By Joy Odor
The Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday underscored the military’s commitment to breaking the will of terrorists, particularly those infiltrating from the Sahel region.
The Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO) Maj-Gen. Edward Buba made this known to newsmen in Abuja in his report during the ongoing military operations across the theatre operations.
He informed that the Nigeria troops neutralized 156 terrorists and arrested 464 suspects, while rescuing 181 kidnapped hostages, among others.
The DDMO noted that, the period under review, the Southeast, military operations also disrupted oil theft syndicates, preventing criminal groups from stealing an estimated N623.4 million worth of crude oil.
According to him, the military’s aggressive counterterrorism tactics have led to the recovery of large quantities of weapons and ammunition, including 68 AK-47 rifles, 7 RPG bombs, 9 IEDs, and thousands of rounds of various calibers of ammunition.
He disclosed that the military also seized numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and communications equipment used by insurgents to carry out their attacks.
The DDMO noted that the Nigerian military’s resolve is to restore peace and stability, ensuring that the sacrifices of fallen heroes are honored.
Gen Buba affirmed that the military would intensifying efforts to eliminate the threat of terrorism and insurgency in the country’s Northwest and Northeast, as increasing numbers of foreign fighters from the Sahelian region fuel a resurgence in terror attacks.
He said the troops have made significant progress in thwarting terrorist activities, despite the challenges posed by the influx of foreign militants.
,”Overall, the military is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Accordingly, troops are thwarting and eliminating forms of resurgent terror attacks in the NW and NE, caused by an influx of foreign fighters from the Sahelian Region.
“Though troops might record occasional tactical setbacks which is commonplace in any threat of war. Our strategic objective of breaking the terrorist’s will to fight remains resolute and unhindered.”l
“As the military continues its operations, it remains steadfast in its commitment to securing Nigeria from both domestic and foreign terrorist threats, working tirelessly to bring an end to insurgency and safeguard the future of the nation,” Gen. Buba said.
Gen Buba therefore called on the public to play an active role in ensuring the nation’s security, and to remain vigilant in reporting suspicious activities to authorities, quoting that “Security is everyone’s business.
Speaking of Operations, the DDMO informed that the Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; conduct of different offensive operations in Damboa, Bade and Bama LGAs of Borno State.
2. Details are as follows:
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 7 and 8 January 2025, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Damboa, Bade and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 4 collaborators including a serving personnel and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 6 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, 4 FN rifles, 4 dane guns, 194 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 73 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 22 rounds of PKT (linked), 9 locally fabricated IEDs, IED making materials, 4 magazines, one baofeng radio, 3 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Between 10 and 13 January 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists Nganzai, Biu and Chibok LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 14 terrorists and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 114 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 150 rounds of PKT ammo belted links, 6 RPG bombs, 3 magazines, 2 motorcycles, 3 bicycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations. Between 8 and 18 January 2025, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 24 terrorists and collaborators in Nguru and Bade LGAs of Yobe State and Konduga and Damboa LGAs of Borno State respectively.
3. Air Interdiction. Following credible reports and confirmatory ISR on the activities of the BH/ISWAP terrorists at Wulade in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI on 6 January 2025 conducted air interdiction. The target with gun trucks was acquired and attacked with stores on board. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.
SUMMARY
4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 76 terrorists, arrested 72 suspects and rescued 8 kidnappers hostages. Troops also recovered one GPMG, 28 AK47 rifles, 4 FN rifles, 4 dane guns, 18 FN grenades, 6 RPG Bombs, 753 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 556 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 214 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 73 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 172 rounds of PKT ammo, 9 locally fabricated IEDs, 16 magazines, one baofeng radio, 10 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION FANSAN YAMMA (NORTH WEST)
5. The troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operation, responded to information on activities in Isa and Gudu LGAs of Sokoto State.
6. Details are as follows:
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 7 January 2025, troops while conducting offensive made contact with terrorists in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one motorcycle.
(2) Between 6 and 10 January 2025, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Isa and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Kaura Namoda, Maradun and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops also conducted similar operations in Safana and Kubau LGAs of Katsina and Kaduna States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 44 terrorists, arrested 4 and rescued 48 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 8 fabricated rifles, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 6 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones amongst others.
(3) On 11 January 2025, troops conducted a coordinated offensive operations against Lakurawa terrorists and made contact in Gudu LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and a box of 12.7mm ammo amongst others. Sadly, the operation resulted in the loss of 5 gallant soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice.
b. Terrorists ’ Activities. Between 7 and 10 January 2025, following a tip-off, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of terrorists in Shinkafi, Anka, Tsafe and Talata Mafara LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Safana and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops rescued 33 kidnapped hostages and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 magazines, 130 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 3 locally made butts and 3 motorcycles amongst others.
c. Arrests Operations. On 8 January 2025, following credible reports, troops while while on patrol intercepted and arrested 2 terrorists/kidnappers in Shanga LGA of Kebbi State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 mobile phones, one motorcycle amongst others.
7. Air Interdiction. On 6 January 2025, following credible reports, the air component of Operation FANSAN YAMMA conducted air interdiction in continuation of ongoing offensive operations against terrorists activities within Alawa Forest in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs in multiple passes. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
8. On the same day, base on credible reports and confirmatory ISR on activities of terrorists, air component also conducted air interdiction at Maikaho and Mashigin areas in Zuru LGA of Kebbi State. Accordingly, the target was acquired and engaged with stores on board. Battle Damage Assessment and local feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized as well as over 12 kidnapped hostages rescued.
SUMMARY
9. Overall, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized 64 terrorists, arrested 69 persons and rescued 62 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 25 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 370 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 120 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 103 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 77 belted rounds of 60mm mortar, one box of 12.7mm ammo, 15 magazines, 13 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
10. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/kidnappers in Bokkos and Jos East LGAs Plateau State.
11. Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 7 and 9 January 2025, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 3 violent extremists/kidnappers in a follow up operations in Bokkos LGA. Similarly, troops raided and arrested 3 notorious gunrunners identified as Ajik Musa, Ardo Yakubu Dalhatu and Zubairu Dalhatu in Jos East LGA both in Plateau State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 fabricated rifles, 29 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 mobile phones, military accoutrements amongst others.
(2) Between 8 and 13 January 2025, base on credible information, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 10 violent extremists in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kaura LGA of Kaduna State respectively.
b. Offensive Operations. On 8 and 10 January 2025, troops in separate offensive operations had meeting engagement with violent extremist/terrorists in Jos North and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued arrested 8 terrorists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
SUMMARY
12. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 56 persons and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 29 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 mobile phones amongst others.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
13. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/ammo dealer in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State.
14. Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 8 January 2025, troops while on patrol responded to information on activities of violent extremists in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operations, troops arrested one extremist on troops watchlist.
(b). On 9 and 13 January 2025, troops in separate operations intercepted and apprehended 5 violent extremists in Ardo Kola and Gassol LGAs Taraba State. During the operations, troops recovered one fabricated SMG and 3 mobile phones.
b. Offensive Operations. On 13 January 2025, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident and made contact in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
SUMMARY
15. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 14 violent extremists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages.
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.
17. Troops also conducted several offensive operations in Ughelli North and Warri South LGAs of Delta State as well as Brass LGA of Bayelsa State respectively.
18. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 705,294 litres of stolen crude oil, 6,865 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,500 litres of DPK and 800 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 48 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 28 boats, 56 storage tanks and 46 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 8 pumping machines, 6 speedboats, 3 outboard engines, 6 drums, 8 motorcycles, one mobile phone and 8 vehicles among others.
b. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 9 and 10 January 2025, troops in seperate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Ughelli North and Warri South LGAs of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 extremists including one kidnapper identified as Mr Benjamin Solomon.
(2) On 11 January 2025, following credible reports, troops conducted offensive operations and raided violent extremists/militants camp in Brass LGA of Bayelsa State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 extremists Identified as Mrs Preye Sunday (wife of the militant leader) and Mr Goodluck. Troops also recovered one AK56 assault rifle, 3 locally fabricated guns, 5 pump action guns, one foreign double barrel gun, 68 rounds of 7.62mm/39mm ammo, 161 rounds of 7.62mm/51mm NATO and 25 shot gun cartridges and 4 magazines amongst others.
SUMMARY
19. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 705,294 litres of stolen crude oil, 6,865 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,500 litres of DPK and 800 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 48 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 28 boats, 56 storage tanks and 46 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 8 pumping machines, 6 speedboats, 3 outboard engines, 6 drums, 8 motorcycles, one mobile phone and 8 vehicles among others.
20. Troops apprehended 29 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 4 magazines, 12 assorted arms and 305 assorted ammunitions.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
21. 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 Ohafia LGA of Abia State.
22. Details as follows:
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) 7 January 2025, following credible reports, troops raided IPOB/ESN terrorists hideout in Ohafia LGA of Abia State. During the operations, troops arrested 2 extremists and recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 magazines and 165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo concealed in a sac bag.
(2) On 14 January 2025, troops while on offensive operation made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Orumba North LGA of Anambra State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and rescued 2 AK47 rifles, one pump action gun and 4 IEDs.
b. Arrest Operations. On 9 and 13 January 2025, base on credible information, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 3 IPOB/ESN terrorists and collaborators in Ihiala and Ehime Mbano LGAs of Imo and Anambra States respectively.
SUMMARY
23. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 9 terrorists, arrested 19 violent extremists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 4 IEDs, 255 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 vehicle and 2 magazines amongst others.
24. Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
