…Rescues 479 Kidnapped victims, arrests 790 terrorists, other criminal elements in July

By Kingsley Omonobi

The Military High Command on Friday disclosed that troops have tightened security in several areas, bearing in mind that the August 1 protest against hunger and bad governance was hijacked and turned violent in some parts of the country.

“Sadly at about 2000hrs (8pm) on 31 July 2024 in the North East, lives were lost on the eve of the protest. The incident occurred when a female suicide bomber infiltrated and detonated her suicide vest in Kawuri Village of Konduga LGA in Borno State”, the military said.

“The incident resulted in 17 civilian deaths with several others wounded and receiving treatment in hospital. Inspite of the ugly incident, our operations are continuing to deepen our successes particularly in the NE, NW, NC and SE zones of the nation”.

“The armed forces seeks to bring stability wherever it may be needed in the face of ongoing protest across the country.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations who made this known on Friday, stated that troops neutralized 572 terrorists, arrested 790 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements as well as rescued 479 kidnapped hostages during the month of July while fighting against insecurity.

“Additionally, troops recovered 440 weapons, 10,589 ammunitions comprising 232 AK47 rifles, 93 locally fabricated guns, 82 Dane guns, 32 pump action guns, 5,041 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,768 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 659 cartridges, 63 assorted arms and 2,259 assorted ammunitions.

Buba said troops denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over #3bn (N3,652,382,080.00) including 3,650,080 litres of stolen crude oil, 625,518 litres of illegally refined AGO, 450 litres of DPK and 1,230 litres of PMS amongst other items.

Detailing the operations, Major General Buba said, “In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 40 terrorists, arrested 47 suspects and rescued 18 kidnappers hostages.

“Troops recovered one PKT gun, one QJC gun, one AGL, one MK 4 rifle, 19 AK47 rifles, 10 magazines, 276 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 rounds 7.62 units 51mm ammo, 33 rounds 7.62 unit 45mm ammo, 4 bicycles, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N480,320.00 and $48,000.00 only amongst others.

“On 24 July 2024, a total of 197 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists and family members comprising of 11 adult males, 68 adult females and 118 children surrendered to troops in Bama, Gwoza, and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State.

“On 26 and 30 July 2024, 3 BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters identified Usman Ahmadu, Babakarama Balawan and one other surrendered to troops in seperate offensive operations in Gwoza, Kukawa and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 55 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine, 2 mobile phones and one bicycle amongst others.

“Between 24 and 30 Jul 2024, a total of 1,100 terrorists comprising 164 adult males 315 adult females and 621 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

“Between 24 and 30 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in  Gwoza, Kukawa, Damboa Gamboru-Ngala, Bama and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 23 terrorists, arrested one suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborator/informant and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages including children.

“Troops also recovered one PKT gun, one QJC gun, one AGL, one MK 4 rifle, 17 AK47 rifles, 9 magazines, 221 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 111 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 33 rounds of 5.56 units of 45mm ammo, military accoutrements and the sum of N86,000 amongst others.

“On 23 and 24 July 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations intercepted and arrested 6 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Damaturu and Biu LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively.

“Between 23 and 27 July 2024, following tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 17 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators including kidnappers, informants, vandals and drug peddlers in Damboa, Biu, Monguno, Mobbar and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Damaturu and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State respectively.

“Troops recovered 5 mobile phones, cutlasses and the sum of N394,320.00 as well as $48,000.00 only amongst others.

“In the North Central,  troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 14 insurgents, arrested 61 violent extremists and rescued 19  kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered one GPMG, one RPG tube, one RPG bomb, 2 FN rifles, 6 fabricated pistols, 7 Dane guns, 1,069 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 87 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 70 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 35 rounds of 9mm ammo, one belt of 7.62mm NATO, 12 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 FN rifle magazines, 2 motorcycles amongst others.

“On 24 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops while conducting anti-illegal mining operations intercepted and arrested 7 suspected illegal miners in Jos North LGA of Plateau State.

“On 30 July 2024, following INTREP, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist identified as Isa Mohammed Gambo in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

“On 1 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops in sting operations intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist/gunrunner, identified as Hashimu Ahmad in Lere LGA of Kaduna State.

“During the operation, troops recovered one GPMG, one RPG tube, one RPG bomb, 1,069 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one belt of 7.62mm NATO and one vehicle amongst others.

“On 24 and 25 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists, kidnappers in Kauru and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Pankshin, Wase and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State respectively.

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and arrested 33 suspected violent extremists. Troops also recovered one FN rifle, 3 fabricated, 2 magazines, 3 dane guns, 55 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 19 rounds of 9mm ammo, 12 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 25 July 2024, troops while on offensive operation made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Wase LGA of Plateau State. Follwoing a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 extremists and recovered 4 dane guns, 87 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm and 2 motorcycles.

“On 24 July 2024, following credible intelligence, troops conducted cordon and search operation in the house of suspected gunrunner identified as Mr Williams Haruna in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested the prime suspect and recovered one FN rifle, 3 fabricated rifles, 2 FN rifle’s magazines, 15 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 16 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

“Between 24 and 28 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists in Wase, Bassa, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 4 suspects and rescued 7 kidnapped hostages”.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 23 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, 47 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 24 July 2024, troops responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremist’s in Ukum LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect alleged to be an informant to a wanted criminal named SUGHNEN (aka SHOWBOY).

“On 25 and 27 July 2024, following INTREP, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 13 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers including informants in Keffi, Karu and Akwanga LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively.

“On 25 and 29 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists, terrorists in Makurdi, Ukum and Konshihsa LGAs of Benue State.

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, 47 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“In the North West troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists and rescued 69 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 dane guns, one magazine, 29 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 40 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 8 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

“On 26 July 2024, following available intelligence and confirmatory ISR that revealed the enclave of terrorist kingpin Abu Radde and his cohorts with history of abductions and attacks on locals in Batsari LGA of Katsina State.

“Consequently, the location was acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment and human feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed. Additionally, 3 kidnapped hostages were rescued by land component.

“On 24 July 2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. During the operations, troops rescued 18 kidnapped hostages as well as reunit woth their families.

“On 23 and 24 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information of suspected terrorists in Giwa and Kaura Namoda LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara State as well as Katsina and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State.

“During the operations, troops rescued 18 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 Dane guns, one magazine, 29 round of 7.62mm special ammo, 40 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 8 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

“On 25 and 27 July 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls in Tangaza and Anka LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.

 “On 25 and 26 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to distress calls on activities of suspected terrorists, kidnappers in Maradun and Rabah LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto as well as Kankara, Jibia and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State.

“Additionally, troops conducted operations in Koko Besse LGA of Kebbi State. During the operations, troops rescued 15 kidnapped hostages.

“On 26 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate fighting patrols intercepted and arrested 7 suspected terrorists collaborators in Danmusa and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 30 terrorists, arrested 50 suspects and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered 18 AK47 rifle, 3 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 12 magazines, 403 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 215 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 14 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 6 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones and the sum of N80,000.00 amonsgt others.

“On 23 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Kagarko and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja.

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 extremists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 4 magazines, 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N80,000.00 only amongst others.

“On 24 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Kaura and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State.

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 terrorists and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 109 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 14 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 4 magazines, 8 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 23 and 24 July 2024, following INTREP, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations raided suspected violent extremists/terrorists hideouts in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested 25 suspected violent extremists.

“On 23 July 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations ambush and made contact with suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Kachia and Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State as well as Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja.

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 4 magazines, 157 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 3 motorcycles amongst others.

“On 23 July 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 8 kidnapped hostages as well as reunit them with their families.

“On 25 July 2024, following credible information, troops in conjunction with NDLEA personnel raided suspected violent extremists/drug peddlers hideouts in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 8 suspects and recovered elicit drugs.

In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 13 suspects for oil thefts and other violent extremists as well as recovered 3 magazines, one dummy AK47 rifle, 3 weapons and 12 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops recovered 922,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 332,120 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally,

“Troops discovered and destroyed 81 illegal refining sites, 497 dugout pits, 32 boats and 22 storage tanks, 69 cooking ovens, 4 outboard engines, 2 speedboats, 20 pumping machines, 23 vehicles, 5 motorcycles, 2 triccycles, 3 wheelbarrows, 2 handheld radios, and 4 mobile phones.

“On 26 July 2024, troop  while on counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists in Ughelli North LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested one suspected extremists informant and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.

“The Air Component Operation Delta Safe on 26 July 2024, conducted multiple air operations at Owaza, Komkom, Umueze and Okoloma aimed at securing oil and gas infrastructure, deterring economic saboteurs’ freedom of action, destroying several illegal refining sites as well as curbing other security threats with a view to restoring oil and gas production to full capacity.

“Additionally, 2 suspected oil thefts were apprehended by the maritime component.

“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 17 violent extremists and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one fabricated gun, one locally fabricated pistol and 5 cartridges amongst other.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“On 23 July 2024, following inteligence, troops while on offensive operation raided a suspected violent extremists/cultists hideout in Ikom LGA of Cross River State.

“During the operations, troops arrested 3 extremists including one notorious gang leader. Troops also recovered one locally made fabricated cartridge gun, one locally fabricated pistol with 5 cartridges.

“On 24 July 2024, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent

extremist/terrorists informant identified as Mr Samuel Princewill in Obioma Ngwa LGA of Abia State.”

Furthermore, Gen Buba said, “The military remains committed and strong to its mission of defending the country and protecting citizens.

“Citizens are urged not to compromise on security, otherwise the security of everyone is compromised.”