Fresh Update From DHQ.

REPORT ON JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS AT 11 AUGUST 2023

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI continued their offensive operations against the terrorists. Troops neutralized terrorist, conducted raids and rescued hostages. Troops recovered arms and ammunition in Bama, Ngala, Magumeri and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State. Some terrorist surrendered and denouncing the terrorist ideology in Bama Local Government Area of the Borno State.
2. Details as follows:

b. Rescued Hostages. Between 1 to 2 August 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclaves at Ngalmari, Aligamari and Abbatori villages in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops rescued 13 adult females and 16 children. Troops also rescued 5 kidnapped farmers at Shaware Adambe general area of the Borno State.

c. Raid Operation. Between 31 July to 3 August 2023, troops responded to intelligence of notorious criminal gang known as Malians hibernating at Bolori 2 general area, Jajeri Bayan Quarters and Tudu general in Maiduguri Municipal City (MMC) of Borno State. The operation yielded results as troops arrested 18 suspected gang members. Troops recovered substance suspected to be cannabis, cough syrup and 5 mobile phones among other items.

d. Surrendered Terrorist. On 2 Aug 23, one notorious Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist identified as Mallam Abubakar Ali surrendered to troops with one AK 47 Rifle and 5 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo (refilled). Preliminary investigation revealed that the terrorist surrendered from Dalari in Bama LGA of Borno State.

e. Neutralized Terrorist and Recover Arms
(1) On 2 Aug 23, troops raided suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclave at Garin Ba’aba in the fringes of Sambisa Forest in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, the terrorist fled and troops recovered one SMG rifle, 5 AK 47 rifle magazines, 3 rounds of 9 mm ammo, one Dane gun, 3 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist flag among other items.
(2) On the same day, troops ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist at a check point at Gambaru in Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one mobile phone and 2 motorcycles among other items.
(3) Additionally, troops responded to information of presence of suspected BH/ISWAP terrorist at Shotorom Village in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK 47 Rifle, 35 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and a binding chain.
(4) On 4 Aug 23, troops raided Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclave at Gava Village in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist while 22 terrorists with their families were captured. Troops recovered assorted drugs, 2 mobile phones and sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Naira (N33,000.00) only.

4. Air Interdiction. The Air Component Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on terrorist’s enclaves at Jango. The targets were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons dislodging the terrorists and damaging their structures.

SUMMARY

5. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered ;3 AK47 rifles, one SMG rifle, one dane gun, 6 AK47 magazines, 49 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones, 3 BH/ISWAP flags, substance suspected to be cannabis, binding chains and sum of Thirty-Three Thousand Naira (N33,000.00) only.
6. Troops neutralized 16 terrorists, arrested 53 terrorists and rescued 34 hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

7. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have remained relentless in offensive posture against kidnappers and other criminals elements within the operational area.  Troops conducted raid and arrested suspected kidnappers in Mangu and Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Areas of Plateau and Nasarawa States respectively.
8. Details are as follow:

Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers
(1) On 2 Aug 23, following a tip off, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers at Kasuwan Ali Village in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
(2) On the same day, troops raided a suspected kidnapper’s hideout at Hill Top in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops arrested 3 suspected kidnappers while one fled.

SUMMARY

9. In the course of operations, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN within the week neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 13 suspected criminals, 5 kidnappers and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

10. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued their onslaught on terrorists and neutralized terrorists. Troops destroyed gun fabricating factory in Katsina Ala and Wukari LGAs of Benue and Taraba States respectively. Troops also arrested suspected drug peddlers in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
11. Details are as follows:

a. Troops Neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Weapons
(1) On 2 Aug 23, troops raided suspected terrorists’ hideouts at Demava general area in Katsina Ala LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while others fled. Troops destroyed their hideout and exploited the general area but nothing of security significance was observation.
(2) On 3 Aug 23, following a tip off, troops raided a gun fabricating factory at Avyi Village in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Troops made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 suspected gun runners and recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one GPMG barrel, one AK 47 magazine and barrel, one FN rifle magazine, 2 rifle butts, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 4 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 2 gas cylinders and tools used in fabricating firearms. Troops destroyed the factory afterwards.

b. Arrest of Drug Peddlers. On 2 Aug 23, troops arrested 2 suspected drug peddlers along Road Karshi -Karu in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. The drug peddlers were in possession of substances suspected to be Cannabis and other highly controlled prescription drugs.

SUMMARY

12. In the course operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one GPMG barrel, one AK 47 magazine and barrel, one FN rifle magazine, 2 rifle butts, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 4 rounds of 9 mm ammo, 2 gas cylinders as well as tools used in fabricating firearms. Troops also neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 3 suspects and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

13. The offensive operations of troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized terrorists and destroyed terrorists’ camps. Troops recovered arms and ammunition in Batsari and Isa LGA of Katsina State as well as in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Troops laid ambush and neutralized terrorists moving with abductees at Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State.
14. Details are as follows;

b. Troops neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Arms.
(1) On 31 July 2023, troops responded to information on terrorist’s activities at Kinfau Kirtawa, Illelah general area in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one motorcycle.
(2) On 4 Aug 23, troops while on patrol. Troops made contact with terrorists at Gudunmi Village in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK 47 riffle loaded with 2 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

b. Troops Destroyed Terrorist Camps and Recovered Arms. On 3 Aug 23, troops conducted fighting patrol to Hawan-Drum, Kusabunni Forest in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Troops discovered a terrorists’ camp and destroyed it. Troops also recovered 3 motorcycles, one woodland cam, one desert cam, one NP trouser, one radio and charger. Troops further pursuit through their escaped route through Danduse High Grd, Tafkin–Gawo, Alumdawa, Ungwar Mailele Malamawa, Bukka-Hamsin and Jimbama Village. Troops recovered 3 AK 47 rifle magazines, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 3 foreign camouflage shirts.

c. Ambush on Bandits. On 7 Aug 23, troops acted on information that bandits were moving from Sokoto with some abductees. Troops responded and ambushed the bandits at the outskirt of Gadar Zaima Village in Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State and made contact. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 10 bandits while others fled. Troops recovered 6 AK 47 rifles, one PKT gun, 5 AK 47 magazines, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 3 mobile phones, 2 solar panels, one old sewing machines and the sum of Two Million Four Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (N2,410,000.00) only. Troops equally rescued 9 kidnapped persons however one person was killed by the bandits during the encounter.

15. Air Interdiction. On 1 Aug 23, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction at terrorist kingpin Hassan Maitaro’s enclaves in Tsafe LGA. The camp was attacked with rockets neutralizing several terrorists and destroyed their structures.

SUMMARY

16. In the course operations, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recovered 9 AK47 rifles, one PKT, one AK47 rifle loaded with 2 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 AK47 magazines, 4 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, one woodland camouflage, one desert camouflage, one Nigerian Police uniform, 2 solar panels, foreign camouflage shirt and sum of N2,410,000. Troops also neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 8 suspects and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. 

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

17. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH rescued kidnapped hostage in Chikun, Kajuru and Birni Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also carried out fighting patrols and neutralized terrorists and arrested suspect in Kajuru and Birni Gwari LGAs of the same state.
18. Details as follows:

a. Rescued Kidnaped Victims.
(1) Between 31 July – 1 August 2023, troops while on fighting patrol within the general area of Kuzo Forest and Kujeni village in Chikun and Kajuru LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops rescued 6 kidnapped victims and destroyed one abandoned motorcycle.
(2) 3 August 23, troops while on picketing along Road Birnin Gwari – Polewire made contact with terrorist in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, the terrorists fled and abandon their kidnapped victims. Troops combed the general area and rescued 8 kidnapped victims.

b. Fighting Patrols. On 31 Jul 23, troops conducted clearance operations to Tsohon Kabai, Kubusu and Kuzo Forests within Chikun and Kajuru LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following the fire fight, the terrorists fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one fabricated weapon, 16 rounds of 5.56 x 45 mm ammo, 2 motorcycles, one magazine pouch and one dummy rifle. Troops also destroyed the criminals’ camps.

c. Troops Neutralized Terrorist and Arrest Suspects. On 3 Aug 23, troops conducted fighting patrol to Maganda, Bugai, Dagara in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK 47 rifle with 2 MCs. Troops further intercepted 2 trucks and arrested 3 locals who were suspected to be involved in the sale of rustled cattle.

d. Arrest of Vandals. Between 3 and 5 August 2023, troops intercepted trucks and arrested 7 suspects conveying stolen railway sleepers at Kaduna South and Doma LGAs of Kaduna and Nasarawa States respectively.

19. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at Tsohon Kabula in Munya LGA of Niger State. Intelligence had revealed terrorist presence at the location. The location was acquired and subsequently attack with cannons neutralizing several terrorists.

SUMMARY

20. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated weapon, one dummy rifle, 16 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammo, one magazine pouch, 4 trucks and 4 motorcycles amongst other items. Troops also arrested 44 terrorist collaborators and rescued 15 kidnapped civilians. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

21. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued their clamp down on the activities of oil thefts and illegal bunkering. Troops conducted raids at Oshimili and Ahoada East LGAs of Delta and Rivers State. Troops recovered arms and ammunition and destroyed IPOB fighters worship centre in Ozubulu Okpanam of Delta State.
22. Additionally, troops arrested 7 suspects, discovered about 57 dugout pits, 19 boats, 53 storage tanks, one vehicle, 94 cooking ovens, 2 motorcycles and 21 illegal refining sites. Troops also recovered 309,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,675 litres of illegally refined AGO and 49,000 litres of DPK.
23. Details as follows:

a. Raid Operation.
(1) On 31 Jul 23, troops raided suspected IPOB/ESN camp at Ugwu-Nwosu in Ugboolu in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. The criminals fled on sighting troops approaching their camp. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, one phone charger. Troops destroyed a compound used by the IPOB fighters as a worship centre at Abacha Camp in Ozubulu Okpanam in the same LGA.
(2) On 2 Aug 23, following intelligence, troops raided the suspected militants’ hideout within Akugnoko – Odiabidi Community in Ahoada East LGA of Rivers State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one of the militants while other fled into the Forest. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one G3 rifle, 5 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 2 x G3 magazines, 2 Motorola HH radios, 8 mob phones, one power bank as well as one ID card. Troops also destroyed the camp.

24. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted a close air support in support ground troops at IPOB terrorist’s hideout at North West Owerri on 31 July 23. Overhead, the location targeted was engaged with aircraft guns complementing own troops’ fire power.

SUMMARY

25. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered one G3 rifle, 2 G3 magazines, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 motorola HH radio, one vehicle, 4 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones, one power bank and one ID card.
26. Troops destroyed 21 illegal refining sites, 57 dugout pits, 19 boats, 53 storage tanks, 94 cooking ovens as well as recovered 309,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 29,675 litres of illegally refined AGO and 49,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

27. Troops of Operation UDO KA arrested Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminal in Nnewi North LGA of Enugu State. Troops also conducted raids on illegal oil dumps and illegal refining site in Aba South LGA of Abia State.
28. Details are as follows:

a. Arrest of IPOB/ESN. On 1 August 2023, troops on patrol at Nnewi in Nnewi North LGA of Enugu State arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN criminal with a pistol bridge block. Efforts is ongoing to recover other parts and source of weapon.
b. Raid Operation. On 3 Aug 23, troops raided Aba general area in Aba South LGA of Abia State. During the operation, troops discovered oil dumps at different location with suspected illegally refined products at Enyimba, Joedels Ent Ltd and Neprove Filling Stations along Aba – Port Harcourt Expressway. Troops also apprehended 2 trucks loaded with illegally refined AGO at Enyimba and Neprove Ent Ltd Filling Stations. The trucks were moved to a safe location and destroyed in-situ.

SUMMARY

29. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 2 criminals, apprehended 2 trucks loaded with illegally refined AGO and recued 4 kidnapped hostages.

CONCLUSION

30. The determination and tenacity of the troops have continued to yield positive results thereby shrinking the space for perpetrators of insecurity in the country.
31. Given, the active participation of citizens in exposing the activities these evil elements. Their days are surely numbered to either surrender now or exit this world. The military would sustain the momentum, therefore:
    “Know Something, Say Something, and Military will do Something”.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations

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PRESS RELEASE OF ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS CONDUCTED BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 11 AUGUST 2023

1. The Armed Forces of Nigeria will not back down in it’s offensive operations aimed at tackling insecurity across the 6 geopolitical zones of the country. Rather, the military will brutally hunt down the orchestrators and take appropriate actions to hold them accountable for their actions.
2. The military, while conducting these operations will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties. Protecting civilians remains a vital part of own objective to promote greater security for all Nigerians. The uncommon cooperation, collaboration and support received from citizens across the country is greatly assisting own operations to yield expected results. Nigerians are speaking up, and the military is doing something about it.
3. During the week leading to 11 August 2023, the military neutralized 38 terrorists, arrested 175 gunmen/ criminals, 20 kidnappers, 30 collaborator and 17 pipeline vandals. The military also rescued 89 kidnapped hostages. Troops denied the oil theft saboteours the sum of Six Hundred and Seven Million, Three Hundred and Forty-Six Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira (N607,346,750.00) being value of seizures.
4. Furthermore, troops recovered 38 assorted weapons and 186 ammunition. The break down as follows; 14 AK 47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one PKT, 3 AK47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm special, one SMG, 10 dane gun, 5 locally fabricated pistols, 2 fabricated weapon, 2 double barrel guns, one locally made revolver, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 151 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 9mm ammo, 16 rounds 5.56 x 45mm ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 12 AK47 magazines, one G3 rifle magazine, one FN rifle magazine, one magazine containing 30 rounds of 7.62mm special and 7 empty cases of 7.62mm special.
5. Miscellaneous items recovered include; 33 motorcycles, 30 mobile phones, 4 tricycles, 4 motorola HH radios, 4 vehicles, 10 bags of fertilizers, 73 livestock, 7 cutlasses, one magazine pouch, 2 solar panels, 10 litres of PMS, Nigerian Police uniform, 2 gas cylinders, one power bank, one pairs of woodland and desert camouflages each. Troops also recovered the sum of Two Million Five Hundred and Ninety-Two Thousand Two Hundred and Forty Naira (N2,592,240.00).
6. Troops of Operation Delta Safe , destroyed 39 illegal refining sites, 72 dugout pits, 65 wooden boats, 70 storage tanks and 119 cooking ovens. Other sundry equipment include: 2 speedboats, 5 outboard engines, and 4 pumping machines. Troops recovered 1,247,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 132,500 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 57,450 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine and 800 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.
7. The military would sustain it’s offensive until they quit. The military would do what it knows to do best. Therefore, “Know Something, Say Something, and Military will do Something”. The details of the operational activities, indicating date, location and other information are contained in the attached enclosure.