By Joy Odor
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Bubba has disclosed that the Nigeria military arrested
several notorious kidnappers and notorious gun runners identified as Mohammed Musa (aka Mamman) were in Plateau State on the onslaught and aggression against terrorists across the various theatres of operation in the country.
According to him in a press statement on the ongoing military operations across the country, 203 persons were arrested with 50 perpetrators of oil theft arrested and rescued 161 kidnapped hostages.
The DDMO affirmed that in the South South (SS), troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Twenty Eight Million Two Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Naira (N728,297,650.00) only.
He explained that the troops recovered 228 assorted weapons and 6,749 assorted ammunition.
“The breakdown as follows: 4 GPMGs, 3 G3 rifles, 85 AK47 rifles, 38 fabricated rifles, 36 dane guns, 12 FN rifles, 3 fabricated revolver pistol, 24 locally made pistols, 16 pump action guns, 2 single barrel guns, one berretta pistol, 4 hand grenades, 3 IEDs and 63 magazines.
“Others are: 2,891 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,354 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 586 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 821 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 12 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 409 rounds of 7.62mm PKT ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm PKT ammo, 21 rounds of 9mm ammo, 618 live cartridges, 1,146 assorted empty cases of ammo, 3 bandoliers, 4 baofeng radios, 15 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 42 mobile phones and the sum of N577,800.00 only amongst other items.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 25 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 38 boats, 44 storage tanks and 47 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include 6 speedboats, 3 receivers, 48 drums, 3 motorcycles, one mobile phone and 12 vehicles among others.
“Troops recovered 765,680 litres of stolen crude oil and 86,725 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Maj Gen Buba informed that all efforts are aimed at degrading terrorists wherever they are hibernating or hiding, maintaining that the troops will continue to act with tremendous force to ensure the terrorists and their cohorts are completely destroyed.
He assured that the Troops will also continue to create an atmosphere in which citizens live in peace and are safe from acts of terror.
In other development, the Troops of Joint Tasks Forces (JTF)Operation HADIN KAI in the North East 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 of different offensive operations in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Damboa, Ngala, Magumeri, Mafa and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Additionally troops conducted similar operations in Gujba and Michika LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa States.
Details as follows:
a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Family Members.
(1) Between 25 and 26 Nov 24, a total of 53 terrorists comprising 3 adult males, 2 adult females and 7 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
(2) On 2 December 2024, one ISWAP terrorists with 10 members of his family comprising one adult male with 3 adult females and 7 children surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one mob phone.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 2 and 4 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 12 terrorists collaborators and kidnappers in Gubio and Askira Uba LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 mobile phones and the sum of N129,500.00 only amongst others.
(2) Between 4 and 10 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations made contact with terrorists in Damboa, Kukawa, Magumeri and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Michika LGA of Adamawa State respectively. During the operations, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and arrested 14 terrorists collaborators. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 4 magazines and 73 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 3 and 4 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact and repelled ISWAP/JAS terrorists attack in Bama, Konduga and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State respectively.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 4 dane guns, 4 hand grenades, 7 magazines, 293 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 113 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 6 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Between 4 and 9 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza, Konduga, Damboa, Bama and Ngala LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 16 terrorists and recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 213 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 55 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm PKT ammo, 4 magazines, 4 motorcycles, one bicycle and one mobile phone amongst others.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 53 terrorists, arrested 55 suspects and rescued 17 kidnappers hostages. Troops also recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 4 hand grenades, 670 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 168 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 32 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm PKT ammo, 16 magazines, 10 motorcycles, one bicycle, 14 mobile phones and the sum of N129,500.00 only amongst other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted offensive operations in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bokkos, Riyom and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga, Kauru and Shendam LGAs of Kaduna State.
Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) Between 2 and 4 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate offensive operations intercepted and arrested 5 violent extremists including a notorious terrorist kingpin in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State.
(2) Between 4 and 10 December 2024, following credible tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 7 violent extremists/terrorists including a notorious gunrunner identified as Mohammed Musa (aka Mamman) in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.
During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles and 439 rounds of 7.62mm special concealed in a gallon as well as the sum of N79,300.00 only amongst others.
b. Terrorist Activities. On 4 December 2024, troops while on offensive operation responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 4 and 9 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers and made contact in Kauru and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Jos South, Mangu and Shendam LGAs of Plateau State respectively.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 6 extremists and rescued 43 kidnapped hostages.
During the operations, troops also recovered 4 fabricated rifles, 4 locally fabricated pistols, 5 dane guns, 44 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 141 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 21 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 10 violent extremists, arrested 26 persons and rescued 60 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 4 locally pistols, 483 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 141 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 21 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones amongst others.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
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 Yorro, Zinna, Lau, Ibi Wukari and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 3 December 2024, following a credible report, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested 5 violent extremist/kidnappers as well as militia collaborator an ally of a notorious Vioyior John Gata’s militia gang in Yorro, Zinna and Takum LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops rescued one kidnapped hostage.
(2) On 7 and 8 December 2024, following a tip-off, troops while conducting offensive operations conducted search and rescue in Ibi and Lau LGAs of Taraba State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 violent extremists and recovered one AK47 rifle and one dane gun.
b. Offensive Operations. On 7 and 8 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/terrorists in Wukari and Karu LGAs of Taraba and Nasarawa States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 12 violent extremists including the national president Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, Alhaji Abdullahi Bello Bodejo. Troops also recovered one berretta pistol, 5 rounds of 9mm ball para-ammo, one vehicle, one motorcycle,
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized one terrorist, arrested 26 violent extremists and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one dane gun, one baretta pistol, 5 rounds of 9mm ball para-ammo, one vehicle and one motorcycle amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operations in Tangaza, Isa and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Jibia, Danmusa and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State.
Troops also conducted similar offensive operations in Yankuzo, Tsafe and Bukkuyyum LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Kaura LGA of Kaduna State.
Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) Between 2 and 4 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations such as raid and fighting patrols made contact with terrorists in Tangaza, Isa and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Jibia and Kaura LGAs of Katsina and Kaduna States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 4 and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered 11 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 3 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, 7 magazines, 425 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 116 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 409 rounds of PKT ammo, 7 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Between 5 and 8 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Yankuzo Tsafe and Bukkuyyum LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Danmusa and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 57 terrorists and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 GPMGs, 2 G3 rifle, 32 AK47 rifles, 20 fabricated rifles, 7 FN rifles, 12 dane guns, 10 pump action guns, 13 locally fabricated pistols, 821 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 542 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 700 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 231 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo and 231 live cartridges. Others are: 1,023 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 103 empty cases of cartridges, 34 AK47 magazines, 10 FN magazines, 3 bandoliers, 3 baofeng radios, 2 HH radios, 6 motorcycles and 12 mobile phones amongst others.
Air Interdiction Following the recent attack on the ISR platform while conducting armed reconnaissance overhead terrorist’s camp, the stronghold of BH terrorists under the command of notorious terrorist kingpin Mallam Sadiku in Shiroro LGA of Niger State.
On 5 December 2024, air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted a well-coordinated air interdiction at the location with the aim of eliminating the terrorists and destroying the AA gun in the location.
Consequently, the crew deliberately and painstakingly acquired and attacked the target with rockets and bombs.
Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics including the AA gun were destroyed.
Additionally, on 3 and 5 December 2024, air components in multiple passes conducted similar missions at Yusuf Yellow’s and Hassan Maitaro’s terrorist enclaves as well as Asola Hill all in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. Following credible reports and confirmatory ISR, the locations were acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 93 terrorists, arrested 33 persons and rescued 67 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 GPMGs, 2 G3 rifles, 43 AK47 rifles, 26 fabricated rifles, 16 dane guns, 10 pump action guns, 7 FN rifles, 16 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, 1,246 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 658 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 821 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 409 rounds of PKT ammo, 231 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo and 231 live cartridges
Other are: 1,023 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 103 empty cartridges, 3 bandoliers, 41 AK47 magazines, 10 FN magazines, 3 baofeng radios, 2 HH radios, 13 motorcycles and 17 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; responded to information on activities of terrorists in Kabba Bunu and Munya LGAs of Kogi and Niger States respectively.
Details are as follows;
a. Terrorists’ Activities. On 3 and 4 December 2024, following a tip off, troops in separate operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Kabba-Bunu and Munya LGAs of Kogi and Niger States respectively. During operations, troops arrested 3 extremists/kidnappers and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 3 violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
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 arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted several offensive operations in Southern Ijaw and Oron LGAs of Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom States as well as Ikpoba-Okha LGA of Edo State.
Troops also conducted similar operations in Oshimili South and Ndokwa East LGAs of Delta State.
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 765,680 litres of stolen crude oil and 86,725 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 25 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 38 boats, 44 storage tanks and 47 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered include 6 speedboats, 3 receivers, 48 drums, 3 motorcycles, one mobile phone and 12 vehicles among others.
b. Arrest Operations. On 3 December 2024, following a tip off, troops while on patrol arrested one violent extremist, an ally of a wanted suspect in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 3 and 9 December 2024, troops conducted separate offensive operations in Ikpoba-Okha and Oron LGAs of Edo and Akwa Ibom States as well as Oshimili South and Ndokwa East LGAs of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 765,680 litres of stolen crude oil and 86,725 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 25 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 38 boats, 44 storage tanks and 47 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 6 speedboats, 3 receivers, 48 drums, 3 motorcycles, one mobile phone and 12 vehicles among others.
Troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 50 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists.
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 Umunneochi and Orumba LGAs of Abia and Anambra States as well as Nsukka and Okposi Ohaozara LGAs of Enugu State.
Troops also conducted similar operations in Okigwe, Orsu and Isiala Mbano LGAs of Imo State as well as Ohaozara LGA of Ebonyi State respectively.
Details as follows:
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) Between 2 and 5 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Umunneochi and Okigwe LGAs of Abia and Imo States respectively.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and recovered one G3 rifle, 4 pump action guns, 4 dane guns, one locally made pistol, one empty MG belt, 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 55 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 12 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 172 live cartridges, 3 empty case of 7.62mm ammo, one baofeng radio, 3 vehicles, one motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Between 4 and 9 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to distress calls on activities of IPOB/ESN terrorists and made contact in Orumba North and Nsukka LGAs Anambra and Enugu States as well as Okigwe and Orsu LGAs of Imo State.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 2 GPMG, 12 AK47 rifles, 2 single barrel guns, 10 pistols, 2 revolver pistols, 411 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 241 round of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 355 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo and 166 live cartridges. Others are: 13 empty cartridges, 4 empty cases of 12.7mm ammo, 6 AK47 magazines, 2 FN rifle magazines, 3 IEDs, 3 vehicles, 3 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N369,000.00 only amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 2 December 2024, following a credible tip-off, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested one IPOB/ESN informant in Isiala Mbano LGA of Imo State.
(2) On 6 and 8 December 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations arrested 3 IPOB/ESN terrorists and collaborators in Okposi Ohaozara and Ohaozara LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 2 pump action guns, 2 locally made pistols, 3 dane guns, one fabricated rifle, 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 49 live cartridges and one bandolier amongst others.
Maritime Operations. The maritime component of Operation UDO KA with combined troops and other sister security agencies conducted offensive operations including clearance operation in Okigwe LGA of Imo.
During the operations, maritime components uncovered a shallow grave where victims of kidnappings and rituals were buried. Troops further cordon the general area and consequently neutralize 6 IPOB/ESN terrorists as well as recovered 4 pump action guns, 2 double barrel guns, 61 live cartridges, 2 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages.
Troops recovered 2 GPMGs, one G3 rifle, 12 AK47 rifles, 6 pump action guns, one fabricated rifle, 7 dane guns, 10 pistols, 3 locally made pistols, 2 revolver pistols, 2 single barrel guns, 492 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 387 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 355 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo.
Others are: 12 rounds of 5.56mm ammo, 387 live cartridges, one empty MG belt, 16 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 4 empty case of 12.7mm ammo, 6 AK47 magazines, 2 FN magazines, 3 IEDs, one bandolier, one baofeng radio, 6 vehicle, 4 motorcycles, 8 mobile phone amongst other items.
Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
