Fresh Update From DHQ : Troops Neutralise Over 159 Terrorists, Arrests 174 Suspects, Others.

By Helen Udo, Outlook media.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) o said that it’s troops neutralized over 159, arrested 174 and others in the last one week in the country.

A statement signed by Maj. General Edward Buba ,Director Defence Media Operations(DDMO) and made available to outlook media on Friday in Abuja.

According to General Buba , “The armed forces is taking resolute steps in ending terrorism and insecurity in the country, through ongoing operations. Accordingly, the operations are yielding desired results as troops dismantle terrorist network and decimate their leadership and combatants. Indeed, several of the terrorist leaders and commanders have been eliminated from the battlefield.

Furthermore, troops are strategically deployed to ensure that the off-cycle Govenorship election scheduled for 21 Sep 24 in Edo State is violence free, fair and credible. Troops role is to support the police to ensure voters safety and security. Accordingly, troops presence is to thwart the activities of those elements bent on formenting crisis during the elections.

During the week under review, troops neutralised 159 and arrested 174 persons. Troops also arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 188 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Thirty Six Million Nine Hundred and Seventy One Thousand Four Hundred and Fifty Naira (N736,971,450.00) only.

Furthermore, troops recovered 151 assorted weapons and 12,401 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 3 PKT guns, one SLR, 92 AK47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, 15 dane guns, 4 pump action guns, 4 locally made pistols, one pistol, 2 RPG tubes, one RPG bomb, 66 AK47 magazines, one FN magazine, 2 locally fabricated hand grenades.

Others are: 10,346 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,094 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 92 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 479 rounds of PKT ammo, 182 rounds of MG ammo, 43 rounds of 9.5mm ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 35 live cartridges, 35 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 baofeng radios, 15 vehicles, 39 motorcycles, 28 mobile phones and the sum of N5,386,200.00 only amongst other items.

He said troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 9 dugout pits, 35 boats, 4 speedboats, 32 drums and 57 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 20 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, 14 vehicles, one motorcycles, one tricycle, 10 mobile phones and 71 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 788,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 28,995 litres of illegally refined AGO, 300 litres of DPK and 3,000 litres of PMS.

Our operations against the terrorist and violent extremist remains aimed at providing security and stability for the nation and citizens. Troops will therefore continue to be relentless in pursuit of ending all forms of insecurity across the country.

Naj. General Buba said that Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, arrested suspected terrorists collaborators, and conducted ambush, raid and offensive operations in Bama, Dikwa, Konduga, Damboa, Nganzai and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali and Gujba LGA of Adamawa and Yobe States.

2. Details as follows:

a. Surrender of BHT/ISWAP Terr Family Members.
(1) On 9 September 2024, a total 18 BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters and their families comprising 9 adult males, 4 adult females and 5 children surrendered to troops in Bama and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
(2) Between 11 and 17 September 2024, a total of 76 terrorists comprising 9 adult males 28 adult females and 39 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Arrests Operations.
(1) Between 9 and 11 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations intercepted and arrested 8 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages in Damboa and Nganzai LGAs of Borno State.
(2) Between 10 and 17 September 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 19 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in MMC, Nganzai, Kukawa, Kala and Damboa LGAs of Borno State as well as Michika LGA of Adamawa State. Troops also conducted operations in Gulani and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.
c. Ambush Operations. On 10 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces while on offensive operation ambushed suspected BHT/ISWAP terrorists and made contact in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 104 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 92 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.
d. Raid Operations. On 12 September 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces raided suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist’s enclave and made contact in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists including a notorious terrorist commander identified as IBN Kasir. Troops as rescued 3 kidnapped hostages during the operation and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 5 magazines, 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 fabricated hand grenades and magazine jackets amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 10 and 17 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali and Gujba LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 78 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 35 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, firing pin and sight adjuster of a PKT gun amongst others.

3. Air Interdiction. On 9 September 2024, following ISR, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists enclave in Southern Tumbun of Borno State. Troops location was acquired and attacked with stores onboard. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY

4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 46 terrorists, arrested 41 suspects and rescued 48 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered 24 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricate rifles, 212 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 216 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 92 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammo, 35 rounds of empty cases, 2 fabricated hand grenades, 9 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrested suspected violent extremists, foiled kidnap incident and conducted raid as well as counter/anti kidnapping operations in Riyom, Kanam and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State as well as Akwanga LGA of Nasarawa State.
6. Details are as follows: 

a. Arrest of Violent Extremists.
(1) On 10 and 11 September 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 2 suspected notorious violent extremists/armed robber and insurgent in Akwanga and Riyom LGAs of Nasarawa and Plateau States respectively. One of the suspects identified as Husseini Usman was a wanted notorious kidnapper/insurgent. Troops recovered 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
(2) On 12 September 2024, following reports, troops with NP IRT from Force Headquarters (FHQ) Abuja intercepted and arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/gunrunners and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages in Toro LGA of Bauchi State. Troops recovered 3,775 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 170 rounds of 7.62 x 51 mm NATO ammo concealed in the trunk of the vehicle.
(3) On 18 September 2024, troops arrested 2 suspected notorious gunrunners identified as Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one pistol, 3 magazines and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Foiled kidnap Incident. On 11 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol responded to information on kidnapping incident in Kanam LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and recovered one motorcycle.
c. Raid Operations. On 17 Sep 24, following credible intelligence, troops raided a suspected violent extremists/gunrunners hideouts in Jos North LGA of PlateauState. During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspects and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, 14 AK47 magazines, one FN magazine, 5,316 rounds of 7.62mm special, 98 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 43 rounds of 9.5mm ammo.
d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations . Between 11 and 15 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages in Jos North LGA of Plateau State.

SUMMARY

7. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 6 violent extremists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, one pistol, 5,316 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 98 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 43 rounds of 9.5mm ammo, 17 AK47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

8. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations, counter/anti kidnapping operations and arrested violent extremists Ardo Kola and Zing LGAs of Taraba State as well as Ukum and Kagarko LGAs of Benue and Kaduna States.
9. Details are as follows:

a. Offensive Operations. On 12 September 2024, following credible intelligence troops in separate offensive operations responded to activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers activities in Ukum and Kagarko LGAs of Benue and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally fabricated rifle, 6 magazines 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of N192,220.00 only among others.
(2) Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Operations. On 13 and 16 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Ardo Kola and Ukum LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 extremists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.

(3) Arrest Operations. On 10 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist/insurgent disguised as a business man/cattle dealer in Zing LGA of Taraba State.

SUMMARY

10. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 9 terrorists, arrested 6 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated rifle, 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 magazines and the sum of N192,220.00 only amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

11. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review. Conducted fighting patrols, arrested suspected terrorists informants, rescued kidnapped hostages and conducted ambush, offensive and counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations n Danmusa, Batsari, Mulumfashi, and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Kaura Namoda, Maradun and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State.
12. Details are as follows;

a. Fighting Patrols. On 9 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with suspected terrorists in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 2 locally made guns.
b. Arrest of Suspected Terr Informants. On 10 September 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and apprehended 2 suspected terrorists collaborators/informants in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State.
c. Rescue of Kidnapped Victim. On 11 September 2024, troops while on routine patrol responded to distress call on activities of suspected kidnappers in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops rescued one kidnapped hostage and recovered one vehicle.
d. Ambush Operations. On 12 September 2024, following reports troops ambushed suspected terrorists and made contact in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 45 terrorists including a notorious terrorist kingpin identified as Hililu Buzu. Troops also recovered 2 RPG tubes, 3 PKT guns, 5 AK47 Rifles, 479 rounds of PKT ammo, 366 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 182 rounds of MG ammo, one RPG bomb, 29 AK47 magazines, 30 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones.
e. Offensive Operations. Between 10 and 17 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Maru and Danko- Wasagu LGAs of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 610 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 12 motorcycles amongst others
f. Terrorists’ Activities. On 11 and 15 September 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress on activities of suspected terrorists in Maradun and Faskari LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina States. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
g. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Operations. On 13 and 17 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations rescued 24 kidnapped hostages in Mulumfashi and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State respectively.

13. Air Interdiction. On 9 September 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction following reports and confirmatory ISR on terrorists kingpin Gambo’s Enclave in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities. Consequently, the target was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.
14. Furthermore, on 13 September 2024, following reports, air component acquired a suspected notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji hideout in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. The location was observed and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY 

15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 73 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists and rescued 54 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 PKT guns, 12 AK47 rifles, 2 locally made gun, 2 RPG tubes, one RPG bomb, 479 rounds of PKT ammo, 442 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 610 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 182 rounds of MG ammo, 29 magazines, 42 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones 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; conducted fighting, arrested suspected violent extremists and conducted offensive operations in Birnin Gwari, Sabon Gari and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Minna and Suleja LGAs of Niger State. Troops also conducted operations in Okene LGA of Kogi State.
17. Details are as follows;

a. Fighting Patrols. On 10 September 2024, troops whiile fighting patrol responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops made no contact. Following a search, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 5 motorcycles.
b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Collaborators.
(1) On 9 and 10 September 2024, troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists including a father to a notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Yahuza Sule in Okene and Minna LGAs of Kogi and Niger States respectively.
(2) On 11 September 2024, following INTREP troops intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremists/terrorists collaborator in Sabon Gari LGA of Kaduna State. Suspect identified as PTE Dalha Tijani Ibrahim was intercepted while on delivery of military accoutrements to suspected terrorists.
(3) On 14 September 2024, troops while stop and search operations intercepted and arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/armed robbers including a Nigerian Police personnel in Suleja LGA of Niger State. Troos recovered one pistol loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 NP ID cards, 3 ATM cards, one motorcycle and one cutlass.
c. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 11 and 12 September 2024, combined troops in conjunction with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists/terrorists hideouts and made contact in Kachia and Suleja LGAs of Kaduna and Niger States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 extremists and arrested 12 suspects as well as recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 354 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N5,386,200.00 only amongst others.
(2) On 14 and 15 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operation made contact with suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 3 magazines, one baofeng radio and 3 motorcycles amongst others.
(3) Between 11 and 16 September 2024, combined troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/kidnappers in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State as well as Suleja and Tafa LGAs of Niger State. Additionally, Bwari and Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja as well as Jos North and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6, arrested 11 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 121 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and

18. Air Interdiction. On 10 September 2024, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH in a multiple passes conducted air interdictions in Giwa, Igabi and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State. The locations were observed to be active with terrorists activities. Consequently, the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY

15. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 13 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 491 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 magazines, one baofeng radio, 9 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N5,386,200.00 only amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

16. 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 conducted raid operations and arrested suspected arms dealer in Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State.

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 788,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 28,995 litres of illegally refined AGO, 300 litres of DPK and 3,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 9 dugout pits, 35 boats, 4 speedboats, 32 drums and 57 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 20 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, 14 vehicles, one motorcycles, one tricycle, 10 mobile phones and 71 illegal refining sites.
b. Raid Operations. On 11 September 2024, following reports troops raided a suspected violent extremists/armed gang’s hideouts and arrested 19 suspects including notorious gang leader in Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State. Troops also recovered one locally made single barrel gun, 33 live cartridges, one AK47 magazine with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle and 10 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Arrest of Suspected Arms Dealer.
(1) On 11 September 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremists/ arms dealer in Eastern Obolo LGA of Rivers State.
(2) On 12 September 2024, following a tip-off, troops conducted a search operation and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/ militants in Ovia South West LGA of Edo State. Troops recovered one dane gun, 2 live cartridges, one baofeng radio and a sum of N10,000.00 only amongst others.
d. Offensive Operations. On 12 and 16 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/armed vandals in Mbo and Ahoada West LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 and arrested 2 suspects. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 8 magazines and 69 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo amongst others.

SUMMARY

17. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 788,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 28,995 litres of illegally refined AGO, 300 litres of DPK and 3,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 9 dugout pits, 35 boats, 4 speedboats, 32 drums and 57 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 20 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, 14 vehicles, one motorcycles, one tricycle, 10 mobile phones and 71 illegal refining sites.
18. Troops neuralized 2 extremists, apprehended 41 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 magazines, 6 assorted arms and 189 assorted ammunitions.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

18. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; arrested of suspected IPOB/ESN/Kidnappers and rescued kidnapped hostages in Nsukka and Uzo-Uwani LGAs of Enugu State as well as Orumba South LGA of Anambra State respectively.
19. Details as follows:

a. Arrest of Suspected IPOB/ESN/Kidnappers.
(1) On 11 and 12 September 2024, folllowing a tip-off, troops in separate routine patrols intercepted and arrested 2 suspected notorious violent extremists/kidnappers in Orumba South and Nsukka LGAs Anambra and Enugu States respectively. One of the suspects was alleged to be a leader of Kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Nsukka LGA and environs.
(2) On 12 September 2024, following reports troops with Nigerian Police personnel and DSS operatives intercepted and arrested one suspected notorious IPOB/ESN members in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops also recovered a drone and one Dane gun.
(3) On 14 September 2024, troops while stop and search operations intercepted and arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/armed robbers including a Nigerian Police personnel in Suleja LGA of Niger State. Troos recovered one pistol loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 NP ID cards, 3 ATM cards, one motorcycle and one cutlass.
b. Rescue of Kidnap Victims. On 12 September 2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. During the operations, troops rescued 9 kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.

SUMMARY

20. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 8 extremists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, one SLR, one pump action gun, one AK47 rifle, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 4 vehicle amongst others. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.