Fresh Update From DHQ On Military Operations Conducted By The Armed Forces Of Nigeria During The Period 6 – 13 July 2023.

PRESS BRIEFING ON MILITARY OPERATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA DURING THE PERIOD 6 – 13 JULY 2023

1. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in 9 different operations across the length and breath of the country. Accordingly, there are operational theatres within the 6 geopolitical zones aimed at addressing various security challenges.
2. This brief will cover significant operational activities across the 6 geopolitical for the period 6 – 13 July 2023. The brief will begin with the North East and North Central zones. Then, the North West, South South and South East zones.
3. JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

a. Troops Neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Weapon:
(1). On 6 Jul 2023, troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI conducted a fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists enclaves at Kautikari, Mussa and Miyanti located in Chibok and Bama Local Government of Borno State.

(2). Troops fighting patrol made contact with the terrorist and recorded the following: neutralized 3 terrorists while other fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 42 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 dane guns, I hand grenade, 10 AK47 rifle magazines, 3 motorcycles, 4 bicycles as well as 2 mobile phones.

b. Troop Arrest Terrorist Logisticians
(1). During the period under review, troops arrested 6 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province collaborators and logisticians in the following Local Government Areas: Kukawa and Monguno Local Government Areas of Borno State. Then Gujba Local Government Area in Yola State.

(2). The items recovered are as follows: recovered 15 pairs of news slippers, clothes, blankets, food stuffs, condiments, 2 cows, 3 gallons of Premium Motor Spirit, 10 packs of soft drinks, the sum of fifteen thousand Two Hundred Naira (N15,200.00) only, 4 cartons of dry fishes, 7 bags of wheat flour among other items.

c. Troops Squash Kidnap Syndicate
(1). on 8 July 2023, troops in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force responded to information on the activities of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at Gashua village in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State for coordinating kidnapping activities. Troops mobilized to the location and arrested 2 suspects.

(2). on 9 July 2023, following intelligence, troops raided suspected kidnappers hideouts at Azare and Gashua villages in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State and arrested 8 suspected kidnappers while others fled.

d. Surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and the Families.

(1). Equally, due to the offensive by the troops against the Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, a total of 240 terrorists and their families comprising 24 adult males, 79 adult females and 134 children surrendered at different locations within the theatre of operation with 5 AK47 rifles, 13 AK47 rifle magazines, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 dane gun, 1 hand grenade amongst other items.

SUMMARY

4. Accordingly, within the week in review, troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 20 AK47 rifle magazines, 104 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 dane guns and 1 hand grenade. Others include 15 pairs of new slippers, 3 gallons of Premium Motor Spirit, 4 cartons of dry fishers, food stuffs, clothing, 3 motorcycles, 4 bicycles and the sum of Fifteen Thousand Two Hundred Naira (N15,200.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 4 terrorists and arrests 4 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, 5 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists collaborators and logistic suppliers as well rescued 4 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items arrested suspects and rescued kidnapped civilian have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action while the arrested terrorist and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families were profiled and documented for further action.
5. JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

a. Attack on Mangu Local Government Area

(1). On 9 July 2023, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to information of attack in a village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops mobilized to the location and employed superior fire power, causing the assailants to withdraw. Troops thereafter recovered the following: 1 AK47 rifle, 4 revolver guns, 19 rounds of 7.62mm special and 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO. In the same vein, between 7 and 9 July 2023, troops responded to armed robbers activities at Murish, Daffo, Dongon and Doemak villages of Mangu, Bokkos and Qua’apan Local Government Areas of Plateau State. During the operations, troops recovered 1 AK47 rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and arrested 3 suspects.

6. OPERATION WHIRL STROKE

a. Troop Invade Hideout of Notorious Bandits

(1). On 8 July 2023, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to information on the location of a notorious bandit leader identified as Mr Akumave who has been on the watch list of troops with his associate at Adogo village in Ukum Loal Government Area of Benue State and made contact with the bandit. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 bandits while other fled.

(2). Similarly, troops raided suspected kidnappers hideout at Ukeji village in Katsina Ala Local Government Area of same state. Following the operation, troops arrested 5 suspected kidnappers and recovered 2 motorcycles and the sum of Five Thousand, Seven Hundred and Ten Naira (N5,710.00) only. Troops equally conducted operational activities at Chinkai forest and Chanchaji village in Wukari and Takum Local Government Areas of Taraba State.

SUMMARY

7. Accordingly, within the week in review, troops recovered 4 revolver guns, 1 AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 32 rustled cattle, machete, axe, 1 generator, 1 bag of fertilizer, 1 woodland camouflage jacket and the sum of Five Thousand Seven Hundred and Ten Naira (N5,710.00) only. Troops also neutralized 3 bandits and arrested 17 suspects as well rescued 2 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, apprehended suspected criminals and rescued kidnapped civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
8. JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

a. Troops Raid Bandit Hideout

(1). During the period troops conducted offensive operation and fighting patrol to clear bandits hideout villages and forest of Tangaza, illela, Gwadabawa and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas of Sokoto State. In these operations, troops made contact with terrorists, following the fire fight troops neutralized 5 terrorists and arrested 12 suspected terrorists. Troops also recovered 1 locally fabricated guns, 2 motorcycles, bow and arrows amongst other items.

(2). Similarly, troops conducting fighting patrols to village in Jibia and Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State and made contact with terrorists, following the fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 3 locally fabricated guns, 1 dagger, bow and arrow, 2 motorcycles and rescued 75 kidnapped civilians.

b. Troops Neutralize 5 terrorist
(1). On 8 July 2023, troops responded to information on terrorists activities in Kabugu Lamba and Kaboro villages in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops mobilized to the location and made contact with terrorists who opened fire on troops. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and rescued 32 kidnapped civilians.

(2). Likewise, between 6 and 11 July 2023, troops following tip off, troops raided suspected criminal’s hideouts at Angwan Nungu, Chikun Damari and Saulawa villages in Sanga, Birni Gwari and Igabi Local Government Areas of Kaduna State and made contact with terrorists. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 1 locally fabricated pistol, 1 AK47 rifle, 3 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 2 motorcycles as well rescued 9 kidnapped civilians.

SUMMARY

9. Consequently, within the week in focus, troops neutralized 15 terrorists and recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 3 locally fabricated guns, 1 locally made pistol, 3 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 1 dane gun. Others are 14 motorcycles bows and arrows, cutlasses, dagger, 1 vehicle and 28 rustled cattle. Troops also arrested 13 suspected criminals and rescued 117 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
10. JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

a. Troops Raid Arms Cache

(1). on 3 July 2023, following intelligence reports, troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Police personnel conducted raid operation on a building along Agadada Avenue off Jakpa road in Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State in search of suspected arms cache. Following the operation, troops arrested 4 suspects and recovered 1 Ak47 rifle, 1 K2 gun, 2 pump action guns, 1 locally made double barrel gun, 1 locally made single barrel gun and 7 empty magazines. Other items recovered include 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 59 rounds of K2 gun 5.56mm ammo, 110 cartridges, 14 cutlasses, 1 dagger and other sundry items.

(2). Similarly, between 7 and 10 July 2023, troops raided suspected criminals hideout at Akpabuyo town and Bedway in Akpabuyo and Calabar South Local Government Areas of Cross River State. During the operation arrested 14 suspects criminals and recovered 4 motorcycles.

b. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites
(1) troops discovered and destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunitions, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles. Troops also arrested 25 suspected economic saboteurs.

SUMMARY

11. Consequently, within the week in focus, troops recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 550 assorted rounds of ammunition, 12 calibers of weapons, 7 empty magazines, 17 cutlasses, 3 vehicles, 14 motorcycles and 1 dagger. Troops equally destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. While a total of 43 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. All recovered items and apprehended economic saboteurs have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action. In addition, it is worthy to mention that a total of Two Hundred and Two Million Seven Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Naira (N202,788,300.00) only were denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.
12. JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH EAST)

a. Troops Invade Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network Enclave

(1). On 7 July 2023, troops responded to information on suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals activities along Ihiala Okija road in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 criminals while others fled.

(2). Equally, between 8 and 14 July 2023, raided suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals hideout at 9th Mile general area and Mgbene Akpugo/Akpawfu forest in Udi and Nkanu East Local Government Areas of Enugu State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspected criminals and recovered 5 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones and rescued 8 kidnapped civilians.

(3). Similarly, on 10 July 2023, troops responded to information of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals firing indiscriminately at Uburu in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 1 criminal and recovered 1 pump action gun, 11 cartridges as well as 1 vehicle. Troops also conducted operational activities in Abia and Imo States respectively. Consequently, within the week in review, troops recovered 1 pump action gun, 11 live cartridges, 18 mobile phones, 6 motorcycles, 50o phone batteries, substances suspected to be hard drug, cutlasses and 1 vehicle. Troops also neutralized 3 criminals, apprehended 3 suspects and rescued 8 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.