By Emmanuel Daudu
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba has disclosed that troops during the period Jan _ Mar 2024 resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralize , 2,308 persons arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 2,847 weapons, 58,492 ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20 bn (N20,331,713,910.00) only.
Major General Edward Buba made this known on Thursday during a quarterly press briefing on ongoing military operations from January-March, 2024.
‘Breakdown for the period includes and is not limited to the following: 1,497 AK47 rifles, 33,878 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12,698 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 948 assorted arms and 5,520 assorted ammo.
“Others are 21,573,310 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 litres of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 litres of DPK and 52,730 litres of PMS amongst other item.
“The foregoing demonstrates that ongoing operations are effective and result oriented.
“The armed forces is fighting a vicious enemy in the ongoing operations across the country. Nevertheless, the military is ready, prepared, equipped and focused on what to do with these terrorist and their cohorts.
“Surely, we have been collecting intelligence, hunting them and striking them where they maybe hiding and hibernating. Our aim is to kill this terrorist and the infrastructure that supports them.
“Accordingly, we have employed significant firepower to neutralize several terrorists and disrupt their activities.Indeed, significant terrorist commanders killed include and is not limited to the following: Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorists who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops in 21 Feb 24.
“Others are : Kachallah Damina ( Neutralised in Mar 24, by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo,
Kachallah Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others.
“The above was achieved through synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, lmmediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves”, he added.
In details
REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 4 APRIL 2024
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; conducted offensive operations, fighting patrols, arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters and collaborators as well as surrendering of BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters in Damboa, Konduga, Bama, Gwoza and Nganzai LGAs of Borno State.
2. Details as follows:
a. Offensive Operations. Between 27 March and 1 April 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Damboa, Konduga, Bama and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 34 terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 27 AK47 rifles, 3 PKT guns, 5 fabricated guns, 4 dane guns, 461 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 432 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 101 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 11 magazines, 9 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, 2 HH radios, 12 bicycles and 4 magazine jackets amongst others. Additionally, troops recovered 2 decomposed corpses suspected to repentant BH/ISWAP terrorists.
b. fighting Patrol. On 31 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces while on fighting patrol made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Nganzai LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 19 terrorists and recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, 316 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 mobile phones and cutlasses.
c. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terr Log Suppliers. On 29 and 31 March 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations arrested 4 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators in Jere and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.
d. Arrest of suspected ISWAP/JAS Terr Fighter. On 29 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 2 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters identified as Yagabalu Amodu Bimba and Modu Jubril in Gwoza and Monguno LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 3 AK47 magazines, 119 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one bandolier, one camelback and 3 mobile phones.
e. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrs. Between 27 March and 2 April 2024, a total of 83 terrs comprising 16 adult males 19 adult females and 48 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
SUMMARY
3. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 53 terrorists, arrested 36 and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 PKT guns, 46 AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, 7 dane guns, one bandolier, 896 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 432 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 101 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 14 magazines, 2 HH radios, 9 motorcycles, 17 mobile phones and 12 bicycles amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
4. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; troops conducted offensive operations, cordon and search and arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Mangu, Barkin Ladi and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Ukum LGA of Benue State.
5. Details are as follows:
a. Offensive Operations. Between 27 March and 2 April 2024, troops while on offensive operations raided a suspected violent extremists/kidnappers hideouts in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops neutralized 6 violent extremists and arrested 4 suspects. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, 166 rounds of 7.62mm special, 74 live cartridges, 5 motorcycles and 13 mobile phones amongst others.
b. Cordon and Search. On 29 and 30 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted cordon and search operations in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 13 suspected violent extremists/terrorists and recovered 2 locally made revolver rifles, 10 dane guns, one double barrel gun, 97 rounds of 9mm ammo, 131 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and military accoutrements.
c. Arrest Operation. Between 28 March and 1 April 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 6 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Mangu and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State as well as Ukum LGA of Benue State. During the operations, troops also rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
SUMMARY
6. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 6 insurgents, arrested 23 violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one fabricated pistol, 10 dane guns, 2 locally made revolver rifles, 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 131 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 97 rounds of 9mm ammo, 74 cartridges, 5 motorcycles and 13 mobile phones amongst others.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations and counter/anti kidnapping/criminality operation in Gassol, Zing and Takum LGAs of Taraba State as well as Kwande and Akwanga LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States. Additionally, Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja.
8. Details are as follows:
a. Offensive Operations. Between 27 and 31 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Gassol and Zing LGAs of Taraba State as well as Kwande LGA of Benue State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 8 suspected violent extremists/terrorists and recovered 4 motorcycles, one vehicle, 15 mobile phones and the sum of N50,360 amongst others.
b. Counter/Anti- Kidnapping/Criminality Operation.
(1) On 31 March 2024, troops responded to information on suspected violent extremists activities in Takum LGA of Taraba State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued 24 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered one motorcycle.
(2) On 29 And 31 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted counter/anti kidnapping operations in Akwanga LGA of Nasarawa State as well as Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops arrested 4 suspects and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 locally fabricated rifles, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one ammo link and 2 mobile phones.
SUMMARY
9. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 14 violent extremists and rescued 30 kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 3 fabricated rifles, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one ammo link, 4 motorcycles, 17 mobile phones and the sum of N50,360 amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
10. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operations, counter/anti kidnapping/criminality operation, responded to terrorists activities and arrested suspects terrorists in Tsafe, Zurmi and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Kurfi, Mulumfashi, Kankara, Faskari and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State. Additionally, Takai and Kiru LGAs of Kano State, Giwa and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Birnin Kebbi LGA of Kebbi State.
11. Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 29 and 30 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 terrorists and recovered 7 locally fabricated guns, 4 dane guns, 227 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 cartridges and 3 motorcycles.
(3) Between 28 March and 2 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Kurfi, Mulumfashi, Kankara and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 36 terrorists and recovered 24 AK47 rifles, 10 dane guns, one PKT guns, 5 fabricated guns, 451 rounds of 7.62mm special, 231 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 98 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 11 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and 4 bicycles amongst others.
b. Counter/Anti- Kidnapping/Criminality Operation. On 29 March and 1 April 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operations intercepted and arrested 2 suspected terrorists as well as rescued 10 kidnapped hostages in Zurmi and Takai LGAs of Zamfara and Kano States respectively.
c. Violent Extremists/Insurgs Activities. On 28 March and 1 April 2024, following INTREP troops responded to information on terrorists activities and made contact with terrorists in Giwa and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Anka LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 terrorists and arrested 5 suspects. Troops also recovered 7 fabricated guns, 4 dane guns, 2 locally made revolver rifles, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 96 cartridges, 6 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones.
d. Arrest Operations.
(1) On 29 March and 1 April 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrols arrested 7 suspected terrorists in Danmusa and Birnin Kebbi LGAs of Katsina and Kebbi States respectively.
(2) On 31 March 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti kidnapping operation arrested one suspected kidnapper in Kiru LGA of Kano State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect have participated in series of kidnapping incidents, armed robbery and cattle rustling within the state and environ.
SUMMARY
12. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 57 terrorists, arrested 7 terrorists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 24 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 19 fabricated guns, 18 locally made dane guns, 2 fabricated revolver rifles, 451 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 590 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 98 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 106 live cartridges, 20 motorcycles and 9 mobile phones amonsgt other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
13. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive operations in Giwa and Kajuru LGAs of Kaduna State.
14. Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations. Between 29 March and 1 April 2024, troops in a separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Giwa and Kajuru LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated guns, one dane gun, 231 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and one baofeng radio.
SUMMARY
15. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 15 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 4 fabricated guns, 231 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 121 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one baofeng radio, 4 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amonsgt others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
16. 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 offensive operations in Southern Ijaw and Akpabuyo LGAs of Bayelsa and Cross River as well as Ughelli South and North LGAs of Delta State.
Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 565,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,050 litres of DPK and 8,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 6 dugout pits, 33 boats and 18 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 25 cooking ovens, 3 vehicles and 16 illegal refining sites.
b. Offensive Operations. Between 29 and 1 April 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Southern Ijaw and Akpabuyo LGAs of Bayelsa and Cross River States as well as Ughelli South and North LGAs of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 7 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered 2 dane guns, one fabricated pistol, 69 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 200 cartridges in a bacco bag hidden under a demolished building.
SUMMARY
17. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 565,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 22,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,050 litres of DPK and 8,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 6 dugout pits, 33 boats and 18 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 25 cooking ovens, 3 vehicles and 16 illegal refining sites.
18. Troops apprehended 25 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 10 weapons and 269 assorted ammunitions.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
19. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; troops arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers, gunrunners and raided IPOB/ESN camp in Onitsha North and Izi LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively.
20. Details as follows:
a. Offensive Operations. On 29 and 31 March 2024, troops inconjunction with DSS and Nigerian Police conducted fighting patrols to violent extremists/IPOB/ESN camps and hideouts in Oguta, Oru and Mbaitoli LGAs of Imo State as well as Onicha and Ohaukwu LGAs of Ebonyi State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested one suspect and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 93 cartridges, 3 IEDs, one RPG bomb, 2 motorcycles, 7 Baofeng radios, 4 mobile phones and military accoutrements amongst others.
SUMMARY
21. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested one violent extremists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, 3 IEDs, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 93 live cartridges, one RPG bomb, 7 Baofeng radios, 2 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amonsgt other. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations
(@24_dmo)
Africa Security Investigation News 