From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Media Operations(DMO), said soldiers on counter insurgency and other internal security operations across the country, have killed over 45, terrorists, bandits, oil thieves, members of IPOB and political thugs in the last two weeks.
The DMO, also said the soldiers arrested 85, terrorists, rescued 119 kidnapped persons and denied oil thieves from stealing crude oil worth over N277,million, while 1,506 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families comprising 154 adult males, 514 adult females and 838 children surrendered to troops at various theatre of operations.
DMO Director Major General Musa Danmadami, made this known at the bi-weekly briefing on troop’s operational successes conducted between March 9- 23, in the various theaters within the 6 geo-political zones of the country.
He said within the period under review, troops recovered 561,200 litres of crude oil, 119,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 1 fibre boat, 5 pumping machines, 2 outboard engines, 10 new geepee tanks, 1 tricycle and 6 vehicles while a total of 9 suspected criminals were apprehended.
He stated the gallant troops discovered and destroyed a total of 107 illegal refining sites, 140 storage tanks, 58 reservoirs, 151 ovens, 68 dugout pits and 22 wooden boats during patrols, raids and clearance operations conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta, River State, Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.
Danmadami, said in the past two weeks, troops have continued to make tremendous successes in all its operations with the recovery and seizures of several weapons, destruction of criminal hideouts and arrest of terrorists informants, drug dealers among other criminals.
Giving an update on military operations conducted across the country, Gen. Danmadami, said “Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI and other operations in the North East zone have sustained and continued to dominate their general area of operation. Operational activities were conducted in villages, forest, mountains, towns and cities of Gwoza, Askira – Uba, Kukawa, Monguno, Damboa, Mobbar, Konduga, Ngala, Bama, Dikwa and Guzamala Local Government Area of Borno State and Yunusari, Geidam, Karasuwa and Damaturu Local Government Areas of Yobe State. Operations were also conducted in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State. Several raids, fighting patrols and ambushes operation were conducted to curb the activities of terrorists and other criminals elements within the Area of Operation. Notably, between 10 and 11 March 2023, troops while acting on credible intelligence ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at locations within Askira-Uba, Kukawa, Gwoza and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State. At these locations, troops made contact with the terrorists, during which 7 terrorists were neutralized while other fled in disarray with gun shot wounds. Troops exploited these areas and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 64 rounds of 7.62mm special, 128 rounds of 7.62mm belted ammo, 1 pump action gun, 1 PKT machine gun, 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 1 jack knife, 1 mechanic tools box, military camouflage uniform, 1 boafeng radio, 6 motorcycles, 1 blanket, 4 mobile phone and 1 sack of groundnut.
3. Equally, on 12 March 2023, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted a vehicle and arrested 6 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist logistics suppliers at Kalari Abdul village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops recovered 1 vehicle, 8 mobile phones, the sum of N2,226,450.00 only amongst other items. On the same day, troops conducted search and rescue operation at suspected kidnappers hideout at Moyaladi, Miya and Gaya villages in Askira-Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and Modori and Gurusulu villages in Yunusari Local Government Area of Yobe State. Following the operation, 4 suspected kidnappers were arrested and 6 kidnapped victims rescued while troops recovered 1 AK47 rifle and 6 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
4. In another development, on 14 March 2023, troops conducted clearance operations to terrorists enclaves within Ngala Local Government Area of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and following a fire fight, 6 terrorists were neutralized. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 10 dane guns, 12 dummy rifles, 118 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm NATO ammo, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm NATO ammo, 1 round of 12.7mm NATO, 41 livestock, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N4,000.00 only. Troops also rescued 49 kidnapped civilians comprising 26 adults and 23 children. Additionally, between 15 – 22 March 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province enclaves at villages within Biu, Gwoza and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State encountered terrorists. Following fierce fire fights, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 5. Troops exploited these various locations and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 7 AK47 magazines, 1 x 60mm mortar, 1 firing pin, 102 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 donkeys, 10 mobile phones, 10 sachets of Axzol tablets, 199 sachets of tramadol tablets and the sum of N4,370.00 only as well as also rescued 64 kidnapped victims. Equally, on 12 March 2023, troops conducted operations to a terrorists leader hideout at Zodie village in Bali Local Government Area of Taraba State but no contact was made. Troops however, search the area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 18 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 5 sim cards, NIMC printout and 81 cattle suspected to belong to the terrorist leader.
5. Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops in the North East zone recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 1 x 60mm mortar bomb, 10 dane guns, 12 dummy rifles, 1 pump action gun, 1 PKT gun, 280 rounds of 7.62mm special, 118 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm NATO, 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm NATO ammo, 1 round of 12.7mm NATO, 17 AK47 magazines, 1 firing pin, 1 mechanic tools box, 2 knives, 6 motorcycles, 24 mobile phones, 41 live stocks, assorted food items, 1 vehicle, 4 sim and other sundry items as well as the cash sum of N2,234,820.00 only. Troops neutralized 13 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, arrested 6 logistics suppliers and rescued 119 abducted civilians, while a total of 1,506 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families comprising 154 adult males, 514 adult females and 838 children surrendered to own troops at different location within the theatre of operation. All recovered items, rescued civilians, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families are been profiles for further action.
6. Equally, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air interdiction operations against terrorists enclaves and logistics in support of ground operations. Notably, on 15 March 2023, following intelligent report that revealed the gathering of some wanted terrorists in some forest located in Borno and Yobe States to re-strategizing on their terrorist’s escapades. Consequently, several air interdictions operations were carried out at these locations. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized in the airstrike, while ground forces on mob up operations to locations recovered 1 gun truck, 3 AK47 rifles, 1 PKM gun, 1 PKM metal link with 19 rounds, 2 Improvised Explosive Devices, 129 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm ammunition, 5 motorcycles fuel tanks, 3 bullet proof plates, 60 solar panel, while 2 terrorists logistic depots were also destroyed.
NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
7. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN and WHIRL STROKE have sustained the offensive against terrorists and other criminal elements in their general area of operations. In furtherance to this, operational activities were carried out in villages and Local Government Areas of Kwara, Plateau, Kogi and Niger States. On 12 March 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers while attempting to collect ransom for a kidnapped victim at Gegu-Beki village in Kogi Local Government Area, Kogi State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was sent to collect the sum of N2,000,000.00.
8. Additionally, on 11 Mar 2023, based on credible intelligence, troops conducted fighting patrol to Gbugbu forest area in Patigi Local Government Area of Kwara State. Following an encounter, troops arrested 6 suspected terrorist and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 bufallo trucks with 2 boxes of alkaline battery, 31 headsets, 6 tyres, 2 exhaust pipes, 2 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit, 1 pumping machine and a gear box. On the same day, following credible intelligent troops in conjunction with DSS agents on search operation to Kassa village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State intercepted and arrested one person and recovered 584 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
9. Equally, between 16 – 22 March 2023, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted fighting patrols to criminal hideout in villages in Guma and Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue State and made contact with terrorists. Following an encounter, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 pistols, 2 dane guns, 44 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 2 AK47 magazines, 1 cartridge, 18 cutlasses, 3 ID cards, 1 mobile phone, and bunch of keys. Troops also rescued 5 kidnapped civilians and arrested 7 criminals. In another development, troops conducted fighting patrol to Independence National Electoral Commission office in Ilorin-West Local Government Area of Kwara State on 18 March 2023 and intercepted some armed thugs. Troops search the area where the thugs were seen and recovered 2 pump action guns, 4 locally made dane guns, 2 machetes, 4 mobile phones and 1 vehicle as well as arrested 6 thugs.
10. Accordingly, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 pistols, 6 dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 2 AK47 magazines, 5 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 628 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 cartridge, 18 cutlasses, 2 machetes, 1 pumping machine, 6 tyres, 31 used headsets, 2 boxes of alkaline battery, 2 exhaust pipes, 2 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit, bunch of keys, and 3 ID cards among other items. Troops neutralized 8 bandits and arrested 28 criminals. Troops also rescued 5 kidnapped civilians and recovered the sum of N2,000,000.00 meant for ransom. All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued civilians have been handed over to relevant authority for further action.
NORTH WEST ZONE
11. Troops of Operations HADARIN DAJI and other operations in the North West zone have continue to sustained their dominance over the menace of terrorist and other criminal activities. Precisely, on 10 March 2023, troops intercepted and arrested 11 suspected terrorists at Dukku town in Dukku Local Government Area of Gombe State. Troops searched the general area and recovered 7 pump action guns, 2 locally fabricated cartridges and 10 mobile phones. Also, between 11 – 13 March 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to bandits camps at villages within Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State as well as villages within Wasagu/Danko, and Zuru Local Government Areas of Kebbi State and made contact with terrorists. Following the various encounters, troops neutralized 2 bandits while others fled with gun shot injuries. Troops exploited the various camps and recovered 139 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm links of PKM ammunition, 8 motorcycles, 175 cows, 113 sheep and 2 mobile phones, while 12 kidnapped victims were also rescued.
12. Also, on 12 and 16 March 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Fatika village in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Maru Local Government Area of Zamafara State responded to information on terrorists activities. Troops made contact with terrorists and following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists while others fled. Troops however, searched the area and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 AK47 magazines, 26 rounds of 7.62mm x 39mm special ammunition, 4 motorcycles, 1 solar panel, 1 handheld pump and the sum of N23,700 only. Additionally, between 16 – 22 March 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to villages in Chikun and Birni Gwari Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi state, Shinkafi Local Government of Zamfara State and Isa Local Government Area of Sokoto State and made contact with terrorists. Following the various firefights, troops neutralized 11 terrorists and destroyed 11 motorcycles. Troops also recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 1 PKT MG, 218 rounds of 7.62mm special, 47 rounds of PKT ammunition, 9 smoke canister, 4 locally made IEDs, 1 40mm HEAP bomb, 1 RPG 7 tube, 1 jack knife, 6 cartridges, 2 AK47 magazines loaded with 40 rounds of 7.62mm special among other items.
13. Equally, on 11 March 2023, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE while on reconnaissance mission intercepted and arrested 2 bandits suppliers at the outskirt of Gwagwada village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Cumulatively, within the period in review, troops in the North West zone recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 1 PKT MG, 1 RPG 7 tube, 15 AK47 magazine, 7 pump action guns, 139 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm link ammunition, 218 rounds of 7.62mm special, 47 rounds of PKT ammunition, 9 smoke canister, 4 locally made IEDs, 1 40mm HEAP ammunition, 2 locally made cartridges, 12 mobile phones, 8 motorcycles, packets of detergents, hard drugs, assorted food items and the sum of N9,670.00. Troops equally neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 12 terrorists logistics supplier and rescued 16 abducted civilians. All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued civilians have been handed over to relevant authority for further action.
SOUTH SOUTH ZONE
14. Troops of Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE and other operations in the South South region of the country have continued to sustain the war against oil theft, illegal refineries and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta through aggressive patrols, raids and clearance operations amongst other activities. Operations were conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta, River State, Cross River and Akwa Ibom state respectively, which yielded significant results. Notably, on 18 and 20 March 2023, troops on patrol within Igbematoro – Kolama water ways in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and Owa Aleru village in Ika North East Local Government Area of Delta State responded to a kidnap incident but no contact was made. Troops exploited the area and recovered 1 AK47 rifle and 2 magazines loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 locally made pistol, 1 cartridge, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 cutlasses and 4 mobile phones amongst other sundry items.
15. Equally, on 19 March 2023, troops responded to election disruption within Ogbakiri community in Emouha Local Government Area of Rivers State and made contact with armed thugs and arrested 12 armed thugs. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 1 FN rifle, 4 AK47 magazines, 1 pistol loaded with 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 1 pump action gun, 4 cartridges, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special and 1 hilux vehicle. Additionally, troops of Operation of DELTA SAFE in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and Operation DAKATAR DA BARAWO within the weeks in focus discovered and destroyed 107 illegal refining sites, 140 storage tanks, 58 reservoirs, 151 ovens, 68 dugout pits and 22 wooden boats. Troops equally recovered 561,200 litres of crude oil, 119,000 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 1 fibre boat, 5 pumping machines, 2 outboard engines, 10 new geepee tanks, 1 tricycle and 6 vehicles while a total of 9 suspected criminals were apprehended. All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over the appropriate authority for further action. It is worth mentoring that the sum of Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Million, Three Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Naira (N277,357,800.00) only was denied oil thieves.
SOUTH EAST ZONE
16. Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA in the South East zone of the country have sustained fight against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the zone. Notably, on 10 March 2023, troops conducted cordon and search operation to villages in Igo-Eze and Isi-Uzo North Local Government Areas of Enugu State. During the operations, troops arrested 18 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals. Troops also recovered 4 serviceable and 2 unserviceable pump action guns, 11 cartridges, 13 machetes, 3 knives, 161 Permanent Voters Cards, 10 pairs of boots, 1 handcuff, 3 camp beds amongst others items, while 2 criminals were also neutralized during the operations. Equally, between 11 – 14 March 2023, troops on fighting patrols to Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network camp in villages within Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State and Oguta Local Government Area of Imo State, made contact with criminals and neutralized 2 terrorists. Troops exploited the general areas and recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 7 pump action guns, 4 dane guns, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1 locally made pistol, 7 live cartridges, 1 double barrel gun, 2 cutlasses, 5 locally made handcuffs, 1 vehicle, 6 motorcycles, 34 pairs of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network uniforms, 3 black boots, while 7 criminals were also arrest.
17. Also, between 16 – 22 March 2023, troops on patrol to Nenwe Junction in Aniri Local Government Area of Enugu State and villages in Ezza North Local Government Area of Ebonyi State had encounters with Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals mounted on motorcycles enroute camps. Troops pursued the criminals and in the fire fights that ensued, 3 criminals were neutralized and 7 arrested during the operations. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 10 pump action guns, 3 locally fabricated pistol, 46 empty cases of ammunition, 3 AK47 magazines, 170 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 carton and 17 pieces of cartridges, 1 cutlass, 4 boafeng radios, 5 mobile phones and 8 motorcycles. Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 5 AK47 rifle, 29 pump action guns, 3 dane guns, 4 locally made pistol, 1 double barrel gun, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 188 rounds of 7.62mm special, 46 empty cases of ammunition, 7 live cartridges, 3 magazines, 4 boafeng radios, 16 machetes, 3 knives, 14 motorcycles, 1 vehicle, 5 mobile phones and several pairs of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network uniforms and boots. Troops also neutralized 7 criminals and arrested 32 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals. All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
SOUTH WEST ZONE
18. Troops of Operation AWATSE in the South West region of the country have continue to clamp down on the activities of criminal elements within the general area of operations. Notably, on 10 March 2023, troops in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency raided Awuyaya and General paints at Ajah general area in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State. During the operation, troops arrested 14 suspected criminals and recovered 5kg cannabis, 7kg illicits drugs, 7 bottles of codeine, 6g of tramadol, 5g of methamphetamine and the sum of N3,250.00. Equally, troops on patrol to Yemetu area in Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State, Idanre – Ominifunfun village in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo State and Onini, Victoria Island in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State encountered and arrested 7 armed thugs attempting to disrupt electoral process on 18 March 2023. Troops recovered from armed thugs 4 AK47 rifles, 3 Jack knives, one cartridge gun, 3 mobile phones, 1 cutlass and 350 sachets of cannabis.
19. On a final note, I wish to once again convey the military high command commendations on the unrelenting efforts of troops and other security agencies in the various theatres of operations across the country. The media community is also acknowledged for their partnership and continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies, in our quest to restore peace and security to our dear Country. Also, the entire populace is hereby appreciated, for the support given to the members Armed Forces and other security agencies in the conduct of our various operations across the country, while also urging them to continue to provide prompt and creditable information on the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements, in their respective areas.