***Sustains Momentum in Fight Against Terrorists, Criminals
The armed forces remain vigilant, adapting their strategies to counter evolving tactics employed by criminal elements nationwide.
They are also determined to eliminate safe havens that fund, equip, and support these criminals.
The military’s commitment is unwavering, as they intensify efforts across various operations to root out criminals and terrorists, ultimately restoring peace to the nation.
This was made known in a report made available to newsmen today 12 October 2023, signed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence media operations. The report highlighted progress made across Troops in different Theatre of operations.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have been actively engaged in securing the region. Notable successes include the ambush of BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, resulting in the neutralization of five terrorists and the recovery of 5 AK47 rifles and 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Furthermore, BH/ISWAP fighters surrendered in Bama LGA, and two terrorists turned themselves in, providing valuable information.
Stop and search operations led to the arrest of terrorists and their collaborators in Mobbar and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States. Overall, the operation saw the recovery of 17 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade, and 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. While Troops neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 26 individuals, and successfully rescued six kidnapped hostages.
In same vein in the North Central region, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN have been conducting patrols and cordon-and-search operations to counter criminal activities. Notable successes included the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Kanam LGA of Plateau State and in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. The suspects were in the process of collecting ransom for kidnapped hostages. The troops recovered 2 mobile phones, local charms, and 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.Troops also neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North Central region reported raid operations, fighting patrols, and the rescue of victims. Troops neutralized terrorists and arrested suspected bunkerers. Additionally, a gunrunner was arrested, and arms and ammunition were recovered, including 4 terrorists neutralized and 28 arrested.
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted fighting patrol and neutralize terrorists in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops also rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of the same. Additionally, troops conducted offensive operations in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State while arresting terrorist’s collaborators and informants in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State.
The operation led to the neutralization of terrorists in Faskari LGA of Katsina State and the rescue of 22 kidnapped hostages. Offensive operations in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State led to the arrest of terrorists’ collaborators and informants. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine, and one vehicle.Air interdiction missions disrupted terrorists’ activities, and the recovery of weapons and ammunition, including 5 AK47 rifles, was a significant achievement.
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted offensive operations and neutralized terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested terrorist’s collaborators and informants in Chikun and Mariga LGAs of Kaduna and Kogi State respectively. Additionally, troops arrested a gunrunner and recovered arms and ammunitions in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State, while foiling a kidnapped incident in Ankpa LGA of Kogi State. Troops also arrested armed robbers in Dekina LGA of Kogi State.
On 3 October 2023, following credible intelligence of terrorists’ activities, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at Palele. Overhead the location, the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets neutralizing several terrorists.
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 2 pump action guns, 94 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 empty cases of 9 mm ammo, 6 empty cases of 7.62 mm NATO ammo (blank ammo), 10 empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo among others.
Troops also eliminated 4 terrorists, arrested 31 suspected terrorists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages.
In the South South region, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE continued their fight against crude oil theft and criminal activities. Several illegal refining sites were destroyed, and stolen products were recovered. Troops foiled robbery activities and rescued 3 kidnapped victims in Okpe LGA of Delta State. Additionally, a criminal was neutralized, and 19 suspected oil thefts were arrested.
Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 54 dugout pits, 66 boats, 138 storage tanks, 253 cooking ovens, 2 pumping machines, 8 speedboat, 17 hoses, 18 drums, 2 cylinders, and 53 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 983,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 144,980 litres of illegally refined AGO and 71,650 litres of DPK.
Troops also neutralized one criminal, rescued 3 hostages and arrested 19 suspected oil thefts and recovered one fabricated rifle, 18 vehicles and one torch light.
Troops of operation UDO KA conducted snap operation and arrested suspected IPOB/ESN in Ikwo and Okigwe LGAs of Ebonyi and Imo States respectively. Troops conducted fighting patrols in Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. Additionally, the operations led to the arrest of terrorists and the recovery of arms and ammunition.
On 5 October 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid force conducted fighting patrols in Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. Troops made contact with criminals. Following a firefight, troops arrested 2 criminals and recovered 2 locally made guns, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one FN rifle barrel, one Ogbunigwe, several IED materials, 2 motorcycles, 3 CCTV cameras, one HP laptop and 8 mobile phones among other items.
In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 12 suspected criminals and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 locally made guns, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one FN rifle barrel, IED materials, 10 water gel explosives, 3 detonators, one detonating cord among others.
In the conduct of these operations, troops have neutralized terrorists, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages. Their efforts reflect the unwavering commitment of Nigeria’s Armed Forces to ensure peace and security for all Nigerians.
Major General Edward Buba, emphasized that the military remains dedicated to its mission of safeguarding the nation. While stating that all recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
