Troops kill 159 terrorists, arrest 219, rescue 188 kidnapped victims

By Kingsley Omonobi

Following the sustained onslaught by military against insecurity across the country, troops neutralized a total of 159 terrorists, arrested 219 others including oil theft perpetrators and rescued 188 kidnapped victims during the last one week.

In the Niger Delta troops discovered and destroyed 71 illegal crude oil refining sites, 57 storage tanks, 20 cooking ovens, 32 drums while troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N736,97million

Troops recovered 788,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 28,995 litres of illegally refined AGO, 300 litres of DPK and 3,000 litres of PMS.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major Gen Edward Buba who made this known on Friday, said during the fire fights, troops recovered 151 assorted weapons and 12,401 assorted ammunition comprising 3 PKT guns, one SLR, 92 AK47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, 15 Dane guns, 4 pump action guns, 4 locally made pistols, one pistol, 2 RPG tubes, one RPG bomb, 66 AK47 magazines, one FN magazine, 2 locally fabricated hand grenades.

Others are: 10,346 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,094 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 92 rounds of 7.62 unit 39mm ammo, 479 rounds of PKT ammo, 182 rounds of MG ammo, 43 rounds of 9.5mm ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 35 live cartridges, 35 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 2 baofeng radios, 15 vehicles, 39 motorcycles, 28 mobile phones and the sum of N5,386,200.00 only amongst other items.

Giving details, Major Gen Buba said, “Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East neutralized 46 terrorists, arrested 41 suspects and rescued 48 kidnapper’s hostages.

“Troops recovered 24 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 212 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 216 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 92 rounds of 7.62mm unit 39mm ammo, 35 rounds of empty cases, 2 fabricated hand grenades, 9 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 10 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces while on offensive operation ambushed suspected BHT/ISWAP terrorists and made contact in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 104 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 92 rounds of 7.62 unit 39mm ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles and one mobile phone amongst others.

“On 12 September 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces raided suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist’s enclave and made contact in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists including a notorious terrorist commander identified as IBN Kasir.

“Troops as rescued 3 kidnapped hostages during the operation and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 5 magazines, 81 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 fabricated hand grenades and magazine jackets amongst others.

“Between 10 and 17 September 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali and Gujba LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe States. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages.

“On 9 September 2024, following ISR, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction on suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists enclave in Southern Tumbun of Borno State.

“Troops location was acquired and attacked with stores onboard. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 6 violent extremists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued 28 kidnapped hostages, while recovering 2 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, one pistol, 5,316 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 98 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 43 rounds of 9.5mm ammo, 17 AK47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 11 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol responded to information on kidnapping incident in Kanam LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages and recovered one motorcycle.

“On 17 Sep 24, following credible intelligence, troops raided a suspected violent extremist’s/gunrunners hideouts in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 suspects and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, 14 AK47 magazines, one FN magazine, 5,316 rounds of 7.62mm special, 98 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 43 rounds of 9.5mm ammo.

“Between 11 and 15 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages in Jos North LGA of Plateau State.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 9 terrorists, arrested 6 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated rifle, 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 magazines and the sum of N192,220.00 only amongst others.

“On 12 September 2024, following credible intelligence troops in separate offensive operations responded to activities of suspected violent extremist’s/kidnappers activities in Ukum and Kagarko LGAs of Benue and Kaduna States respectively.

“During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally fabricated rifle, 6 magazines 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of N192,220.00 only among others.

“On 13 and 16 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Ardo Kola and Ukum LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 extremists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.

“On 10 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist/insurgent disguised as a business man/cattle dealer in Zing LGA of Taraba State.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 9 terrorists, arrested 6 violent extremists and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one fabricated rifle, 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 magazines and the sum of N192,220.00 only amongst others.

“On 12 September 2024, following credible intelligence troops in separate offensive operations responded to activities of suspected violent extremist’s/kidnappers activities in Ukum and Kagarko LGAs of Benue and Kaduna States respectively.

“During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected kidnappers and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally fabricated rifle, 6 magazines 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of N192,220.00 only among others.

“On 13 and 16 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Ardo Kola and Ukum LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 extremists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.

“On 10 September 2024, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist/insurgent disguised as a business man/cattle dealer in Zing LGA of Taraba State.

“In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 73 terrorists, arrested 23 terrorists and rescued 54 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 3 PKT guns, 12 AK47 rifles, 2 locally made gun, 2 RPG tubes, one RPG bomb, 479 rounds of  PKT ammo, 442 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 610 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 182 rounds of MG ammo, 29 magazines, 42 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 12 September 2024, following reports troops ambushed suspected terrorists and made contact in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 45 terrorists including a notorious terrorist kingpin identified as Hililu Buzu.

“Troops also recovered 2 RPG tubes, 3 PKT guns, 5 AK47 Rifles, 479 rounds of PKT ammo, 366 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 182 rounds of MG ammo, one RPG bomb, 29 AK47 magazines, 30 motorcycles and 4 mobile phones.

“Between 10 and 17 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Birnin Gwari, Giwa and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State as well as Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Additionally, troops conducted operations in Maru and Danko- Wasagu LGAs of Zamfara State.

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 610 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 12 motorcycles amongst others

“On 11 and 15 September 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress on activities of suspected terrorists in Maradun and Faskari LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina States. During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

“On 13 and 17 September 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping criminality operations rescued 24 kidnapped hostages in Mulumfashi and Jibia LGAs of Katsina State as well as Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State respectively.

“On 9 September 2024, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction following reports and confirmatory ISR on terrorist’s kingpin Gambo’s Enclave in Gusau LGA of Zamfara State.

“The location was observed to be active with terrorist’s activities. Consequently, the target was acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.

“On 13 September 2024, following reports, air component acquired a suspected notorious terrorist kingpin Bello Turji hideout in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. The location was observed and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 27 suspects and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 13 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 491 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 magazines, one baofeng radio, 9 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N5,386,200.00 only amongst others.

“On 11 and 12 September 2024, combined troops in conjunction with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations raided suspected violent extremist’s/terrorists hideouts and made contact in Kachia and Suleja LGAs of Kaduna and Niger States respectively.

“Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6 extremists and arrested 12 suspects as well as recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 354 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N5,386,200.00 only amongst others.

“On 14 and 15 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operation made contact with suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 3 magazines, one baofeng radio and 3 motorcycles amongst others.

“Between 11 and 16 September 2024, combined troops with hybrid forces in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/kidnappers in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State as well as Suleja and Tafa LGAs of Niger State.

“Additionally, Bwari and Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja as well as Jos North and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 6, arrested 11 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 121 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and

“On 10 September 2024, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch in a multiple passes conducted air interdictions in Giwa, Igabi and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State. The locations were observed to be active with terrorist’s activities.

“Consequently, the targets were acquired and attacked with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

“Troops of Operation Delta Safe neuralized 2 extremists, apprehended 41 suspected oil thleves and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 magazines, 6 assorted arms and 189 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops recovered 788,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 28,995 litres of illegally refined AGO, 300 litres of DPK and 3,000 litres of PMS.

 “Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 9 dugout pits, 35 boats, 4 speedboats, 32 drums and 57 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 20 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, 14 vehicles, one motorcycles, one tricycle, and 10 mobile phones.

“On 11 September 2024, following reports troops raided a suspected violent extremists/armed gang’s hideouts and arrested 19 suspects including notorious gang leader in Eastern Obolo LGA of Akwa Ibom State.  Troops also recovered one locally made single barrel gun, 33 live cartridges, one AK47 magazine with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle and 10 mobile phones amongst others.

“On 11 September 2024, following a tip-off, troops intercepted and arrested one suspected violent extremist’s/ arms dealer in Eastern Obolo LGA of Rivers State.

“On 12 September 2024, following a tip-off, troops conducted a search operation and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/ militants in Ovia South West LGA of Edo State. Troops recovered one dane gun, 2 live cartridges, one baofeng radio and a sum of N10,000.00 only amongst others.

“On 12 and 16 September 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with violent extremists/armed vandals in Mbo and Ahoada West LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 and arrested 2 suspects. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 8 magazines and 69 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo amongst others.

“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 8 extremists, arrested 12 violent extremists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, one SLR, one pump action gun, one AK47 rifle, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 4 vehicles amongst others.  All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“On 11 and 12 September 2024, folllowing a tip-off, troops in separate routine patrols intercepted and arrested 2 suspected notorious violent extremists/kidnappers in Orumba South and Nsukka LGAs Anambra and Enugu States respectively. One of the suspects was alleged to be a leader of Kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Nsukka LGA and environs.

“On 12 September 2024, following reports troops with Nigerian Police personnel and DSS operatives intercepted and arrested one suspected notorious IPOB/ESN members in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops also recovered a drone and one Dane gun.

“On 14 September 2024, troops while stop and search operations intercepted and arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/armed robbers including a Nigerian Police personnel in Suleja LGA of Niger State. Troos recovered one pistol loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 NP ID cards, 3 ATM cards, one motorcycle and one cutlass.

“On 12 September 2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. During the operations, troops rescued 9 kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.

Major Gen Buba added, “Our operations against the terrorist and violent extremist remains aimed at providing security and stability for the nation and citizens. Troops will therefore continue to be relentless in pursuit of ending all forms of insecurity across the country.”

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