By Joy Odor
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday declared that the troops under the Joint Task Force (JTF) Theater Operations in Nigeria conducted fighting patrols, ambushes and other offensive operations which resulted in arresting suspected terrorists and collaborators.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba who made this known to newsmen in his weekly report while highlighting the troops successes on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria started with Joint Task Force of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East.
He said, the Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families,.
The DDMO informed that the operations were conducted in Konduga, Bama, Gwoza, Kukawa, MMC, Biu, Gamboru-Ngala and Damboa in Borno State, as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
“Additionally, troops conducted operations in Gujba, Geidam, Nangere and Potiskum LGAs of Yobe State.
Details as follows:
a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terr Family Members.
(1) On 30 September and 2 October 2024, a total 3 BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants including a minor surrendered to troops in Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 4 magazines, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one bicycle and the sum of ₦40,000.00 only amongst others.
(2) Between 2 and 8 Oct 24, a total of 74 terrorists comprised of 22 adult males 28 adult females and 24 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. Arrest of ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators.
(1) On 30 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist and recovered 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo concealed in a sock inside a bag in MMC LGA of Borno State.
During the preliminary investigation, suspect was identified as a Nigerian Police Inspector.
(2) On 4 and 7 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 6 suspects BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in Biu and Gubio LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State respectively.
During the operations, troops recovered 2 pump action guns, 15 cartridges, 3 mobile phones the sum of N24,100.00 only amongst others.
c. Fighting Patrol. On 1 October 2024, following a credible reports, troops with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol and arrested 6 BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and informants in Biu LGA of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 38 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 vehicles.
d. Ambush Operations. On 1 October 2024, following credible reports, troops ambush made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Damboa LGA of Borno State.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 25 terrorists and recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated rifles, 273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 bicycles.
e. Offensive Operations. Between 1 and 8 October 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Biu, Gamboru-Ngala, Konduga, Bama, MMC, Gwoza, Kukawa and Jere LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam, Gujba, Nangere and Potiskum LGAs of Yobe State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Madagali LGA of Adamawa State.
Following fire fights, troops neutralized 28 terrorists, arrested 9 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages including a minor.
Troops also recovered 13 AK47 rifles, 4 pump action guns, 6 fabricated rifles, 8 dane guns, 431 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 131 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 11 magazines, 3 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 4 bicycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 83 terrorists, arrested 56 suspects and rescued 50 kidnappers hostages.
Troops recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 6 pump action guns, 13 fabricated rifles, 8 dane guns, 814 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 131 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 15 live cartridges, 15 magazines, 5 vehicles, 7 bicycles, 4 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones and the sum of N64,100.00 amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrest of violent extremists/kidnappers and fire fight with terrorists.
Troops also conducted offensive and counter/anti kidnapping operations in Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos, Jos South, North and East LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zango Kataf, Sanga and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State respectively.
Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 2 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 2 violent extremists and kidnappers in Jos North and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.
During the operations, troops recovered one fabricated pistol and one motorcycle.
(2) Between 2 and 6 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations arrested 8 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Jos North, East, South, Bassa, Mangu and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State.
During the operations, troops recovered one fabricated pistols, one fabricated rifle, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 2 motorcycles.
b. Meeting Engagement. On 4 October 2024, troops while on fighting patrol engaged in a fire fight with voilent extremists in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 magazines, 45 rounds of 7.62mm special and one mobile phone.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 3 and 7 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/kidnappers in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kaura and Zango Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops neutralized 2 extremists, arrested 6 suspects as well as recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 4 magazines, 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 mobile phones
d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Ops. Between 1 and 7 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations arrested 6 suspected violent extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages in Mangu, Bokkos, Jos South Riyom and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 8 violent extremists, arrested 39 violent extremists and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated pistols, one locally fabricated rifle, 6 magazines, 190 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; arrested violent extremists/kidnappers, conducted search and rescued operation as well as offensive operations in Gwer West, Ukum, Guma, Agatu and Ushongo LGAs of Benue State as well as Takum and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Karu and Udi LGAs of Nasarawa and Enugu States respectively.
Details are as follows:
a. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 30 September 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 4 violent extremists including high profile informant identified as Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Nguemu Emmanuel in Gwer West and Takum LGAs of Benue and Taraba States. During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and one mobile phone amongst others.
(2) Between 2 and 6 October 2024, following credible reports, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 3 suspected violent extremist/kidnapper and armed robber in Donga and Jalingo LGAs of Taraba State as well as Karu LGA of Nasarawa State respectively.
b. Search and Rescue Operations. On 2 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops while conducting search and rescue operation rescued 7 kidnapped hostages in Guma LGA of Benue State.
c. Offensive Operations.
Between 1 and 6 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists in Ukum, Guma, Agatu and Ushongo LGAs of Benue State as well as Jalingo and Udi LGAs of Taraba and Enugu States.
During the operations, troops arrested 4 suspects and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered one locally made pistol, one revolver pistol, one locally fabricated gun, 72 rounds of 9mm ammo, 13 cartridges, one bayonet, amongst others.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 17 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages.
Troops recovered 8 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, one revolver pistol, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 72 rounds of 9mm ammo, 13 live cartridges, one motorcycle and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; rescued kidnapped hostages, responded to information on terrorists activities and conducted offensive as well counter/anti kidnapping operations in Danmusa, Sabuwa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State as well as Tsafe and Gwaram LGAs of Jigawa States.
Details are as follows;
a. Rescue Of Kidnapped Victim. On 2 October 2024, troops while on routine patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State.
During the operations, troops rescued one kidnapped hostage.
b. Terrorists Activities. On 6 October 2024, following neutralization of a terrorist commander known as Dan Isuhu.
Terrorists conducted a reprisal against the convoy of Chief of Staff to Zamfara State Government while along Road Gusau-Futua in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
Troops successfully repelled the attack and secured the VIP, killing several of the terrorist.
Sadly, during the operations, 2 personnel sustained gun shot injury and are recovering.
c. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 6 October 2024, following credible reports, troops ambush against terrorist made contact in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 5 magazines, 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one mobile phone amongst others.
(2) On 7 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops with hybrid forces conducted offensive operation and made contact with terrorists in Gwaram LGA of Jigawa State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists including a notorious terrorist commander known as Mai Hijabi. The killed terrorist commander terrorized citizens in Gwaram LGA of Jigawa State.
d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations .
Between 2 and 5 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Danmusa, Sabuwa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.
Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted several air interdiction operations to destroy terrorist hideouts and enclaves. For instance, on 2 October 2024, the enclave of terrorist commander Ado Ailero’s in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State, was acquired and engaged. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists hibernating at the location were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.
Similarly, air interdictions were conducted, on 4 October 2024, on terrorist hideout around Bayan Ruwa in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized, their structures as well as logistics destroyed.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 40 terrorists, arrested 21 and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 8 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 200 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 90 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5 magazines and one mobile phone 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 terrorist activities and arrested violent extremists/terrorists. Troops equally conducted offensive operations such as counter/anti kidnapping operations and raids. These operations led to arrest in Kabba Bunu, Lokoja and Okene LGAs of Kogi State, as well as Gwagwalada and Abaji Area Councils of FCT, Abuja. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Giwa and Mariga LGAs of Kaduna and Niger States respectively.
Details are as follows;
a. Terrorists Activities. On 30 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 extremists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 30 September and 2 October 2024, combine troops with other security services in separate operations intercepted and arrested 15 violent extremists including one informant in Lokoja LGA and Gwagwalada Area Council of Kogi State and FCT, Abuja.
Among the suspects were notorious extremists Identified as Shehu Abdulahi, Mohamed Wakil, Samaila Musa aka Bature, Abdulrashid Suleiman and Aisha Samaila (Bature’s Daughter).
During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one locally made pistol, 63 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 cartridges, 6 mobile phones and 3 cutlasses.
(2) On 7 October 2024, following a tip-off, combine troops with sister services in separate patrol intercepted and arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Abaji Area Council of FCT Abuja and Okene LGA of Kogi State.
Preliminary Investigation revealed that 2 among the suspects identified as Muhammadu Abdullahi (aka Badejo) and Muhammadu Aminu were notorious extremists on wanted list of security agencies.
During the operations, troops recovered 2 pump action guns and 14 cartridges.
c. Counter/Anti Kidnapping/Criminality Operations. On 2 October 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on the kidnapping incident and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages in Mariga LGA of Niger State.
d. Offensive Operations. On 3 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations ambushed and arrested 12 violent extremists/terrorists in Kabba Bunu LGA of Kogi State.
During the preliminary investigation, one of the suspects confessed to be second in command to Kachalla Bala and fight along with him in several atrocities committed.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 46 suspects and rescued 24 kidnapped hostages.
Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, one locally made pistol, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 18 live cartridges, 10 motorcycles and 11 mobile phones amongst others.
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 conducted counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations as well as arrested operations in Bakassi and Etsako West LGA of Cross River and Edo States respectively.
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 789,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 64,950 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 2 dugout pits, 58 boats and 39 storage tanks.
Other items recovered include 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, one motorcycle, one tricycle, 4 speed boat, 13 vehicles and 65 illegal refining sites.
b. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations .
On 5 October 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on kidnapping incident and rescued one kidnapped hostage in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State.
c. Arrest Operations. On 4 October 2024, following a tip-off, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Etsako West LGA of Edo State.
Air Interdiction. Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction aimed at curbing security challenges, crude oil theft, damage of oil and gas infrastructure, illegal refining as well as sea robbery with a view of restoration of oil and gas production to full capacity. During the operations, several illegal refining sites, storage tanks, reservoirs, barges and boats were destroyed.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 789,200 litres of stolen crude oil and 64,950 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 2 dugout pits, 58 boats and 39 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, one motorcycle, one tricycle, 4 speed boat, 13 vehicles and 65 illegal refining sites.
Troops rescued one kidnapped hostage, apprehended 35 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 2 assorted arms.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; troops had meeting engagement with suspected terrorists, conducted raid, offensive operations as well as arrested voilent extremists/IPOB/ESN terrorists in Aguata and Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State as well as Ohaukwu and Mbaitoli LGAs of Ebonyi and Imo States.
Details as follows:
a. Meeting Engagement. On 30 September 2024, troops on routine patrol had a fire fight with violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members in Aguata LGA of Anambra State.
Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 2 extremists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one pump action gun, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 15 live cartridges and one vehicle amongst others.
b. Raid Operations. On 30 September 2024, following credible report, troops raided a IPOB/ESN members camps in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State.
During the operations, troops made 7 arrest and recovered 4 AK47 rifle, 5 dane guns, 2 magazines loaded with 26 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one motorcycle amongst others.
c. Offensive Operations. Between 30 September and 4 October 2024, troops while conducting offensive operations made contact with IPOB/ESN in Ohaukwu and Ihiala LGAs of Ebonyi and Anambra States as well as Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 2 suspects and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 2 pump action guns, 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 cartridges, 2 magazines, one baofeng radio, 3 motorcycles and 10 mobile phones amongst others.
d. Arrest Operations.
Between 30 September and 5 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 20 suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Enugu East, Egboeze North and Udi LGAs of Enugu State as well as Osisioma Ngwa LGA of Abia State.
Additionally, troops conducted operations in Owerri North and Mbano LGAs of Imo State.
During the operations, troops recovered 2 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, 15 cartridges, 70 x 50mm ammo, one bayonet and 9 mobile phones amongst others.
Air Interdiction.
The air component of Operation UDO KA conducted air interdiction at IPOB/ESN terrorists camp at Mother Valley.
The location spans Orsu and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra States. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.
SUMMARY
Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 9 terrorists, arrested 21 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages.
Troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 5 pump action guns, 10 dane guns, 2 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, 162 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 70 rounds of 50mm ammo, 41 live cartridges, 4 magazines, one bayonet, one vehicle, 4 motorcycles and 19 mobile phones amongst others.
All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.