In furtherance of military operations to rid the nation of criminal elements across the country, troops in the last one week rescued a total of 154 kidnapped hostages from terrorists hideouts nationwide while 86 terrorists were eliminated after fighting engagements.
Troops also arrested a total of 130 other terrorists and oil theft criminals while troops recovered 111 assorted weapons and 1,124 assorted ammunition made up of 65 AK47 rifles, one HK G3 gun, one G3 rifle, 8 locally fabricated guns, 15 Dane guns, one english pistol, 2 auto pump action gun among others.
A breakdown of kidnapped hostages showed that 40 were rescued in the North East, 40 rescued in the North West, 23 rescued in the North Central, 25 rescued in Kogi and Benue states, another 23 rescued by Operation Whirl Punch and 3 rescued by Operation Udoka
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba while briefing in Abuja said troops denied oil theft criminals, stealing of crude oil worth the sum of N736.11million, (Seven Hundred and Thirty Six Million One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Naira (N736,115,470.00).
 He said troops discovered and destroyed 60 illegal refinery sites, 37 dugout pits, 65 boats, 71 storage tanks, 14 vehiclee, 108 cooking ovens, 4 pump machines, one speedboat and 60 illegal refining sites.
In the FCT, he said that following reports of criminal and bandits activities, troops in separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects including one violent extremists informant/collaborator and 2 kidnappers.
“Also, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to kidnap incident in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops rescued 21 kidnapped hostages in the course of the operation”.
Giving further details of the encounters, Buba said, “In the North East troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 4 and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered 13 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, one locally fabricated pistol, 4 magazine, 5 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammo,157 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, mobile phone and one baofeng radio.
“Troops conducted fighting patrol in Jere LGA, arrested ISWAP/JAS terrorists sympathizers in Askira-Uba LGA, recorded surrender of ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants in Bama LGA and ambushed of BH/ISWAP terrorists in Konduga and Dikwa LGAs, all Borno State.
“Additionally, troops conducted offensive operations and arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists member in Bama, Gwoza, Gamboru-Ngala and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.
“On 4 and 5 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted night ambush on ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists, recovered 10 AK 47 Rifles,150 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 bicycles and tubes.
“On 8 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Bama, Gwoza and Gamboru-Ngala LGAs of Borno State.
“Troops made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, one motorcycle and one bicycle.
“The Air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on terrorists logistics base on 5 January 2023 in Sambisa general area. The location was observed and attacked with bomb and rockets following a confirmatory ISR. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.
“Similarly, on 6 January 2024, following intense ISR on terrorists settlement at outskirts of the Tumbuns in the Lake Chad region. The air component conducted air interdiction and attacked the location with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed in the air strike.
“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested 21 violent extremists and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one locally fabricated rifle, one pistol and one mobile phone.
“The suspected violent extremist/insurgent were arrested in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State as well as Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
“Troops foiled a kidnap Incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also arrested suspected violent extremist/kidnappers informant in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
“Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols in Wase LGA of Plateau State. Troops arrested a notorious kidnapper in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 3 and 7 January 2024, troops in separate operations responded to kidnapping incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
“On 7 and 8 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to information about kidnapping incidents in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 10 kidnapped hostages while efforts is ongoing to rescue others.
“Between 3 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations foiled armed robbery Incidents in Riyom and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 3 victims.
“On 3 and 5 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols to Wase LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 violent extremists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
“On 6 January 2024, troops on patrol responded to a distress call on attack by violent extremists on civilians in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects as well as recovered 3 locally fabricated guns and 2 mobile phones.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 4 kidnapped hostages by responding to information about kidnapping activities in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
“On 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to violent extremists activities in Logo LGA of Benue State. Troops made no contact with violent extremists. Troops exploited the general area and rescued 2 injured victims and recovered 4 corpses.
“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 10 and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops also recovered 34 AK47 rifles, 5 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, dane guns, 2 bandoliers, 449 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 26 live cartridges, 2 locally fabricated swords, 3 magazine, 8 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and 2 GTA radio.
“Troops conducted fighting patrol to Batsari, Jibia, Safana, Kankara, and Matazu LGAs in Katsina State. Fighting patrols were also conducted to Shangaan and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States respectively
.”Troops also responded to terrorist activities in Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto State as well as Maradun, Jibia and Danmusa LGAs in both Zamfara and Katsina States.
“Additionally, troops raided violent extremists hideout in Kumbotso LGA of Kano State. Troops foiled Kidnap Incidents and arrested suspected violent extremists collaborators in Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Kabau LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested suspected violent extremists in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 4 and 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to terrorist hideouts in Batsari, Jibia Safana, Kankara and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and recovered 2 locally made guns, 5 motorcycles and one mobile phone as well destroyed their makeshifts houses.
“On 8 January 2024, following reports, troops with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrols made contact with terrorist in Shanga and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State respectively.
“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorist including a notorious terrorist commander known as Bello Asara. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, Dane guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one radio, one mobile phone, one camouflage t-shirt and one MOPOL uniform.
“On 3 and 5 January 2024, troop with hybrid forces conducted search and rescue operations in Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops rescued 14 kidnapped hostages and reunite them with families.
“On 6 January 2024, troops responded to information about kidnapping incident in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with violent extremist/insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized five terrorists, recovered 5 Ak 47 rifles with 88 rounds of 7. 62 mm special ammo and rescued16 hostages.
“On 6 January 2024, Following reports, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on notorious terrorist Kingpin Ado Aliero’s enclave in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
 “The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities led by terrorists leader identified as Isuhu Dogo, an associate and sibling of notorious Ado Aliero. After a confirmatory ISR, the location was acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
“Additionally, on the same day, following a confirmatory ISR, the air component conducted air interdiction at terrorists kingpin Hamisu Mopol’s enclave in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists neutralized and structures destroyed.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 13 violent extremists, arrested 15 and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered 11 AK47 rifle, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 magazines, 9 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
“On 30 December 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to kidnap incident in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops rescued 21 kidnapped hostages in the course of the operation.
“On 1 January 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects including one violent extremists informant/collaborator and 2 kidnappers. The suspects are providing valuable intelligence which is supporting ongoing operation to make the FCT much safer.
“In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation DEelta Safe recovered 1.013million litres of stolen crude oil, 299,269 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK.
Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 45 illegal refining sites, 75 cooking ovens 28 dugout pits, 30 boats, 45 storage tanks, 5 vehicles one speedboat, and 3 pumping machines.
“Troops also neutralized 2 violent extremists, apprehended 30 suspected oil thefts criminals. Troops recovered 15 assorted weapons, 234 assorted ammunitions, 8 motorcycles, 2 tricycles and 5 pairs of woodland camouflage.
“Troops raided suspected extremist militant hideout in Obot Akara and Akuku-Toru LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States respectively. Troops also had meeting engagement with violent extremists in Okrika LGA of Rivers State.
“Troops recovered 1,013,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 299,269 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 30 suspected oil thefts.
Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 37 dugout pits, 63 boats, 71 storage tanks and 14 vehicles. Other items recovered include 108 cooking ovens, 4 pump machines and 60 illegal refining sites.
“On 3 January 2024, troops while on anti-illegal bunkering operation encountered violent extremists/militants in a speed boat in Okrika LGA of Rivers State. On sighting troops, the suspects fled abandoning their speed boat. Troops recovered one speed boat, 2 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 6 magazines, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 14 rounds 7.62mm NATO ammo.
“On 3 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call on armed robbery incident in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. Troops made no contact with violent extremists/robbers. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one cut to size locally fabricated double barrel gun and 2 cartridges.
“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka arrested 15 violent extremists/IPOB and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 auto pump action guns, one pump action gun, 2 single barrel guns, 71 live cartridges, 5 motorcycles, FRSC uniform and NP accoutrements.
“Troops raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Nnewi and Onicha LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops foiled Kidnap Incidents in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State.
“Additionally, troops arrested suspected violent extremist/IPOB informant in Orsu LGA of Imo State. Troops also conducted fighting patrol in Orlu LGA of Imo State.
” Between 5 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Isu-Uzo and Edda LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops recovered one pump action gun and one cartridge.
“On 4 and 8 January 2024, troops in a separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Nnewi South and Onicha LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/IPOB members.
“On 5 January 2024, troops while conducting snap check intercepted one vehicle in Biase LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist/IPOB member.
“On 9 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on kidnap incident Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.
“On 8 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to a notorious violent extremist/IPOB/ESN hideout in Orlu LGA of Imo State.
“During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/IPOB. Troops also recovered 2 auto pump action guns, 2 single barrel guns, 70 cartridge rounds, 5 motorcycles, FRSC uniform, NP accoutrements and several fake ID cards.
“In the South West, troops of Operation AWATSE arrested 6 violent extremists and recovered one berretta pistol, one round of 9mm ammo, 3 mobile phones one dagger and 4 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis.
“Troops conducted raid operations Kosofe and Yewa North LGAs of Lagos and Ogun States respectively. Troops also conducted fighting patrol in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State.
“On 3 January 2024, troops raided suspected violent extremists hideout in Kosofe LGA of Lagos State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect is a member of EIYE Cult group terrorizing the LGA. Troops recovered one Beretta pistol, one 9mm ammo, one dagger and 3 mobile phones.
“On 5 January 2024, troops with Nigerias Police personnel raided violent extremists hideout in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspects.
“On 6 January 2024, troops while on snap stop and search operations impounded a truck loaded with woods in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. During the search, troops arrested one suspect and recovered 4 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis.
Continuing, Gen Buba said, ‘The armed forces has demonstrated commitment by our actions to winning this war. Troops will therefore continue to act with tremendous force to achieve the task ahead.
He urged Nigerians to join forces with security agencies by assuming the acronym and saying “We no go agree for all terrorists in 2024.”
Insecurity: Military Rescues 154 Kidnapped Civillians from terrorists nationwide, Neutralize 86 after gunfights
**Arrest 130 terrorists, Kidnappers, Oil thieves
**Nab 10 suspected terrorists/kidnappers, and Collaborators in Bwari LGA of FCT
**Destroy over 60 Illegal Refining Sites, Deny Oil theft of over N736million
By: Kingsley Omonobi
In continuation of military operations across several theatres, to rid the nation of criminal elements, troops in the last one week rescued a total of 154 kidnapped hostages from terrorists hideouts nationwide while 86 terrorists were eliminated after fighting engagements.
Troops also arrested a total of 130 other terrorists, kidnappers, bandits and oil theft criminals while troops recovered 111 assorted weapons and 1,124 assorted ammunition made up of 65 AK47 rifles, one HK G3 gun, one G3 rifle, 8 locally fabricated guns, 15 Dane guns, 2 fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, one english pistol, one pump action gun, 2 auto pump action gun, 2 single barrel guns.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba while briefing in Abuja said troops denied oil theft criminals, stealing of crude oil worth an estimated sum of N736.11million, (Seven Hundred and Thirty Six Million One Hundred and Fifteen Thousand Four Hundred and Seventy Naira (N736,115,470.00).
 He said troops discovered and destroyed 60 illegal refinery sites, 37 dugout pits, 65 boats, 71 storage tanks, 14 vehiclee, 108 cooking ovens, 4 pump machines, one speedboat and 60 illegal refining sites.
In the FCT, he said that following reports of criminal and bandits activities, troops in separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects including one violent extremists informant/collaborator and 2 kidnappers.
“Also, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to kidnap incident in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops rescued 21 kidnapped hostages in the course of the operation”.
Giving further details of the encounters, Buba said, “In the North East troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 4 and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered 13 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, one locally fabricated pistol, 4 magazine, 5 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammo,157 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, mobile phone and one baofeng radio.
“Troops conducted fighting patrol in Jere LGA, arrested ISWAP/JAS terrorists sympathizers in Askira-Uba LGA, recorded surrender of ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants in Bama LGA and ambushed of BH/ISWAP terrorists in Konduga and Dikwa LGAs, all Borno State.
“Additionally, troops conducted offensive operations and arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists member in Bama, Gwoza, Gamboru-Ngala and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.
“On 4 and 5 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted night ambush on ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists.
Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists, recovered 10 AK 47 Rifles,150 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 bicycles and tubes.
“On 8 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Bama, Gwoza and Gamboru-Ngala LGAs of Borno State.
“Troops made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, one motorcycle and one bicycle.
“The Air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on terrorists logistics base on 5 January 2023 in Sambisa general area. The location was observed and attacked with bomb and rockets following a confirmatory ISR. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.
“Similarly, on 6 January 2024, following intense ISR on terrorists settlement at outskirts of the Tumbuns in the Lake Chad region. The air component conducted air interdiction and attacked the location with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed in the air strike.
“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested 21 violent extremists and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one locally fabricated rifle, one pistol and one mobile phone.
“The suspected violent extremist/insurgent were arrested in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State as well as Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
“Troops foiled a kidnap Incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also arrested suspected violent extremist/kidnappers informant in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
“Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols in Wase LGA of Plateau State. Troops arrested a notorious kidnapper in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 3 and 7 January 2024, troops in separate operations responded to kidnapping incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
“On 7 and 8 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to information about kidnapping incidents in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 10 kidnapped hostages while efforts is ongoing to rescue others.
“Between 3 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations foiled armed robbery Incidents in Riyom and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 3 victims.
“On 3 and 5 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols to Wase LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 violent extremists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
“On 6 January 2024, troops on patrol responded to a distress call on attack by violent extremists on civilians in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects as well as recovered 3 locally fabricated guns and 2 mobile phones.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke rescued 4 kidnapped hostages by responding to information about kidnapping activities in Ukum LGA of Benue State.
“On 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to violent extremists activities in Logo LGA of Benue State. Troops made no contact with violent extremists. Troops exploited the general area and rescued 2 injured victims and recovered 4 corpses.
“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 10 and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops also recovered 34 AK47 rifles, 5 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, dane guns, 2 bandoliers, 449 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 26 live cartridges, 2 locally fabricated swords, 3 magazine, 8 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and 2 GTA radio.
“Troops conducted fighting patrol to Batsari, Jibia, Safana, Kankara, and Matazu LGAs in Katsina State. Fighting patrols were also conducted to Shangaan and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States respectively
.”Troops also responded to terrorist activities in Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto State as well as Maradun, Jibia and Danmusa LGAs in both Zamfara and Katsina States.
“Additionally, troops raided violent extremists hideout in Kumbotso LGA of Kano State. Troops foiled Kidnap Incidents and arrested suspected violent extremists collaborators in Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Kabau LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested suspected violent extremists in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 4 and 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to terrorist hideouts in Batsari, Jibia Safana, Kankara and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and recovered 2 locally made guns, 5 motorcycles and one mobile phone as well destroyed their makeshifts houses.
“On 8 January 2024, following reports, troops with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrols made contact with terrorist in Shanga and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State respectively.
“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorist including a notorious terrorist commander known as Bello Asara. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, Dane guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one radio, one mobile phone, one camouflage t-shirt and one MOPOL uniform.
“On 3 and 5 January 2024, troop with hybrid forces conducted search and rescue operations in Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops rescued 14 kidnapped hostages and reunite them with families.
“On 6 January 2024, troops responded to information about kidnapping incident in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with violent extremist/insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized five terrorists, recovered 5 Ak 47 rifles with 88 rounds of 7. 62 mm special ammo and rescued16 hostages.
“On 6 January 2024, Following reports, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on notorious terrorist Kingpin Ado Aliero’s enclave in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
 “The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities led by terrorists leader identified as Isuhu Dogo, an associate and sibling of notorious Ado Aliero. After a confirmatory ISR, the location was acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
“Additionally, on the same day, following a confirmatory ISR, the air component conducted air interdiction at terrorists kingpin Hamisu Mopol’s enclave in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists neutralized and structures destroyed.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 13 violent extremists, arrested 15 and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered 11 AK47 rifle, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 magazines, 9 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
The troops conducted fighting in Chikun, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State as well as Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops rescued kidnapped hostages in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops also raided suspected extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively.
“On 5 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Bwari Area Council of FCT and Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected extremists’ informants and recovered one mobile phone.
“On 6 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols to Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Rijau LGA of Niger State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists sympathizers.
“On 30 December 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to kidnap incident in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops rescued 21 kidnapped hostages in the course of the operation.
“On 1 January 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects including one violent extremists informant/collaborator and 2 kidnappers. The suspects are providing valuable intelligence which is supporting ongoing operation to make the FCT much safer.
“In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation DEelta Safe recovered 1.013million litres of stolen crude oil, 299,269 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK.
Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 45 illegal refining sites, 75 cooking ovens 28 dugout pits, 30 boats, 45 storage tanks, 5 vehicles one speedboat, and 3 pumping machines.
“Troops also neutralized 2 violent extremists, apprehended 30 suspected oil thefts criminals. Troops recovered 15 assorted weapons, 234 assorted ammunitions, 8 motorcycles, 2 tricycles and 5 pairs of woodland camouflage.
“Troops raided suspected extremist militant hideout in Obot Akara and Akuku-Toru LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States respectively. Troops also had meeting engagement with violent extremists in Okrika LGA of Rivers State.
“Troops recovered 1,013,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 299,269 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 30 suspected oil thefts.
Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 37 dugout pits, 63 boats, 71 storage tanks and 14 vehicles. Other items recovered include 108 cooking ovens, 4 pump machines and 60 illegal refining sites.
“On 3 January 2024, troops while on anti-illegal bunkering operation encountered violent extremists/militants in a speed boat in Okrika LGA of Rivers State. On sighting troops, the suspects fled abandoning their speed boat. Troops recovered one speed boat, 2 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 6 magazines, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 14 rounds 7.62mm NATO ammo.
“On 3 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call on armed robbery incident in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. Troops made no contact with violent extremists/robbers. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one cut to size locally fabricated double barrel gun and 2 cartridges.
“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka arrested 15 violent extremists/IPOB and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 auto pump action guns, one pump action gun, 2 single barrel guns, 71 live cartridges, 5 motorcycles, FRSC uniform and NP accoutrements.
“Troops raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Nnewi and Onicha LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops foiled Kidnap Incidents in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State.
“Additionally, troops arrested suspected violent extremist/IPOB informant in Orsu LGA of Imo State. Troops also conducted fighting patrol in Orlu LGA of Imo State.
” Between 5 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Isu-Uzo and Edda LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops recovered one pump action gun and one cartridge.
“On 4 and 8 January 2024, troops in a separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Nnewi South and Onicha LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/IPOB members.
“On 5 January 2024, troops while conducting snap check intercepted one vehicle in Biase LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist/IPOB member.
“On 9 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on kidnap incident Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.
“On 8 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to a notorious violent extremist/IPOB/ESN hideout in Orlu LGA of Imo State.
“During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/IPOB. Troops also recovered 2 auto pump action guns, 2 single barrel guns, 70 cartridge rounds, 5 motorcycles, FRSC uniform, NP accoutrements and several fake ID cards.
“In the South West, troops of Operation AWATSE arrested 6 violent extremists and recovered one berretta pistol, one round of 9mm ammo, 3 mobile phones one dagger and 4 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis.
“Troops conducted raid operations Kosofe and Yewa North LGAs of Lagos and Ogun States respectively. Troops also conducted fighting patrol in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State.
“On 3 January 2024, troops raided suspected violent extremists hideout in Kosofe LGA of Lagos State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect is a member of EIYE Cult group terrorizing the LGA. Troops recovered one Beretta pistol, one 9mm ammo, one dagger and 3 mobile phones.
“On 5 January 2024, troops with Nigerias Police personnel raided violent extremists hideout in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspects.
“On 6 January 2024, troops while on snap stop and search operations impounded a truck loaded with woods in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. During the search, troops arrested one suspect and recovered 4 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis.
Continuing, Gen Buba said, ‘The armed forces has demonstrated commitment by our actions to winning this war. Troops will therefore continue to act with tremendous force to achieve the task ahead.
He urged Nigerians to join forces with security agencies by assuming the acronym and saying “We no go agree for all terrorists in 2024.”
