How Nigerian Troops Raided Borno, Yobe Zamfara, others Killed 31 Terrorists

How Nigerian Troops Raided Borno, Yobe Zamfara, others Killed 31 Terrorists

1.      The armed forces and citizens are partners in combating a common enemy which are the terrorist and violent extremist groups. Accordingly, the military through its operations continues to prevail against the effects of insurgency and terrorism with an ultimate goal of securing the country against perpetrators of insecurity for national progress.

2.     During the course of operations in the last one week, the military neutralized 31 terrorists and  arrested 81 of them. Troops also arrested 11 perpetrators of oil theft, rescued 10 kidnapped hostages while a total of 63 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across theaters of operation.  Troops denied oil theft of an estimate sum of Two Hundred and One Million Four Hundred and Two Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Naira (N201,420,260.00).

3. Additionally, troops recovered 65 assorted weapons and 391 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 26 AK47 rifles, 4 locally made rifles, 6 dane guns, 2 locally made pistols, 7 magazines,  body armour ammo among others.

4. Others are: 345 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 7 rounds of 9mm ammo, 36 live cartridges, 10 rounds 7.62 x 39mm war heads, 48 motorcycles, 12 mobile phones and 43  and the sum of N327,960.00.

5. Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 9 boats, 25 storage tanks, 39 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines and 14 illegal refining sites.  Troops recovered 367,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 11,353 litres of illegally refined AGO, 12,500 litres of DPK and 5,000 litres PMS.

6.        The ongoing military operations  continue to set the stage for social and economic progress.The ultimate goal  is to secure the country through the defeat of those threatening safety of citizens and perpetrating insecurity across the country.

Details the Operations 

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 6 OCTOBER 2023

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted fighting patrols to Bama and Chibok LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Troops arrested suspected terrorists collaborators, recovered arms and ammunitions in Kaga and Magumeri LGAs of Borno State.

2. Troops conducted ambush and neutralized terrorists in Bama and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State. Troops onslaught led to surrendered of terrorist combatant in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers in Gujba LGA of Yobe State.

Details as follows:

a. Fighting Patrols

(1) On 27 September 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State. On sighting troops, the terrorists fled abandoning their victims. Troops rescued 5 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 Dane guns.

(2)   On 3 October 2023, in a separate operation, troops on fighting patrol made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Chibok and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively. Following a fire fight, troop neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles with 21 round of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

b.Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terr Collaborators.  On 27 September 2023, based on HUMINT, troops apprehended 5 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Kaga LGA of Borno State.  Troops recovered 3 mobile phones and the sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred and Eighty Naira (₦156,980.00) only.

c. Recovery of Arms.  On 26 September 2023, following a tip off, troops recovered a buried weapon and ammunition in Magumeri LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine and 31 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.  The Operation resulted from ongoing investigation of a suspected kidnapper identified as Usman Abdullahi Dogo. He  confessed to troops that  he purchased a weapon from one Fandami Modu and that the weapon was hidden  in the house.

d.      Ambush on BH/ISWAP Terrorists.

(1) Between 28 to 30 September 2023, following a tip off, troops in separate operations ambushed terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists, recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated rifle, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 2 motorcycles.

(2) On 1 and 3 October 2023, troops in separate operations ambushed terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, one locally fabricated rifle, 25 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one motorcycle.

e. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists Fighters. On 3 October 2023, 2 BH/ISWAP terrorist fighters surrendered to troops in Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 29 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammo, 4 mobile phones amongst others. Terrorists acclaimed surrendered due to onslaught of troops against their enclaves.

f. Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers.   On 3 October 2023, troops apprehended 3 suspected kidnappers in Gujba LGA of Yobe State. During investigation, suspects confessed to have buried 2 AK47 rifles in the bush. Troops recovered the 2 rifles as well as 16 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

SUMMARY

3. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 12 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 181 rounds of 7.62mm special  ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, one bicycle and the sum of N322,910.00.

4. Troops neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN responded to cattle rustling incident, arrested suspected cultists in Bassa and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers and recovered arms in Bassa, Kanam and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State.

Details as follows:

a. Cattle Rustling Incident.  On 26 September 2023, troops responded to info on cattle rustling in Bassa LGA of Plateau State. On sighting troops criminals fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 3 fabricated rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 9 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 3 axes and 145 rustled cows.

b. Arrest of Suspected Cultist. On 29 September 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested a suspected cultist with a fabricated pistol loaded with 3 rounds of 9 mm ammo in Jos North LGA of Plateau State.

c.    ​Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper. On 30 September and 2 October 2023, following a tip off, in a separate operations, troops apprehended 5 suspected kidnappers in Bassa and Kanam LGAs of Plateau State.

d.   Recovered of Weapon. On 1 October 2023, following a tip off, troops conducted search operation in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

SUMMARY

6. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 5 suspects and recovered one AK47 rifle, 3 locally fabricated rifles, one locally fabricated pistols, 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 axes and 145 rustled cows.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

7. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested an impostor in AMAC of FCT. Troops conducted raid operations on terrorists hideouts and recovered arms in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrol and arrested suspected terrorists in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.

Details as follows:

a. Arrest of an Impostor. On 30 September 2023, troops responded to info on activities of an impostor at Orozo general area in Abuja Municipal Council of FCT. Troops arrested a suspect who claimed to be a Cpl in the NA. Preliminary investigation revealed him to be a member of an armed syndicate operating in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State.

b.     Raid Operation. On 27 September 2023, following a tip off, troops raided suspected terrorists hideout in Takum LGA of Taraba State but no contact was made. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 locally fabricated rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 cutlasses and one jack knife.

c. Fighting Patrol.    On 1 October 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol arrested 2 IPOB/ESN criminals in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. The criminals were arrested at the residence of a top herbalist while the herbalist fled. Troops recovered one body armours and bullet proof vests.

SUMMARY

8. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 3 suspects and recovered 2 locally fabricated rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 cutlasses, one body armour, one bullet proof vest and a jack-knife.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

9. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI rescued kidnapped hostage in s Danko-Wasagu and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kebbi and Kaduna States respectively. Similar operation was conducted in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops fighting patrol neutralized terrorists in Faskari and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State.

10.     Troops raided terrorists hideouts and recovered arms in Gusau and Shanga LGAs of Zamfara and Kebbi States.  Troops also arrested suspected terrorists collaborators in Tudun Wada and Kalgo LGAs of Kano and Kebbi States respectively.

Details as follows:

a.     Rescued of Kidnapped Hostages

(1)       On 29 September 2023, troops responded to information on terrorists activities in Danko – Wasagu LGA of Kebbi State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2, rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle, one dane gun, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 mobile phones and one cutlass.

(2)      On 1 October 2023, following a tip off on kidnapping activities, troops conducted a fighting patrol in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. On sighting troops, the kidnappers abandoned all their victims and fled. Unfortunately, the criminals killed one of the victims prior to troops’ arrival. Troops rescued 6 kidnapped hostages and the corpse deposited in morgue.

(3)     On 3 October 2023, following a tip-off on terrorists activities, troops conducted patrol to Faskari LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact and engaged the  terrorists, causing them  to abandoned all their victims. Troops rescued  22 kidnapped hostages and reunited them with their families

b.     Fighting  patrol.   On 3 October 2023, troops in  seperate operations conducted fighting patrols to Faskari and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State. Troops made contact with the terrorists and neutralized 2 terrorists, while recovering one locally made gun, one dane gun, one motorcycle and one helmet.

c. Raid Operation.  Between 28 September and 2 October 2023, troops in a separate operations raided terrorists hideouts in Gusau and Shanga LGAs of Zamfara and Kebbi States respectively. During operations troops neutralized 4 terrorists, arrested 5 suspected criminals and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops also  recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones  5 solar panels amongst others items.

d.Arrest of Terrorist’s Collaborators. Between 27 and 28 September 2023, following a tip off, troops in seperate operations arrested 3 suspected terrorists collaborators in Tudun Wada and Kalgo LGAs of Kano and Kebbi States respectively.

SUMMARY

11. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 12 terrorists and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, one cutlass and 5 solar panels.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

12. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted fighting patrols in Chikun and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State. Troops arrested terrorist collaborators in Chikun LGA of Kaduna state. Troops intercepted kidnapped victims in Munya LGA of Niger State.

Details as follows:

a.Fighting Patrol

(1)      On 27 September 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists and neutralized one terrorist. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 2 motorcycles.

(2)      On 2 October 2023, troops conducted offensive operations in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one locally made gun, 32 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 16 motorcycles

b. Arrest of Terrorists Informant.  On 26 September 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces apprehended a suspected bandits’ collaborator in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops searched his residence and recovered 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm Special ammo, 3 motorcycles, charms, 2 National ID Cards, one cutlass amongst others.

c. Interception of Kidnapped Victims.  On 29 September 2023, troops intercepted 2 kidnap victims at Munya LGA of Niger State. The kidnapped victims  claimed to have escaped from kidnappers’ captivity. Preliminary investigation revealed that they were abducted from Igu Tsauni general area in Niger LGA on 26 September 2023.

SUMMARY

13. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH eliminated one terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one AK47 magazine  loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm war heads, one cutlass amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

14. 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 suspected cultists and recovered weapon in Sapele LGA of Delta State. Troops responded to robbery incident and neutralized criminal.

Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites.  Troops apprehended 11 suspected oil thefts. They discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 9 boats, 25 storage tanks, 3 vehicles, 39 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machine, and 14 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 367,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 11,353 litres of illegally refined AGO, 12,500 litres of DPK and 5,000 litres PMS.

b. Arrest of Suspected Cultists. On 27 September 2023, following a tip off, troops  fighting patrol  arrested 4 cultist in Sapele LGA of Delta State. The criminals are members of Arrow Baggar Cult Group and were arrested during the initiation of a member that  was brutally injured with a machete.

c.    Recovery of Weapon.  On 28 September 2023, following intelligence on activities of Eiye cult group, troops recovered arms during the burial of one of cult member in Sapele LGA of Delta State. Troops despatched their activities and recovered one empty Barretta pistol magazine, 2 rounds of 9 mm ammo, one broken unity bank ATM card, one gold necklace amongst other items.

d. Armed Robbery Activities. On 2 October 2023, troops responded to a distress call on armed robbery activities in Okpe LGA of Delta State. The criminals fled on sighting troops. Troops pursued and neutralized one criminal. Troops as well recovered one locally fabricated Rifle and one torch light.

SUMMARY

15. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE  destroyed 14 illegal refining sites, 9 boats, 7 dugout pits, 25 storage tanks, 39 cooking ovens and 3 pumping machines. Troops recovered 367,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 11,353 litres of illegally refined AGO, 12,500 litres of DPK and 5,000 litres PMS, 3 vehicles, 8 weapons, 30 assorted ammunitions. Troops also apprehended 15 suspected oil thefts and other criminals.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

16. Troops of operation UDO KA conducted fighting patrols in Orsumoghu and Okigwe LGAs of Anambra and Imo States respectively. Troops onslaught led to neutralize of terrorists and recovery of arms and ammunition.

Details as follows:

a. Fighting Patrols.

(1) On 28 September 2023, troops fighting patrol made contact with IPOB/ESN fighters in Orsumoghu LGA of Anambra State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralize one of the criminals and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

(2) On 1 October 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to notorious IPOB/ESN criminals’ camps in Okigwe LGA of Imo State. Troops made contact with the terrorists neutralized 2 and apprehended 4 criminals. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one pump action gun, 36 cartridges, one power bike, 4 motorcycles, one tanker amongst others.

SUMMARY

18. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 3 terrorists and arrested 4 suspected criminals. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one pump action gun, 36 cartridges, one power bike, 4 motorcycle and one tanker.

EDWARD BUBA

Major General

Director Defence Media Operations