Fresh Update From DHQ:Troops Neutralises Notorious Terrorist Commander Ya Audu And 115 Others In the last one week.

By Helen Udo,Outlook Media ABUJA.

Defence Headquarters (DHQ) revealed that last one week  it’s  troops have neutralized notorious terrorist commander Munzur Ya Audu and 115 others  in the  North East Zone of the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Majo. Gen. Edward Buba revealed this to newsmen  at a press briefing  on the ongoing military operations across various theatres of operations as of November 21 on Thursday in Abuj.

According to him”The aim of the armed forces in the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency war remains to find and destroy the terrorist and their cohorts  whenever they maybe hiding in our country.

“In achieving this aim, we recognise the need to  continue to act and respond forcefully against terrorist. Accordingly, we are collecting intelligence, hunting them and striking locations in which they are confirmed to be hibernating. For instance troops killed a notorious terrorist commander named Munzur Ya Audu in the NE through well executed operations, he said.

Furthermore, serious efforts has been emplaced  at  dismantling the military capabilities as well as the destroy the terror networks of these groups. Troops are also actively targeting terrorist logistics bases and other structures that have affiliation to terror groups.

During the week under review, troops neutralised 115 and arrested 238 persons. Troops also arrested 51 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 138 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Nine Hundred and Twenty One Million Eight Hundred and Forty Seven Thousand One Hundred and Forty Six Naira (N921,847,146.00) only.

   Furthermore, troops recovered 145 assorted weapons and 3,825 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: one GPMG, 2 PKT guns, 68 AK47 rifles, 2 AK56 rifles, 24 fabricated rifles, 28 dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, 6 locally made pistols, one pistol, 8 pump action guns, one hand grenade, 4 fabricated hand grenades, one RPG bomb and 3 explosives.

  Others are: 2,093 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 246 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 rounds of 7.62mm GPMG/PKM ammo, 129 live cartridges, 28 shotgun cartridges, 500 empty case of MG ammo, 147 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 3 empty cases of cartridges, 54 magazines, 3 baofeng radios, 3 handheld radios, one bandolier, 12 vehicles, 24 motorcycles, 11 bicycles, 51 mobile phones and the sum of N7,245,500.00 only amongst other items.

  Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 78 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 56 drums, 26 storage tanks and 56 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 2 speedboats, one barge, 2 tricycles, one pumping machine, 2 walkie talkie, 2 outboard engines, 9 mobile phones and 12 vehicles among others. Troops recovered 872,070 litres of stolen crude oil and 67,985 litres of illegally refined AGO.

    Based on the foregoing,  it is clear that troops focus is on fighting terrorist across the country. Accordingly, the air force has been striking the terrorist enclaves with air attacks. Troops have also exerted significant military power on areas in which the terrorists are hibernating.

Meanwhile, there is no gain stating that, we are at war against a cruel and vicious enemy. It is therefore imperative that we degrade their military capability and effectiveness.

Overall, troops are mission focussed, prepared and motivated to winning the war against terrorism. We recognise that, it is a difficult task and that there would be casualties. We are doing our possible best to minimise the casualties.

On the whole, it is our pride_ as a force to place ourselves in harms way in order to protect our citizens. We full committed to defeating all threat in order for citizens to live in a safer and more secured environment. This is the sacrifice we make as a force, for our nation.

. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants and families, arrested of terrorists/collaborators, as well as the conduct different offensive operations in Kaga, Konduga, Bama, Jere, Damboa, Chibok, Mafa and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State.

2. Additionally troops conducted similar operations in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
3. Details as follows:

a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Family Members. Between 13 and 19 Nov 24, a total of 22 terrorists comprising 2 adult males 5 adult females and 13 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 12 November 2024, troops with hybrid forces on offensive operation made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Kaga LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 2 AK56 rifle, 5 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, one RPG bomb, 342 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 9 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Between 12 and 18 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama, Jere and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, 210 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 magazines and 4 motorcycles amongst others.
c. ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Attackk on Troops. On 13 November 2024, ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters conducted surprise attack on troops while on patrol in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 21 terrorists including a notorious terrorist identified as Munzur (CO) Ya Audu as well as recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 2 PKT guns, one GPMG, 6 dane guns, 431 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 317 rounds of GPMG/PKT ammo, 500 empty cases of MG ammo, 147 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, one hand grenade, one bandolier, one baofeng radio, 11 motorcycles, 32 bicycles and 3 mobile phones. However, some gallant soldiers and hybrid forces were killed as well wounded, while some equipment were cartered away during the operations.
d. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborator. Between 12 and 19 November 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 17 ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and kidnappers in Damboa, Chibok, MMC, Mafa and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State.

SUMMARY

• Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 61 terrorists, arrested 34 suspects and rescued 32 kidnappers hostages. Troops also recovered one GPMG, 2 PKT guns, 32 AK47 rifles, 2 AK56 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, 9 dane gun, one RPG bomb, one hand grenade, 983 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 331 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm NATO, 317 rounds of GPMG/PKT ammo, 500 empty cases MG ammo, 147 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, one bandolier, one baofeng, 9 magazines, 18 motorcycles, 11 bicycles and 5 mobile phones amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; responded and arrest of violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted offensive operations in Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos, Kanam and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
7. Details are as follows: 

a. Violent Extremists Activities. On 11 November 2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers and made contact in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 extremists and recovered 2 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, 46 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. On 17 and 18 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Mangu and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 22 kidnapped hostages.
c. Arrests Operations. Between 13 and 19 November 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and apprehended 13 violent extremists/kidnappers including a gunrunner in Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Kanam LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 3 magazines, 125 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.

SUMMARY

9. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 7 violent extremists, arrested 27 persons and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, 151 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 magazines, 4 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

10. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; troops responded to terrorists activities, arrested violent extremists and conducted offensive operations in Lau, Bali, Kurmi and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Ukum, Gwer West, Gboko and Kwande LGAs of Benue State.
11. Details are as follows:

a. Terrorists Activities. On 13 November 2024, following earlier arrest of members of notorious terrorist gang including their leaders, troops counter a reprisal attack and made contact with terrorists in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 2 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one handheld radio amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 12 and 18 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Lau LGA of Taraba State. Troops conducted further offensives in Bali and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Ukum, Gwer West and Gboko LGAs of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and arrested 2 extremists. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 5 magazines, 5 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 98 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Arrests Operations. Between 12 and 16 November 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 8 extremists/gunrunner including a notorious kidnapper and a cameroonian identfied as a member of Ambazonia freedom fighter. Troops also rescued one kidnapped hostage all in Kurmi and Lau LGAs of Taraba State as well as Kwande and Keffi LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States respectively.

SUMMARY

12. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 21 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 6 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 12 magazines, one HH radio and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

13. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/terrorists and conducted offensive operations operations in Jibia, Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Garun Mallam and Tsafe LGAs of Kano and Zamfara States.
14. Troops also conducted similar offensive operations in Isa and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Danko Wasagu and Rafi LGAs of Kebbi and Niger States.
15. Details are as follows;

a. Arrest Operations. Between 11 and 16 November 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 24 terrorists/collaborators including a terrorist kingpin identified as Lawali Sani (aka Dantsoho) and a minor in Tangaza and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Jibia and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. Additionally, troops conducted similar operations in Garun Mallam and Tsafe LGAs of Kano and Zamfara States. During the operations, troops recovered 7 fabricated rifles, 3 locally made guns, 124 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 magazines, 9 mobile phones and the sum of N5,128,000.00 only amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 12 and 18 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of terrorists/kidnappers in Danko-Wasagu and Rafi LGAs of Kebbi and Niger States as well as Sabon Birnin and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State. Additionally, troops conducted similar operations in Jibia, Danmusa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages while 7 family members of terrorists comprising of 2 adults females and 5 children surrendered to troops. Furthermore, troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 7 magazines, 314 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 3 explosives amongst others.

16. Air Interdiction. Following credible reports and confirmatory ISR on the hibernating of terrorists at notorious terrorists kingpin’s Sadiku’s and Sola’s in Safana and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State.The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures were destroyed.
17. Similarly, On 11 and 13 November 2024, the air component conducted air interdiction on terrorist enclaves in Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. The locations were observed to be active with terrorists activities. Subsequently the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY 

18. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 28 terrorists, arrested 77 persons and rescued 57 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 9 fabricated rifles, 4 dane guns, 3 locally made pistols, 3 explosives, 550 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 201 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 15 magazines, 2 motorcycles, 13 mobile phones and the sum of N7,245,500.00 amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

19. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; arrested suspected violent extremists/terrorists as well as conducted offensive operations in Lokoja and Borgu LGAs of Kogi and Niger States as well as Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. Additionally, troops conducted similar operations in Bassa and Ajaokuta LGAs of Kogi State.
20. Details are as follows;

a. Arrests Operations. On 17 and 18 November 2024, following a credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 4 violent extremists/kidnappers in Lokoja and Borgu LGAs of Kogi and Niger States as well as Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops recovered 2 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one fragmental jacket.
b. Offensive Operations. On 17 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided violent extremists/kidnappers hideouts in Bassa and Ajaokuta LGAs of Kogi State. During the operations, troops arrested 6 extremists including one kidnapper identified as Mal Baushe as well as recovered 2 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, one locally made revolver pistol, one pistol, 5 magazines, 133 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 28 shotgun cartridges, 3 empty cartridges, 4 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

SUMMARY

21. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 2 terrorists and arrested 15 violent extremists. Troops also recovered 2 fabricated rifles, 13 dane guns, one locally made revolver pistol, one locally made pistol, one pistol, 167 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 28 shotgun cartridges, 22 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 5 magazines, 4 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones mongst others items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

22. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
23. Troops also arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted offensive operations in which they engaged in fire fights in Degema, Ahoada West and Onelga LGAs of Rivers State.

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 872,070 litres of stolen crude oil and 67,985 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 78 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 56 drums, 26 storage tanks and 56 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 2 speedboats, one barge, 2 tricycles, one pumping machine, 2 walkie talkie, 2 outboard engines, 9 mobile phones and 12 vehicles among others.
b. Fire Fights. On 12 and 13 November 2024, troops in separate operations engaged in fire fights with violent extremists/pirates and pipeline vandals in Degema and Ahoada West LGAs of Rivers State. During the operations, troops arrested 4 extremists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine, 2 walkie talkie 2 outboard engines and one speedboat amongst others.
c. Offensive Operations. On 16 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operation responded to information of activities of violent extremists/bunkerers in Esan SE and Ohrionmwo LGAs of Edo State as well as Onelga and Ahoada West LGAs of Rivers State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 8 extremists and recovered 3 AK rifles and 57 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

SUMMARY

• Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 872,070 litres of stolen crude oil and 67,985 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 78 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 56 drums, 26 storage tanks and 56 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 2 speedboats, one barge, 2 tricycles, one pumping machine, 2 walkie talkie, 2 outboard engines, 9 mobile phones and 12 vehicles among others.
• Troops apprehended 40 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered one magazine, 8 assorted arms and 100 assorted ammunitions.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

• Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; troops conducted offensive operations and arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists and collaborators in Orumba South and Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State as well as Okigwe, Ehime Mbano and Orsu LGAs of Imo State. Additionally, troops conducted similar operations in Umunneochi and Ohaozara LGAs of Abia and Ebonyi States respectively.
• Details as follows:

a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 11 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to distress calls on activities of violent extremists/IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orumba South and Okigwe LGAs of Anambra and Imo States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued one kidnapped personnel and recovered one AK47 rifle, one pump action gun, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 14 cartridges and 3 fabricated hand grenades amongst others.
(2) Between 10 and 17 November 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orumba South and Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State as well as Umunneochi and Ohaozara LGAs of Abia and Ebonyi States respectively. Additionally, troops conducted similar operations in Ehime Mbano and Orsu LGAs of Imo State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and arrested 6 collaborators as well as recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 7 pump action guns, one locally made hand grenade, 114 cartridges, 5 magazines, one baofeng radio, 2 motorcycles and 13 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations. On 14 November 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested 2 IPOB/ESN terrorists informants in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 mobile phones and one baofeng radio.

SUMMARY

• Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 8 pump action guns, 4 fabricated hand grenades, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 128 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 5 magazines, 2 motorcycles and 15 mobile phones amongst other items.
• Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.