By Joy Odor
Major General Edward Buba, the Director Defence Media Operations (DDMO) has disclosed that two suspected gun couriers identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza have been nabbed by the Armed Forces of Nigeria during the week in the North Central theatre of operation.
Gen Buba who made the disclosure in a press statement on Saturday said Danweri and Abubakar Hamza have been collaborating with the terrorists and apprehended in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State and are cooperating with troops.
According to him, the troops also neutralised 148 and arrested 258 persons.
He said troops recovered 146 assorted weapons and 2,599 assorted ammunition.”Giving the breakdown of the cache, the Defence Headquarters publicist said 2 PKT guns, 72 AK47 rifles, 33 fabricated rifles, 28 dane guns, 2 locally made SMG, and 3 locally made pistols were recovered during the week under review.
Others include 2 pump action guns, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, 39 magazines, 1,596 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 636 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 111 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 114 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo, 98 live cartridges, 3 baofeng radios, 3 vehicles, 36 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones and the sum of N1,838,000.00 amongst other items.
“During the week troops in the North Central theatre of operation intercepted and apprehended 2 ammunition couriers that collaborate with the terrorists. The arrested persons identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza were apprehended in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State and cooperated with troops” he said.
Similarly, the Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants and families, arrested of terrorists/collaborators and conduct of different offensive operations in Konduga, Bama, Damboa, MMC, Magumeri, Biu and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State respectively.
2. Details as follows:
a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Family Members. Between 6 and 18 Nov 24, a total of 74 terrorists comprising 3 adult males, 29 adult females and 42 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Arrest Operations. Between 20 and 23 December 2024, following credible reports, troops while conducting separate offensive operations intercepted and arrested 38 terrorists and collaborators/informants in Dikwa, Kaga, Kukawa and Damboa LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 19 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 7 dane guns, 302 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 82 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 8 magazines, 2 vehicles, 2 tricycles, 6 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N178,000.00 knly amongst others.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 17 and 21 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama, Mafa, Konduga, MMC and Biu LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 47 terrorists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 27 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 2 locally made SMG, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, 552 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 161 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 18 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 10 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
d. Terrorists’ Drones Attacks. On 22 December 2024, terrorists used toy drones to hover troops defences in a harassing manner in Damboa LGA of Borno State. Troops shot down the toy drones that were fabricated to carry payload of localled fabricated grenade that prematurely exploded. No life’s were lost during the incident. Similarly, on 25 December 2024, troops shot down another terrorists toy drone carrying locally fabricated grenade in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. No casualties were recorded in the incident. Nevertheless, troops have emplaced measures to forestall the intend of terrorist in the usage of toy drones on the battlefield.
3. Air Interdiction. On 16 and 17 December 2024, following confirmatory ISR on terrorist hibernating around Northern Tumbuns of Lake Chad Basin. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated while their logistics and structures destroyed.
SUMMARY
4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 67 terrorists, arrested 64 suspects and rescued 45 kidnappers hostages. Troops also recovered 49 AK47 rifles, 20 fabricated rifles, 12 dane guns, 2 locally made SMG, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, 854 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 243 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 111 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 26 magazines, 2 baofeng radios, 2 vehicles, 2 tricycles, 16 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and the sum of N178,000.00 only amongst other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/kidnappers in Barkin Ladi, Wase, Mangu, Bassa, Pankshin and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State as well as Alkaleri and Sanga LGAs of Bauchi and Kaduna States, respectively. Troops conducted similar operations in Takum and Ibi LGAs of Taraba State.
6. Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) Between 18 and 24 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested a total of 16 violent extremists. The operations were conducted in
Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Wase and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Takum LGA of Taraba State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 3 fabricated rifles, one fabricated pistol, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 44 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Similarly, on 18 and 20 December 2024, troops intercepted and apprehended 2 ammo couriers identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State as well as 2 gunrunners in Bokkos LGA of Plateau States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 204 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle, 4 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 17 and 24 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/terrorists and kidnappers in Barkin Ladi, Pankshin and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also made contact with violent extremists in Ibi and Sanga LGAs of Taraba and Kaduna States, respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 8 extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 motorcycles and 6 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
7. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 43 persons and rescued 44 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, one locally pistol, 280 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 44 live cartridges, 2 magazines, 7 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones amongst others.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
8. 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. Troops equally foiled terrorists activities in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
9. Details are as follows:
a. Arrests Operations. On 17 and 18 December 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 3 violent extremists/kidnapper in Jalingo and Bali LGAs of Taraba State as well as Makurdi LGA of Benue State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 dane guns and 22 cartridges.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 17 and 20 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Bali and Wukari LGAs of Taraba State as well as Katsina-Ala and Akwanga LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 extremists, apprehended 7 and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 fabricated rifles, 2 locally made pistols, 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
10. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 2 locally made pistols, 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo, 22 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
11. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operation and foiled activities in Talata Mafara, Shinkafi, Kaura Namoda, Anka and Gusau LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Batsari, Danmusa, Malumfashi and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State.
12. Troops also conducted offensive operations in Isa, Illela, Gudu, Tangaza, Rabah and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State. Similar operations were conducted in Chikun and Kaduna Metropolis of Kaduna State.
13. Details as follows;
a. Offensive Operations. Between 16 and 23 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Talata Mafara, Shinkafi and Kaura Namoda LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Batsari and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State. Troops conducted similar operations in Isa, Illela, Gudu and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Shiroro and Chikun LGAs of Niger and Kaduna States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 35 terrorists, arrested 16 and rescued 20 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 15 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 10 dane guns, 2 PKT guns, 322 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 212 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 114 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, one baofeng radio, 7 magazines, 6 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Terrosists’ Activities. Between 16 and 22 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of terrorists in Danmusa, Malumfashi and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Anka and Gusau LGAs of Zamfara State. Troops also conducted similar operations in Rabah and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Shanga LGA of Kebbi State. During the operations, troops arrested 12 terrorists and rescued 65 kidnapped hostages.
c. Arrests Operations. On 16 and 19 December 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and apprehended 4 terrorists and collaborators in Kaduna Metropolis of Kaduna State and Shanga LGA of Kebbi State respectively.
14. Air Interdiction. On 18 and 19 December 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI after confirmatory ISR conducted air interdiction on acquired targets of terrorist hibernating at terrorists kingpin Manore’s enclave around Bichi Hill in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that numerous terrorists were eliminated and their logistics and structures destroyed.
15. Similarly, On 20 Dec 24, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI acquired and eliminated
anti-aircraft gun threat in
Alawa Forest. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the anti gun point was destroyed along with several terrorists neutralized at the site.
SUMMARY
16. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested 67 persons and rescued 140 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 10 dane guns, 2 PKT guns, 322 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 212 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 114 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 7 magazines, one baofeng radio, 6 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones and 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 Kabba Bunu LGAs of Kogi State.
18. Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations. On 22 December 2024, troops while on offensive operations foiled kidnapping incident in Kabba Bunu LGA of Kogi State. Troops rescued 8 kidnapped hostages and reunite them with their families.
SUMMARY
19. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 4 extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
20. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Additionally, troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
21. Troops also arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted several offensive operations in Southern Ijaw and Yenagoa LGAs of Bayelsa State as well as Bonny and Ikwerre LGAs of Rivers State.
22. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 127,870 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,000 litres of DPK. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats, 45 storage tanks and 66 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 4 speedboats, one pumping machine, 150 drums, one generator, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, one drone and 5 vehicles among others.
b. Offensive Operations. On 17 and 19 December 2024, troops in seperate offensive operations responded to information on activities of violent extremists in Southern Ijaw and Bonny LGAs of Bayelsa and Rivers States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 3 extremists and rescued 20 kidnapped hostages.
c. Arrests Operations. On 17 and 19 December 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 5 violent extremists/pipeline vandals in Ikwerre and Yenagoa LGAs of Rivers and Bayelsa States respectively.
SUMMARY
23. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 127,870 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,000 litres of DPK. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats, 45 storage tanks and 66 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 4 speedboats, one pumping machine, 150 drums, one generator, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, one drone and 5 vehicles among others.
24. Troops rescued 20 kidnapped hostage and apprehended 51 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 2 assorted arms and 41 assorted ammunitions.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
25. 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 Ihiala and Udi LGAs of Anambra. Similar operations and arrest were recorded in Ngor-Okpala, Oguta, Orsu and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs of Imo State and in Enugu State.
Details as follows:
a. Offensive Operations. Between 17 and 21 December 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Ihiala and Udi LGAs of Anambra and Enugu States as well as Ngor-Okpala, Oguta, Orsu, Ohaji/Egbema LGAs of Imo State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 7 extremists as well as recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 140 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 live cartridges, 2 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 20 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 3 dane guns, 140 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 71 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 32 live cartridges, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst other.
Overall, the recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
