Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites

1. The Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in 9 different operations across the length and breath of the country. Accordingly, there are operational theatres within the 6 geopolitical zones aimed at addressing various security challenges.

2. This brief will cover significant operational activities across the 6 geopolitical zones for the period 13 – 20 July 2023. The brief will begin with the North East and North Central zones. Then, the North West, South South and South East zones.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
3. During the period under review troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized some terrorists in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops also arrested high profile terrorist collaborators in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. Owing to troops onslaught, some active terrorists fighters also surrendered to troops. They claimed that they have lost interest in the terrorist ideology. This is not unconnected with media operation of the military
a. Troops Neutralized terrorist. On 13 Jul 23, Troops conducted fighting patrol to Awada in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and captured 2 others as well as rescued one victim.

b. Arrest Terrorist collaborator. On 11 Jul 23, troops arrested a high-profile terrorist collaborator identified as Bulama Suri. He is a terrorist spy and collaborator residing at Gaulawa and Gwazari villages in Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Items recovered from the terrorists were generally food item and 2 cows.

c. Surrendered of BH/ISWAP Terrorist. On 12 Jul 23, following troops onslaught, 9 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre operations. The surrendered terrorists claimed to have lost interest in the terrorist ideology arising from troops operations. Items recovered from the terrorists include; 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones.

READ ALSO:

• Tinubu battles Atiku in US court over Chicago varsity academic records
• Endurance is our best option for now, MURIC begs Nigerians
• Release food items to states immediately, Shettima orders NEMA

4. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air operations against terrorist enclaves and their logistics bases in order to degrade them. Notably, the air component conducted air reconnaissance and intelligence at terrorist’ hideouts in Hyawa in Borno State. The location was active with terrorists activities, acquired and subsequently attacked with bombs. After action review revealed that many of the terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

5. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, 2 Cow, food stuffs, condiment, one cart and the sum of Two Million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N2,104,000.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 8 suspected terrorists collaborators. Troops rescued10 kidnapped civilians during these operations.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided criminal hideouts and recovered weapons. Troops also got ambushed along Road Mangu – Pushit while responding to distress call about assailants attacking citizens in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops charged though and overcame the ambush. Troops also neutralized 3 of the assailants in the process, while others fled.
a. Troops Raid Criminal Hideout and Recover Weapon. On 10 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided students rented accommodation at Haske village in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected criminals and recovered a fabricated pistol, cartridge, machete and axe.
b. Troops Ambushed in Mangu
(1). On 12 July 23, troops while responding to a distress call on criminals attack at Mangu village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State were ambushed along Rd Mangu – Pushit by suspected criminals. During the ambush, troops neutralized 3 of the criminals while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 3 AK 47 rifles, 14 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one Motorcycle and a fake NP officer ID Card. Investigation on going.
(2). On 11 July 23, troops of 176 Guards Bn arrested one suspected criminal at Gbau Village in Gwagwalada Area Council of Federal Capital Territory with one locally made pistol, one mobile phone and one Pump action ammo. Suspect was handed over to NP Gwagwalada Div for further action.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE raided kidnappers’ hideouts at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government of Nasarawa State. In a separate operation, troops rescued kidnapped victims at Chinkai Forest in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.
a. Troops Raid Kidnapper Hideout. On 11 Jul 23, troops deployed at Giza raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Duduguru village in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Following the raid, troops arrested one suspected kidnapper and recovered one mobile phone and the sum of Thirty-Five Thousand Naira (₦35,000.00). Investigation ongoing.

b. Rescue of Kidnapped Victim. On 11 July 23, troops deployed at Sondi and Kente responded to information on suspected kidnapping activities at Chinkai Forest axis in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State but the criminals fled before troops arrival. Troops however exploited the general area and rescued one victim with injuries. The rescued victim was evacuation to a nearby Hospital for medical attention.

8. Summary. In the course of the operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Pump action ammo, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 motorcycle, cartridge, 1 mobile phone, machete, axe, fake Nigerian Police ID card and the sum of N35,000.00 only. Troops also neutralized 9 bandits and arrested 10 suspects while rescuing 9 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
9. Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI raided bandit hideouts in 5 separate operations conducted during the period. Troops fighting patrol conducted operations around villages, towns and mountains at Batsari, Tangaza and Maru Local Government Areas of Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara State respectively

READ ALSO:

• FAAC shares N900bn of N1.9tn revenue, N1tn for foreign reserves 
• Davido donates N237m to orphanage homes 
• Lady beaten to death in popular hotel, corpse dumped in swimming pool

a. On 10 July 23, troops responded to information on terrorist attack at Nahuta village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered 2 motorcycles and one Dane gun as well as destroyed the terrorist camp and storage facilities.

b. On 11 July 23, troops at FOB GWADABAWA responded to info from the Commander Niger Republic Border patrol team on terrorists’ hideout at Tapkin Taramna general area in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State and arrested 6 suspected terrorists. Preliminary investigation revealed that all suspects are Nigeriens.

c. Similarly, On 13 July 23, troops at FOB TANGAZA responded to information at Chekeihi village in Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State that terrorist placed levy of One Million Naira (N1,000,0000) on the village or risk being attack. On arrival, troops apprehended 2 suspected terrorists.

d. On 13 July 23, following a tip off, troops at FOB DANJIBGA arrested one suspected terrorist collaborator tasked by a notorious terrorist kingpin Nagala Jabbi to move livestock from Magami general area to Danjibga Cattle Market in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops recovered the sum of One million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N1,104,000) only. Suspect and recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

e. On 14 July 23, troops at FOB FANGALTAMA responded to info of terrorists rustling animals in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State enroute Sububu Forest. On arrival, the terrorists fled abandoning 33 cattle and 188 sheep. Recovered livestock is being handed over to the Committee on Recovered Rustled Animals in Zamfara State.

10. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted several air operations to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, on 10 July 23, following INTEL and confirmatory ISR a terrorists enclave was uncovered. Thereafter, air interdiction was conducted at Babban Gida in Kankara and Sola in Jibia Local Government Areas. The targets were acquired and successfully engaged with rockets dislodging the terrorists.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

11. During the period under review, troops ambushed and neutralized terrorists in Igabi Local Government Area. In a separate operation, troops fighting patrol made contact and neutralize some terrorists in Birni Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
a. Ambush. On 11 July 23, troops ambush for suspected terrorists moving with rustled cattle made contact at Foundation Diversion in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 mobile phones. Recovered items are in troops’ custody for further action.

b. Troops Fighting Patrol Neutralize Terrorist. Between 10 and 12 July 2023, troops fighting patrol at Damari, Saulawa and Mai Jakana general area in Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists, recovered 3 Motorcycles, 72 cows and 29 sheep.

12. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted several air interdictions to degrade terrorist groups and their logistics bases, pursuant to denying them freedom of action. Notably, the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdictions at Shalupe, a newly uncovered Boko Haram Terrorist location in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State. The targets were acquired and successfully attack with rocket which destroyed some of their huts, damaging buildings and dislodging the terrorists.

13. Summary. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 dane gun, 5 motorcycles, 2 phones and 322 livestock. Troops also arrested 15 suspected criminals and rescued 20 kidnapped civilians.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
14. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intercepted and destroyed a vessel involved in crude oil theft. Troops also destroyed several illegal refining sites. While the air component conducted air interdiction to destroy active illegal refining sites.

READ ALSO:

• Tragedy as couple, 2 kids, others suffocate to death in Anambra
• Fuel price: Reps summon Kyari, marketers, want mass transit scheme revived
• Senate to employers: Abolish age limit as requirement for jobs

a. Interception and Destruction of Vessel
(1). On 7 July 23, troops and Operators of Tantita Surveillance contractors intercepted a vessel loaded with suspected stolen crude oil and arrested 12 suspects (a Ghanian and 11 Nigerians). The vessel was arrested between the boundaries of Delta and Ondo State. The vessel, MT TURA II reportedly owned by Holab Maritime Services Limited has a tank capacity of 800,000 litres. The vessel was previously named ALI RITA BEY.

(2). Close inspection on the vessel revealed that only two compartments were partially filled with about 150 metric tonnes which is approximately 178,000 litres. This quantity is less than a quarter of the vessel. The vessel upon arrest was moved to Oporoza in Warri South West Local Government Area of Delta State.

(3). The voyage of the vessel revealed that it originated from Lagos and was heading to Republic of Cameroon as its destination. The vessel captain admitted to having been engaged in same illegal activities for over four years. On 11 July 23, the vessel was destroyed in accordance with extant operating procedure that stipulates instant destruction of any vehicle, vessel or equipment linked with crude oil theft.

b. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites
(1) Troops discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunitions, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles. Troops also arrested 25 suspected economic saboteurs.

(2). On 10 Jul 23, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE with Pilgrims Security Service personnel responded to criminal activities around Chinese Camp in Akamkpa Local Government Area of Cross River State. Troops pursued the criminals and arrested 5 suspects as well as recovered 4 motorcycles, stolen cables and casted steel conveyor bearing balls.

15. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted several air interdictions to degrade and restrict the activities of oil theft. Notably, on 10 and 11 July 23, the air component Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction missions at Samkri and Elem Kalabari, respectively. Overhead the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets and some eqpt were destroyed.

16. Summary. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 550 assorted rounds of ammunition, 12 calibers of weapons, 7 empty magazines, 17 cutlasses, 3 vehicles, 19 motorcycles and 1 dagger. Troops equally destroyed 22 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits. While a total of 60 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. it is noteworthy to state that an estimated sum of Two Hundred and Two Million Seven Hundred and Eighty-Eight Thousand Three Hundred Naira (N202,788,300.00) was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
17. During the period under review, troops neutralized Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen. Troops also raided hideouts of Eastern Security Network criminals located in Ohaozara, Aninri, Calabar South and Ikwo Local Government Areas of Ebonyi, Enugu and Cross River States respectively.

READ ALSO:

• 15-year-old stabs classmate to death over a girl
• N450m Fraud: You have case to answer, court tells former minister, four others
• It’s illegal for NNPCL to fix fuel prices, Tinubu not ruling Nigeria with rule of law – Falana

a. Troops Neutralize IPOB/ESN Criminals. On 10 July 23, troops of Operation UDO KA responded to info of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals firing indiscriminately at Okposi Junction in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals on sighting troops fled. Troops pursuit and made contact with the criminals at the School of Nursing and Midwifery, Uburu in same Local Government Area. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one of the criminals and recovered one Pump action gun, 11 live cartridges as well as one vehicle.

b. Troops Arrest criminals
(1). On 11 July 23, troops of OPERATION UDO KA raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals’ hideout at Udoma Community in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State. Following the raid, troops arrested 2 suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals.
(2). On 13 July 23, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout within Umoh Orok Street in Calabar South Local Government Area of Cross River State and arrested 10 suspected criminals.
(3). On 14 July 23, troops with DSS operators raided suspected high profile ESN criminals’ hideout/shrine at Nsukka in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State. Suspects on sighting troops fled while troops searched the hideout and recovered 3 Pump action rifles, one Dane gun and 75 live cartridges.
(4). On 14 July 23, following a tip off, troops raided Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Ikwo in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State but the criminals fled on sighting troops. Troops searched the general area and recovered one AK47 rifle.
18. Summary. In the conduct of the operation, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 4 pump action gun, 1 dane gun, 86 live cartridges. Troops also neutralized 1 criminals and apprehended 12 suspects. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)
19. Troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a lorry with 2 occupants conveying concealed ammunition cartridges that originated from Mali and were to be delivered to Onitsha. Troops also arrest an impostor with fake military ID cards.

Troops Arrest Truck Conveying Ammo Cartridges. On 15 July 23, troops of Operation AWATSE during stop and search op along Rd Ajilete – Owode in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State intercepted and arrested a truck with 2 occupants (a Ghanian and a Nigerian). A search on the truck led to the discovery of 720 cartons of 12 caliber Red Star Cartridges. Each carton contains containing 25 cartridges. Also, arrested were 250 packets containing 10 cartridges of black pellets. All the items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card belonging to one Mr Eric as well as the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Five Thousand One Hundred Naira (₦245,100.00), 125,000 CFA, and 60 GHA Cedis only. The arrested suspects Eric Seworvor a Ghanaian and Lukman Sani (Driver) from Ado Odo Ota Local Government Area of Ogun State claimed the exhibit was conveyed from Mali via Idiroko and were heading to Onitsha in Anambra State to deliver the items to the owner.

Arrest of Impostor. On 11 July 23, troops at Owo check point in Owo Local Government Area of Ondo State arrested an impostor with one round of 7.62 mm special ammo, one vehicle, 2 cam vest, 2 cam shorts, one jungle hat, one cam bag, one Nigerian Army emblem, 3 Military ID cards and the sum of Thirty-Seven Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (₦37,800) only.

20. Summary. In the conduct of the operations, troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted a truck with 720 cartons of Red Star Cartridge of 12 caliber containing 25 cartridges each and 250 packets of live cartridge of Black Pellets containing 10 Cartridge each. These items were concealed underneath the truck. Troops also recovered 2 mobile phones, one ECOWAS ID Card. Troops also apprehended 2 arms trafficker and 1 impostor.

CONCLUSION
21. During the cause of the brief, I repeatedly mentioned offensive action of the military in the ongoing operations that cut across various theatres. These actions range from rescuing of civilians held hostage by terrorists, gunmen or criminals to other actions namely: terrorists neutralized, gunmen neutralized and bandits neutralized. Others include, raid on hideouts belonging to kidnappers, bandits and gunmen. It also includes destination destroyed of illegal refining sites and arrested of terrorists collaborators.

22. These actions buttress the war mode of the military to crush these threats decisively. The offensive posture indicated by ongoing operations would surely cause the perpetrators of this challenges to reconsider the position.

23. The military received support such as tip off, intelligence, cooperation and synergy amongst others. Base on these which many of the operations were conducted. This is indicative of the fact that the security challenges confronting us require a collective effort and therefore a collective responsibility.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations

Military troops kill 26 terrorists, destroy 22 illegal refining sites