Full Statement Below:

PRESS RELEASE ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 25 AUGUST 2023

1. The counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations being conducted by troops continues to produce results. Though, the men and women of the armed forces are fighting and dying for the country every day; they have made great strides. The military will continue the momentum of its operations by mounting pressure on groups seeking to undermine the security of citizens and the nation.
2. The update on the operations across the 6 geopolitical zones as at 25 August 2023, reveals that; the military neutralized 23 terrorists, arrested 109 criminals, 5 kidnappers, one informant, 22 suspected oil thefts and rescued 41 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, 231 terrorist and their families surrendered to troops comprising 25 adult males, 63 adult females and 143 children surrendered.
3. Troops recovered a total number of 41 weapons and 300 assorted kinds of ammunition. Breakdown of arms and ammunition is as follows; 14 AK47 rifle, one AK49 rifle, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 7.62mm special ammo, one PKT gun, one LMG, 2 pump action guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 3 locally fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, one pistol, and 2 locally made long barrel guns.
4. Additionally, troops recovered are one AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 AK47 magazines, one magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 239 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62 NATO, 44 rounds of PKT, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 6 cartridges.
5. Furthermore, troops recovered 13 motorcycle, 22 mobile phones, one bicycle, 10 machete, a pair of camouflage. While, the operations in South South geopolitical zone resulted in the arrest of the following; 682,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 70,950 litres of illegally refined AGO, 23,250 litres of DPK. All amounting to an estimated sum of N414,396.250 denied to the oil thieves.
6. The military will relentlessly pursue groups contributing to insecurity and instability in the country. Troops will through its operations continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security across the country.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations

In Other News:

REPORT ON JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES AS AT 25 AUGUST 2023

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI offensive operations led to surrender of terrorist and their families’ members with one of the missing Chibok School girl amongst them. The surrounding occurred in Dikwa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State. During operations, troops neutralized terrorist, rescued hostages and recovered weapons. Troops equally intercepted terrorists’ fighters and arrested suspected collaborators in Gwoza, Biu and Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops also recovered arms in Jada LGA in Adamawa State.
2. Details as follows:

a. BH/ISWAP Fighters and Families with Missing Chibok Schl Girl Surrendered to Troops.
(1) On 14 August 2023, 8 Suspected BH/ISWAP fighters and families comprising 2 adult males, 3 adult females and 3 children surrendered to troops at Dikwa in Dikwa LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the adult female is Mary Nkeki, a missing Chibok School girl in Ser No 55 Chibok Girls poster. The identified missing Chibok School girl was evacuated to 7 DMSH for further action.

(2) Between 19 August 2023, 2 BH/ISWAP terrorist fighter and family surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special refilled ammo, one magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special refilled ammo and the sum of Nineteen Thousand Two Hundred Naira (N19, 200) only.

b. Troops Neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Arms
(1) On 16 August 2023, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrol in Bama and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State. Troop made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one and others fled. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 AK 47 rifle mags with 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one boafeng radio, one motorcycle and 3 bicycle among other items.
(2) On 16 August 2023, following a report from a farmer who found a buried weapon on her farm in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. Troops contained the general area and recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo buried on the farmland.

c. Arrest of Suspected Terrorist Collaborators. Between 20 and 21 August 2023, troops in conjunction with vigilante arrested 3 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists’ collaborators in Biu and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 mobile phones, one SIM card, and the sum of N10,000. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of them was a terrorist informant.

d. Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists Combatant. On 21 August 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol intercepted one suspected BH//SWAP terrorist combatant alongside his wife in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle and 2 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

e. Raid Operations. On 18 August 2023, following intel troops raided suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Jada LGA of Adamawa State. Troops came in contact with kidnappers. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one and apprehended 10. Troops recovered one locally made gun. Troops also rescued one injured victim whom was evacuated to hospital for medication attention.

3. Air Interdiction. On 15 Aug 23, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction at Hyawa. Terrorist activities were sighted. The location was acquired with cannons dislocating the terrorists and damaging their structures.

SUMMARY

4. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 4 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 1 locally made gun, one English-made pistol, one AK47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 AK47 magazines loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one boafeng radio, one motorcycle, 2 mobile phones, one bicycle and a sum of N38,100.00.
5. Troops neutralized 22 terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and rescued 13 hostages.  Within the week in focus, 231 combatant fighters with families comprising of 25 adult males, 63 adult females and 143 children surrendered to troops. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the adult female is Mary Nkeki, a missing Chibok Schl girl in Ser No 55 Chibok Girls poster.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN in proactiveness foiled a cattle rustling attempt by terrorists in Jos South LGA in Plateau State. Troops conducted raid operations and arrested notorious kidnap kingpin and a suspected militia in Jema’a, and Riyom LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau State respectively.
7. Troops while conducting fighting patrols arrested suspected kidnappers and rescued kidnapped hostages in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State.
8. Details are as follows:

a. Foiled Cattle Rustling. On 16 Aug 23, troops responded to a distress call on cattle rustling activities in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. Troops made contact with suspects. Following engagement, the rustlers fled. Troops recovered 148 rustled cows.
b. Troops Arrested Notorious Kidnapper and Suspected Militia
(1) On 17 August 2023, troops conducted raid operation at suspected criminals’ hideout in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Troop made contact with criminals. Following a fire fight, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers.

(2) On 17 August 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested a notorious kidnapper/armed robber identified as James Irimiyah (aka Magun Boss) in Jema’a LGA Kaduna State. Suspect led troops to his residence. Troop recovered one AK 47 rifle with 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one mobile phone. Furthermore, Suspect led troops to the hideout of other gang members. Troops made no contact. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one Pump action magnum gun.

(3) On 18 August 2023, following intelligent report, troops conducted raid operations in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Troops made contact with suspected militias. Following a firefight, troops arrested one of the suspects identified as Yusuf. Troops recovered One fabricated AK 47 rifle. Preliminary investigation revealed that he participated in the Heipang attack.

c. Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers. Between 18 and 19 August 2023, troops arrested 4 suspected kidnappers at Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Preliminary investigation revealed that 2 among the suspects were involved in the abduction of a hostage at Kuba Village on 13 August 2023.

d. Rescued of Kidnapped Victim. On 20 Aug 23, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and rescued one kidnapped victim in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. On sighting troops, the criminals fled and abandoned the victim. Prelim investigation revealed that the victim was kidnapped at Akwanga in Nasarawa State.
SUMMARY

9. In the course operations, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one locally fabricated AK47 rifle, one pump action magnum gun and one mobile phone. Troops also, neutralized one terrorist, arrested 9 suspects and rescued 6 kidnaped hostages.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

10. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted fighting patrol and neutralized a suspected terrorist at Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Troops also arrested suspected criminals and recovered arms in Guma LGA of same state.
11. Details are as follows:

a. Troops Neutralized a Terrorist. On 14 August 2023, troops conducted a fighting patrol at Tor-Donga Village in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. After a firefight, the combatant was neutrality and troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol with 2 cartridges.
b. Arrest of Suspected Criminal. On 14 August 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol in Guma LGA of Benue State. Troops arrested a suspected criminal with one locally made pistol and 2 cartridges.

SUMMARY

12. In the course operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered one locally fabricated pistol loaded with 2 cartridges, one locally made pistol and 2 cartridges.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

13. Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI continued the onslaught against terrorists. Troops neutralized terrorist and recovered arms and ammunition at Danmusa and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State. Troops also rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of Katsina State.
14. Troops while conducting fighting patrols neutralized terrorists and rescued kidnapped hostages as well as recovered livestock in Giwa, Garki and Goronyo LGAs of Kaduna, Jigawa and Sokoto State respectively.
15. Details are as follows;

a. Troops Neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Arms.
(1) On 14 August 2023, troops responded to information of terrorists’ activities at Mara Zamfarawa in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, the criminals fled. Troops exploited their general area and recovered one AK 47 rifle.

(2) On 16 August 2023, troops conducted offensive operations in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle as well as destroyed terrorists’ camps.

(3) Ambush Ops on Bandit. On 22 August 2023, troops acted on HUMINT on movement of bandits in Talata Mafara LGA of Zamfara State. Troops ambushed the terrorist and made contact. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 bandits and other fled. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles and 4 motorcycles.

b. Rescue of Kidnap Victim. On 15 August 2023, troops conducted patrol at Alikere in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops rescued a kidnapped victim. Preliminary investigation revealed that the victim escaped from terrorists’ enclave around Faskari general area. Victim was reunited with his family members.

c. Fighting Patrol
(1) On 18 August 2023, troops while on fighting patrol in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State made contact with terrorist. Following a fire fight, the criminals fled. Troops exploited the general area and discovered one neutralized terrorist combatant. Troops also recovered one motorcycle and one mobile phone.

(2) Between 19 and 20 August 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol in Garki and Goronyo LGA of Jigawa and Sokoto State respectively. Troops rescued 7 kidnapped hostages in total and made no contact with the criminals. Troops recovered 2 cows and 10 sheep.

16. Air Interdiction. On 15 August 2023, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction at terrorists kingpin Kamilu Buzaru’s enclave in Danmusa LGA. Also, another terrorists’ hideout at Ungwan Goga forest in Faskari LGA of Katsina. Consequently, the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets dislocating the terrorists and damaging their structures.

SUMMARY

17. In the course of operation, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized one terrorist and recovered 2 AK47 rifles. Troops arrested 5 suspected terrorists and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

18. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH continued their fighting patrols to Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops neutralized terrorists and dislodge terrorists with high grade of injuries in Chikun LGA. Troops also recovered arms and ammunition.
19. Details as follows:

a. Troops neutralized terrorists and recovered arms
(1) On 14 August 2023, troops conducted fighting patrols to suspected terrorists’ camps in Kachia and Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while others fled. Troops exploited the terrorists’ wandered routes and recovered one AK47 rifle, one AK 47 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
(2) On 17 August 23, troops on fighting patrol plagued terrorists’ elements at Unguwan Kiota/Maaji in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Following a firefight, the terrorists fled with high grade of injuries. Troops recovered one AK 49 rifle, 3 magazines and 84 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

b. Fighting Patrol. On 17 August 2023, troops while on fighting patrol encountered bandit elements in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, the terrorists fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK49 rifle, 3 magazines and 84 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

SUMMARY

20. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one AK49 rifle, one AK47 rifle loaded with 5 rounds, 199 rounds of 7.62mm special and 6 AK47 rifle magazines. Troops also neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 2 and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

21. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued to discover and destroy illegal refining sites and arrest perpetrators. Troops recovered 228,900 l of stolen crude oil, 46,300 l of illegally refined AGO and 23,250 l of DPK
22. Troops arrested suspected criminals in Udim, Nemne and Obanliku LGAs of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa and Cross River States respectively. Troops also neutralized notorious militants in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State.
23. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroyed Illegal Refining Sites. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE discovered and destroyed 21 dugout pits, 14 boats, 56 storage tanks, 6 vehicles, 50 cooking ovens, 5 MCs, 3 pumping machine and 15 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 228,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 46,300 litres of illegally refined AGO and 23,250 litres of DPK were also recovered and arrested 22 perpetrators.
b. Arrest of Suspected Criminal.
(1) On 15 August 2023, troops in conjunction with DSS personnel arrested a notorious criminal identified as Nse Gajous Umana at Ikot Umoh Essien in Essien Udim LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Troops recovered 2 locally made long barrel guns, 4 rounds of 7. 62 mm NATO, one machete, 6 ATM cards with different names, a pair of camouflage, one crowbar, 2 mobile phones and several bunch of keys.

(2) On 18 August 2023, troops in conjunction with DSS personnel conducted cordon and search operation at the residence of one Moses Ayerite the Youth President of Bassambiri Community in Nembe LGA of Bayelsa State. Following the search, the suspect Moses Ayerite was arrested. Troop recovered one PKT rifle, one LMG, one Pump action gun, 80 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 44 rounds of PKT ammo and one round of 7.62 NATO ammo at the gym section of his house.

(3) On 21 August 2023, troops responded to info on activities of suspected gunrunners in Obanliku LGA of Cross River State. Troops raided the general area and arrested one Mr Benson Peter (AKA Papilo) with one pistol.

c. Troops Neutralized Notorious Criminals. On 19 August 2023, troops responded to information about wanted notorious militants in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. On sighting troops, the criminals fled. Troops pursuit and neutralized 2. Troops recovered substances suspected to be cocaine.

24. Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction on active illegal refining sites at Bille. The sites were sighted with tanks and reservoirs loaded with suspected illegally refined products. The targets were attacked with cannons destroying their equipment.

SUMMARY

25. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 228,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 46,300 litres of illegally refined AGO, 23,250 litres of DPK and arrested 22 oil theft perpetrators.
26. Troops also neutralized 2 criminals and recovered one PKT rifle, one LMG, 2 locally made long barrel guns, one pump action guns, 44 rounds of PKT, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one machete, 2 mobile phones, 6 ATM cards and a pair of camouflage.
27. Troops destroyed 21 dugout pits, 14 boats, 56 storage tanks, 6 vehicles, 50 cooking ovens, 5 MCs, 3 pumping machine and 15 illegal refining sites

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

28. Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted raid operations and arrested suspected criminals in Umuahia and Bende LGA of Abia State. Troops offensive fighting patrols led to rescue of kidnapped hostages and arrest of notorious criminals in Umunneochi, Oguta and Orumba of Anambra and Imo States respectively.
29. Also, Troops foiled attack by suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and arrested an imposter in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State.
30. Details are as follows:

Raid Operation.
(1) On 16 August 2023, troops conducted a raid in Umuahia North LGA of Abia State. following the raid, troops apprehended 10 internet fraudsters. Troops recovered 8 laptops, 14 mobile phones, one power bank and one wireless Close Circuit Television (CCTV).

(2) On 17 August 2023, following a tip off, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police personnel raided Uzuakoli in Bende LGA of Abia State. Troops arrested 5 suspected hoodlums. Troops recovered 2 locally fabricated pistols, 2 cartridges and one knife among other items.
Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 19 August 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. The victims were abducted in a vehicle enroute Enugu to Anambra State. On sighting troops, the criminals fled and abandoned the hostages.

Arrest of Notorious Criminal. Between 20 and 21 August 2023, troops arrested 5 suspected criminals, one informant in Oguta and Orumba LGAs of Imo and Anambra States. One of the criminals was identified as Onyebuch/Okeke. Troops recovered 2 locally made pistols, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 7 cutlasses amongst other items.

d. Foiled attack on troops by Suspected IPOB/ESN. On 20 August 2023, troops repelled attack by the suspected IPOB/ESN criminals along Road Owerri – Onitsha Expressway. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one while other fled. Troops recovered one vehicle, one mobile phone, one machete, 9 empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one empty case of 12.7 mm ammo tied in a red cloth.

e. Arrest of Impostor. On 15 August 2023, troops on patrol arrested an impostor identified as Sunday Adamu in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State. The suspect was arrested fully dressed in military camouflage. The criminal was intimidating civilians whom he claimed to be indebted to him. Troops recovered one mobile phone, a pair of canvas, one belt, one jungle hat, a bag and the sum of Two Thousand Naira (₦2,000.00) only.

SUMMARY

31. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 4 locally fabricated pistols, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo, one empty case of 12.7mm ammo, 2 cartridges, one knife, 17 mobile phones, 8 laptops, 7 cutlasses, a pair of canvas, one belt, one CCTV one jungle hat, a bag and the sum of Two Thousand Naira (₦2,000.00). Troops also neutralized 2 criminals, arrested 43 IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations