Emmanuel Daudu
The Nigerian Armed Forces have released the operational results for various Joint Task Force operations conducted across the country in August 2024.
These operations aimed to dismantle terrorist networks, curb criminal activities, and ensure peace and stability in affected regions.
These efforts have resulted in numerous arrests, the neutralization of terrorists, the rescue of kidnapped hostages, and the recovery of a wide array of weapons and ammuniions
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a statement signed and made available to journalists today in Abuja, disclosed that in August, troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified their offensive against terrorist groups, including Boko Haram (BH) and ISWAP, across the North East.
Major Buba noted that a series of successful raids on terrorist camps in Tumbun Jedda, Araina Soro, and Jibilarram near the Lake Chad region led to the neutralization of 7 high-profile terrorist commanders and over 40 fighters
In total, 292 terrorists were killed, 254 suspects were arrested, and 213 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
He added that the operation also saw 2,742 terrorists and their families surrender.
The troops also recovered weapons included 144 AK47 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, and nearly 5,500 rounds of assorted ammunition.
He further expressed that Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted multiple operations targeting violent extremists, bandits, and criminals in the North Central region which led to the arrests of notorious gunrunners and extremists like Armaya’u Abdulkarim (aka Mallam) in Plateau State and Mallam Hashimu Ahmad in Kaduna State.
“The apprehension of a notorious kidnapper, Sebastian Caleb, in Bokkos LGA, Plateau State, along with seven illegal miners in Jos North LGA. A total of 50 extremists were neutralized, 290 suspects arrested, and 121 hostages freed. Recovered items included 5 AK47 rifles, 11 fabricated guns, and various types of ammunition.” He added
Major Buba who disclosed that Operation WHIRL STROKE was active in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa states, focusing on dismantling terrorist networks and stopping illegal activities, noted that the operation led to the arrest of high-profile gunrunners like James Nuhu and Dan’Asabe Anogo, as well as a female gunrunner at Zuba Bridge Motor Park.
“Troops neutralized 37 terrorists, arrested 94 suspects, and rescued 68 hostages. Recovered weapons included 8 AK47 rifles, 5 assorted arms, and significant quantities of ammunition.” He noted
He stated that in the North West region, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI achieved significant operational success
While expressing that Troops neutralized 153 terrorists, arrested 97 suspects, and rescued 186 kidnapped hostages, he added that they recovered items including 29 AK47 rifles, 11 fabricated guns, 28 assorted arms, and more than 2,000 rounds of ammunition.
He further disclosed that Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH maintained pressure on criminal elements in the North West:
“A total of 63 terrorists were neutralized, 291 suspects arrested, and 62 hostages rescued.Troops recovered 22 AK47 rifles, 19 assorted arms, and over 2,700 rounds of ammunition.”
The Joint Task Force noted that operation DELTA SAFE focused on combating crude oil theft and illegal refining activities in the South South region:
“Troops arrested 71 individuals involved in crude oil theft and illegal refining.
Over 5 million liters of crude oil, 1.1 million liters of AGO, and other petroleum products were recovered.194 assorted rounds of ammunition were seized, and 458 illegal refining sites and 125 wooden boats were destroyed.”
The Troops of Operation UDO KA carried out targeted operations against the IPOB/ESN terror groups and criminals involved in crude oil theft.
They disclosed that 34 terrorists were neutralized, 82 suspects were arrested, and 26 hostages were rescued.
The operation also resulted in the recovery of 12 pump-action guns, 11 assorted arms, and several rounds of ammunition.
Africa Security Investigation News 