Defence Media Operations Gives Press Briefing On Armed Forces Of Nigeria Operations, Records Huge Success Against Terrorists/Bandits

Defence Media Operations Gives Press Briefing On Armed Forces Of Nigeria Operations, Records Huge Success Against Terrorists/Bandits

PRESS BRIEFING BY DIRECTORATE OF DEFENCE MEDIA OPERATIONS ON ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA’S MILITARY OPERATIONS HELD AT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS NEW CONFERENCE ROOM ON 6 JULY 2023

Good morning, senior officers, officers and gentlemen of the press. On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, I welcome you all once again to the Defence Headquarters conference room for the fortnightly briefing on troops activities on operational successes being recorded in the various operational theaters within the 6 geo-political zones of the Country. In the past 3 weeks, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatres of operations, with significant results recorded. The brief will therefore cover operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies conducted in addressing the various security challenges across the Country between the period of 15 June – 6 July 2023.

NORTH EAST ZONE

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone of the country have continued to intensify operations against terrorists including their logistics suppliers and collaborators. In pursuit of this, between 17 and 18 June 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols to Kashimeri general area and cleared terrorists enclaves at Ajikawuri, Kuramari, Mbbalari, Kashimari, Muskanari, Gajibo Maila in Konduga, Dikwa, Gwoza, Bama, Ngala and Mobbar Local Government Areas of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with the terrorists and neutralized 5 terrorists, captured 3 while other fled. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 x 36 hand grenade, 1 Unexploded Explosive Ordinance, 3 motorcycles, 3 bags of grains and other valuable items. Also, on 22 June 2023, following intelligence report on terrorists crossing from Cameroon to Nigeria, troops laid ambush along Bula Yobe-Darel Jamel in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and recovered 1 bag each of flour and detergent. Furthermore, between 15 and 20 June 2023, troops arrested 10 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists collaborators and suppliers at different locations within the general area of operations and recovered some logistic supplies meant for the terrorists include mosquito nets, mosquito coils, 2 bags of sugar and the sum of Two Hundred and Forty Six Thousand Two Hundred and Thirty Five Naira (N246,235.00) only.

Moreso, on 18 June 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected gun runners at Njimtilo check point along Maiduguri – Damaturu in Maiduguri Local Government Area of Borno State and recovered 500 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 locally made pistol, 1 vehicle, 3 mobile phones, 2 jack knives and other sundry items. Also, on 4 July 2023, troops in conjunction with Civilian Joint Task Force conducted ambush operation at Mandara mountain, in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Following the operation, troops ambush and neutralized a notorious Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists commander identified as NAOIB Gambo Jundullah and recovered 1 AK47 rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Equally, due to troops offensive operations against terrorists in the theatre of operations a total of 967 terrorists comprising of 82 adult males, 354 adult females and 531 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the joint area of operations.

Consequently, within the weeks in focus troops recovered 19 AK47 rifles, 1 HK 21 rifle, 4 dane guns, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Unexploded Explosive Ordinance, 15 AK47 magazines, 582 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 41 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 25 cartridges and 1 tear gas. Other items recovered include 2 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists uniforms, 4 mini solar panels, 2 wooden boats, 2 cutlasses, 3 daggers, 26 mobile phones, 5 blankets, cooking utensils, 15 livestock, 4 motorcycles, 3 bags of grains, 2 bags of sugar, 5 cartons of dry fish, 1 bag of flour, 1 bag of detergent, 3 vehicle, 4 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, 617 jerrycans of Premium Motor Spirit, 30 litres of groundnut oil, 2 bags of fertilizer, 56 sheets of zinc, mosquito nets, mosquito coils, box of matches and other valuable items as well as the sum of Three Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Seventy Five Naira (N354,875.00) only. Troops also neutralized 24 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, captured 10, apprehended 39 collaborators and logistics suppliers and rescued 35 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, arrested Boko Haram Terrorists logistics suppliers and rescued civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action while captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families were profiled and documented for further action.

Relatedly, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at Jango in Borno State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities. Accordingly, the location was bombarded and following the feedback of information revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with their structure destroyed in the air strike. Also, between 22 and 26 June 2023, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction operation at terrorists hideout at Tumbun Shitu, Arina Chiki a known terrorist hideout in Southern Tumbuns of Borno State. In these operation, human intelligent reported movement of Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists to Arina Chiki due to fighting with the Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’adati wal-Jihad (JAS) faction. It was further revealed that the location serves as the ammunition dump, training ground and logistics hub for the Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists. Consequently, the locations was bombarded with bombs, neutralized several terrorists and destroyed their structures in the air strike. Similarly, between 22 and 27 June 2023, a similar air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorists locations in Jango, Kundesana in Mandara mountains and AL Jabbari in Borno State. In these location, Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance footage confirmed clusters of active structures with some terrorists activities. Accordingly, the targets was bombarded. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with their structures destroyed during the operation.

NORTH CENTRAL ZONE

Troops in the North Central have remained focus vigilant and resilient in the onslaught against terrorist and other criminalities in the North Central zone of the country. In furtherance to this on 21 June 2023 following a tip off, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested a suspected criminals at Jol in Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State and recovered 1 FN rifle loaded with 27 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm NATO. Also, on 29 June 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested a notorious criminal identified as Abubakar Kwaro who has been on the watch list of security agencies at Tenti Ruku village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. Also, in a related development, between 26 and 1 July 2023, troops of Operations WHIRL STROKE raided suspected terrorists hideout at Tor-Tse village along Road Takum, Chinkai and Iorza village in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State and Logo Local Government Area of Benue State and made contact with the terrorist. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while other fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered a bag containing 158 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 190 rounds of 5.5mm ammo, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 1 pair of desert boot, 3 mobile phones and other sundry items.

In a similar operation, on 22 June 2023, troops raided suspected criminals hideout at Ejule in Ofu Local Government Area of Kogi State and made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 1 criminal and recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 3 fully loaded AK47 magazines, 2 locally fabricated AK47 rifles, as well as 2 locally fabricated shot guns and 1 dane gun. Also, on 23 June 2023, troops arrested 2 drug peddlers at Jebba in Moro Local Government Area of Kwara State and recovered 17 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis, 2,374 tablets of 500mg benghexol, 570 tablets of 500mg of diazepam, 14 tablets of 100 mg diazepam, 29 tablets of 100mg tramadol, 10 tablets of 225mg of tramadol and 24 tablets of dolometa capsules. Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and arrested 44 suspected criminals. Troops also recovered 202 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 190 rounds of 5.5mm ammo, 27 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm NATO, 6 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated shot guns, 1 FN rifle, 1 dane gun, 1 AK47 magazine and 1 bullet proof vest. Other include 17 bags of cannabis, 2,374 tablets of 500mg benghexol, 570 tablets of 500mg of diazepam, 14 tablets of 100 mg diazepam, 29 tablets of 100mg tramadol, 10 tablets of 225mg of tramadol, 24 tablets of dolometa capsules, 60 railways sleepers, 2 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones and 95 rustled livestock. Troops equally rescued 6 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, apprehended civilians and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

NORTH WEST ZONE

Troops of Operations HADARIN DAJI and Operation WHIRL PUNCH have sustained the onslaught against bandits and other criminal elements terrorizing the North Western zone of the country. In continuation of this, between 15 to 21 June 2023, troops of Operations HADARIN DAJI conducted fighting patrols at villages in batsari, Danmusa, Safana and Malunfashi Local Government Areas of Katsina State. In these operations, troops made contact with terrorists and following fire fight troops neutralized 4 terrorists while other fled. Troops also recovered 3 locally fabricated dane guns, 24 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones and 4 sheep, other items recovered includes 2 solar panels 10 plant chemicals, large quantities of substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs, 8 spinners, 17 packs of cigarette, bathing soaps, 1 litres of engine oil, the sum of Sixty One Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Three Naira (N61,330.00) only, as well as other sundry items. Furthermore, on 15 June 2023, troops responded to information on bandit activities at Gundumi in Rabah Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Troops mobilized to the location and engaged the criminals and neutralized 2 bandits as well recovered 1 motorcycle.

Equally, on 17 June 2023, troops in conjunction with the Nigerian Police personnel responded to information on the movement of armed bandits mounted on 20 motorcycles and camel with rustled cows moving towards Illela in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State. Troops mobilized to the location and arrested 4 suspected bandits and 2 suspected informant and recovered 20 motorcycles and 4 mobile phone. In the same vein, on 19 June 2023, troops on fighting patrol raided a suspected bandit hideout at Tumbulukum in Gwadabawa Local Government Area of Sokoto State, however, the bandits fled on sighting the troops. Troops further exploited the general area and arrested 7 suspected terrorists and recovered 4 mobile phones, 1 motorcycle and the sum of Thirty Four Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty-Eight Naira (N34,258.00) and 600 CFA only. Relatedly, on 18 June 2023, troops arrested 2 suspected bandits collaborators for rustling livestock at the outskirt of Zurmi town in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The suspects were arrested with the sum of One Million, One Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (N1,180,000.00) only.

Between 16 and 20 June 2023, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH had a meeting engagement with terrorists at villages in Birni Gwari, Giwa, Chikun and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State and made contact with terrorists. During the operations, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and captured 7 terrorists while other fled due to superior fire power of troops. Troops equally recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 6 locally fabricated rifles, 42 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 5 AK47 magazines. Other items include 6 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, 5 cutlasses and the sum of Ten Thousand Nine Hundred and Fifty Naira (N10,950.00) only. 2 kidnapped civilians were also rescued by the troops. Furthermore, following intense pressure from kinetic operation, on 18 June 2023, 1 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist from the fighters of Damboa forest in Chikun Local Government Area surrendered to troops with 1 barreta pistol, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, 1 Improvised Explosive Device suicide vest, 1 Improvised Explosive Device detonator cord, 2 pairs of combat boots and 1 motorcycle.

Consequently, within the period under review, troops neutralized 16 terrorists, arrested 38 suspected criminals and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 1 GPMG, 13 locally fabricated made guns, 1 barreta pistol, 4 dane guns, 161 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 7 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 46 rounds of AA ammo, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, 8 AK47 magazines, 1 IED suicide vest, 1 IED detonator cord and 2 pairs of combat boots. Others are 80 motorcycles, 34 mobile phones, 2 solar panels, 10 plant chemicals, 18 jerrycans of PMS, 5 pairs of shoes, 9 MP players, large quantities of substance suspected to be cannabis and illicit drugs, 3 boxes, 1,260 rustled livestock, the sum of One Million, Two Hundred and Eighty Six Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty Eight Naira (N1,286,538.00) and 600 CFA only as well as other sundry items. Troops also rescued 38 kidnapped civilians, 1 Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist equally surrendered to the troops. All recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued kidnapped civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while the surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist has been profiled and documented for further action.

In a related development, on 15 June 2023, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction operation at identified terrorists leader Mamuda Doro’s enclave in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. the location was observed to be rife with terrorists activities. The location was subsequently engaged with rockets. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized in the strike. A similar air interdiction operation was carried out between 21 and 24 June 2023 at terrorists leader enclaves at Takatsaba, Biliya Lotso, Dutsen Duya and Sulele’s in Jibia, Safana, Sabuwa and Batsari Local Government Areas of Katsina State. overhead Biliya Lotso terrorists were sighted with large herds of cattle hibernating within the makeshift huts; likewise at Sulele enclave, INTEL revealed that the terrorists leader and his foot soldiers were hibernating at the location to attack the general area in Batsari Local Government Area; while terrorists activities were observed at Takatsaba and Dusen Duya enclaves. Consequently, these locations were attacked with rockets and cannons. Feedback revealed that terrorists suffered massive casualties with their structures destroyed in the air strike.

Equally, on 27 June 2023, another air interdiction mission was conducted at Birnin Magaji PO1 and Sola PO3 in Birni Magaji and Jibia Local Government Area of Zamfara and Katsina States. The operation was carried out sequel to HUMIT on terrorists element establishing new camps and identified enclaves of the some the terrorists responsible for attacks and abductions along Jibia-Katsina road. Accordingly, the targets were attacked with rockets and terrorists were neutralized in the air strike. Also, between 22 and 26 June 2023, a air recce and air interdiction was carried out at Gwaska and Rikau in Kaduna State. During the operation, terrorists were seen on motorcycles around Kwainbana forest. While at Rikau, the location was observed to be busy with terrorists activities. Accordingly, the terrorists were attacked and neutralized with rockets.

SOUTH SOUTH ZONE

The land, maritime and air component of the Joint Task Force Operations DELTA SAFE has sustained the effort in ensuring a safe and peaceful environment for business activities to strive in the South South zone of the country. In furtherance to this, troops conducted patrols, raids, swamp buggy and anti-illegal oil bunkering operations in the creeks, waterways, high seas, roads, towns and cities of Delta, Bayelsa, Rivers and Cross River State respectively. The operations were aimed at denying criminal elements freedom of action. On 17 June 2023, troops raided suspected criminals hideouts in Akpabuyo in Akpabuyo Local Government Area of Cross River State and arrested 14 suspected criminals who has been terrorizing the general area with 2 locally fabricated guns and 2 axes. Also, on 25 June 2023, following a tip off troops conducted patrol to suspected criminals camp within Azuzuama Community in South Ijaw Local Government Area of Bayelsa State and had a meeting engagement with the criminals. Following a fire fight, the criminals fled into the forest. Troop cordoned the general area and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 RPG tubes, 2 RPG bombs, 4 RPG bomb chargers, 7 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14 AK47 magazines, 1 pumping machines, 2 x 16inch of anchored verves, 1 mallet hammer, 1 pipe range spinner and 1 axe. Troops also destroyed the criminal’s camps and armoury.

Consequently, during the period under review, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE while conducting Operation OCTOPUS GRIP discovered and destroyed 30 illegal refining sites, 125 storage tanks, 227 ovens, 11 dugout pits and 21 wooden boats. Troops also recovered 1,675,700 litres of crude oil, 74,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 10 vehicles, 20 motorcycles, 8 weapons and 330 assorted ammunitions. Troops equally arrested 42 economic saboteurs. All recovered items and apprehended economic saboteurs have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action. In addition, it is worthy to mention that a total of Five Hundred Three Million Six Hundred and Sixty Thousand Five Hundred naira (N503,660,500.00) only were denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

In related development, on 16 June 2023, the air component conducted air interdiction operation at Degema Local Government Area of Rivers State. The location was observed to be active with illegal refining sites, equipment, reservoirs and wooden boats loaded with illegal refining products. Accordingly, the location was engaged with rockets and destroyed the illegal refining sites, the products and the equipment in the strike. Also, between 17 and 25 June 2023, a similar air interdiction operation was conducted at Idama, Alakri and Samki general area of River State. The location was sighted with several bunkering equipment and reservoir loaded with suspected illegal refined products. Consequently, the location was bombarded with rockets. Credible information revealed that all the equipment and the illegal refined products were all destroyed in the air strikes.
SOUTH EAST ZONE

Troops of Operation UDO KA have sustained the commitment and the resilience in the fight against the Outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals and other social vices. This is aimed at creating enabling environment for economic activities and legitimate businesses to strive in the South East zone of the country. On 17 June 2023, Troops on routine patrol within Nwobi village in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State made contact with Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals who opened fire on troops. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals while other fled with gun shot wounds and recovered 3 AK47 rifles with 1 extra magazine. Furthermore, on 23 June 2023, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police personnel responded to INTEL on Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals hibernating in a hotel at Mbosi in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and conducted cordon and search operation within the general area and arrested 15 suspected criminals.

Equally, on 24 June 2023, following a tip off, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police personnel raided suspected kidnappers hideouts at the fringes and border towns in Umunneochi, Ishiagu as well as Enugu South Local Government Areas of Abia, Ebonyi and Enugu States respectively and arrested 7 suspected kidnappers. Troops also conducted operational activities at Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals and other criminals hideouts at different locations within the South Eastern zone of the country and recorded appreciable successes. Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 4 Ak47 rifles, 2 AK47 magazines, 5 pump action rifles, 2 locally made pistols, 1 dane gun, 8 launcher tubes, 13 live cartridges, 2 locally made hand grenades, 1 bag of explosives, IED wires, 1 bow and arrow, 2 trucks loaded with vandalized railways sleepers, 4 vehicles, 6 motorcycle, 32 mobile phones, 1 tricycle and sum of Fifteen Thousand Naira (N15,000.00) only. Troops also neutralized 4 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals and arrested 37 suspected criminals as well rescued 15 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items apprehended suspects and rescued kidnapped civilians have been handed over to the appropriates authority for further action.

On a final note, I wish to once again convey the military high command commendations on the unrelenting efforts and resilient of troops and other security agencies in the various theatres of operations across the country. The media community is also acknowledged for their partnership and continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies, in our quest to restore peace and security to our dear Country. Also, the entire populace is hereby appreciated, for the support given to the members Armed Forces and other security agencies in the conduct of our various operations across the country, while also urging them to continue to provide prompt and creditable information on the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements, in their respective areas.

Thank you all for your attention and GOD bless.