Military Kills 266 terrorists, arrests 463 others in One month – DHQ
By ZAKAA LAZARUS-Abuja.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday said military troops have in the last one month killed no fewer than 266 terrorists and kidnappers and apprehended 463 others in various operations across the country.
The Director Defence Madia Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known during a biweekly media briefing in Abuja.
Buba said the troops also rescued 116 kidnapped hostages.
According to Buba January alone items recovered as follows: 237 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 18 pump action guns, 55 dane guns, 6,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 421 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 9mm and 506 live cartridges. Others are 1,832,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 523,799 litres of illegally refined AGO, 16,716 litres of DPK and 5,200 litres of PMS amonsgt other item
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrender of ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters, surrender of Suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists escapees, arrest of BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators, in Bama, Konduga and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State.
He said, troops conducted ambush on BH/ISWAP terrorists , discovered and detonated IED, neutralized terrorists and arrested BH/ISWAP terrorists Informant in Gwoza, Kukawa and Damboa LGAs all in Borno State.
Details as follows:
a. Surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. Between 31 January to 1 February 2024, 170 ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families comprising of 20 adult males, 75 adult females and 87 children surrendered to troops in Bama, and Konduga LGAs of Borno State.
“Troops recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 9 dane gun, 3 magazines, 252 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 136 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N75,000.00 amongst others.b. Surrender of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Escapees.
“Between 31 January to 3 February 2024, a total of 54 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists family members comprising 3 adult males, 24 adult females and 27 children surrendered to troops in Bama LGA of Borno State.
” Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects surrendered after escaping from terrorists enclaves within the same LGA.
” Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 101 rounds of 7.62mm special, 34 live cartridges, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N25,000.00 amonsgt others.c. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Collaborator.
According Buba “On 29 and 30 January 2024, following report, troops arrested 2 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Kukawa and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively.
” The suspects identified as Mallam Aliyu Abubakar and Lawani Ibrahim. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of them supplies airtime to terrorists.
d. Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorist On 2 February 2024, troops ambushed BH/ISWAP in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 73 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 mobile phones and IED making materials amongst others.
e. Discovery and Detonation of IED. On 2 February 2024, troops while on patrol discovered and detonated IED in Kukawa LGA of Borno State.
f. Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Spy. On 2 February 2024, troops neutralized one BH/ISWAP terrorists informant while trying to gain access into defence location.g.Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Informants.
” On 4 February 2024, following report, troops responded to information on activities of BH/ISWAP terrorists’ informants/collaborators in Damboa LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborator.
” Suspect identified as Gone Ali disguised as a cattle seller and spying on troops.
‘Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 7 terrorists and arrested 4 BH/ISWAP terrorists. Troops recovered 20 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated guns, 12 dane guns, 353 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 209 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 34 live cartridges,62 mobile phones and the sum of N100,000.00 among others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
“Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; rescued kidnapped hostages, arrested suspected violent extremists/cattle rustlers, foiled farmers herders clash and civilians Jema’a and Bokkos LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States respectively.
” Additionally, troops conducted offensive operations, arrested suspects violent extremists/insurgents, kidnappers, illegal miners as well as neutralized violent insurgents and rescued kidnapped INEC officials in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Jos South and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kaura LGA of Kaduna State respectively.
“Details are as follows: a. Rescue of kidnap Hostages.(1) On 31 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call on kidnapping incident in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops rescued one kidnapped hostage.(2) On 2 February 2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on violent extremists/kidnappers in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.
” During the operation, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Cattle Rustlers.
” On 1 February 2024, troops on patrol arrested one suspected violent extremist/cattles rustlers in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect identified as Mr Abu Ibrahim have been terrorizing the locality .
c. Farmers Herders Clash. On 1 February 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information on farmersl/herders clash in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. On arrival, during the operation, troops arrested 4 suspected violent extremists and recovered 2 locally fabricated artillery pieces, 6 locally fabricated rifles, one locally made pistol, 151 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 126 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 30 rounds of 9mm para ammo.d. Attack on Civilians.
On 5 February 2024, troops responded to a distress call on attack on civilians by suspected violent extremist/insurgent and made contact in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 insurgents and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one fabricated gun, 43 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and knives.e. Offensive Operations.
” On 2 February 2024, troops while conducting offensive operation arrested 7 suspected violent extremists in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State.
f. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents. Between 2 and 4 February 2024, troops while on patrol arrested 16 suspected violent extremists in Mangu, Jos South and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State as well as Kaura LGA of Kaduna State respectively.
“During the operations, troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 5 locally made rifles, 2 dane guns, 134 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 87 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 45 live cartridges.
g. Neutralization of Violent Extremists/Insurgents. On 4 February 2024, troops on patrol neutralized a notorious violent extremist in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. Suspect was attempting to disarm a soldier while being led to their hideout in the same LGA.
h. Arrest Violent Extremists/Kidnapper/Illegal Miners. On 3 and 4 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on kidnapping incident in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 11 violent extremists/kidnappers and illegal miners.
Troops also recovered 2 fabricated guns, one dane gun, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and mining equipment.i. Rescue of Kidnapped INEC Officials.
On 3 February 2024,troops responded to distress call on a kidnap incident involving 2 INEC officials in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
“Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 6 insurgents, arrested 44 violent extremists and 6 rescued kidnapped hostage.
“Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 15 locally fabricated rifles, one fabricated pistol, 3 dane guns, 2 locally fabricated arty pieces, 279 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 285 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 30 rounds of 9mm ammo, 45 live cartridges and one motorcycle.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
” Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted raid operations, fighting patrols and foiled kidnap incidents and foiled attack on civilians in Wukari LGA of Taraba State as well as Okpokwu, Ukum, Katsina-Ala and Agatu LGAs of Benue State.10. Additionally, troops arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers, arms smugglers and gunrunners in Keffi, Nasarawa Eggon and Karu LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Katsina-Ala and Wukari LGAs of Benue and Taraba States respectively.
” Details are as follows: a. Raid Operations.(1) On 30 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops raided suspected violent extremists/insurgents hideouts and made contact in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 9 insurgents and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated pistols, 2 dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 23 live cartridges, 4 magazines and one cutlass.
“On 2 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected violent extremist/insurgents hideouts and made contact in Katsina-Ala and Ukum LGAs of Benue State.
“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 insurgents and recovered 30 rounds of 7.62 x 59mm ammo, 55 rounds of 56 x 45mm ammo, 5 mobile phones and one pair of military camouflage military.b. Kidnap Incident. On 2 February 2024, troops on patrol responded to a distress call on kidnapping activity in Okpokwu LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops rescued 9 kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.c. Fighting Patrol.
“On 1 February 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/militias in Agatu LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and recovered 7AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 134 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones.
” On 2 February 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol and made contact with insurgents in Toto LGA of Nasarawa State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 insurgents and recovered one fabricated AK47 rifle, one fabricated revolver pistol, one fabricated revolver gun, 4 dane guns, one magazine, cutlasses, empty cases of cartridges, 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and empty cases.d. Attack on Civilians.
” On 1 February 2024, troops responded to information on violent extremists/militias attack on locals in Toto LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops made contact with violent extremists.
” Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 and recovered 3 fabricated guns, 2 dane guns and 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.e. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Kidnappers.
” On 3 and 6 February 2024, following a tip-off, troops in a separate operations arrested 14 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Keffi and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs of Nasarawa State.
f. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Arms Smugglers. On 5 February 2024, troop conduct covert operation and arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/arms dealers in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.
” During the operation, troops recovered 826 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one vehicle.g. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Gunrunner.
” On 4 and 5 February 2024, following report, troops arrested 2 suspected gunrunners in Katsina-Ala and Wukari LGAs of Benue and Taraba States respectively. One of the suspect identified as Mrs Mimidoo Faith supplies weapons and ammo to violent extremists within Benue and Taraba States. While the other extremist was arrested in connection with notorious violent extremists leader, identified as Sani Gwaska (aka Karami) currently operating in Zamfara State.
“Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 29 insurgents, arrested 21 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 14 AK47 rifle, 4 locally fabricated guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 8 dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, one fabricated revolver gun, 1,156 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 100 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 30 rounds of 7.62 x 59mm ammo, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 23 live cartridges, 4 magazines, one motorcycle, 7 mobile phones and cutlasses amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted offensive operations, arrested suspected terrorist collaborators, responded to terrorist activities and conducted raid operations in Zurmi, Birnin Magaji and Maru LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Danmusa, Kankara and Dandume LGAs of Katsina State respectively.
“Trooops also responded to terrorist activities in Illela, Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs of Sokoto State.
“Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols, arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and foiled armed robbery incident in Danmusa and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State and Birnin Gwari, Jama’a, Zaria and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State.
Details are as follows
“On 29 January 2024, troops while conducting offensive operations made contact with terrorist in Zurmi and Birnin Magaji LGAs of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralised 12 terrorist and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 3 locally fabricated guns, 2 dane guns, 235 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 14 magazines .
“On 31 January 2024, troops in a separate operations conducted offensive Operations in Danmusa and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 terrorist and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 5 locally fabricated gun, 98 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm special ammo, 62 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special, 110 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo and one solar inverter amongst other items.b. Arrest of Suspected Terrorist Collaborators.
On 29 and 31 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Dandume and Illela LGAs of Katsina and Sokoto States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 terrorist and recovered 2 mobile phones and the sum of N200,000.00 only.
“On 1 Feb 24, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent terrorist in Tangaza and Gwadabawa LGAs of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorist and recovered 5 AK47 rifles and 79 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
“On 3 February 2024, troops responded to information on terrorist activities and made contact in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 insurgents and rescued 29 kidnapped victims.d. Raid Operation.
” On 2 February 2024, troops while on patrol riaded an illegal mining site in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/illegal miners. e.
” Fighting Patrols.(1) On 2 and 4 February 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/insurgents Giwa and Birni Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Danmusa and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 insurgents and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops 5 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated guns, one dane gun, 2 fabricated pistols, 124 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 motorcycles and assorted charms.
” On 5 and 6 February 2024, in a separate operations, troop with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to violent extremists/insurgents’ enclaves and made contact in Danmusa and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Katsina and Kaduna States respectively.
“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 insurgents and rescued 20 kidnapped hostages. Troops 10 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated guns, 2 fabricated pump action guns, 7 magazines and 2 motorcycles. Troops also recovered 7 corpes evacuated to general hospital.f. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Kidnapper.
“On 2 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces arrested one suspected violent extremist/kidnapper in Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State. During preliminary investigation, suspect confessed to have involved in several kidnapping activities within and outside the LGA.g. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgs.
“On 2 and 3 February 2024, following report troops in separate operations conducted operations and arrested 22 terrorist in Kachia and Shinkafi LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara States as well as Shagari LGA of Sokoto State respectively.
” During the operations, troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 2 fabricated revolver, one fabricated pistol, 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 57 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 8 magazines, cutlasses and the sum of N24,200.00 amongst others.
h. Armed Robbery Attack. On 5 February 2024, troops while on patrol encountered violent extremist/armed robbers in Zaria LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 insurgents and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 56 rounds of 7.62mm special, 16 cartridges, one vehicle, 4 mobile phones, 2 cutlasses and assorted charms.
” On 30 January 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI in a close air support operation conducted air interdiction at terrorists kingpin Maudi Maudi enclave Safana LGA of Katsina State.
” Following a confirmatory ISR on hibernation of terrorists in the enclave, the location was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
“Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 57 insurgents, arrested 5 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 66 kidnapped hostages.
” Troops recovered 49 AK47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated guns, 3 fabricated pump action guns, 2 fabricated revolver, 3 dane guns, 639 rounds of 7.62mm special, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 165 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 98 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 62 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 89 rounds of 9mm ammo, 16 live cartridges, 19 magazines, 5 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and the sum of N224,200.00 amonsgt other items.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents/kidnappers informant, conducted raid operations and foiled kidnap incidents in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State, Kuje, Gwagwalada and AMAC Area Councils of FCT Abuja. Also, Lafia and Munya LGAs of Nasarawa and Nigers States respectively.
Details are as follows;a. Arrest of Violent Extremists/Insurgents.(1) On 2 February 2024, troops while on patrol arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops recovered 2 dane gun, 87 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo
He said, in a the first of February alone,” Troops neutralised 105 terrorist and arrested 140 of them.
“Troops also arrested 26 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 86 kidnapped 66 hostages.
In the South South troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Million Eight Hundred and Thirty Nine Thousand and Five Hundred Naira (N220,839,500.00) only.
” Additionally, troops recovered 208 assorted weapons and 5,332 assorted ammunition. The breakdown for the week is as follows: 95 AK47 rifles, one assault rifle, 39 locally fabricated guns, 34 dane guns, 14 pump action guns, 4 fabricated pistol, 3 fabricated pump action gun, one fabricated revolver pistol, 2 fabricated double barrel gun and locally fabricated arty pieces.8. Others are: 3,830 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 640 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 265 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 98 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 62 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 64 rounds of 9mm ammo, 359 live cartridges, 8 magazines, 6 mobile phones and the sum of N383,200.00 amongst other items.9. Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 9 dugout pits, 19 boats, 21 storage tanks and 8 vehicles.
“Other items recovered include 35 cooking ovens, 3 pump machines and 18 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 157,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 23,750 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,050 litres of DPK.10. Given all stated above, and because our security challenges are mostly self inflicted.
“It is pertinent to urge citizens to rise up to the challenge. It is time to stop the bleeding in order for healing to commence.
“I urge all segments of society to take example from our gallant troops in the frontlines fighting to achieve the goal of liquidating terrorists and insurgents across the country in order to restore peace and security. These men and women, are from all the nooks and cranny of our country, and act shoulder to shoulder as a united force to achieve a common cause of destroying camps of violence in the country.
” Just like our footballers are doing to make the nation protein the ongoing AFCON, our musician and artist are doing on the world stage and our athletes flying our flags high with pride. It is not beyond us with our resilient spirit to quench the fires of violence across the country.
” Unity is key to our victory in over coming the security challenges confronting us as a nation. Indeed, it must be said that, militaries don’t go to war, rather it is nations that go to war. 14. Our nation is at war, and wars can be complex and ugly. Already, we are witnessing some of the ugly trends of war across the country.
” It is time for citizens to close ranks with the military to win this war. Citizens are critical in war, and must therefore be quick to realize their role in the ongoing war and act”. He added.
