Military Eliminate 1,166 Terrorists, Arrested 1,096 in August; Rescue 721 Kidnapped Victims Destroy 119 Illegal Refinery Sites, Deny Oil Thieves over N5 billion worth of Stolen Crude

Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces fighting to rid the nation of criminal elements, have neutralized 1,166 terrorists, arrested 1,096 suspected terrorists in the month of August, 2024

Troops have also rescued a total of 721 kidnapped victims from terrorists/Bandits after several gun fights and engagements

During the operations, troops discovered and destroyed 119 illegal refinery sites and denied oil theft if an estimated sum of over N5 billion (5,045,160,010.00) and denied oil theft of an estimated sum over N5bn (N5,045,160,010.00).

Major Gen Tukur Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations who made this known on Thursday said, “Several terrorist leaders and commanders were taken off the battlefield as a result, during the month.

“Those in the North East include: Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda and Abu Rijab.

“Others in the NW include; Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.

Major Gen Buba said the recoveries of arms and ammunition made in the month of August include 391 weapons, 15,234 ammunition comprising 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump action guns, 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms and 2,498 assorted ammunitions.

In the Niger Delta, troops revovered 5,047,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 320 litres of DPK and 28,500 litres of PMS amongst other item.

Detailing the operations, the DMO said, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East neutralized 55 terrorists, arrested 39 suspects and rescued 27 kidnappers hostages.

“Troops recovered 42 AK47 rifles, one fabricate AK47 rifle, 5 dane guns, 2 MBRL rockets, one 122mm bomb, 2 UXOs, 4 fabricated guns, 576 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 242 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 9 magazines, 18 motorcycles and 19 mobile phones and the sum of N823,350.00.

“Between 23 – 27 August 2024, troops with hybrid forces while in separate offensive operations made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Damboa, Abadam, Kukawa, Dikwa, Gwoza,and Ngala LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 27 and arrested 4.

“Troops also recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 2 MBRL rockets, one 122mm bomb, 2 UXOs, 4 fabricated guns, 387 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 6 magazines, 12 motorcycles and 13 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 22 and 27 August 2024, troops with hybrid forces while on offensive operations to ISWAP/JAS terrorists enclave made contact and neutralized 23 terrorists in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 7 fabricated guns, 4 dane guns, one fabricated AK47 rifles, 189 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 110 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 magazines, 6 motorcycles and 3 mobile phone amongst others.

“Between 24 and 27 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations intercepted and arrested 29 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants including kidnappers in Konduga, Dikwa, Jere, Biu, Damboa and Hawul LGAs of Borno State as well as Damaturu, Potiskun, Tarmuwa and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State. Troops recovered 4 vehicles, 2 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and the sum of N714,850

“Troops of Operation Safe in North Central
neutralized 9 insurgents, arrested 31 violent extremists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated guns, 2 fabricate 9mm SMGs, 2 fabricated FN rifles, 572 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one mobile phone, 2 motorcycles and 13 mobile phones amongst others.

“Between 20 – 24 August 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations responded to information about extremists activities in Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 14 criminals and recovered 2 fabricated FN rifles, One dane gun, 68 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles.

“On 20 August 2024, following reports, troops responded to information about criminals vandalizing rail tracks in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State and arrested a criminal as well as a vehicle loaded with rail tracks. Additionally, on 21 August 2024, troops arrested 11 illegal miners in Magu LGA of Plateau State.

“Between 20 – 24 August 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers Bokkos, Jos S, Kaura and Kajuru LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States. During the operations, troops neutralized 9 extremists, arrested 27 and rescued 6 victims.

“Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated guns, 2 fabricate 9mm SMGs, 103 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 13 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 17 August 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations, troops arrested 4 criminals and rescued 5 kidnapped hostage in Bassa, Jos S, Mangu, LGAs of Plateau State. Similarly, troops conducted operations in Sanga and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State respectively.

“On 24 August 2024, troops in conjunction with DSS operatives arrested a Female ammo courier in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered 400 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo which was to be delivered in Katsina State.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 17 violent extremists and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 1,360 7.62mm special ammo, 9 motorcycles and the sum of N347,150.00 only amongst others.

“On 21 August 2024, troops in conjunction with NDLEA personnel intercepted and arrested 7 illegal drug dealers with large quantities of Canabis Sativa and other hard drugs in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.

“On 21 August 2024, troops in conjunction with ONSA team rescued earlier kidnapped medical student sof UNIMAID and University of Jos. During the search and rescue operation, troops rescued 20 students and 5 other commuters in Okpoga Forest in Ado LGA of Benue State.

“Between 21 – 25 August 2024, troops in separate offensive operation made contact with violent extremists in Nasarawa and Kokona LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Ussa LGA of Taraba State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 5 extremists and rescued 2 hostages.

“Troops recovered 2 Ak47 rifles, 36 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles. Additionally, troops combed nearby bushes in Kokona LGA and recovered 3 AK47 rifles and 360 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo

“Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West neutralized 35 terrorists,
arrested 8 terrorists and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 13 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated AK47 rifles, 5 fabricated rifles, 324 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 157 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

“Following confirmatory ISR on activities of terrorists in Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State, on 21 and 24 August 2024, air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

“Between 20 – 25 August 2024, in separate offensive operations, troops made contact with terrorists in Zurmi, Kaura Namoda, and Shinkafi, LGA of Zamfara State as well as Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops neutralized 18 terrorists and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops also recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 4 dane gun, 5 fabricated rifle, one fabricated AK47 rifle, 244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 157 founds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 August 2024, troops while on counter/anti kidnapping operations in Sabon Birni LGA of Zamfara State, troops rescued 6 kidnapped victims.

“On 22 and 23 August 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations responded to distress calls on terrorists activities in Faskari and Kagarko LGAs of Katsina and Kaduna States. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 11 terrorists and rescued 8 victims. Troops recovered 3 Ak47 rifles, 3 dane guns and 80 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

“Between 24 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations made contact in Zurmi, Tureta and Sabon Birni LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto States as well as Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 6 collaborators including Bello Turji logistics Commander and arrested 5 suspected BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators and informants. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles amongst other items.

“On 24 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops in conjunction with DSS operatives raided a violent extremists hideout in Tafa LGA of Niger State and arrested 3 criminals. Troops recovered one fabricated AK47 rifles and one magazine.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch
neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 11 suspects and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifle, one fabricated 9mm SMG, 3 fabricated guns, 2 dane guns,216 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 81 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 6 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 20 August 2024, following a tip-off troops conducted operations and made contact with violent extremists in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State. During the operations, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, one fabricated rifle, one fabricated AK47 rifle, 144 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 57 founds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 21 August 2024, troops offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 2 criminals. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, one fabricated 9mm SMG, 68 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 motorcycles.

“On 21 August 2024 following report, troops responded to kidnapping activities in Sabon Birni LGA of Zamfara State and rescued 6 kidnapped victims abandoned their victims.

“On 23 and 24 August 2024, following reports , troops on fighting patrol responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Akoko Ado LGA of Edo State. During the operations, troops arrested 6 criminals and rescued 5 kidnapped victims. Troops recovered 2 locally fabricated guns, 24 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 2 mobile phones.

“On 21 August 2024, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air interdiction mission over terrorists camp at Malum Forest in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. The location was acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and locations destroyed.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe
apprehended 17 suspects for oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 assorted arms and 31 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops recovered 1,270,650 litres of stolen crude oil, 350,700 litres of illegally refined AGO, 220 litres of DPK and 1,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 24 dugout pits, 2 speedboats, 31 boats, 70 drums and 63 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 143 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, 3 pumping machine, 12 vehicles and 119 illegal refining sites.

“On 20 August 2024, troops on counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to a distress and made contact with kidnappers in Ovia South West and Ovia North East LGAs of Edo State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 2 criminals, arrested 2 and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages

“On 22 August 2024, the air component of Operation Delta Safe conducted air interdiction mission to Degema LGA of Rivers. The location was observed with illegal refining activities, targets were acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that over 3 illegal refining sites and several canoes were destroyed.

Troops of Operation UDdoka neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 23 violent extremists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 8 pump action guns, one locally fabricated gun, 102 live cartridges, 4 vehicle, 5 laptops computers and the sum of N5,500.00 only amongst others. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“Between 19 – 22 August 2024, troops in separate offensive operations/patrols responded to information on activities of violent extremists/IPOB/ESN within South East region.

“During the operations, troops neutralized 11 extremists, arrested 17 criminals and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 pump actions, one fabricated gun and 62 live cartridges amongst others.

“On 23 and 24 August 2024, troops while on separate routine patrol made contact with violent extremists in Orsu and Orlu LGAs of Imo State as well as Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. Following fire fights, troops neutralized 2 extremist. Troops, recovered 3 pump actions, 16 live cartridges and the sum of N50,500.00 only as well as successfully detonated planted IEDs.

“On 22 – 24 August 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 6 suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN including a notorious IPOB/ESN member identified as Sunday Ofordimze (aka ABOY Ekwensu) in Aguata, and Owere North LGAs of Anambra and Imo States respectively. Troops recovered one pump action gun, 24 live cartridged, 4 vehicles, 5 laptops and assorted charms.

“On 23 and 24 2024, the air component of Operation UDO KA conducted air interdiction mission over 8 trans Niger Pipelines covering Egbema/Ohaji, Omoku and Assa in Imo State.

“The location were observed to be active with illegal refining activities. The targets were acquired and attacked with bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that over 27 illegal refining sites, canoes and several reservoirs were destroyed.

Furthermore Major Gen Buba said, “The motivation of the terrorists’ is getting lower and lower in the NE, which is leading to the mass surrending recorded. Troops aim at replicating same in other theatres of Operation in order to bring peace and safety to citizens.

“”Troops strategy is to undermine the abilities of these terror groups and create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens. Accordingly, the military has prioritised targeting the terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers as well as their collaborators.

“Troops have significantly dismantled these terror groups in the NE, where they are a diminishing but active threat. Troops are also intensifying operations in the NW, NC, SE and SS to defeat and dismantle the threats in these areas.”