By Joy Odor
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba has disclosed that the Nigeria military has arrested high profile terrorists identified as Hamisu Sale (aka Master) and also Abubakar Muhammad, another high profile and notorious terrorist identified as Bako Wurgi both in the North West (NW), North Central (NC) theatre of operations.
The DDMO who disclosed this in a press statement informed that the military during the week under review, troops neutralised 212 and arrested 272 persons.
He said the Troops are on high alert and have increased readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression, particularly during the yuletide as, robust operations targeted at terrorist leadership are being conducted across the various theatres of operations.
Major General Buba noted that the duo are cooperating and providing valuable intelligence on the terror network, saying the arrested terror leader is linked to the murder of the Sokoto Monarch and a staunch ally of wanted high profile terrorist Bello Turji’s.
“The arrested terrorist leader, Bako Wurgi, eventually succumbed to gun shot injuries sustained during the fire fight. He nevertheless provided valuable intelligence to support troops operations before he died.
Meanwhile, the Troops also arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 152 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion One Hundred and Ninty Three Million Eight Hundred and Seventy Thousand Seven Hundred and Sixty Naira (N1,193,817,760.00) only.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 247 assorted weapons and 6,174 assorted ammunition.
“The breakdown are as follows: 2 RPG UXO4, 110 AK47 rifles, 56 fabricated rifles, 36 dane guns, 2 FN rifles, 2 baretta pistols, 15 locally made pistols, 2 revolver pistols, 12 pump action guns, 2 double barrel guns, one single barrel gun, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, 2 exploded RPG chargers, one PKM link, one link of GPMG and 70 AK47 magazines.
“Others are: 3,235 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,583 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 130 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 400 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 92 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 107 rounds of 9mm ammo, 311 live cartridges, one FN magazine, 3 bandoliers, 5 baofeng radios, 8 vehicles, 51 motorcycles and 103 mobile phones amongst other items.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 35 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 35 boats, 51 storage tanks and 61 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include 5 speedboats, 5 receivers, 59 drums, 3 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and 8 vehicles among others.
“Troops recovered 940,372 litres of stolen crude oil, 252,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 132 litres of PMS.
“Overall, troops are bent on achieving sustainable peace in the nation by ensuring that the terrorists are held account for any act of aggression against citizens. Citizens are therefore urged to “See Something, Say Something”.
In another development, the Troops of 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, repelled BH/ISWAP attack as well as the conduct of different offensive operations in Konduga, Bama, Damboa, Ngala, Magumeri, Biu and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
2. Details as follows:
a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Family Members.
(1) Between 6 and 18 Nov 24, a total of 83 terrorists comprising 3 adult males, 2 adult females and 7 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 111 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 mobile phones.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 10 December 2024, following a tip-off, troops with hybrid forces intercepted and arrested 4 BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Konduga LGA of Borno State.
(2) Between 10 and 16 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 37 terrorists and collaborators including spy’s in Konduga, Askira Uba, Dikwa and Damboa LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State respectively.
c. BH/ISWAP Terrorists Attack on Troops. On 9 and 12 December 2024, troops in separate operations successfully repelled attack by unconfirmed number of BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters in Ngala and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 27 terrorists and recovered 15 AK47 rifles, 11 fabricated rifles, 7 dane guns, one barreta pistol, one link of GPMG, one PKM link, 2 RPG UXOs, 2 exploded RPG charger, one bandolier, 431 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 210 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 71 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 321 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 12 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 6 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.
d. Offensive Operations. Between 11 and 15 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gujba LGA of Yobe State as well as the Kukawa, Bama, Biu, Dikwa, Ngala and Magumeri LGAs of Borno State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 34 and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, 10 dane guns, 670 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 300 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 129 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 130 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 15 magazines, one baofeng radio, 11 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
3. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 79 terrorists, arrested 55 suspects and rescued 35 kidnappers hostages. Troops also recovered 40 AK47 rifles, 21 fabricated rifles, 17 dane guns, one barreta pistol, 3 locally made pistols, one hand grenade, 1,222 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 510 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 130 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo and 25 rounds of 9mm ammo.
4. Others are: 2 RPG UXOs, 2 exploded RPG chargers, one PKM link, one link of GPMG, one bandolier, 27 magazines, 3 baofeng radios, 17 motorcycles and 14 mobile phones amongst other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
4. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/kidnappers in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Bokkos, Pankshin, Riyom, Jos South and North LGAs of Plateau State as well as Ningi LGA of Bauchi State. Troops conducted similar operations in Sanga and Lere LGAs of Kaduna State.
5. Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) Between 11 and 16 December 2024, troops in separate operations, responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Pankshin, Mangu, Jos North, Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga and Lere LGAs of Kaduna State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 21 extremists including a notorious gunrunner.
(2) Between 12 and 15 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in seperate offensive operations intercepted and arrested 14 violent extremists/kidnappers including high profile terrorists identified as Hamisu Sale (aka Master) and Abubakar Muhammad in Bokkos, Jos South, Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State as well as Ningi LGA of Bauchi State respectively.
SUMMARY
6. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 13 violent extremists, arrested 42 persons and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 2 locally pistols, 439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 110 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 40 rounds of 9mm ammo, 7 motorcycles and 17 mobile phones amongst others.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. 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 Ibbi, Yorro, Karim-Lamido, Lau, Chanchanji, Ardo-Kola and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Ukum LGA of Benue State.
8. Details are as follows:
a. Violent Exremist Activities. On 14 December 2024, following credible report, troop on partol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Ibbi LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops arrested one extremist and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.
b. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 12 December 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on offensive operation responded to distress call on boat mishap in Ibbi LGA of Taraba State. During the operations, troops rescued 22 passengers on board.
(2) On 13 and 15 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Yorro, Karim Lamido and Takum LGAs of Taraba State. Following the response, troops rescued arrested 27 extremists including armed robber and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 5 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Arrests Operations. Between 8 and 14 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 12 violent extremists including ammo courier in Ukum, and Katsina-Ala LGAs of Benue State as well as Lau, Ardo-Kola and Chanchanji LGAs of Taraba State respectively. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 110 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 4 magazines and 7 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
9. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 31 violent extremists and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 130 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 4 magazines, 5 motorcycles and 10 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
10. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operation, responded to information on activities and arrested terrorists in Sabon, Birnin, Isa and Rabah LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Danmusa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State.
11. Troops also conducted similar operations in Maru, Kaura Namoda and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Koko-Besse LGA of Kebbi State.
12. Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations. Between 11 and 16 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of terrorists and made contacts in Danmusa and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto State as well as Anka and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 36 terrorists, arrested 15 and rescued 35 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one PKT gun, 22 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 12 magazines, 7 motorcycles and 11 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Terrorists’ Activities. Between 10 and 16 December 2024, following credible reports, troops responded to information on activities of terrorists and kidnappers in Sabon Birnin, Rabah and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Maru and Kaura Namoda LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops also conducted similar operations in Kankara and Koko-Besse LGAs of Katsina and Kebbi States respectively. During the operations, troops neutralized 32 terrorists, arrested 25 and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 21 AK47 rifles, 17 fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 2 locally made pistols, one berretta pistol, 154 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 110 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 8 magazines, one baofeng radio, 13 motorcycles and 22 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Arrest Operations. On 14 December 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and apprehended 2 terrorists while receiving treatment in a local hospital in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State.
13. Air Interdiction. On 12 December 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction at Mallam Saleh (FNU) residence a notorious loyalist of terrorists kingpin Dogo Gide following resurgence of terrorists in the location at Palele in Shiroro LGA of Niger State. Base on credible reports, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
14. Similarly, on the same day, following credible reports and confirmatory ISR the air component in coordination with ground troops conducted another interdiction at Umaru Dogo’s enclave in Yantumaki Forest, Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Accordingly, the location was acquired and engaged with cannons and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.
SUMMARY
15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 81 terrorists, arrested 40 persons and rescued 51 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 43 AK47 rifles, 21 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, 2 FN rifles, 3 locally made pistols, one PKT gun, one RPG tube, one RPG bomb, 1,011 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 331 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 200 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 92 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 2 bandoliers, 23 AK47 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 15 motorcycles and 20 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
17. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations and responded to information on activities of terrorists in Lokoja, Ofu and Kabba Bunu LGAs of Kogi State as well Borgu LGA of Niger State and Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja.
18. Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 11 and 12 December 2024, troops with other security services in separate operations raided violent extremists/kidnappers hideouts in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State and Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 extremists and recovered 2 dane guns, one pump action gun, one dummy weapon, 12 live cartridges and 12 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.
(2) On 13 and 14 December 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists/kidnappers in Ofu, Lokoja and Kabba-Bunu LGAs of Kogi State as well as Borgu LGA of Niger State respectively. Following the swift response, troops arrested 16 extremists/kidnappers including an informant as well as rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, 3 locally made pistols, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 333 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 motorcycles and 8 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
19. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 10 terrorists, arrested 27 violent extremists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, one pump action gun, 3 locally made pistols, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 333 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 4 rounds of 9mm ammo, 12 live cartridges, 4 motorcycles and 8 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
20. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
21. Troops also arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted several offensive operations in Yenagoa and Ogbia LGAs of Bayelsa State as well as Degema and Omoku Onelga LGAs of Rivers State. Troops also conducted similar operations in Uvwie and Mkpat Enin LGAs of Delta and Akwa Ibom States respectively.
22. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 940,372 litres of stolen crude oil, 252,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 132 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 35 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 35 boats, 51 storage tanks and 61 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 5 speedboats, 5 receivers, 59 drums, 3 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and 8 vehicles among others.
b. Offensive Ops. Between 11 and 16 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists in Yenagoa and Ogbia LGAs of Bayelsa State as well as Degema and Omoku Onelga LGAs of Rivers State. Troops conducted similar operations in Uvwie and Mkpat Enin LGAs of Delta and Akwa Ibom States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 30 violent extremists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, one locally made pistol, one dane gun, 58 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 7 rounds of 9mm ammo, 15 live cartridges, 3 magazines and the sum of ₦102,160.00 only amongst others.
SUMMARY
22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 940,372 litres of stolen crude oil, 252,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 132 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 35 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 35 boats, 51 storage tanks and 61 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 5 speedboats, 5 receivers, 59 drums, 3 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and 8 vehicles among others.
23. Troops rescued one kidnapped hostage and apprehended 45 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 3 magazines, 7 assorted arms and 93 assorted ammunitions.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
24. 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, Aba South, Obingwa and Isiala Ngwa North LGAs of Abia State as well as Orsu, Mbatoli and Oguta LGAs of Imo State respectively.
25. Troops also conducted similar operations in Ihiala and Nsukka LGAs of Anambra and Enugu States as well as Afikpo North and Ohaozara LGAs of Ebonyi State.
26. Details as follows:
a. Offensive Operations. Between 10 and 16 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ihiala and Isiala Ngwa North LGAs of Anambra and Abia States as well as Orsu and Mbatoli LGAs of Imo State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 24 terrorists and recovered 2 GPMGs, 6 AK47 rifle, 6 pump action gun, one fabricated rifle, 6 pistols, 2 locally made pistols, 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 72 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 266 live cartridges, 3 motorcycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations. Between 10 and 17 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 24 violent extremists/IPOB/ESN terrorists in Aba South, Obingwa and Umunneochi LGAs of Abia State as well as Afikpo North and Ohaozara LGAs of Ebonyi State. Troops also conducted similar operations in Nsukka LGA and Oguta of Enugu and Imo States respectively. Troops also recovered 6 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 4 pistols, one locally made pistol, 2 revolver pistols, 292 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 magazines, 335 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm 2 G3 rifle magazines, 121 live cartridges and 12 mobile phones amongst others.
22. Air Interdiction. On 14 December 2024, following credible report and confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation UDO KA conducted air interdiction at IPOB/ESN terrorists hideout in Njaba LGA of Imo State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities and was engaged with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their logistics destroyed.
SUMMARY
28. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued 7 kidnapped hostage. 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.
29. 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 phones and the sum of N369,000.00 only amongst other items.
30. Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
