The Defence headquarters on Thursday said that the latest clash in Mangu which left about 30 people killed and several houses burnt began when a herdsman killed a resident of Gangaran Kwata over argument about cattle rustling which later spread to fighting between herdsmen and inhabitants.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba who made this known during a briefing on operations of the military against criminal elements and insecurity in the country said, “As for the situation in the North Central, tension broke out in Mangu in the early hours of 23 January 2024. The situation escalated and resulted in breakdown of law and order in Mangu town and adjoining communities.
“The crisis which started from Gangaran Kwata escalated to other parts of Mangu LGA despite concerted efforts by troops deployed to the general area to restore normalcy.
He however said, “The armed forces would destroy the cancer of terrorism that is ravaging our country thereby creating situations such as is ongoing in the Plateau State” adding, “The situation of insecurity that we are confronted with is self inflicted by own citizens upon one another. Nevertheless, it is our duty to protect citizens and create a safe environment for them to have a prosperous future”.
On other operations in the Plateau, he said, “Troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 11 insurgents, arrested 32 violent extremists and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 17 AK47 rifles, one fabricated revolver rifle, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 29 rounds of PKT ammo, 4 vehicles, 3 motorcycle, one tricycle and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
“Troops arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents and foiled Fulani militias attack on locals in Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State. Troops conducted raid operation and foiled kidnap incidents in Sanga, Jema’a and Kauru LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Riyom LGA of Plateau State.
“Additionally, troops arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents and Fulani militias gang leader in Mangu and Wase LGAs of Plateau State.
“On 18 January 2024, following credible intelligence reports, troops conducted sting operations and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. “During the operation, troops recovered 5 AK47 rifle with 123 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 2 motorcycles.
“On 17 January 2024, troops responded to information on large number armed Fulani Militias mobilizing to attack a Community in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops made contact with the violent extremists/Fulani militias. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 insurgents and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 210 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 mobile phones and 29 rounds of PKT ammo.
“On 18 and 19 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces in a separate operations raided suspected violent extremists and insurgents hideouts in Sanga and Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State as well as Riyom LGA of Plateau State.
“During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and recovered 4 vehicles, one tricycle and substance suspected to be cannabis.
“On 19 and 21 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to information of kidnapping activities in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
“On 21 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call on kidnapping activities and rescued 4 abandoned kidnapped hostages in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 19 January 2024, following credible information, troops conducted sting operation and arrested one suspected violent extremists/insurgent in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. Suspect identified as Mr. Sani Auwal was arrested in connection with kidnap Incident earlier on 3 January 2024 in the same LGA. Troops recovered one fabricated revolver rifle, VGN uniform and one mobile phone.
“On 18 January 2024, following credible Intelligence report, troops arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles with 29 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and one motorcycle.
“On 21 January 2024, acting on credible information, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremist/insurgents in Wase LGA of Plateau State.i. Arrest of Suspected Fulani Militia Gang Leader.
“On 19 January 2024, following a tip off, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist/Fulani militia gang leader identified as Dahiru Musa in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. The suspect has been on wanted list of security agencies.
Also in the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 13 insurgents and arrested 30 violent extremists/insurgents. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, 3 locally fabricated pistols, 9 Dane gun, 269 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 50 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 motorcycles and 5 mobile phones amongst others.
“Troops conducted raid operations in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State, responded to communal clash, attack on civilians and arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Toto and Obi LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Ukum LGA of Benue State respectively.
“On 18 January 2024, troops raided suspected violent extremists/insurgents hideouts in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Troops made contact with insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, one Dane gun, 254 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 50 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo and a military camouflage trouser.
“On 19 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Obi LGA of Nasarawa State. Preliminary investigation discovered that suspects were alleged to have participated in the kidnap of 7 students of the Federal University of Lafia on 7 December 2023.
Speaking on operations nationwide, Gen Buba said, “Troops neutralized 94 terrorists/other criminal elements and arrested 214 terrorists, kidnappers, bandits including perpetrators of oil theft while troops rescued 29 kidnapped hostages
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 31 illegal refining sites, 16 dugout pits, 51 boats, 49 storage tanks, 38 cooking ovens, 3 pump machines and 3 vehicles. Troops recovered 363,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 198,315 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of PMS.
“Troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Four Hundred and Eighty Five Million Nine Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (N485, 983,150.00).
“During the encounters, troops recovered 168 assorted weapons and 2,757 assorted ammunition made up of one GPMG, 85 AK47 rifles, one Vektor R4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 10 pump action guns, 12 locally fabricated guns, 6 locally made pistols, 21 Dane gun, one double barrel gun, one fabricated revolver rifle, 2 numbers 36 hand grenades and one fabricated Dane gun, 290 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2,132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 115 rounds of 5.66mm ammo, 29 rounds of PKT ammo, 297 cartridges, 21 magazines, 14 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, 27 mobile phones, and the sum of N2,594,000.00 amongst other items.
“As for the FCT and environs, we have deployed Special Forces to some of the hotspots in order to conduct targeted operations. Offensive operations are ongoing at the following locations; Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro and Tukuba all in Kuje Area Council. Other areas covered were Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry and Nukuchi Villages all in Bwari Area Council of FCT.
“In neighboring states to the FCT such as Niger State. Troops are conducting operations in Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wusa and Garam in Tafa LGA of Niger State. Additionally, troops covered Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa LGAs of Nasarawa State respectively.
“In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 27 terrorists and arrested 4 BH/ISWAP terrorists, recovered 22 AK47 rifles, one VEKTOR R4 rifle, one double barrel gun, 4 locally fabricated guns, 2 pump action guns, 4 Dane guns, one locally made pistol, 2 by 36 hand grenades, 240 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 525 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 115 rounds of 5.66mm ammo, 5 magazines, one vehicle, 3 motorcycles, 9 mobile phones and 2 baofeng radios amongst others.
“Troops of Operation conducted fighting patrols, arrested a suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist’s arms and ammo supplier and conducted cordon and search operations in Bama, Kaga, Damboa, Konduga, MMC and Kukawa LGAs all in Borno State. Troops conducted raid and ambush operations on ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Bama and Konduga LGAs of Borno State.
“Additionally, ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters surrendered to troops, troops arrested suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators as well as discovered and destroyed IEDS in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar, Chibok, Dikwa and Abadam LGAs all in Borno State.
“On 21 and 23 January 2024, troops while on fighting patrol discovered and detonated 3 IEDs in Dikwa and Abadam LGAs of Borno State. Troops also recovered 4 IEDs.
“On 17 and 18 January 2024, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai significantly conducted air interdiction following INTREP and confirmatory ISR of hibernation of BH/ISWAP terrorists and movements of gun trucks with intention of carrying out coordinated attacks on troops and civilians in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
“Subsequently, the locations were acquired and attacked and bombarded with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists neutralized as well as their mobility and structures destroyed.
“Similarly, on 21 January 2024, the air component, following Intelligence, conducted Close Air Support and trailed movement of terrorists with Gun trucks in the North of Kerenoa. Accordingly, the targets were acquired and attacked with precision strikes with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed the Gun trucks were destroyed and the terrorists were neutralized.
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“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 27 insurgents, arrested 6 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, 13 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 5 Dane guns, 399 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 magazines, one vehicle, 9 motorcycle, 3 mobile phone and the sum of N2,580,000.00 only amongst other item.
“Troops conducted raid operations, fighting patrols, responded to violent extremists/insurgents activities and arrested violent extremists/insurgents collaborator in Igabi and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State, Kankara, Faskari and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina as well as Shanga LGA of Kebbi State.
“Additionally, troops conducted offensive operations, foiled kidnap incidents and arrested suspected violent extremists/gunrunners in Faskari LGA of Katsina State, Tsafe and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Jalingo and Ibi LGAs of Taraba State.
“On 18 and 23 January 2024, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Faskari LGA of Katsina as well as Anka and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara States respectively.
“Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, one fabricated pistol, one Dane gun, 8 magazines, 5 motorcycles, bunch of arrows, grinding machine and one pair of NP uniform.
“On 20 January 2024, troops in a separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Faskari and Tsafe LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively.
“Following fire fights, troops neutralized 12 insurgents and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated pistol, 3 Dane guns, one butt of sniper weapon, one piston extension of AK47 rifle and military and NP accoutrements amongst others items.
“On 22 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/gunrunners in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. Troops recovered one vehicle, 3 mobile phones and the sum of Two Million Five Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (₦2,580,000.00) only amongst other items.
“On 18 January 2024, air component of Operation Hadarin Daji responded to intelligence reports of impending attacks by the violent extremists/insurgents in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. The insurgents led by Isuhu Madele, the younger brother of Alhaji Ado Aleru.
“Subsequently, the target location was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Feedback indicated that several terrorists were neutralized and their Mobility destroyed.
“On 20 January 2024, the air component following intense ISR and INTREP conducted air interdiction at a notorious violent extremists/insurgents enclave known as Yellow Jambros in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.
“The location was observed to be active with terrorist’s activities. Subsequently, the target was acquired and attacked with precision strikes and rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists/insurgents were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 12 insurgents, arrested 27 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 13 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, Dane guns, 345 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N7,600.00 only amongst other items.
“Troops conducted offensive operations, fighting patrols, arrested suspected illegal miners and rescued kidnapped hostages in Kuje and Bwari Area Council of FCT, Abuja, Akwanga and Nasarawa LGAs of Nasarawa State, Tafa LGA of Niger State as well as Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State.
“Between 19 and 23 January 2024, troops in a separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Kuje and Bwari Area Council of FCT, Akwanga and Nasarawa LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Tafa LGA of Niger State.
“During the operations, troops neutralized 12 insurgents and arrested 6 suspected violent extremists/insurgents. Additionally, troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, 4 dane guns, 321 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 motorcycles and knives.
“Between 17 and 20 January 2024, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Bwari and Kuje Area Councils of FCT, Abuja. During the operations, troops arrested 10 violent extremists/insurgents and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 24 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 mobile phones, substance suspected to be cannabis and the sum of N7,600.00.
“On 21 January 2024, troops while on stop and search operation intercepted and arrested 10 suspected illegal miners in Kuje Area Council of FCT, Abuja.
“On 20 January 2024, troops responded information on kidnapping activities in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. On sighting troops, the violent extremists/kidnappers fled abandoning their victims. During the operation, troops rescued 12 kidnapped hostages.
“On 22 January 2024, troops while conducting night patrol arrested one suspected violent extremist/kidnappers’ informant in Bwari Area Council of FCT, Abuja.
“On 18 January 2024, following INTREP and confirmatory ISR on the massing up of notorious kidnap kingpin known as Janari and his cohorts in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.
“The air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction on the target. The location was acquired and attacked with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that Janari and other terrorists/kidnappers were neutralized.
“On 19 January 2024, following reliable intel combined with in-depth imagery analysis of corroborating ISR footages, air component conducted air interdiction in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
“The targets that were responsible for kidnapping along Abuja – Kaduna road were acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and mobility destroyed.
“Additionally, on 20 January 2024, following further intelligence exploitation, the air component conducted air interdiction on terrorists/kidnappers hideout in Chukuba, Niger State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists/insurgents were neutralized and their mobility destroyed.
“In the South East, ttroops of Operation Udoka nuetralized 4 insurgents and arrested 14 violent extremists/insurgents, recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 8 pump action guns, one pistol, 273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 177 cartridges, 5 magazines, 2 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N6,400.00 amongst other items
“On 19 January 2024, troops in conjunction with Ebonyi State Government Committee on illegal possession of arms recovered arms and ammo in Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 6 pump action guns, 8 AK47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 54 cartridges.
“On 17 and 18 January 2024, following credible HUMINT, troops in separate operations raided 2 suspected violent extremists/insurgents hideouts in Ihitte Obinogu and Udi LGAs of Imo and Enugu States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/IPOB members.
“On 18 January 2024, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected and neutralized violent extremist/IPOB/ESN informant in Orlu LGA of Imo State. arrested one IPOB/ESN informant. The suspect was neutralized while attempting to escaped.
“On 20 January 2024, troops while on routine patrol made contact with members of violent extremist/Ezza Militia in Ohaukwu LGA of Ebonyi State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 insurgents and recovered one AK47 rifle, one pump action gun, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 121 cartridges.
“On 21 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to distress calls on violent extremists/cultists in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 cultists members and recovered one pistol, one matchet and 3 mobile phones.
“On 22 January 2024, following HUMINT, troops while hybrid forces arrested one suspected violent extremist/notorious gunrunner in Onitsha North LGA of Anambra State.
“On 22 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call of kidnapping incident in Oguta LGA of Imo State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected violent extremists/kidnapper. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect and 2 others were responsible for killing one Mr Ndubusi earlier on 21 January 2024.
Furthermore Gen Buba said, “We do not take lightly of the privilege and enormous responsibility of safeguarding our citizens. It is for this reason that, we constantly rejig our operational strategies in order to adopt the best course of action that would make these ugly experiences a thing of the past.
The military is conscious of the fact that, the ongoing insurgency has contributed to make life worse for many citizens in several of geo-political zones across the country such as the NE, NW, NC and SE. We also recognize the apprehension occasioned by kidnappings, particularly with recent events recorded in the FCT and other areas.
“Indeed, we may not have all the answers now. However, we assure citizens that we are working assiduously to address the situation both in the immediate and long term to ensure safety of lives and property. We are redoubling our efforts to ensure citizens live in a peaceful environment and have prosperous life. This is achievable and we are focused on achieving it.
“The armed forces would destroy the cancer of terrorism that is ravaging our country thereby creating situations such as is ongoing in the Plateau State. The situation of insecurity that we are confronted with is self inflicted by own citizens upon one another. Nevertheless, It is our duty to protect citizens and create a safe environment for them to have a prosperous future.
“On the whole, the military is doing everything to guarantee the safety and security of citizens. We will continue to do more “
“Accordingly, we have deployed Special Forces to some of the hotspots in order to conduct targeted operations. We have also deployed several battlefield enablers to enhance intelligence and strike capability on these terrorists. We are encouraging the warring factions to shield their swords.
