By Emmanuel Daudu
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations has on Friday, 29th December, 2023 disclosed that the Nigerian troops in a sum total assessment of the troops activities for the year 2023 neutralized 6,886 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 6,970 suspects, rescued 4,488 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 3,320 assorted weapons and 39,075 assorted ammunition. Additionally, troops recovered 100,316,600 litres of crude oil, 60,339,426 litres of AGO, 3,465,450 litres of DPK and 3,544,990 litres of PMS.
Major General Edward made this known to the press during the Biweekly media briefing on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces Of Nigeria For The Period Jan To Dec 2023.
According to him, the major security threats within the year 2023 were terrorism, armed banditry, kidnapping, oil theft, secessionist agitations and farmers-herders clashes. The threat dynamics were however defined along geo-political zones with some permeating across the regional lines.
“The predominant threat in the North Central (NC) and North West (NW) regions is armed banditry/terrorism while the Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State West African Province lingering insurgency remained the main threat in the North East (NE) region. The major threat in the South-East (SE) and South-West (SW) was the secessionist agitations of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Yoruba Nation respectively.
“The South-South (SS) region continued to experience oil theft, cultism and youth restiveness. However, acts of criminalities such as kidnapping, armed robbery, communal clashes and cattle rustling were common across the 6 geopolitical zones. It is pertinent to point out that most security threats in the country were fueled by the proliferation of small arms exacerbated by the influx of illegal arms and ammunition through our porous borders and the preponderance of local arms fabrication factories in the country. Thus, the armed forces kinetic and non-kinetic efforts were geared towards tackling these threats in all the geo-political zones.
“The security situation in Year 2023 has remained fluid, complex and dynamic with the threat morphing in form and scale. This unpredictable nature of the threat and the attendant demands for stability have continued to pose significant challenges for security forces. Consequently, various forces have continued to evolve Tactics, Techniques and Procedures (TTP) to professionally respond to these threats.
“The armed forces has been developing the desired enablers to overcome the country’s numerous threats.
Notably, the application of kinetic and non-kinetic efforts in collaboration with other Services and security agencies has continued to shape the operating environment, in which we are in a dominant position.
“Additionally, attention was given to providing relevant resources to enhance troops’ capacity to defeat the threats. The cumulative outcome of these efforts is reflected in increased stability achieved across the various theatres of operations. Troops are in a dominant position and are winning the war.”
However, see break down below
REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 29 DECEMBER 2023
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI repel a surprise by the ISWAP/JAS terrorists in MMC of Borno State. Troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Askira-Uba and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Troops arrested ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborator and informant in Jere, Gubio and MMC of BornomStatr.
2. Troops also conducted fighting, discovered and detonated IED in Ngala and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State.
3. Details as follows:
a. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists. Between 20 and 26 December 23, a total of 238 BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters and their families members comprising 8 adult males 96 adult females and 134 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
b. ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Attack on Troops. On 20 December 2023, ISWAP/JAS terrorists conducted surprise attack on troops in MMC of BORNO State. Following a firefight, troops neutralized one terrorist while other retreated. Troops recovered one hand grenade, one fabricated hand grenade, 2 AK47 rifle magazines and 18 rounds of locally fabricated 7.62mm Special ammo, one magazine carrier/jacket and one mob phone amongst others.
c. Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorists. Between 20 and 22 December 2023, troops in a separate operations ambushed ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists and made contact with terrorists in Askira-Uba and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists while others fled. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles with 11 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, IED making materials, 2 motorcycles and bicycles amongst others.
d. Fighting Patrol. On 21 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves in Ngala LGA of Borno State. Troops made no contact with terrorists. Troops exploited the general area and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages including children.
l. Arrest of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Collaborators/Informant. On 25 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrols arrested 8 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators including one informant in Jere, Gubio LGA and MMC LGAs of Borno State and arrested 7 suspects. Troops recovered 6 mobile phones, and the sum of Seventy Eight Thousand Four Hundred and Twenty Naira (₦78,420.00) only.
n. Discovery and Detonation of IED. On 26 December 2023, troops while scanning and picketing fighting patrol route discovered an IED planted by ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops EOD team successfully detonate the IED.
SUMMARY
4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 15 and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one hand grenade, one locally fabricated hand grenade, 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 18 rounds of locally fabricated 7.62mm Special ammo, 2 magazines, 7 mobile phones and the sum of N78,420.00.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to assault in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered ammo in Zango Kataf and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers collaborator in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
7. Details are as follows:
(1) Assaults. On 24 December 2023, troops responded to a reprisal attack and destruction of houses Bokkos LGA of Platuea State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspects and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 fabricated rifles, 19 rounds and 5 empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 8 cartridges, 2 knives and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
(2) Recovery of Ammo. Between 20 and 25 December 2023, troops on stop and search operation in a separate operations intercepted a suspected vehicles in Zango Kataf and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops recovered 188 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
(6) Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers’ Collaborator. On 22 December 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested one suspect for aiding and abetting kidnappers in Barking Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
SUMMARY
8. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 13 suspects and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 4 locally fabricated rifles, 423 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 empty case of 7.62mm Special, 8 cartridges and 2 mobile amongst other items.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
9. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested a suspected kidnapper in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops responded restored normaly Ovia North East LGA of Edo State. Troops arrested suspected violent extremist/insurgent in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Troops also arrested suspected gunrunner in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State.
10. Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols in Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State respectively.
10. Details are as follows:
a. Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper. On 21 December 2023 fol INTREP, troops with hybrid forces arrested one suspected kidnapper in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. Prelim Investigation discovered that the suspect was an accomplice in the kidnap of a victim identified as Mr Ogbotu Obadiah earlier on 13 December 2023.
b. Communal Clash. On 23 December 2023, troop responded to information on communal clash in Ovia North East LGA of Edo State. On arrival, troops discovered 2 houses damaged and one burnt. Troops restored normalcy and one live round, empty case of 7.62mm Special ammo and 33 empty cases of cartridges.
c. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremist/Insurgent Informant. On 24 December 2023, troops arrested a suspected violent extremist/insurgent informant in Ukum LGA of Benue State. The suspect was arrested along with a girlfriend to one of their leader identified as Wananyam Chegben.
d. Arrest of Suspected Gunrunner. On 25 December 2023, following a tip off, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected gunrunner in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect had delivered a total of 2,900 rounds of unspecified calibre of ammo, 2 AK47 rifles and 4 magazines to one AKA Bolish who resides in Wukari LGA of Taraba State.
e. Fighting Patrols.
(1) On 20 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with violent extremist/insurgents in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops neutralized 2 criminals while others fled.
(2) On 23 December 2023, troops in a separate operation conducted fighting patrols in Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 violent extremists/insurgent while others fled. Troops 2 AK47 rifles, one Dane gun and 7 motorcycles amongst others.
SUMMARY
13. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 10 terrorists, arrested 4 terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 4 magazines, 2,900 rounds of unspecified calibre, empty case of 7.62mm Special amongst other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
14. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI responded to kidnapping terrorists activities in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops conducted offensive operations Kankara and Zurmi LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively. Troops conducted raid operation in Shanga LGA of Kebbi State. Troops also conduct fighting Danmusa, Matazu and Zurmi LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States as well as Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State respectively.
15. Additionally, troops ambushed violent extremist/insurgent in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.
16. Details are as follows;
a. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 20 December 2023, troops while on patrol responded to kidnapped incident in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. On sighting troops, the criminals fled abandoning 3 of their kidnapped hostages.
d. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 22 December 2023, troops conducted offensive operation and made contact with violent extremists in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized and rescued 52 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one fabricated rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm and one boafeng radio.
(2) On 25 December 2023, troops conducted offensive operation and made contact with violent extremist/insurgents in ZURMI LGA of ZAMFARA State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized unconfirmed number of insurgents and rescued 2 kidnapped victims. Troops also recovered one dane gun, 7 bandoliers, military kits, 5 boafeng radios, 2 radio chargers, one PKT empty ammo box, one Dane gun, one PKT board, 7 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, one holster and PKT links.
e. Surrender of Repentant Violent Extremist/Insurgent. On 20 December 2023, one repentant violent extremist/insurgent surrendered to troops in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. The criminal claimed to have operated under MALLAM SADIKU, a notorious extremist kingpin op around NIGER and KADUNA States. Troops recovered 4 IEDs, 2 mobile phones and the sum of Forty Three Thousand Naira (₦43,000.00) only.
f. Raid Operation. On 21 December 2023, following a tip off, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected violent extremist/insurgents’ hideout in Shanga LGA of Kebbi State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one insurgent identified as Tambaya.
h. Fighting Patrols. Between 21 and 23 December 2023, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Danmusa, Matazu and Zurmi LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively as well as Goronyo LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages.
j. Violent Extremist/Insurgent Activities. On 23 December 2023, troops conducted fighting patrols to insurgents’ camps in Danmusa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops made no contact with extremists. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one locally made pistol, 7 dane guns, one rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, military kits and one magazine amongst others.
n. Ambush on Violent Extremist/Insurgent. On 24 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces ambushed violent extremist/insurgent in Giwa LGA Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one insurgent while others fled. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62mm Special, 4 motorcycles and one boafeng radio..
SUMMARY
17. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 8 violent extremist, arrested 5 terrorists and rescued 62 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifles loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62mmspecia, one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, 8 dane guns, 7 bandolier, 800 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 8 motorcycles, boafeng radios, 2 radio chargers, one PKT empty ammo box, one Dane gun, one PKT board, 7 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, PKT links, 4 motorcycles and one boafeng radio
OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
18. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH raided a suspected terrorist’s hideouts in Bwari, Gwagwalada, AMAC and Kwali Area Councils of FCT Abuja. Troops conducted fighting in Kuje Area Council as well Birnin Gwari and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops also arrsillegal miners in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja.
19. Details as follows:
a. Raid Operations. Between 20 and 25 December 2023, troops in a separate operations raided suspected criminal hideouts in Bwari, Gwagwalada, AMAC and Kwali Area Councils of Abuja FCT. During the operations, troops arrested 27 suspects including suspected kidnappers informant, notorious drug peddler and cultists. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles, 20 mobile phones, cutlasses, substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs.
f. Fighting Patrol.
(1) On 20 December 2023, troops on fighting patrol arrested a suspected criminal in Kuje Area Council of FCT, Abuja. During the operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated gun with 12 live cartridges and one vehicle with multiple plates numbers.
(2) On 21 December 2023, troops in a separate operations made contact with criminals in Kachia and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Shiroro LGA of Niger State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops 5 violent extremists and recued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 6 magazines, 2 mobile phones, 3 motorcycles and the sum of N15,000.00 only.
g. Arrest of Suspected Illegal Miners. On 22 December 2023, following info on the activities of insurgents, troops conducted fighting patrol in Kuje Area Council FCT Abuja. During, troops discovered and exhumed 5 body of a suspected kidnapped victims in a shallow grave. Troops further continued search and arrested 5 suspects. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 3 magazines with 61 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 12 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 locally fabricated guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, one cutlass, 10 live cartridges, one vehicle and one motorcycle. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were illegal miners.
SUMMARY
20. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 10 suspected terrorists and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally made pistol, 2 magazines, one damaged AK47 magazine, one mobile phone and one AK47 rifle clearing rod amongst other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
21. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
22. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 61,500 litres of stolen crude oil and 58,225 litres of illegally refined AGO. Troops also apprehended 11 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 4 dugout pits, 4 boats, 31 storage tanks, 6 receivers, 10 cooling systems, 2 motorcycles. Other items rec incl 23 cooking ovens, 7 reservoirs, and 13 illegal refining sites.
SUMMARY
23. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 57350 litres of stolen crude oil, 185,500 litres of illegally refined AGO and 20,800 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 15 dugout pits, 25 boats, 74 storage tanks, 10 receivers, 10 cooling systems, 5 motorcycles and 14 vehicles. Other items rec incl 54 cooking ovens, 13 reservoirs and 35 illegal refining sites.
24. Troops also apprehended 12 suspected oil thefts and other criminals elements as well as neutralized one criminal, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one dane gun, one cartridge,14 assorted ammunition, one magazine and 5 mobile phones amongst other.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
25. Troops of Operation UDO KA raided suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Afipko South LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops arrested suspected IPOB criminal in Aninrie LGA of Enugu State. Troops neutralized suspects IPOB/ESN Ihiala and Oguta.
27. Details as follows:
a. Raid Operation. On 20 December 2023, following a tip-off, troops raided a suspected IPOB/ESN hideout in Afipko South LGA Ebonyi State. During the operation troops recovered one Pump action gun.
b. Arrest of Suspected IPOB/ESN Criminals.
(1) On 21 December 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN criminal in Aninrie LGA of Enugu State.
(2) On 23 December 2023, troops on patrol arrested a dismissed soldier identified as 15NA/73/1343 LCpl NWANGWU FIDELIS along with 3 other suspected IPOB/ESN criminals in Abakaliki LGA of Ebonyi State. Following the arrest, troops recovered one Pump action gun, 3 live cartridges, 2 IPOB caps, and assorted charms amongst other items.
d. Neutralization of IPOB/ESN Criminals. On 23 December 2023, troops raided IPOB hideout at a boundary between IHIALA and OGUTA LGAs of Anambra and Imo States respectively. During the fire fire 2 IPOB/ESN combatants were neutralized. Troops recovered one AK 47 Rifle with 7 rounds of 7.62mm and a pump action gun with cartridges.
(1) Troops Arrested Suspected Criminal. On 24 December 2023, troops on patrol arrested a suspect identified as Ezebuilo Kelvin in Udenu LGA of Enugu State. Troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol from the suspect.
(2) Troops Arrested Suspected Ambazonian Collaborator. On 26 December 2023, troops while on stop and search operation arrested one adult female suspected to be an informant and logistics supplier to Ambazonian Separatists in Obanliku LGA of Cross Rivers State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect’s father is a Nigerian while her mother is a Cameroonian.
g. Attack on a Church by Hoodlums. On 25 December 2023, troops responded to information of attack at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Abakaliki LGA of Ebonyi State. On sighting troops, hoodlums fled forsaking their activities. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK47 rifle with 2 magazines loaded with 48 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo in the tricycle.
SUMMARY
28. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 3 criminals, arrested 28 suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered; one AK 47 rifle with 7 rounds of 7.62mm special, 6 pump action guns, locally made pistols, one dane gun, 35 cartridges, 3 mobile phone and one motorcycle amongst other items. 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
Africa Security Investigation News 