By Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations As At 17 August 2023
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
Troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a terrorist’s collaborator and kidnapper at Gujba and Kaga LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectfully. Additionally, BH/ISWAP terrorist combatants surrendered to troops at Kukawa, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State. The operations resulted in eliminated terrorists, rescued kidnapped hostages, recovered arms and ammunitions.
Details as follows:
a. Troops Arrest Terrorists Collaborator and Suspected Kidnapper.
On 7 Aug 23, troops conducted fighting patrol along Road Buni Gari – Buratai in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. The troops discovered an abandoned vehicle by the road side between Magza and Kamuya villages. Troops exploited deep into the bush and arrested 2 suspected kidnappers. Then, recovered the vehicle, one bicycle, one blanket and the sum of Eighty-Eight Thousand Naira (₦88,000.00) only.
On 8 August 2023, troops arrested two persons, a BH/ISWAP terrorist collaborator and a kidnapper, namely Samuel Bitechor and Bacha Ali, at Mainok Village in Kaga LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered the sum of Thirty-Nine Thousand Six Hundred Naira (₦39,600.00) and one mobile phone.
On 14 Aug 23, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces arrested 3 BH/ISWAP terrorists logistics suppliers at Bama in Bama LGA of Borno State. troops recovered 3 AK 47 magazines, 2 solar panels, yards of clothing materials, camouflage vest, 4 mobile phones and the sum of Fifty Thousand Naira (N50,000.00) only among other sundry items.
b. BH/ISWAP Fighters surrendered to Troops.
(1) Between 7 to 9 August 2023, 3 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province combatants surrendered to troops at Kukawa and Konduga LGA of Borno State. One of the fighters was identified as Mallam Abba Modu. Items recovered from the terrorists include 3 AK47 rifles, 26 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 magazines loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62mm special and 3 empty magazines
(2) On 11 Aug 23, 8 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists surrendered to troops. Troops recovered 6 AK 47 rifles and 45 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Preliminary investigation revealed terrorists surrendered from Birnin Abuja Village in Bama LGA of Borno State.
(3) On 14 Aug 23, 32 suspected BH/ISWAP and families comprising 9 adult males, 10 adult females and 12 children surrendered to troops at Doron Baga and Corss Kauwa villages in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle (SLR), 12 rounds of 5.6 mm ammo, 14 AK47 magazines with 211 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 4 AK47 rifle magazines, 2 hand grenades, 3 magazine bandoliers, 4 mosquito nets, 2 praying mats, 2 knives, 3 touch and other sundry items.
(4) Between 15 and 16 August 2023, a total of 29 Boko Haram Terrorists and families comprising of 6 Adult males, 4 adult females and 10 children surrendered at Doron Baga and Kwatan Turare villages in Kukawa LGA of BORNO State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one Galileo rifle, one AK47 rifle with 17 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 83 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 AK47 magazines, 7 mobile phones 5 mosquito nets, 5 blankets, 2 torch light, 5 praying mats, 2 transistor radio, one school bag, clothes, 3 wristwatches, 2 BHT uniforms and a sum of Two Hundred and Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred Naira (N213,800.00).
c. Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorists. On 8 Aug 23, troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorist at Kuka in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops eliminated one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammo and one IED shell. Others include; 2 motorcycle tyres, a pair of rain boots, 5 Pento injections as well as the sum of Nineteen Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty Naira (₦19,460.00).
d. Troops Eliminated Terrorists and Rescued Hostages. On 10 August 2023, troops raided terrorist hideout along Road Darel Jamel – Bula Yobe in Bama LGA of Borno State. The raid resulted in the elimination of one terrorist and the rescued of 28 ISWAP family members; comprising 9 adult females and 19 children. Items recovered include 3 Dane guns, one helmet and looted items among others.
e. BH/ISWAP Terrorist Attempted Infiltration. On 13 Aug 23, troops engaged BH/ISWAP terrorists attempting to infiltrate their location at FOB Logomani in Ngala LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one RPG tube with charges, one RPG bomb, 2 x 36 hand grenade, 10 AK47 magazines, one mobile phone and one boafeng Radio.
Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air recce around Arina Chiki. Subsequently, precision air strikes to eliminate the terrorist gather in the area were conducted. The outcome of the strikes is being continually monitored.
SUMMARY
In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 20 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, one galileo rifle, 3 dane guns, one AK47 rifle loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62mm special, 154 rounds of 7.62mm special, 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 3 magazines loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62mm 12 rounds of 5.6mm ammo, 4 hand grenades, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, 21 AK47 magazines and 3 magazines bandaliers. Others include; one boafeng radio, 7 mobile phones, 2 motorcycle tyres, 5 touch lights, 9 mosquito nets, one pair of rain boot, one helmet and sum of N253,400.00 only. Troops also eliminated 7 terrorists, arrested 5 and rescued 31 kidnapped hostages. 28 family members of the BH/ISWAP terrorists comprising of 9 adult females and 19 children were among were also rescued and taken into custody for profiling.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested a notorious kidnapper gang leaders and other foot soldiers at Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State. Troops in the course of the operation also recovered arms and ammunition.
Details are as follows:
a. Troops Arrested Notorious Kidnappers and Recovered Arms.
(1) On 8 August 2023, troops arrested a notorious kidnap gang leader identified as Alhaji Abdulkarim Bawa at Janaret Market in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. The suspect being on the wanted list was tracked and apprehended.
(2) On 10 August 23, troops responded to distress call on kidnapping activities at Shabu – Danan Village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops pursued the kidnappers through their escape route and arrested 2 suspects hiding in a nearby bush. Troops recovered one fabricated AK 47 rifle, 8 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one empty case. Others include; one cutlass, 2 mobile phones and sum of Five Thousand, Nine Hundred Naira (₦5,900) only.
SUMMARY
In the course of operations, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered one fabricated AK47 rifles, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special, one empty case of 7.62mm special, one mobile phone, one cutlass and sum of Five Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (N5,900.00). Troops eliminated 2 gunmen, rescued 2 hostages and arrested 6 kidnappers.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted fighting patrols and arrested an impostor at Wukari and Guma LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectfully. Troops ambushed kidnappers and rescued hostages at Nasarawa Egon LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops also equally recovered arms and ammunitions.
Details are as follows:
a. Troops Arrest an Imposter. On 8 August 2023, troops arrested an impostor, Mr Nuradeen Mohammed at Doya Village in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect has been impersonating as a service personnel and extorting locals around the general area.
b. Fighting Patrols. On 9 August 2023, troops responded to info of attack by terrorists on locals along Rd Udei – Ngban in Guma LGA of Benue State. Troops exploited their escape route and rescued a victim with machete cut.
c. Ambush on Suspected Kidnappers. On 10 August 2023, troops ambushed a kidnapping syndicate at Alizaga Village in Nasarawa Eggon LGA of Nasarawa State. Following the fire fight, the gun men fled with injuries. Troops recovered 4 AK 47 rifles, 7 AK 47 rifle magazines, 199 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one motorcycle.
SUMMARY
In the course operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 199 rounds of 7.62mm special, 7 AK47 magazines and one motorcycle. Additionally, troops eliminated one terrorist, arrested 5 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI continued to degrade the terrorists in the general area. Troops eliminated terrorists, recovered arms and ammunition at Isa and Bukuyyum LGA of Sokoto State, as well as and Tangaza LGAs of Zamfara States. Troops also arrested terrorists’ collaborators at Gwadabawa and Shinkafi LGAs of Sokoto State.The operations resulted in the rescued of kidnapped hostages at Sabon Birni and Danmusa LGAs of Sokoto and Katsina States, respectively.
Details are as follows;
a. Troops Neutralized Terrorist and Recovered Arms
(1) On 7 August 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to terrorists’ enclaves at Kukatara, Danfarauta and Sabon Garin Kukatara in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. The terrorist fled on sighting troops in the area. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK 47 magazine, 6 motorcycles, 3 motorolla radio, one woodland camouflage uniform and radio chargers.
(2) On 7 August 2023, troops acted on information that terrorists were moving from Sokoto with some abductees. Troops responded and ambushed the terrorists at the outskirt of Gadar Zaima Village in Bukuyyum LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered 6 AK 47 rifles, one PKT gun, 5 AK 47 magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Others are: 3 mobile phones, 2 solar panels, one old sewing machines and the sum of Two Million Four Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (₦2,410,000.00) only. Troops also rescued 9 kidnapped hostages and recovered the body of one the deceased hostage, killed by the terrorist.
(3) On 8 August 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to Zurmuku Village in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops eliminated one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
b. Troops Arrested Terrorist Collaborators
(1) On 8 August 2023, troops conducted a raid to Damba Dikko Village in Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected terrorist’s informants and collaborators.
(2) On 10 August 2023, troops arrested 2 terrorists’ collaborators following intelligence from the DSS at Jangeru in Shinkafi LGA of Sokoto State. One of the collaborators identified as Dahiru Umar was conveying military accoutrements. Preliminary investigation revealed involvement with a notorious terrorist known as Abdullahi General.
c. Troops Rescued Kidnapped Hostages.
(1) On 10 August 2023, troops responded to distress call from one Alhaji Shuaibu on terrorists’ activities at Mailalle Village in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. On arrival of troops, terrorist fled abandoning the abductees. Troops rescued the 2 kidnapped hostages.
(2) On 11 August 2023, following intelligence of terrorists escaping with 6 kidnapped victims along Road Maidabino – Nasarawa in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Troops mobilized to the location and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, the terrorists fled. Troops rescued the 6 kidnapped hostages.
Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air recce around Rabe Horo’s Enclave. The location is home to a notorious terrorist that perpetrated the abduction of passengers along Road Jibia – Batsari on 25 Jul 23. Subsequently, precision air strikes to eliminate the terrorist gather in the area were conducted. The outcome of the strikes is being continually monitored.
SUMMARY
In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recovered 7 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, one AK47 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 AK47 magazines and 20 rounds of 7.62mm special. Others include; 6 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, 3 motorolla radios, one radio charger, 2 solar panel, one old sewing machine, a par of woodland camouflage and the sum of Two Million Four Hundred and Ten Thousand Naira (N2,410,00.00). Troops neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 7 terrorists, 2 informants and 2 collaborators. Also, troops rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.
OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH in the fight against terrorists rescued kidnapped hostages at Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested suspected terrorists and recovered arms and ammunition at Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.
Details as follows:
a. Rescue of Kidnap Hostages. On 10 August 2023, troops responded to information on terrorists’ attack at Danbaba Village in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Troops mobilized and ambushed on the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops eliminated the threat and rescued 10 kidnap hostages.
b. Troops Arrested Suspected Terrorist. On 9 August 2023, troops conducted cordon and search in Fadan Kamanta in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State.The search caused troops to recovered 2 locally made Dane guns and 5 magazines.
c. Troops Casualties. Sadly, it is no more news that we sustained casualties on 14 Aug 23 in two separate but related occurrences. It is on this note that on behalf of the CDS, I express our heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and colleagues of all those killed in action as a result of the occurrences. Troops while conducting offensive operations around Kundu general area in Shiroro LGA of Niger State got into an ambush. Following a fire fight, 3 officers and 22 soldiers were killed in action, 7 soldiers wounded in action. Subsequently, the NAF MI-171 Hel was despatched to evacuated the casualties. While out bound to Kaduna, the helicopter crashed with 14 of the earlier killed in action personnel, 7 of the earlier wounded in action personnel, 2 pilots and 2 crew members of the helicopter. Operations are ongoing to recover the bodies and investigate the cause of the air crash which will be communicated. Surely, no group will strike own troops with impunity.
Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH acquired target on terrorist enclave at Kuriga and Birni Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Subsequently, precision air strikes were conducted to eliminate the terrorist hibernating in the location.
SUMMARY
In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recovered 2 locally made dane guns and 5 AK47 magazines. Troops also eliminated one terrorist, arrested 3 suspected terrorists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained the momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops also arrested suspected gunrunners and recovered arms at Obudu and Boki LGA of Cross River State.
Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites
(1) Troops discovered and destroyed 36 dugout pits, 62 boats, 73 storage tanks, one vehicle, 75 cooking ovens, 2 motorcycles, 4 pumping machine, 5 outboard engine and 33 illegal refining sites. Troop’s also recovered 1,166,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,480,250 litres of illegally refined AGO, 54,750 litres of DPK and 800 litres of PMS. Troops also apprehended 7 suspected oil thefts.
(2) On 9 August 2023, troops intercepted and destroyed a wooden Cotonou boat loaded with 1000 litres of AGO within Idama Creek and Mingidukiri general area in Degema LGA of Rivers State.
b. Arrest of Suspected Gunrunners.
(1) On 9 August 2023, troop in conjunction with DSS operators responded to information on gunrunners’ activities within Obudu general area in Obudu LGA of Cross River State. Troops arrested 4 suspected arm dealers at Obudu MC Park. Suspects were arrested following the transfer of One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N150,000.00) as partial payment for purchase of arms. Troops recovered 4 mobile phones and sum of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Naira (N7,500.00) only from the suspects.
(2) On 10 Aug 23 troops arrested a notorious gunrunner kingpin at Biajua Community in Boki LGA of Cross River State. The criminal, a Cameroonian was arrested with 4 pump action guns.
Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction at Bille. Overhead the location, 3 boats were sighted tapping crude from a pipeline located at South East of Bille. The target was acquired and engaged with rockets destroying the boats.
SUMMARY
In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 36 dugout pits, 62 boats, 73 storage tanks, one vehicle, 75 cooking ovens, 2 motorcycles, 4 pumping machine, 5 outboard engine and 33 illegal refining sites. Troop’s also recovered 4 pump action guns, 4 mobile phones, 1,166,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,491,250 litres of illegally refined AGO, 54,750 litres of DPK, 800 litres of PMS and the sum of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Naira (N7,500.00). Troops also neutralized 3 gunmen arrested 12 suspects, 4 gunrunners and 7 perpetrators of oil theft.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
Troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminal at Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State. Troops also raided the hideout of the IPOB/ESN at Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State and neutralized gunmen. The operations resulted in the rescued of kidnapped hostages.
Details are as follows:
a. Arrest of Suspected IPOB/ESN Criminal.
(1) On 10 August 2023, troops on patrol arrested a suspected IPOB/ESN criminal around Afor in Nnewi South LGA of Anambra State. The suspect was with blood stains on his leg. He was suspected to have escaped from Orsumoghu Forest following intense aerial bombardment of hideouts in the general area by air component.
(2) On 11 August 2023, troops raided identified IPOB/ESN criminals houses at MPU Community in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops arrested 2 IPOB/ESN criminals. Troops recovered one Pump action gun and 3 live cartridges.
(3) On 15 August 2023, troops in conjunction with NDLEA operatives raided Aguleri general area in Anambra East LGA of Anambra State. troops arrested 12 suspects. Troop recovered one Single barrel gun with 100 live cartridges as well as some substances suspected to be cannabis.
b. Troops Neutralized IPOB/ESN terrorists. On 10 August 2023, troops raided suspected IPOB/ESN criminals’ hideout at Imufu in Igbo-Eze North LGA of Enugu State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a firefight, troops eliminated 3 IPOB/ESN terrorists. Troops recovered 2 Pump action guns as well as one locally fabricated rifle.
SUMMARY
In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA eliminated 3 IPOB/ESN terrorists recovered 4 pump action guns, one single barrel loaded with 100 live cartridges, one locally fabricated rifle and 3 live cartridges. Troops also arrested 18 terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
CONCLUSION
The operations as enumerated is indicative of the professionalism of men and women of the armed forces, their courage and bravery. These men and women put themselves in harms way, time and time again, to protect our great country. Troops will continue to use superior military force to eliminate any group or groups that constitutes a threat to the safety of citizens and own forces alike. Again, no group will strike the military with injurious consequences
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations
Africa Security Investigation News 