The Military High Command said on Friday that troops fighting to rid the country of criminal elements, neutralised 118 terrorists, arrested 115 others including perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 96 kidnapped hostages in the last one week.
Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 44 illegal refining sites, 48 boats, 156 drums, 34 storage tanks, recovered 28 cooking ovens.
Troops also recovered 602,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 64,900 litres of illegally refined AGO, 12,690 litres of PMS and denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Ninety Three Million Two Hundred and Fifty Seven Thousand Two Hundred and Fifty Naira (N793,257,250.00).
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who made this known, states that during the various encounters, troops recovered 87 assorted weapons and 2,244 assorted ammunition comprising one PKT gun, one PKM, one RPG, one auto pistol, 43 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated rifles, 14 Dane guns, 5 pump action guns, 6 AK47 magazines, 3 boefeng radios.
Others are 1,715 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 505 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 8 rounds of 9mm ammo, 14 live cartridges, 89 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 10 vehicles, 33 motorcycles, 50 mobile phones and the sum of N778,560.00 only amongst other items.
Detailing the operations, he said, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in North east neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 14 suspects and rescued 42 kidnappers hostages. Troops recovered one PKT gun, 14 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, 2 locally made guns, one RPG 7 tube, 349 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 130 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, one link of PKT with rounds of 7.62 by 54mm ammo 300 rounds of PKM ammo, 89 empty case of ammo, 6 magazines, 3 motorcycles, 19 mobile phones, 4 vehicles and the sum of N378,400.00 amongst others.
“Between 27 September – 1 October 2024, troops in conjunction with Hybrid forces while in separate operations made contact with terrorists in Bama, Konduga, Gwoza, Monguno, Jere, Kaga, Kukawa and Damboa LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 18 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered one PKT gun, 11 AK47 rifles, 3 Dane guns, 2 locally made rifles, 2 RPG bombs, 2 AK 47 Rifle magazines, one PKT barrel and one PKT link with rounds of 7.62 by 54 mm ammo. 314 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 130 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 3 motorcycles amongst others.
“On 28 September 2024, responded to report about movement of unknown persons in Kukawa LGA of Borno State intercepted and rescued 38 kidnapped victims comprised of 6 adult males, 8 adult females and 24 children within that escaped from BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists enclave.
“On 28 September 2024, troops while on routine patrol arrested a Nigeria Police Inspector in possession of 35 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo concealed inside a bag at Borno Express Terminal Motor Pk in MMC of Borno State. Additionally, troops arrested one JAS terrorists in Konduga LGA of Borno State on 29 September 2024. Troops recovered 7 mobile phones, among other sundry items.
“Following confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdictions on terrorists locations in Sambisa general area of Borno State on 29 September 2024. The locations was acquired and engaged with cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized while their structures and logistics were destroyed.
“On 27 and 28 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol in Bama, Baga, Gubio, Damboa, Biu, Konduga and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State intercepted and arrested 9 terrorist collaborators/ informants. Troops recovered 3 vehicles, the sum of ₦301,500.00 only and other sundry items.
“Between 25 – 29 September 2024, troops arrested 8 BH/ISWAP in Additionally, troops arrested 3 terrorists logistics suppliers Geidam, Gujba and Damaturu LGAs of Yobe State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 vehicles, 3 mobile phones, among other sundry items.
“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 3 violent extremists, arrested 20 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one auto pistol, 8 rounds of 9mm ammo, one vehicle, 2 motorcycles and the sum of N55,760.00 amongst others.
“On 25 September 2024, troops while on offensive operation raided a drug peddlers’ hideout and arrested one drugs dealer in Jos South LGA of Plateau State one. Troops recovered packs of substance suspected to be Cannabis and the sum of ₦232,000.00 only.
“Between 25 September – 1 October 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on activities of extremists in Bokkos, Riyom, Barkin Ladi, Jos North/South and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also, conducted operation in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State.
“Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 3 extremists, arrested 14 criminals and rescued 3 victims. Troops recovered one auto pistol and 8 rounds of 9mm ammo, a truck loaded with vandalized rail tracks amongst other.
“Between 26 September – 1 October 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information about violent extremists/kidnappers in Riyom, Barking Ladi, Mangu and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State as well as Zango Kataf and Kaura LGAs of Kaduna State respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested 5 and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones, one ATM card, one jack knife and the sum of ₦32,760.00 only.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested 14 violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages, recovered one PKM gun, 2 AK47 rifle and 363 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 vehicles and one motorcycle amongst others.
“On 24 September 2024, troops while conducting counter/anti kidnapping , and criminality operation in Lau LGA of Taraba State rescued 2 kidnapped suspects abandoned by the abductors on sighting troops.
“On 25 and 28 September 2024, troops in separate offensive responded to a distress calls about criminal activities in Ukum and Katsina Ala LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops recovered one PKM Gun, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo one vehicle and 2 motorcycles.
“On 28 and 29 September 2024, while conducting fighting patrol in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State and Kugbo AMAC of the FCT Intercepted and arrested 3 criminals. Troops recovered 303 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo concealed in the vehicle and packs of illicit drugs.
Read Also:
“On 29 and 30 September 2024, following reports, troops raided and arrested a high profile terrorists leader identified as Tukura Abdul-Kareem alongside 9 other violent extremist in Ardo Kola and Gwer west LGAs of Taraba and Benue States. Troops recovered 2 AK47 Rifles loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo one mobile phones, ID cards, Cannabis and illicit drugs.
“On 30 September 2024, following reports, troops intercepted and arrested 2 high profile terrorists informants identified as Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemu Emmanuel in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Troops recovered one mobile phone and one motorcycle.
“In the North West, troops of Operation Hdarin Daji neutralized 36 terrorists,
arrested 3 terrorists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 14 AK47 rifle, 9 dane guns, 2 fabricated guns, one magazine, 567 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 175 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 24 motorcycles and 10 mobile phones amongst others.
“Between 24 – 30 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Magami, Maru, and Gusau LAGs of Zamfara State as well as Batsari, Jibia, Anka and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 16 terrorists and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 2 fabricated rifles, 287 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 7 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
“Troops also, conducted operation in Isa and Tureta LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Kagarko, Katchia and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State and neutralized 11 terrorists, arrested 3 and resued 6 victims. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 220 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones amongst other.
“Between 24 – 28 September 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls on terrorists activities in Danmusa, Kakara and Arewa LGAs of Katsina and Kebbi Staes as well as Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops neutralized 9 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also, recovered 4 AK47 rifles 2 dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 275 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 5 motorcycles and 3 bicycles.
“On 24 September 2024, following confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdictions on terrorists stronghld in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. The locations were acquired and engaged with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized while their structures and logistics were destroyed.
“The troops of Operation Whurl Punch conducted offensive operations which led to arrest in Kabba Bunu and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
“Between 24 – 29 September 2024, Joint operations between armed forces and security agencies led to arrest of 4 violent extremists/insurgs and rescue of 2 hostages in Kabba Bunu and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State and well as Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja.
“Between 25 – 30 September 2024, Joint operations between armed forces and security agencies led to arrest of 14 violent extremists in Kabba Bunu and Lokoja LGAs of Kogi State as well as Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 3 locally made gun, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14 live cartridges, 6 mobile phones, one motorcycle and the sum of ₦55,400.00 only.
” Following confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH in multiple passes conducted air interdictions at terrorists locations at Mamuku Forest and Yadi Forest in Birnin Gwari and Giwa LGAs of Kaduna State on 24 and 27 September 2024. The locations were acquired and engaged with bombs and rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized while their structures and logistics were destroyed.
“Troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered 602,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 64,900 litres of illegally refined AGO and 12,690 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 4 dugout pits, 48 boats, 156 drums and 34 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 28 cooking ovens, 8 vehicles, 3 speedboats, one motorcycle and 44 illegal refining sites.
“Troops apprehended 18 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 8 assorted arms, 366 assorted ammunition 9 equipment.
“On 26 and 27 September 2024, troops while on offensive operation arrested 6 criminals in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. During the operations troos recovered one Dane gun, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 300 HK links, MG butt, 3 FN Rifle magazines, 3 Baofeng radio and some explosives materials.
“On 24 and 26 September 2024, troops conducted raid operation and arrested 7 drugs peddlers and a kidnappers in Ethiope West and Bonny LGAs of Delta and Rivers States. troops recovered one Baretta Pistol loaded with one round of 9mm ammo, illicit drugs and Cannabis.
“On 27 September 2024, following report, troop intercepted and arrested 3 gunrunning syndicate members in a vehicle conveying arms in Ethiope West LGA of Delta State. Troops recovered 5 pump action rifles, one dane gun, one axe, 51 cartridges and a vehicle.
“Air Component of Operation Delta Safe in multiple passes conducted air interdiction aimed at curbing security challenges, crude oil theft, damage of oil and gas infrastructure, illegal refining as well as sea robbery with a view of restoration of oil and gas production to full capacity. During the operations, several illegal refining sites, storage tanks, reservoirs, barges and boats were destroyed.
In the South East, Troops of Operation Udoka arrested 10 violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 vehicles, one motorcycle, 14 mobile phones and the sum of N80,000.00 only amongst others. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
“Between 24 – 28 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping/criminality operations responded to information on criminal activities/attacks on civilians by IPOB/ESN members in Izombe and orsu LGAs of Imo State. Troops successfully calm the situation and recovered one motorcycle.
“Between 25 – 29 September 2024, troops in separate patrol intercepted and arrested 10 criminals in Umuahia North LGA, Enugu North/South LGAs of Abia and Enugu State. Troops recovered 14 mobile phones, one cocaine scale, cannabis and the sum of N80,000.00.
“Between 26 – 29 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations to IPOB/ESN violent extremists in Umuahia North and Ihiala LGAs of Abia and Anambra States and rescued 2 victims abandoned by fleeing criminals. During the operations troops recovered 2 vehicles, one CCTV camera and one water gel IED.
Major Gen Buba pointed out that, “Troops are in a good place in winning the war against terrorist. Indeed, the armed forces would continue to innovate and develop new strategies to defend the country and protect citizens from the perpetrators of insecurity.”
