Fresh Update From DHQ: About 7 Terrorist Commanders Surrender To Troops.

By Helen Udo, Outlook Media ABUJA.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) revealed that about 7 terrorist   commanders  have  surrendered to troops in the North central region of the country.

These was contained in a statement signed by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edwards Buba and made available to Outlook Media on Friday in Abuja.

According to Maj. Gen. Buba “troops have so far  recorded surrendering of terrorist in the North Central operational theatres.

Troops have began to record surrendering of terrorist in the North Central operational theatres. These surrenderings were occassioned by overtures from the terrorist leadership based on troops onslaught against them. Therefore, a  non kinetic collaborative effort with stakeholders was deployed to encourage the surrendering process

Accordingly, several terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants have so far surrendered with more indicating interest to surrender. Notable terrorist that have surrendered include; Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi(Alhaji Lawal ), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e and Babangida among others.

Nevertheless, troops will sustain its operational tempo in order to destroy or cause further surrendering by terrorists. However, during the week under review, troops neutralised 135 and arrested 185 persons.

Troops also arrested 61 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 129 kidnapped hostages. In the South South operational theatre, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Eight Hundred and Eighty Nine Million Two Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand Twenty Naira (N889,233,020.00) only.

Furthermore, troops recovered 113 assorted weapons and 2,415 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 72 AK47 rifles, 11 fabricated rifles, 15 dane guns, 3 locally made pistols, 8 pump action guns, 4 hand grenades, one RPG bomb and tube.

Others are: 1,554 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 380 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 203 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 129 live cartridges, 28 shotgun cartridges, 500 empty case of MG ammo, 30 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 49 rounds of 5.7mm ammo, 165 live cartridges, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 38 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 3 handheld radios, 2 baofeng radios, 15 vehicles, 46 motorcycles, 28 mobile phones and the sum of N732,000.00 only amongst other items.

Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, 127 drums, 41 storage tanks and 82 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one outboard engine, 4 speedboats, 3 HH radios, 4 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and 14 vehicles. Troops recovered 909,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 71,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 13,580 litres of PMS.

Overall, troops will continue to find innovative solutions in tackling  the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation. We remain in a winning position in the war.

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants and families, arrested of terrorists/collaborators, as well as the conduct of different offensive operations in Kaga, Konduga, Bama, Jere, Damboa, Chibok, Mafa and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Additionally troops conducted similar operations in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.

2. Details as follows:

a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Family Members. Between 13 and 19 Nov 24, a total of 53 terrorists comprising 13 adult males, 9 adult females and 31 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Offensive Operations.
(1) Between 19 and 21 November 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama and Mafa LGAs of Borno State as well as Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 93 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 3 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.
(2) Between 20 and 25 November 2024, troops conducted offensive operations including ambushes. Troops made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama, Mafa, Gwoza and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 32 terrorists and recovered 15 AK47 rifles, one RPG bomb, RPG tube, one 36 hand grenade, 421 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 203 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 16 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrs’ Collaborator. Between 19 and 26 November 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 18 BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Marte, Kukawa, Konduga, Monguno and Chibok LGAs of Borno State as well as Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State.

SUMMARY

3. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested 42 suspects and rescued 17 kidnappers hostages. Troops also recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 6 danes, one x 36 hand grenade, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, 514 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 203 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 16 magazines, 20 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

4. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted offensive operations in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bokkos, Kanam and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
5. Details are as follows: 

a. Arrest Operations. Between 19 and 26 November 2024, following credible reports, troops while conducting offensive operations intercepted and arrested 11 violent extremists including in Bassa, Kanam, Jos South and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. A notorious gun runner was among the person’s arrested.
b. Offensive Operations. On 22 and 25 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Barkin Ladi and Jos South LGA of Plateau State as well as Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested one extremist and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages.

SUMMARY

6. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 6 violent extremists, arrested 34 persons and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; troops responded to terrorists activities, arrested violent extremists and conducted offensive operations in Lau, Bali, Kurmi and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Ukum, Gwer West, Gboko and Kwande LGAs of Benue State.
8. Details are as follows:

a. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 20 November 2024, troops on patrol responded to distress call on activities of terrorists/kidnappers in Zinna LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 fabricated rifles loaded with 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.
b. Arrest Operations. On 21 and 22 November 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 25 violent extremists/kidnappers including a notorious cult gang leader and gunrunner in Kwande LGA of Benue State as well as Akwanga, Keffi and Wamba LGAs of Nasarawa State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 42 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 rounds 9mm ammo, 3 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

SUMMARY

9. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 6 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 42 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones 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; troops arrested violent extremists/terrorists and conducted offensive operations in Jibia, Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Garun Mallam and Tsafe LGAs of Kano and Zamfara States.
11. Troops also conducted similar offensive operations in Isa and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Danko Wasagu and Rafi LGAs of Kebbi and Niger States.
12. Details are as follows;

a. Offensive Operations.
(1) Between 19 and 22 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists and made contact in Giwa and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, one hand grenade, 7 magazines, 258 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 82 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of ₦732,000.00 only amongst others.
(2) On 20 November 2024, troops while on offensive operations successfully repelled a surprise terrorist attack by unconfirmed number of terrorists in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 2 hand grenades, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 6 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 7 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
(3) Between 22 and 25 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of terrorists and made contact in Bungudu and Kaura Namoda LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Kachia and Rabah LGAs of Kaduna and Sokoto States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 magazines, 3 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.
b. Terrosists’ Activities. On 20 and 22 November 2024, troops in separate engagement made contact with terrorists in Maru and Kachia LGAs of Zamfara and Kaduna States as well as Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and 2 rescued kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 215 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

13. Air Interdiction. On 16 and 22 November 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on notorious terrorists Mallam Saleh’s Enclaves in Shiroro and Mariga LGAs of Niger State. The location were acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized, while weapon cache and structures destroyed.
14. On 21 and 22 November 2024, similar air interdiction was conducted on terrorists hibernating at Shawu and Dogon Marke in Faskari and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State. The locations were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY

15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 59 terrorists, arrested 26 persons and rescued 34 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 28 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 3 hand grenades, 927 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 203 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 baofeng radios, 16 magazines, 16 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and the sum of N732,000.00 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; troops arrested violent extremists/terrorists. Troops also conducted offensive operations in Lokoja and Borgu LGAs of Kogi. Similar offensive operations were conducted in Niger States, Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja as well as Bassa and Ajaokuta LGAs of Kogi State.
17. Details are as follows;

a. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 19 November 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested one violent extremist/kidnapper being a member of notorious kidnaping gang in Kogi LGA of Kogi State.
(2) On 19 and 21 November 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Kogi and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State. During the operations, troops intercepted and arrested 4 extremists.

SUMMARY

18. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 5 violent extremists.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

19. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
20. Troops also arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted several offensive operations in Degema, Ahoada West and Onelga LGAs of Rivers State.

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 909,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 71,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 13,580 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, 127 drums, 41 storage tanks and 82 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one outboard engine, 4 speedboats, 3 HH radios, 4 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and 14 vehicles among others.
b. Violent Extremists Activities. On 19 and 21 November 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Ovia North East and Abua Odual LGAs of Edo and Rivers States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered one locally made pistol, one pump action gun, 7 rounds of 9mm ammo, 5 live cartridges, one motorcycle, 2 vehicle and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Offensive Operations. On 21 and 25 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Abua Odual and OLGA Rivers State and Yenagoa Metropolis of Bayelsa State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 21 extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

SUMMARY

21. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 909,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 71,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 13,580 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, 127 drums, 41 storage tanks and 82 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include one outboard engine, 4 speedboats, 3 HH radios, 4 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and 14 vehicles among others.
22. Troops rescued 6 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 30 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 2 magazines, 4 assorted arms and 21 assorted ammunitions.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

23. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; troops conducted offensive operations and arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists and collaborators in Orumba South and Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State. Troops also arrested IPOB /ESN terrorist combatants in Okigwe, Ehime Mbano and Orsu LGAs of Imo State. Additionally, troops conducted similar operations in Umunneochi and Ohaozara LGAs of Abia and Ebonyi States respectively.
24. Details as follows:

a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 18 and 19 November 2024, following credible reports, combine troops with sister security agencies in separate offensive operations raided IPOB/ESN terrorists hideouts and made contact in Orsu LGA of Imo State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 and arrested 15 IPOB/ESN terrorists. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 5 pump action guns, 71 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 102 live cartridges, 4 magazines, one AA gun stand and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Between 20 and 24 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orsu and Umunneochi LGAs of Imo and Abia States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops 6 terrorists and recovered 2 dane guns, one PKT link with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 49 rounds of 5.7mm ammo, 32 cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 2 vehicles, 7 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others
b. Arrest Operations. One 23 November2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on activities of violent extremists in Nkwerre LGA of Imo State. During the operations, troops arrested and recovered one pump action, one dane gun, 17 cartridges and one empty case.

SUMMARY

25. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 10 terrorists, arrested 11 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, 6 pump action guns, 71 rounds 0f 7.62mm special ammo, one PKT link with 30 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 49 rounds of 5.7mm ammo, 151 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 2 vehicles, 4 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones amongst other items.
26. Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.