AFN Neutralize 50 Terrorists, Arrest 122, While 49 of Oil Bunkers also Apprehended In South South Region.

By Aviashima Toom, Abuja

The Military says its troops operations of the last one week, have  resulted in neutralizing 50 terrorists with 122 of them arrested. 

Its also said it Troops also arrested 49 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 182 kidnapped hostages. In the South South,   dening oil theft of the estimated sum of One Hundred Twenty Eight Million Sixty Six Thousand Eight Hundred and Twenty Five Naira (N128,066,825.00).

Thus was contained in a statement issued by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General  Edward Buba in abuja noted that troops recovered 66 assorted weapons and 11,474 assorted ammunition. 

According to the statement, The one conqueror APG, one GPMG, one NSVT gun, one GT3 rifle, 25 AK47 rifles, 4 pump action gun, 2 locally made AK47 rifles, 3 locally made gun, one locally made revolver gun, 4 locally fabricated pistols and 4 long dane gun, 2 locally made hand grenades, one bandolier.

Others According to the DMO includes;  574 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 640 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 150 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo, 10,520 live cartridges, 5 vehicles, 27 mobile phones, 12 motorcycle, 3 boafeng radios, one Motorolla HHR, 3 bicycles, one solar panel, one solar charger controller, one radio receiver and the sum of N75,909,290.00 amongst other items.

He also said, Troops in the Niger Delta area destroyed 242 dugout pits, 49 boats, 78 storage tanks, one tricycle, 21 vehicles, 104 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machine, 7 outboard engine and 49 illegal refining sites.  

Troops recovered 151,850 litres of stolen crude oil, 48,630 litres of illegally refined AGO and 10,125 litres of DPK.

The statement in detail;

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted ambush operation against terrorists in Konduga LGA of Borno State. They also conducted offensive operations to terrorists enclaves in Gamboru and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively. Fighting patrols were equally conducted in Bama, Damboa and Kaga LGAs of Borno State.

 Troops arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists informant and collaborators in Mobbar, Monguno, Kwaya Kusar and Bama LGAs in Borno State. They also discovered arms in  Biu LGA of Borno State. Additionally, troops arrested  BH/ISWAP terrorists and kidnapper in Gulanl and Monguno LGs in Yobe and Borno States respectively. 

3. Details as follows:

Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorists. On 11 November 2023, troops conducted ambush operation and made contact with terrorists in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, the terrorists fled and troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 68 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 3 bicycles, one camouflage shirt and one blanket.

Offensive Operations. On 9 November 2023, troops in a separate operations conducted offensive operations to BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves in Gamboru and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 BH/ISWAP terrorists  and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages. They also recovered one conqueror APC, one GPMG, one NSVT gun, 5 AK47 rifles, 3 locally made guns, 4 magazines, one boafeng HHR and 150 rounds of 12.7mm ammo.

Fighting Patrols.  Between 11 to 13 November 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols to BH/ISWAP terrorists enclaves in Bama, Damboa and Kaga LGAs of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists and recovered one G3 rifle, 4 AK47 rifles, one locally made Pump action guns, 2 locally made rifles, 50 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 20 cartridges.

Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorist Informant . On 9 November 2023, troops  with hybrid forces arrested a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists informant, identity withheld in Mobbar LGA of Borno State.

Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorist Collaborators.  On 11 and 13 November 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested 4 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Monguno, Kwaya Kusar, Bama LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered 3 mobile phones, 2 motorcycles, medical supplies, PMS, clothing materials and the sum of N851,300 amongst other items.

Discovery of Ammo.  On 13 November 2023, troops with hybrid forces while on fighting patrol met a farmer who reported the discovery of an unidentified box on his farm in Biu LGA of Borno State. Troop recovered a buried box containing 401 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo.

Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers.  On 13 November 2023, following a tip off, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces arrested 3 suspected kidnappers in GulanI LGA of Yobe State.

Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorist. On 14 November 2023, troops arrested one suspected BH/ISWAP terrorist in Monguno LGA of Borno State. The suspect identified who's identity is being withheld was arrested in connection with letter linked with   BH/ISWAP terrorists threat of attack on Monguno.

Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 33 terrorists, arrested 13 and rescued 132 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered; one conqueror APC, one GPMG, one NSVT gun, one G3 rifle, AK47 rifles, 3 locally made gun, one locally made pump action gun, 2 locally made rifles, 68 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 150 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 3 mobile phones, 3 bicycles and the sum of N851,300.00

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested an arms and military gears courier in Jos North LGA of Plataeu State. They also conducted raid in Kanam and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. Troops equally arrested suspected criminals in Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State.

 Additionally, troops arrested suspected gunrunner and arms dealers in Barkin Ladi and Zango Kataf LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. Troops foiled kidnapping incident in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.

7. Details are as follows: 

a. Arrest of Arms/Military Gears Couriers. On 7 November 2023, troops in collaboration with DSS personnel arrested 2 wanted arms/military gears couriers in Jos North LGA of Plataeu State. The arrested suspects admitted to  getting supplies from  one Gambo Pyamdu a tailor and Takimi , both working in Terminus Market in Jos. After receipt of consignment, they supply to notorious terrorists Lalli and Abdulkadir (aka Black Abdulahi) in Katsina State. Troops recovered 15 water backpacks, 2 mobile phones and the sum of Seven Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira (N7,950.00) only. 

Raid Operations.  On 8 and 14 November 2023, troops raided suspected criminals hideouts in Kanam and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. During the raids, troops arrested 8 suspected criminals and drugs peddlers. One of the criminals identified as Umurana Adamu. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle and 9 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo.

Arrest of Suspected Criminals.  Between 8 and 12 November 2023, following a tip-off, troops while conducting fighting patrols arrested suspected criminals in Riyom, Mangu, Bokkos and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State. 

During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspected  criminals. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated rifle, 55 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 6 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine and one motorcycle.

Arrest of Notorious Arms Courier.   On 12 November 2023, troops in conjunction with DSS personnel arrested a notorious arms courier named BALA INUSA (aka Mageiro) in Barkin Ladi LGA of Plateau State. 

 The arrested criminal who has been on troops wanted list. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally made 9mm pistol, 417 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one empty magazine, one vehicle, a mobile phone and the sum of Thirteen Thousand Eight Hundred and Forty Naira (N13,840.00) only. Following investigations, troops discovered that the suspect is a vigilante member at Song LGA Adamawa State. 

Arrest of a Suspected Gunrunners and  Arms Dealer. On 12 and 14 November 2023, following INTEL, in  separate operations,  troops arrested 2 suspected gunrunner and arms dealer in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Identity of suspects is being withheld not to compromise further investigation. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle and mobile phones.

Foiled Kidnap Incidents. On 12 November 2023, troops responded to information of kidnap incidents in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.  Troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages from the operation.

SUMMARY

. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 20 terrorists , arrested 34 and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 2 locally made pistol, one dane gun, one locally made 9mm pistol, 55 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 426 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 magazines, one motorcycle, 15 military water backpacks, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N21,790.00 amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted raid operation at suspected criminal hideout in Wukari Guma LGA of Taraba State. Troops arrested suspected terrorists in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Troops also conducted aggressive patrol and foiled a kidnapping incident in Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State. Additionally, troops ambushed suspected bandits arms and ammo courier in  Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.

. Details are as follows:

 Raid Operation.   On 8 November 2023, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations raided suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Wukari Guma LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. During the raid, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers and recovered one locally fabricated pistol and 20 cartridges.

Arrest of Suspected Terrorist.  On 8 November 2023, troops arrested a suspected terrorist in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Troops recovered 2 mobile phones and the sum of Thirty-Six Thousand Two Hundred Naira (₦36,200.00) only.

.Kidnap Incident On 8 November 2023, troops in conjunction with  hybrid forces conducted aggressive patrol to a suspected criminals' hideout in Kokona LGA of Nasarawa State. During the patrol, troops rescued 4 kidnapped victims and recovered a vehicle.

 On 9 November 2023, troops responded to information of Kidnapping incident in Gwer West LGA of Benue State. Troops made no contact.However, yroops exploited the general area and rescued 2 hostages while efforts are ongoing to rescue others as well as  the perpetrators.

d. Ambush on Suspected Bandits Arms and Ammunition Couriers.  On 14 November 2023, troops conducted ambush on suspected arms and ammunition suppliers to bandits in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle wrapped in a sack, one AK47 magazine, veterinary medicine and clothing amongst others.

SUMMARY 

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 1 terrorists, arrested 9 terrorists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally fabricated pistol, 20 live cartridges, one magazine, 4 mobile phones, medical supplies and the sum of N36,200.00 amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized terrorist in Maru and Batsari LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina respectively. Troop’s foiled kidnap incident in Suru and Kankara LGAs of Kebbi and Katsina State respectively. Troops also arrested suspected BHT and recovered arms and ammunition in Gezawa LGA of Kano State. Troops also conducted fighting patrols Igabi, Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State.

   Additionally, troops conducted offensive operation and ambush on suspected bandits in  Kajuru and Maru LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara States respectively.

12. Details are as follows;

. Raid Operation.   On 9 November 2023, troops raided  terrorists hideout but no contact was made in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one long dane gun, 2 Baofeng radios, one solar panel, one solar charger controller, 2 mob phones, one radio receiver amongst other items. 

. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 9 and 13 November 2023, following INTEL, troops in a separate operations responded to kidnapping activities in Faskari and Kankara LGAs of Katsina State. Troops rescued 31 kidnapped hostages in the operation.

 

Banditry Activities. On 10 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with bandits in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle.

. Fighting Patrols On 10 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol encountered ambush in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and  recovered one AK47 loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one motorcycle and one mobile phone.

On 12 November 2023, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 extra AK47 magazines, 50 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 2 locally made hand grenade, 4 mobile phones and 3 motorcycles and Baofeng radio. 

Arrest of Terrorist’ Informant. On 11 November 2023, troops responded to information on terrorist activities and arrested a terrorist’ informant in Matazu LGA of Karsina State.  

Ambush on Terrorist. On 11 November 2023, troops conducted ambush on terrorist and made contact with bandits in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally fabricated AK47 rifle, 4 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and one mobile phone. 

h. Offensive Operation. On 13 November 2023, troops conducted offensive operation on terrorist  hideout and made contact in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.  Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 60 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 3 AK47 magazines, a bandolier and 5 motorcycles.

  Air Interdiction.  On 11 November 2023,the air component of Operations HADARIN DAJI acquired and subsequently conducted air interdiction on enclave of a terrorist leader identified as ‘Damina’ in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. Troops also rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.

SUMMARY 

. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 48 terrorists and rescued 56 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one fabricated AK47 rifle, one long dane gun, 2 locally made hand grenades, 144 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 magazines, one bandolier, 3 boafeng radios, 8 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones, one solar panel and radio receiver amongst others.

 

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted ambush operation on terrorists in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Troops arrested suspected criminals in Okene, Yagba West and Ajaokuta LGAs of Kogi States. Troops arrested suspected money launderers in Dekina LGA of Kogi State.

 Troops arrested suspected armed robbers in Bwari Area Council of FCT. Troops also foiled kidnapping incident in Adavi LGA of Kogi State.

. Details as follows: 

Terrorist conducted ambushed on Troops.    On 10 November 2023, troops while responding to terrorists activities entered into terrorists ambush in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one motorcycle and one mobile phone.

Troops Arrest Suspected Criminals.

On 9 November 2023, troops while on check point intercepted a hilux vehicle branded with Kogi State Government sticker in Okene LGA of Kogi State. During search, one Momoh Ejudiye Abdulrazaq was arrested with a Pump action gun. 

On 9 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol arrested a suspected criminal in Yagba West LGA of Kogi State. The criminal identified as Adebiyi Shola claimed to be a member of NSCDC. The rifle was stripped and concealed inside a luggage. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle and one Motorolla HHR.

On 10 November 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces arrested some suspected political thugs in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops recovered 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 250 lives cartridges and huge amounts of money loaded in bags. 

c. Interception and Arrest of Money to Undermine Elections in Kogi State.   On 9 November 2023, troops while on stop and search operation intercepted a vehicle  and arrested suspected money launderers in Dekina LGA of Kogi State. The suspects were identified as Mr Joel Omajele 59 yrs and Mr Abel Epa 60 yrs of age. Troops recovered the sum of Seventy Five Million (N75,000.000.00) Naira cash in 3 bags. The suspects admitted that  the money was to be used to  for Kogi election.

d. Troops Arrest Suspected Armed Robbers.     On 9 November 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces while on patrol arrested 2 suspected armed robbers in Bwari Area Council of the FCT. Troops recovered one locally made revolver gun, one locally made pistol and one vehicle.

e. Troops Foiled kidnapping Incident.    On 6 Nov 23, troops responded to kidnap incident in Adavi LGA of Kogi State.  Troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. However, one civilian was killed in action. 

SUMMARY

. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 8 suspected terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one pump action gun, one locally made revolver gun, one locally made pistol, 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 250 live cartridges, one vehicle, one motorcycle, one mobile phone, one Motorola HHR and the sum of N75,000,000.00.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Troops arrested a fake soldier in military uniform in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.

suspected criminals in Udu and Akpabuyo LGAs of Delta and Cross River States respectively. Troops also conducted raid operation in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. Additionally, troops arrested a gunrunner in Obudu LGA of Cross River State.

. Details as follows:

Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. 

Troops recovered 151,850 litres of stolen crude oil, 48,630 litres of illegally refined AGO and 10,125 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 49 suspected oil thefts.  Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 242 dugout pits, 49 boats, 78 storage tanks, one tricycle and 21 vehicles. Other items rec incl 104 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machine, 7 outboard engine and 49 illegal refining sites,   

Arrest of Impostor.   On 11 November 2023, troops arrested one impostor dressed in woodland cam parading himself as a soldier in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State.

. Arrest of Gunrunner.  On 8 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol arrested a suspected gunrunner in Obudu LGA of Cross River State. The suspect identified as Elijah Unimke Odeshi. Troops recovered one locally made berretta pistol, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo and the sum of Seven Thousand Eight Hundred Naira (₦7,800) only.

On 10 November 2023, troops responded to information on suspected criminals activities in Calabar Municipal of Cross River State. On arrival, troops arrested 16 suspected Cameroonians comprising of 14 males and 2 females.

On 11 and 14  November 2023, troops raided suspected criminals hideouts and arrested 2 suspected criminals  in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. One the suspect was identified as notorious leader of SKYLOW cult group and militant identified as Ette Ekpe. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized criminal combatants and recovered one dane gun, one locally made pistol and 5 rounds of 9mm ammo.

SUMMARY

. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 151,850 litres of stolen crude oil, 48,630 litres of illegally refined AGO and 10,125 litres of DPK . Troops also apprehended 32 suspected oil thefts.  Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 242 dugout pits, 49 boats, 78 storage tanks, one tricycle and 21 vehicles. Other items rec incl 104 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machine, 7 outboard engine and 49 illegal refining sites,   

. Troops also apprehended 76 suspected oil thefts and other criminals elements as well as recovered one dane gun, one locally made pistol, 10 weapons, 20 ammunitions and other criminals. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

Troops of Operation UDO KA raided suspected criminals hideout in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. Troops ambush suspected IPOB/ESN criminals in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. Troops along with NAPTIP personnel raided  areas of Osisioma Ngwa and Aba South LGAs of Abia State and arrested human traffickers. 

Details as follows:

. Raid Operation.    On 7 November 2023, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout and arrested 3 suspected criminals in Ukwa West LGA of Abia State. This was sequel to information on activities of illegal road block, armed robbery and vandalization of government installation in the general area.

Ambush on Suspected Terrorists.  On 9 November 2023, troops conducted ambush on suspected terrorists in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one mobile phone amongst other items. 

Arrest of Human Traffickers. On 10 and 13 November 2023, following a tip-off, troops with NAPTIP personnel raided the general areas of Osisioma Ngwa and Aba South LGAs of Abia State.  During the operation, troops arrested 9 suspected human traffickers and rescued 2 ladies, 7 pregnant women and 9 babies. Troops also recovered 3 generators, one vehicle, 18 mobile phones, one laptop, power banks and medical items amongst others.

SUMMARY

25. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 3 criminals, arrested 7 suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 19 mobile phone amongst other items. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)

Troops of Operation AWATSE arrested suspected high-profile arms traffickers in Oluyole LGA of Oyo State. Troops also conducted a raid at cultists hideouts in  Sagamu and Kosofe LGAs of Ogun and Lagos States respectively.

Details as follows:

Arrest of High Profile Arms Traffickers.     On 6 November 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces arrested 2 suspected high-profile arms traffickers in Oluyole LGA of Oyo State. Troops recovered 10,000 rounds of shotgun cartridges.

Raids Operation.   On 11 November 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted a raid at suspected cultists hideouts in  Sagamu and Kosofe LGAs of Ogun and Lagos States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 20 suspected cultists. 

Overall, troops of Operation AWATSE arrssted 22 suspected criminals and recoveed 10,000 rounds of shortgun cartridges. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action. 

The however assured that, the armed forces will continue to apply strong military pressure such as has been witnessed in the week, nothing that the terrorist and their cohorts  would continue to suffer heavy casualities. It is in their interest to surrender as being done in the NE of the country to avoid eventual destruction.