By: Kingsley Omonobi

Troops fighting against insecurity and other national threats across the country during the last one week killed 152 terrorists, arrested 109 terrorists, Bandit’s and rescued 91 hostages.

Troops carried out surgical operations against two prominent terrorist commanders and decimated their strongholds, namely, Sadiku Enclave in Tsora Hill in Safana LGA of Katsina State and Alhaji Yusuf Enclave at Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.

Troops also apprehended 2 female terrorist’s collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom.

In the Niger Delta, troops discovered and destroyed 58 illegal refinery sites. Troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N795,68million (Seven Hundred and Ninety-Five Million, Six Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety-Five Naira only.

Troops crippled crude oil theft activities through air interdiction at Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama, all in Rivers State.

Troops also foiled the stealing of 725,920 litres of crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO amongst other items.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said that during the various encounters, troops recovered 183 weapons and 4,443 ammunitions comprising 95 AK47 rifles, 35 locally fabricated guns, 76 Dane guns, One GPMG, 2 PKT guns, 4,131 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 115 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 28 cartridges, 53 assorted arms and 197 assorted ammunitions.

 Detailing the operations, he said, “In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 63 terrorists, arrested 38 suspects and rescued 35 kidnappers hostages.

Troops recovered 23 AK47 rifles, one fabricate AK47 rifle, one fabricated FN rifle, 12 Dane guns, one RPG tube, one RPG bomb, one GPMG belted link with 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2,062 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 magazines, 19 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones and the sum of N332,700.00.

“On 26 and 28 August 2024, troops with Hybrid Forces ambushed terrorists Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Daura LGA of Katsina State. Following fire fights, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifle one fabricated AK47 rifle, 2 Dane guns, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 4 motorcycles.

“On 27 August 2024, troops while on fighting patrol, ambushed terrorists in Ngala LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorist and recovered 7 AK47 Rifles, 3 dane guns, one fabricated rifle, one FN rifle, 140 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines and 5 bicycles.

“On 27  and 29 August 2024,  troops in separate patrol responded to distress calls from about discovered UXO in their farms in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. On arrival, troops scanned and recovered the UXOs successfully.

“On 27 August 2024, troops while on offensive patrol in Potiskum LGA of Yobe State intercepted and arrested 3 persons carting away 19 seed planter machines and one motorcycle, belonging to the Yobe State Government.

“Between 28 August – 3 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces while in separate offensive operations made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Bama, Konduga and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba and Geidam LGAs of Yobe.

“Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 31, arrested 7 and rescued 26 kidnapped hostaged. Troops also recovered 21 AK 47 Rifles, 4 dane gunes, 7 fabricated rifles, one RPG Tube, one RPG Bomb, one RPG bomb charger and GPMG belt linked with 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 1,480 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 26 bicycles and IED materials 7 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones amongst others.

“Between 28 August – 3 September 2024, following report, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations intercepted and arrested 24 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in Damboa, Konduga and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Gubio, Geidam, Tarmuwa,  LGAs of Yobe State.

Troops recovered one AK47 loaded with 24 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 vehicles, 8 new motorcycles, large quantity of motorcycle spare parts, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N332,700.00 amongst other item.

“Following confirmatory ISR on activities of terrorists enclave in Southern Tumbus. On 31 August 2024, air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that ISWAP spiritual leader identified as Goni Sanda and several terrorists were neutralized and their armoury/structures destroyed.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested 18 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated AK 47 Rifle, one fabricated Revolver Rifle, 4 dane guns, 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 live cartridges, 6 mobile phones, 2 motorcycles and Cannabis Sativa amongst others.

“Between 28 August – 3 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces while in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremist in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Wase, Riyom and Jos South. During the encounter, troops arrested 13 violent extremist/kidnappers and rescued 6 victims.

“Between 27 August – 3 September 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations, arrested 5 criminals and rescued 9 kidnapped hostage in Bassa and Riyom,  LGAs of Plateau State. Similarly, troops conducted operations in  Zangon Kataf,  and Jema’a LGAs of Kaduna State respectively.

“Between 27 August – 3 September 2024, following reports troops arrested 13 kidnappers and rescued 5 hostages in Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Jos North LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 dane guns, one fabricated pistol, 55 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 live cartridges, 6 mobile phones, and 2 motorcycles.

“On 30 August 2024, troops raided a drug peddler hideout in Jos South LGA of Plateau State and arrested a notorious drugs dealer. Troops recovered one fabricated AK 47 Rifle, one fabricated Revolver Rifle, 2 dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 40 live cartridges, 3 mobile phones and Cannabis Sativa among other sundry items. 

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 22 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 4 danguns, 2 single barel guns, 661 7.62mm special ammo, 28 live cartridges, 2 vehicles, 9 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones.

,”Between 27 August – 2 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Gwer West and Ukum LGAs of Benue State as well as Takum LGA of Taraba State.

“During the operations, troops neutralized 3 extremists, arrested 10 and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47   Rifles, 2 fabricated Rifles, 2 Single Barrel guns, 4 dane guns, one AK 47 Rifle butt, 661 rounds of 7.62 mm Special, 28 cartridges and 9 motorcycles amongst other item.

“On 2 September 2024, troops conducted combined offensive operations with ONSA team and security agencies to Gidan Gogo and Kuyeri Forest in Bwari Area Council of the FCT. The operations extended to Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 6 violent extremists including 2 female terrorists collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom.

“On 30 August 2024, troop while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operations,in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops rescued a kidnap hostage in pursuit of the violent extremist.

“On 2 and 3 September 2024, troops in separate routine patrols in AMAC of FCT Abuja intercepted and arrested 4 criminals. Troops recovered 2 vehicles and 5 mobile phones. Further investigation, ongoing.

“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 105 terrorists, arrested 21 terrorists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages.

Troops recovered one GPMG, one PKT gun, 52 AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifles, 21 fabricated rifles, one PKT belted link with 86 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,523 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 115 rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo, 40 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N40,800.00 only amongst others.

“On 28 August 2024, troops with Hybrid Forces  ambushed  terrorists in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 4 fabricated rifles, 230 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 donkeys.

“On 25 – 30 August 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Giwa, Birnin Gwari, Maradun, Kaura Namoda, Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara State as well as  Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 36 terrorists arrested 7 and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops also recovered 24 AK47 Rifles, 7 dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, one PKT gun, one PKT belt containing 86 rounds, 435 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 120 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 5 mobile phones, 4 BAOFENG radios, 7 motorcycles, Airtel recharge cards worth ₦5,000.00 and the sum of N13,300.00 only.

“Between 27 August – 3 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations responded to distress calls on terrorists activities in  Dange Shuni, Isa, Tureta, Sabon Birni and Rabah LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Maradun and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State.

“Following fire fights, troops neutralized 34 terrorists, arrested 11 terrorists/kidnappers and rescued 23 kdnapped hostages. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 6 fabricated rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifle, 250 rounds of 7.62mm special

ammo, 115 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm ammo, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 12 motorcycles.

“Between 26 August – 3 September 2024, troops conducted offensive operations to distressed communities in Danmusa, Jibia and Bungudu LGAs of  Katsina and Zamfaara States. During the fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorist, arrested 5 and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 dane guns, one AK47 rifle, 87 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo one vehicle and 4 motorcycles.

“On 29 and 31 August 2024, troops arrested military 6 impostes in Daura and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State. Troops also arrested 3 terrorist collaborators in Tureta LGA of Sokoto State. Additionally, troops recovered military uniforms and the sum of ₦27,500.00 only.

“On 4 September 2024, troops while on offensive operation made contact with terrorist in Jibia LGA of Katsina State. Following fire fight, troops neutralized 23 terrorists and recovered 12 AK47 rifles one GPMG, 8 fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 608 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 211 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 21 motorcycles amongst other item. 

“On 26 August 2024, air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on terrorists hideout at Sadiku Enclave in Tsora Hill in Safana LGA of Katsina State. Subsequently, target was acquired and engaged with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 16 terrorists, arrested 9 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one PKT gun, 4 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 410 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones, one boefeng radio, one magazine and the sum of  N1,532,900.00 amongst others.

“On 27 August 2024, troops ambush in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State resulted in 16 terrorists neutralized and a PKT gun recovered. Other items recovered include: 4 AK47 rifles, D dane guns, 3 fabricated guns, 280 rounds, one Baofeng radio, one magazine and 14 sim cards.

“On 27 August and 1 September 2024, in separate offensive operations. Troops intercepted and arrested 9 violent extremists logistics suppliers in Chikun and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also recovered one vehicle, 130 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one motorcycle, 3 new mobile phones, recharge cards worth N100,000.00 and the sum of N1,532,900.00 amongst other item

“On 28 August 2024, troops rescued a kidnapped hostage during fighting patrol in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.

“On 29 August 2024, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction mission over Alhaji Yusuf enclave at Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.

“The location was acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and locations destroyed.

“In the Niger Delta, troops of Delta Safe apprehended 34 suspects for oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 assorted ammunitions. recovered 725,920 litres of stolen crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO. 

“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 36 dugout pits, 40 boats, 22 drums and 27 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 32 cooking ovens, 6 speedboats, 3 vehicles, 3 motorcycles, one pumping machine, one generator and 58 illegal refining sites.

“On 28 August 2024, the air component of Operation Delta Safe conducted air interdiction mission to Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama.

“The location was observed with illegal refining activities, targets were acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that over 17 illegal refining sites and several canoes were destroyed.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

23.          Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted counter anti kidnapping/criminality operations in Orji River LGA of Enugu State.

24.    Details as follows:

“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka arrested 2 violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“On 31 August 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations, arrested 2 criminals and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages in Orji River LGA of Enugu State.

Furthermore, Major Gen Buba said, “The armed forces is steadily progressing towards the goal of total destruction of all these criminal elements.

“Given recent events, the military learns every day and makes improvements on ways to better deal with threat situations posed by these terror groups. Troops are moving in against the terrorist and denying them freedom of action.

“The gallant men and women of the armed forces continue to take pride in putting themselves in harms way to ensure the safety and security of citizens. Citizens on the other hand, must constantly see the need to show  support for  troops to win the war.