:

a. Offensive Operations. On 10 and 12 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
b. Arrests Operations. On 11 October 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 5 suspected violent extremists in Karu and Jalingo LGAs of Nasarawa and Taraba States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N9,050.00 only amongst others.

SUMMARY

11. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 6 violent extremists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

12. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; the troops responded to information on terrorists activities, arrested suspected violent extremists and conducted offensive as well counter/anti kidnapping operations in Tsafe and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Danmusa, Mulumfashi, Batsari, Dutsen Ma and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. Additionally, troops conducted operations to Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Sakaba and Arewa Dandi LGAs of Kebbi State respectively.
13. Details are as follows;

a. Terrorists Activities. On 10 October 2024, troops while on fighting patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops rescued one kidnapped hostage and recovered one AK47 rifle and 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
b. Arrest Operations. On 13 October 2024, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested a terrorists in Anka LGA of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops recovered 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo concealed in a wrapper.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 10 and 12 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Sakaba and Arewa Dandi LGAs of Kebbi as well as Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also conducted operations in Batsari, Mulumfashi, Danmusa and Dutsen Ma LGAs of Katsina as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 6 suspects and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. During the operations, troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated guns, 10 magazines, 360 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 baofeng radios, 5 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones amongst others.
d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Operations. On 13 October 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. During the operations, troops rescued one kidnapped hostage.

14. Air Interdiction. On 11 October 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on terrorist hibernating in enclaves at
    Shawu’s, Tafki’s, Yantuwaru’s, and Angwan Goga’s. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY 

15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 25 terrorists, arrested 29 terrorists and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 414 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 5 motorcycles, 3 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; arrested violent extremists/terrorists in Lokoja, Igalamela-Odolu, Kabba/Bunu and Yagbe East LGAs of Kogi State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Borgu and Kauru LGAs of Niger and Kaduna States respectively.
17. Details are as follows;

a. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Collaborators .
(1) On 7 and 9 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops with other security services while on sting operations intercepted and arrested 3 violent extremists/kidnappers and informants in Lokoja and Igalamela-Odolu LGAs of Kogi State. During the operations, troops recovered one pistol, 4 live cartridges and one vehicle amongst others.
(2) On 9 and 14 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 15 suspected violent extremists and illegal miners in Kabba/Bunu and Yagbe East LGAs of Kogi State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja as well as Borgu and Kauru LGAs of Niger and Kaduna States.

18. Air Interdiction. On 8 October 2024, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction on notorious terrorists kingpin Mallam Yaddi’s Enclave. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
19. Similarly, on 11 and 13 October 2024, air interdiction was conducted on terrorist hibernating in enclaves at Jan Birnin in Birni Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY

20. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 28 suspects and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered a pistol and a vehicle amongst 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 violent extremists/kidnappers and vandals Sapele/Ethiope, Bomadi and Warri South LGAs of Delta State as well as Nsit Ubium and Akutu-toro LGAs of Akwa Ibom State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Uhunmwonde, Etsako East and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs of Edo State.

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 587,000 litres of stolen crude oil and 50,000 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 2 dugout pits, 23 boats and 31 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 32 cooking ovens, one mobile phone, 6 vehicles and 34 illegal refining sites.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) Between 9 and 11 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress on activities of violent extremists in Nsit Ubium and Akutu-toro LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States as well as Sapele/Ethiope West LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspects including one notorious extremist Identified as Patrick Patrick. Troops also recovered 2 pump action guns, one locally made pistol, 8 live cartridges, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) ​ Between 11 and 14 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 7 suspected violent extremists and kidnappers in Uhunmwonde, Etsako East and Ikpoba-Okha LGAs of Edo State as well as Bomadi and Warri South LGAs of Delta State. During preliminary investigation, 2 were kidnappers identified as Muhammad Lawali and Shuaibu Aliyu.

22. Air Interdiction. Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction aimed at curbing security challenges, crude oil theft, damage of oil and gas infrastructure, illegal refining as well as sea robbery with a view of restoration of oil and gas production to full capacity. During the operations, several illegal refining sites, storage tanks, reservoirs, barges and boats were destroyed.

SUMMARY

23. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 4 dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums and 38 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 55 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, one tricycle, 6 mobile phones, 6 vehicles and 60 illegal refining sites.
24. Troops apprehended 45 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 3 assorted arms and 8 assorted ammunitions.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

25. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted search and rescue operation, arrested suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN terrorists and rescued kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols and counter/anti kidnapping operations in Aba South, North and Osisioma LGAs of Abia State as well as Aguata and Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State. Additionally, in Nsukka and Okigwe LGAs of Enugu and Imo States respectively.
26. Details as follows:

a. Stop and Search Operations. On 7 October 2024, following tip-off, troops while on stop and search operations intercepted and arrested 3 violent extremists/armed robbers disguised in military camouflage in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. During the search, troops recovered one fabricated pistol, one pump action gun, 5 live cartridges, 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, one vehicle and 4 mobile phones.
b. Arrests Operations. On 9 and 12 October 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 8 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages in Aba South, North and Osisioma LGAs of Abia State as well as Onitsha North LGA of Anambra State respectively. During the operations, troops recovered one pump action gun, 8 live cartridges and 2 rounds of 9mm ammo amongst others.
c. Fighting Patrols. On 9 October 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/IPOB/ESN terrorists in Aguata LGA of Anambra State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 extremists and recovered 2 pump action guns, one locally fabricated pistol, one AK56 magazine, 78 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 live cartridges and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
d. Rescue of Kidnapped Journalists. On 10 October 2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident of 13 journalists and one NP personnel by violent extremists/IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. During the operations, troops rescued 6 kidnapped hostages identified as journalists and recovered 2 vehicles and 3 corpses. Effort ongoing to rescue others.
e. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Operations. On 12 October 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Okigwe LGA of Imo State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages identified as NP personnel and recovered 2 AK47 rifles as well as 66 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

27. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation UDO KA continued to target terrorist hibernating in camps in the Mother Valley Forest. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several IPOB/ESN terrorists were eliminated with many injured.

SUMMARY

• Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 4 pump action guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 78 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 18 rounds of 9mm ammo, 25 live cartridges, one AK56 magazines, 3 vehicles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.
• All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.