See Report on Ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria as at 7 June, 2024

By Emmanuel Daudu

The armed Forces of Nigeria have been working tirelessly against insecurity across the nation.

Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, briefing journalists on Thursday in Abuja on the activities of the troops across the nation disclosed that troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded several activities during the period under review; surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and families, arrest of ammo racketeer, BH/ISWAP/JAS collaborators, conducted fighting patrols and offensive operations as well as meeting engagement with terrorists in Bama, Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza, Konduga, Kaga, MMC, Kukawa and Monguno LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam, Yunusari and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State.

According to him, “Between 27 and 29 May 2024, a total of 352 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants and their families comprising of 34 adult males, 110 adult females and 208 children surrendered to troops in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama, Kukawa, Mafa and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered 32 AK47 rifles, 12 dane guns, 43 magazines, 1,103 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 732 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm and the sum of N262,500.00 only amongst others.
(2) Between 29 May and 3 Jun 24, a total of 399 terrorist comprising 61 adult males 114 adult females and 224 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
(3) On 1 and 3 June 2024, 3 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters surrendered to troops in Bama and Kaga LGAs of Borno State. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 57 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 44 refilled rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammo, 6 magazines, 2 hand grenades, 3 baofeng radios, one bandolier and one mobile phone amongst otheritem.
b. Arrest of Ammo Racketeer. On 28 May 2024, following a tip-off, trooos with hybrid forces arrested one military personnel identified as in possession of 602 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo in MMC LGA of Borno State. Investigation ongoing.
c. Meeting Engagement. On 28 May 2024, troops while on picketing duty made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one motorcycle and one mobile phone amongst others.
d. Ambush. On 28 and 30 May 2024, troops in separate night ambush operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Bama and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 2 double barrel guns, 2 magazines, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special, 72 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 32 live cartridges and one HH radio amongst others.
e. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Collaborators.
(1) On 28 and 29 May 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 10 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators in Gubio and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State respectively.
(2) Between 29 May and 2 June 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate patrols arrested 12 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants in Monguno and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States.
f. Fighting Patrols. On 29 and 30 May 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate fighting patrols made contact with suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists in Kaga and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered one G3 rifle, 4 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated guns, 13 magazines, 67 rounds of 7.62mm special, 112 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo and one hand grenade amongst others.

c. Offensive Operations. Between 29 May and 2 June 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Kaga, Bama, Gwoza and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Yunusari and Geidam LGAs of Yobe State . Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 30 terrorists, arrested 2 suspects and rescued 38 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 14 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 5 dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, one damaged PKT gun, 13 magazines, one hand grenade, one RPG bomb, charger, 134 rounds of 7.62mm special, 212 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 bandoliers, 3 vehicles, 2 motorcycles, one bicycle, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N9,200.00 only amongst others.

“Air Interdiction. Between 28 and 31 May 2024, air component of Operation HADIN KAI in multiple passes conducted air interdictions at different BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists locations in Kaforam, Doron Kirta and Garin Maloma around Lake Chad Basin and Sambisa Forest in Borno State. Following confirmatory ISR on terrorists, the locations were acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with their structures and logistics destroyed.

“Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 80 terrorists, arrested 56 suspects and rescued 60 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered 2 G3 rifles, 61 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, 21 dane guns, 2 double barrel guns, one RPG bomb, tube, 4 grenades, one damaged PKT, 77 magazines, 2,064 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 375 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 888 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 32 live cartridges, 4 bandoliers, 4 baofeng radios, 3 vehicles, 3 motorcycles, one bicycle, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N271,700.00 only amongst others.

“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrested violent extremists, gunrunner, responded to activities of violent extremists, conducted offensive operations and counter/anti kidnapping operations as well as foiled attack on locals in Qua’an Pan, Riyom, Mangu, Barkin Ladi, Bokkos, Bassa, Jos North and South LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jema’a, Zango Kataf and Sanga LGAs of Kaduna State.

a. Arrest of Suspected Gunrunner. On 27 May 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on patrol arrested 2 gunrunners in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were on their way to receive a consignment of 3 AK47 rifles, 15 magazines and 500 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
b. Violent Extremists Activities. On 27 and 28 May 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and armed robbers in Bokkos and Qua’an Pan LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops made contact with extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 extremists and rescued 2 hostages. Troops also recovered, 3 fabricated rifles, 3 pump action guns, 44 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 62 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Attack on Locals. On 29 May 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information on an attack on locals by suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops made no contact. Troops further exploited the general area and arrested 5 suspects.
d. Offensive Operations. On 31 May and 2 June 2024, troops in separate operations conducted raid operation as well as responded to information on activities of violent extremists in Jema’a and Zango Kataf LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Jos South and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State respectively. During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremists/terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 extremists, arrested 29 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one fabricated SMG rifle, one fabricated rifle, one pistol, one dane gun, 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, one mobile phone and military accoutrements.
e. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Operations . Between 29 May and 3 June 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and illegal miners in Mangu and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects.
f. Arrest Operations. Between 1 and 4 June 2024, following tip-off, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on activities of suspected violent extremists in Barkin Ladi, Jos South and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspects including high profile kidnap kingpin and gunrunner as well as recovered one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol and 13 rounds of 9mm ammo.

“Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 16 insurgents, arrested 72 violent extremists and rescued 29 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, 3 pump action guns, one fabricated SMG, one locally fabricated pistol, one pistol, 15 magazines, 539 rounds of 7.62mm special, 67 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 26 rounds of 9mm ammo, 62 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.

“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrol, offensive operations and rescued kidnapped hostages in Gwer West, Ukum and Ogbadibo LGAs of Benue State as well as Wukari LGA of Taraba State.

a. Fighting Patrol. On 28 May 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations raided a violent extremists hideout in Wukari and Ukum LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. During the operations, troops made no contact with extremists. Troops further exploited the general area and recovered 3 AK49 rifles, one fabricated pistol, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 baofeng radios, one laptop amongst other items.
b. Update on Kidnapped Incidents. Sequel to earlier kidnap of a military officer, a Warrant Officer and 9 others. Troops conducted search and rescue operations in Gwer West and Ogbadibo LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops rescued the personnel together with 4 other kidnapped hostages.
c. Offensive Operations. On 31 May and 2 June 2024, troops in separate offensive operations intercepted and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists in Wukari and Gwer West LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special, 9 cartridges and 2 motorcycles.

“Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 13 violent extremists and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 3 AK49 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, 146 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 9 live cartridges, 4 bandoliers, one magazine and one laptop amongst others.

“The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operations, counter/anti kidnapping operations as well as rescued kidnapped hostages Yabo, Isa and Sabon Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Gusau and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Giwa and Faskari LGAs of Kaduna and Katsina States.

a. Raid Operations. On 27 May 2024, troops while on patrol raided a suspected terrorists hideout in Yabo LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation, troops arrested 85 suspects and recovered one vehicle and 6 motorcycles.
b. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 29 May 2024, troops while on offensive operation made contact with terrorists in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifle, 3 magazines, 231 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and one motorcycle amonsgt others.
(2) Between 29 May and 4 June 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Isa and Wamako LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Giwa and Zurmi LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 35 suspects and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 14 AK47 rifles, one AK49 rifle, 4 dane guns, 2 single barrel guns, 115 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 102 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 8 magazines, 10 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.c. Rescue of kidnapped Victims. On 29 May 24, troops while on patrol intercepted and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of Katsina State.

d. Counter/Anti – Kidnapping Operation. On 30 May 2024, troops in counter/anti-kidnapping operation responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops rescued 17 kidnapped hostages.

“Air Interdiction. On 27 May and 1 June 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI acquired and attacked newly uncovered enclaves of terrorists kingpins Babaru’s and Bello Turji’s in Kankara and Isa LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto States respectively. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with their structures and logistics destroyed.

“Similarly, on 2 June 2024, air interdiction was conducted at newly uncovered hideout of notorious terrorist kingpin Alhaji Iliya and his cohorts in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities. Consequently, the target was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

“Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 54 terrorists, arrested 131 terrorists and rescued 44 kidnapped hostages, Troops recovered 40 AK47 rifles, one AK49 rifle, 2 fabricated rifles, 4 dane guns, 2 single barrel guns, 346 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 134 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 12 magazines, 30 motorcycles and 8 mobile phones amongst others.

“The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; surrendered of terrorist commander, offensive operations and rescued kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops arrested violent extremists/terrorists in Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Yagba West and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in AMAC and Abaji Area Council of FCT Abuja.

a. Surrendered of Terrorists Kingpin. On 28 May 2024, following troops sustained offensive operations, one terrorists kingpin identified as Lawal Kwalba surrendered to troops in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine, one locally fabricated pistol, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo and one motorcycle.
c. Fighting Patrol. On 29 May 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with terrorists in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 3 suspected terrorist informants. Troops also recovered 4 fabricated guns, 2 dane guns, 142 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones.
a. Arrests of Suspected Violent Extremists. On 29 and 30 May 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate fighting patrols raided and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists collaborators in Yagba West in Kogi State. One of the suspects is known accomplice to a notorious kidnapper identified as Mr Kabiru.
b. Rescue of Kidnapped Hostages. On 30 May 2024, troops on patrol responded to distress call on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and recovered a corpse suspected to be a driver to Dangote vehicle.
a. Offensive Operations. Between 29 May and 2 June 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and raid operations in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State as well as Abaji and AMAC Area Councils of FCT Abuja respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 17 violent extremists/kidnappers informants and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 locally made pistols, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 motorcycles and 7 mobile phones amongst others.

” Air Interdiction. On 30 and 31 May 2024 respectively, air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdictions on identified terrorists enclaves within Bula Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. The targets were acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment and human feedback revealed that scores of terrorists were eliminated with their structures and logistics destroyed.

“Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 35 suspects and rescued 25 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 3 fabricated pistols, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 142 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 20 rounds of 9mm ammo, one magazine, 5 motorcycles and 11 mobile phones amonsgt others.

“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 also conducted raid operations and arrested suspected violent extremists/cultists in Ikpoba-Okha, Etsako East and Owan West LGAs of Edo State as well as Uyo and Uruan LGAs LGAs of Akwa Ibom State. Troops also conducted operations in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State.

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 707,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 149,700 litres of illegally refined AGO and 400 litres of DPK. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 28 dugout pits, 15 boats and 55 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 7 cooking ovens, 7 vehicles, 8 mobile phones, 2 pumping machines, 2 baofeng radios, one outboard engine and 45 illegal refining sites.
b. Raid Operations. On 28 and 29 May 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations raided violent extremist’s hideouts and arrested 26 suspected violent extremists and cultists in Ikpoba Okha and Itu LGAs of Edo and Akwa Ibom States respectively. During the operation, troops recovered s G3 rifle, 2 pump action guns, 2 dane guns, 2 G3 magazines, 115 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 74 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 7 mobile phones and 3 cutlasses among other.
c. Arrest Operations. On 31 May 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/cultists in Etsako East and Owan West LGAs of Edo State as well as Uyo and Uruan LGAs of Akwa Ibom. Troops also conducted operations in Ughelli South LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 15 suspected violent extremists and recovered 4 locally made pistol and one locally made revolver rifle.

“Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 707,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 149,700 litres of illegally refined AGO and 400 litres of DPK. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 28 dugout pits, 15 boats and 55 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 7 cooking ovens, 7 vehicles, 8 mobile phones, 2 pumping machines, 2 baofeng radios, one outboard engine and 45 illegal refining sites.

23. Troops apprehended 80 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 10 weapons and 189 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; arrested suspected violent extremists/IPOB commander, ambush and raid operations as well as counter/anti kidnapping operations in Onitsha South and Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State as well as Oguta and Orsu LGAs of Imo State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Obingwa and Ohafia LGAs of Abia State.

a. Arrest of Suspected IPOB Comd. On 28 May 2024, following reports troops raided a suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN hideouts in Onitsha South LGA of Anambra State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected IPOB members including two commanders.
b. Ambush on IPOB/ESN Criminals. On 27 May 2024, following reports troops conducted ambush operation and made contact with violent extremists/IPOB/ESN in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 extremists and arrested one. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 4 magazines, 129 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammo, 45 cartridges, one motorcycle and 3 mobile phones among others.
c. Raids Operations. On 1 and 3 June 2024, following reports troops in separate raid operations raided violent extremistst/IPOB/ESN members hideouts in Oguta and Obingwa LGAs of Imo and Abia States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 2 pump action guns, 3 dane guns, 28 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo and 21 expended cartridges amongst others.
d. Counter/Anti Kidnapping Criminality Operations. On 31 May and 2 June 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations made contact with violent extremistst/IPOB/ESN members in Ohafia and Orsu LGAs of Abia and Imo States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 extremists and arrested one suspect.

“Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 30 terrorists, arrested 50 violent extremists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 7 dane guns, 4 pump action guns, 12 magazines, 115 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 28 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 129 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 45 live cartridges, 21 cartridges (expended), 11 motorcycles and 8 mobile phones amongst other. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action”.