Insecurity: Troops neutralizes Over 152 Terrorists, Arrest 109 Bandits ,Rescue 91 Hostages In One Week- DHQ.

By Helen Udo, Outlook Media.

The Defence Headquarters said,Troops of the Nigerian military fighting to rid the country of criminal elements in the last one week,troops neutralized over 152 terrorists, arrested 109 bandits and rescued 91 Hostages in the last one week across the country.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba who made this known on Friday and made available to Outlook Media said
Overall, troops operations during the week resulted in 152 terrorists neutralised, 109 arrested and 91 hostages rescued. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Ninety Five Million Six Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Five Naira (N795,683,395.00)) only.

According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba
Revealed that      The war against terrorists, insurgents, violent extremists and others perpetrating insecurity in the country wages and troops are sustaining the momentum to achieve victory. Indeed, the armed forces is steadily progressing towards the goal of total destruction of all these elements.

Given recent events, the military learns every day and makes improvements on ways to better deal with threat situations posed by these terror groups. Troops are moving in against the terrorist and denying them freedom of action.

During the week, troops carried out surgical operations against  two prominent terrorist commanders and decimated their strongholds. Namely, Sadiku Enclave in Tsora Hill in Safana LGA of Katsina State and Alhaji Yusuf Enclave at Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.

Furthermore, troops crippled crude oil theft activities at the following locations through air interdiction: Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama, all in Rivers State. Troops also apprehended 2 female terrorists collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom.

Overall, troops operations during the week resulted in 152 terrorists neutralised, 109 arrested and 91 hostages rescued. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Ninety Five Million Six Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Five Naira (N795,683,395.00)) only.

Furthermore, troops recovered 183 weapons, 4,443 ammunitions. The breakdown as follows: 95 AK47 rifles, 35 locally fabricated guns, 76 dane guns, One GPMG, 2 PKT guns, 4,131 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 115 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 28 cartridges, 53 assorted arms and 197 assorted ammunitions. Others are 725,920 litres of stolen crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO amongst other item.

On the whole, the gallant men and women of the armed forces continue to take pride in putting themselves in harms way to ensure the safety and security of citizens. Citizens on the other hand, must constantly see the need to show  support for  troops to win the war. 
   
He said “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, conducted ambush operation, discovered/recovered UXOs, conducted arrest and offensive operations in Bama, Konduga and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba and Geidam LGAs of Yobe. Additionally, troops arrested terrorists collaborators and conducted countered anti kidnapping operation in Mafa LGA of Borno State.2. Details as follows: a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrorists.(1) On 26 August 2024, a total of 37 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants comprise of 7 adult males, 12 adult females and 22 children surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Damboa and Bama LGAs of Borno State. (2) Between 28 August and 4 September 2024, a total of 196 terrorists comprising 19 adult males 70 adult females and 107 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.c. Ambush Operations. (1) On 26 and 28 August 2024, troops with Hybrid Forces ambushed terrorists Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Daura LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifle one fabricated AK47 rifle, 2 dane guns, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 4 motorcycles.(2) On 27 August 2024, troops while on fighting patrol, troops ambushed terrorists in Ngala LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorist and recovered 7 AK47 Rifles, 3 dane guns, one fabricated rifle, one FN rifle, 140 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines and 5 bicycles. b. Discovery of UXO. On 27 and 29 August 2024, troops in separate patrol responded to distress calls from about discovered UXO in their farms in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. On arrival, troops scanned and recovered the UXOs successfully. d. Arrest of Criminal. On 27 August 2024, troops while on offensive patrol in Potiskum LGA of Yobe State intercepted and arrested 3 persons carting away 19 seed planter machines and one motorcycle, belonging to the Yobe State Government. c. Offensive Operations. Between 28 August – 3 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces while in separate offensive operations made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Bama, Konduga and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba and Geidam LGAs of Yobe. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 31, arrested 7 and rescued 26 kidnapped hostaged. Troops also recovered 21 AK 47 Rifles, 4 dane gunes, 7 fabricated rifles, one RPG Tube, one RPG Bomb, one RPG bomb charger and GPMG belt linked with 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 1,480 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 26 bicycles and IED materials 7 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones amongst others.d. Arrest of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborators. Between 28 August – 3 September 2024, following report, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations intercepted and arrested 24 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in Damboa, Konduga and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Gubio, Geidam, Tarmuwa, LGAs of Yobe State. Troops recovered one AK47 loaded with 24 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 vehicles, 8 new motorcycles, large quantity of motorcycle spare parts, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N332,700.00 amongst other item.c. Anti Kidnapping Operations. On 31 August and 1 September 2024, troops with Hybrid Forces while on counter/anti kidnapping operations made contact with terrorists in Mafa LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 9 kidnappers, arrested 4 and rescued 9 kidnapped victims. Troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, 3 dane guns and 105 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.3. Air Interdiction. Following confirmatory ISR on activities of terrorists enclave in Southern Tumbus. On 31 August 2024, air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that ISWAP spiritual leader identified as Goni Sanda and several terrorists were neutralized and their armoury/structures destroyed.SUMMARY4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 63 terrorists, arrested 38 suspects and rescued 35 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered 23 AK47 rifles, one fabricate AK47 rifle, one fabricated FN rifle, 12 dane guns, one RPG tube, one RPG bomb, one GPMG belted link with 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, ammo 2,062 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 magazines, 19 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones and the sum of N332,700.00 only.JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive/counter anti kidnaping operations, arrested criminals and raided drugs peddler hideout in Jos South LGA of Plateau State.6. Details are as follows: a Offensive Operations. Between 28 August – 3 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces while in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremist in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Wase, Riyom and Jos South. During the encounter, troops arrested 13 violent extremist/kidnappers and rescued 6 victims.c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations. Between 27 August – 3 September 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations, arrested 5 criminals and rescued 9 kidnapped hostage in Bassa and Riyom, LGAs of Plateau State. Similarly, troops conducted operations in Zangon Kataf, and Jema’a LGAs of Kaduna State respectively. a. Arrest Operations. Between 27 August – 3 September 2024, following reports troops arrested 13 kidnappers and rescued 5 hostages in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Jos North LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 dane guns, one fabricated pistol, 55 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 live cartridges, 6 mobile phones, and 2 motorcycles.a. Raid Operation. On 30 August 2024, troops raided a drug peddler hideout in Jos South LGA of Plateau State and arrested a notorious drugs dealer. Troops recovered one fabricated AK 47 Rifle, one fabricated Revolver Rifle, 2 dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 40 live cartridges, 3 mobile phones and Cannabis Sativa among other sundry items. SUMMARY7. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 18 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated AK 47 Rifle, one fabricated Revolver Rifle, 4 dane guns, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 live cartridges, 6 mobile phones, 2 motorcycles and Cannabis Sativa amongst others.OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)8. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations and counter/anti kidnapping operations in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja.9. Details are as follows:a. Offensive Operations. (1) Between 27 August – 2 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Gwer West and Ukum LGAs of Benue State as well as Takum LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops neutralized 3 extremists, arrested 10 and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 Rifles, 2 fabricated Rifles, 2 Single Barrel guns, 4 dane guns, one AK 47 Rifle butt, 661 rounds of 7.62 mm Special, 28 cartridges and 9 motorcycles amongst other item.(2) On 2 September 2024, troops conducted combined offensive operations with ONSA team and security agencies to Gidan Gogo and Kuyeri Forest in Bwari Area Council of the FCT. The operations extended to Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 6 violent extremists including 2 female terrorists collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom. c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations. On 30 August 2024, troop while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operations,in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops rescued a kidnap hostage in pursuit of the violent extremist.d. Arrest Operations. On 2 and 3 September 2024, troops in separate routine patrols in AMAC of FCT Abuja intercepted and arrested 4 criminals. Troops recovered 2 vehicles and 5 mobile phones. Further investigation, ongoing. SUMMARY10. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 22 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 4 danguns, 2 single barel guns, 661 7.62mm special ammo, 28 live cartridges, 2 vehicles, 9 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones.JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)11. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review. The troops conducted ambush operations, fighting patrols and counter/anti kidnapping operations. They also conducted deliberate attacks on terrorist hideouts and enclaves in Daura and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State. Additionally, troops conducted offensive operation and killed several terrorists commanders in Jibia LGA of Katsina State.12. Details are as follows;a. Ambush Operations. On 28 August 2024, troops with Hybrid Forces ambushed terrorists in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 4 fabricated rifles, 230 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 donkeys. b. Fighting Patrols. On 25 – 30 August 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Maradun, Kaura Namoda, Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara State as well as Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 36 terrorists arrested 7 and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 24 AK47 Rifles, 7 dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, one PKT gun, one PKT belt containing 86 rounds, 435 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 120 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 5 mobile phones, 4 BAOFENG radios, 7 motorcycles, Airtel recharge cards worth ₦5,000.00 and the sum of N13,300.00 only. c. Terrorists Activities. Between 27 August – 3 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations responded to distress calls on terrorists activities in Dange Shuni, Isa, Tureta, Sabon Birni and Rabah LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Maradun and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. Following fire fights, troops neutralized 34 terrorists, arrested 11 terrorists/kidnappers and rescued 23 kdnapped hostages. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 6 fabricated rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifle, 250 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 115 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammo, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 12 motorcycles. d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Operations. Between 26 August – 3 September 2024, troops conducted offensive operations to distressed communities in in Danmusa, Jibia and Bungudu LGAs of Katsina and Zamfaara States. During the fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorist, arrested 5 and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 dane guns, one AK47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo one vehicle and 4 motorcycles.e. Arrest Operations. On 29 and 31 August 2024, troops arrested military 6 impostes in Daura and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State. Troops also arrested 3 terrorist collaborators in Tureta LGA of Sokoto State. Additionally, troops recovered military uniforms and the sum of ₦27,500.00 only.f. Offensive Operation. On 4 September 2024, troops while on offensive operation made contact with terrorist in Jibia LGA of Katsina State. Following fire fight, troops neutralized 23 terrorists and recovered 12 AK47 rifles one GPMG, 8 fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 608 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 211 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 21 motorcycles amongst other item. 13. Air Interdiction. On 26 August 2024, air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on terrorists hideout at Sadiku Enclave in Tsora Hill in Safana LGA of Katsina State. Subsequently, target was acquired and engaged with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.SUMMARY 14. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 105 terrorists, arrested 21 terrorists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, one PKT gun, 52 AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifles, 21 fabricated rifles, one PKT belted link with 86 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,523 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 115 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 40 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N40,800.00 only amongst others.JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)15. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations including ambushes, rescued kidnapped hostages in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.16. Details are as follows;a. Arrest Operations. On 27 August and 1 September 2024, in separate offensive operations. Troops intercepted and arrested 9 violent extremists logistics suppliers in Chikun and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also recovered one vehicle, 130 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one motorcycle, 3 new mobile phones, recharge cards worth N100,000.00 and the sum of N1,532,900.00 amongst other item.b. Ambush on Terrorists. On 27 August 2024, troops ambush in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State resulted in 16 terrorists neutralized and a PKT gun recovered. Other items recovered include: 4 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 3 fabricated guns, 280 rounds, one Baofeng radio, one magazine and 14 sim cards. c. Kidnap Incident. On 28 August 2024, troops rescued a kidnapped hostage during fighting patrol in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. 17. Air Interdiction. On 29 August 2024, the air component of Operation WHHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction mission over Alhaji Yusuf enclave at Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. The location was acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and locations destroyed.SUMMARY18. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 16 terrorists, arrested 9 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one PKT gun, 4 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 410 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones, one boefeng radio, one magazine and the sum of N1,532,900.00 amongst others.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. Troops also conducted offensive and counter/anti kidnapping operations as well as arrested suspected counter anti kidnapping operations and arrest of vandals/criminals in Onelga, Emuoha and Degema LGAs of Rivers and Delta State.a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 725,920 litres of stolen crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 36 dugout pits, 40 boats, 22 drums and 27 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 32 cooking ovens, 6 speedboats, 3 vehicles, 3 motorcycles, one pumping machine, one generator and 58 illegal refining sites.b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Operation. On 29 August 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnaping operation, encountered and arrested 2 criminals in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State. Troops recovered one vehicle and one motorcycle. c. Arrest Operations. On 28 and 30 August 2024, troops intercepted and arrested 7 criminals in Onelga, Emuoha and Degema LGAs of Rivers and Delta State. Troops recovered 2 vehicles, one generator, mining equpments and the sum of ₦57,800.00 among other items. 20. Air Interdiction. On 28 August 2024, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction mission to Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama. The location was observed with illegal refining activities, targets were acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that over 17 illegal refining sites and several canoes were destroyed. SUMMARY21. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 725,920 litres of stolen crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 36 dugout pits, 40 boats, 22 drums and 27 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 32 cooking ovens, 6 speedboats, 3 vehicles, 3 motorcycles, one pumping machine, one generator and 58 illegal refining sites.22. Troops apprehended 34 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 assorted ammunitions.JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)23. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted counter anti kidnapping/criminality operations in Orji River LGA of Enugu State.24. Details as follows:a. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Ops. On 31 August 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations, arrested 2 criminals and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages in Orji River LGA of Enugu State. SUMMARY25. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested 2 violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action. Signed