Press Briefing By Directorate Of Defence Media Operations On Armed Forces Of Nigeria’s Military Operations

Press Briefing By Directorate Of Defence Media Operations On Armed Forces Of Nigeria’s Military Operations

1. 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 and operational successes being recorded in the various operational theaters within the 6 geo-political zones of the Country. In the past 2 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 1 – 15 June 2023.

NORTH EAST ZONE

2. The land, air and maritime component of Operation HADIN KAI have sustained the intensive efforts to decimate terrorists and other criminals in the North Eastern zone of the country. In furtherance to this, troops conducted several operations against terrorists enclaves, hideouts, camps and training ground at villages, mountains and waterside within Konduga, Damboa, Bama, Gwoza, Mafa, Kukawa, Kaga, Shani and Monguno Local Governments Areas of Borno State. Troops also conducted operational activities at village within Kwaya Kusa Local Government Area of Yobe State. In these operations troops made contact with terrorists and following these encounters, troops neutralized several Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and captured some while also recovering arms, ammunitions, Improvised Explosive Devices and other sundry items.

3. Notably, on 3 Jun 2023, troops had a meeting engagement with Boko Haram Terrorist at Dikwa in Dikwa Local Government Area. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists while others fled with gunshot wounds. Troops further exploited the general area and recovered 71 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 AK47 rifle magazine, 1 Improvise Explosive Device with detonating fuse, 5 motorcycles, 25 bicycles and 3 mobile phones. Equally, on 6 June 2023, troops while on fighting patrol at Limankara in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists, while others fled to the mountains. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 AK47 rifles and 2 AK47 magazines. Furthermore, on 7 June 2023, troops responded to intel on Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists activities at Kawiya general area within the Sambisa forest and made contact with the terrorists. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and rescued 4 kidnapped civilians. Troops also recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 magazine, 1 grenade, 6 bicycles, 14 arrows, 2 terrorist uniforms and 1 horse. Also, on 8 June 2023, troops arrested one suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist at check point along road Monguno – Maiduguri in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State while trying to exit Monguno town. Items recovered from the suspects are 2 pairs of shoes, sets of new cloths, the sum of One Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand (N137,000.00) only and other sundry items.

4. In another development, between 3 and 14 June 2023, troops arrested 40 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists logistics suppliers at different locations within the theatre of operations and recovered 27 sacks of grinded corn, 7 bags of corn grains, 5 bags of local rice, 1 bag of beans, 8 chemical sprayers, 12 sleeping mats, 11 bicycles, clothings, 37 sachets of seasonings, 10 mobile phones, 15 packs of spaghetti, 12 bars soaps, 3 vehicles, 8 rams, gallons of palm oil, the sum of Three Hundred and Thirty Three Thousand, Six Hundred and Ten Naira (N333,610.00) only and other sundry items. Also, on 3 June 2023, troops in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency operatives raided suspected drug peddlers warehouse at Barge village in Shani Local Government Area of Borno State and arrested 4 drug peddlers. Troops also recovered 12 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis. It was revealed that the substances were to be supplied to terrorists. In another development, on 6 June 2023, troops arrested a suspected arms dealer with 470 rounds of 7.62mm special and 4 AK47 magazines at Yoyo in Monguno Local Government Area of Borno State. The suspect confessed to have been engaged in the business for the past 2 years. In addition, on 9 June 2023, following intel of notorious gang hibernating in some locations within Maiduguri town of Borno State. Troops conducted a covert sting operation and arrested 15 suspected criminals. Troops also recovered 1 pump action gun, 1 axe, 2 jack knives, 5 mobile phones amongst other items. Equally, on 7 June 2023, troops raided a suspected gun runner resident at Gassol town in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba State. During the operation, troops arrested 1 suspect and recovered 39 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of Ten Million, Five Hundred and Sixty-Three Thousand Naira (N10,563,000.00) only.

5. Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 1 G3 rifle, 6 dane guns, 1 FN rifle, 1 pistol, 2 x 36 hand grenades, 2 locally made grenades, 1 RPG tube, 1 pump action gun, 547 rounds of 7.62mm special, 75 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 46 empty cases of 7.62mm NATO, 15 empty cases of 7.62mm special, 10 empty cases of 12.7mm ammunitions and 1 Improvised Explosive Device detonating fuse. Other items are 27 sacks of grinded corn, 10 bags of corn grains, 6 bags of beans, 5 bags of local rice, gallon of palm oil, 12 sleeping mats, clothings, 37 sachets of seasoning powder, 15 packs of spaghetti, 12 bar soaps, 3 vehicles, 8 chemical sprayer, 2 packs of maggi seasoning, 5 pairs of Boko Haram Terrorist uniforms, 8 cartons of fish, 10 motorcycles, 49 bicycles, 14 arrows, 16 mobile phones, 12 sacks of substances suspected to be cannabis and the sum of Eleven Million Forty Six Thousand and Ten Naira (N11,046,010.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 20 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist, captured 7 suspected terrorists, apprehended 40 suspected terrorists logistics suppliers and 15 notorious criminal gang members. Others arrested, were 4 drug peddlers, 3 kidnappers and 3 Terrorists collaborators. Troops equally rescued 15 kidnapped civilians, while a total of 743 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 42 adult males, 251 adult females and 452 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operation. All recovered items, arrested terrorists, suspected criminals and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families were profiled and documented for further action.

6. In a related development, the air component of operation HADIN KAI conducted several air operations against terrorists enclaves and logistics to degrade them. In furtherance to this, an armed air reconnaissance was conducted at Tagoshe. The location was observed to be active with terrorists moving under the trees. Accordingly, the location was bombarded with missiles. Information revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structure destroyed in the air strike. On the same day, the air component provided close air support for ground troops who were in contact with Boko Haram Terrorists. Overhead, the location about 6 Boko Haram Terrorist motorcycles were sighted on the move, the motorcycles were subsequently trailed, attacked and destroyed with rocket and cannons. Further scan of the area was conducted and 2 additional motorcycles were sighted on a track towards Kangarwa. The motorcycles were equally engaged and destroyed while all the terrorists mounted on the motorcycles were equally neutralized in the strike. Equally, on the same day, an air interdiction operation was conducted at Mandara mountain in Borno State over a prominent building in the general area. The location was observed with several terrorists moving into the building. Accordingly, the building was struck, neutralizing several terrorists and destroyed the building. In the same vein on 6 June 2023, an air interdiction operation was conducted at Loghpere, a Boko Haram Terrorist identified hideout on the Mandara mountains, purportedly being used by Terrorist as a logistics base and hideout for their technical equipment. Consequently, the location was struck with bombs and feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics structures destroyed in the air strike.

NORTH CENTRAL ZONE

7. Troops in the North Central zone of the country have sustained the aggressive postures towards terrorists, bandits and other social vices. Notably, on 1 June 2023, following intel on Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists activities, troops conducted operations at Irekpeni community along Lokoja – Kabba – Okene in Okene Local Government Area of Kogi State. Following the operation troops arrested 13 suspects and recovered 1 mobile phone containing numbers of 4 suspected Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists on the watch list of security agents. Also, on 1 June 2023, following a tip off troops arrested 7 kidnappers informant/collaborator within Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. In the same vein, following a distress call on the activities of suspected kidnappers at Angwantashi village in Obi Local Government Area of the same State, troops mobilized to the area and following the operation troops arrested 3 suspects and recovered 1 AK47 rifle with 2 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles. Equally, troops responded to distress call on the activities of suspected criminals at Gudaba village in Kuje Area Council of Federal Capital Territory. Troops mobilized to the area and arrested 3 suspects while other escaped. Troops recovered 2 daggers, 2 cutlasses, 1 axe and substances suspected to be hard drugs.

8. Troops also on 7 June 2023, responded to intel and raided suspected bandits hideout at some locations in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, however, the bandits fled on sighting the troops. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 4 dane guns and destroyed the hideout. Likewise, on 10 June 2023, troops responded to suspected bandit activities at a village in Katsina Ala Local Government Areas of Benue State and made contact with the bandits. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 bandits and rescued 4 abducted civilians as well destroyed their hideout. Also, on 11 June 2023 troops responded to communal clash between 2 communities in Oju Local Government Area of Benue State. Troops mobilized to the area and arrested 11 suspects as well recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 SMG rifle, 1 locally made revolver rifle, 3 dane guns, 20 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 11 rounds of 7.62mm special.

9. Also, troops of operations SAFE HAVEN conducted operational activities at villages and communities of Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Riyom and Jos South Local Government Areas of Plateau State. Notable on 10 June 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested a suspected gun runner at Gindri junction in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State and recovered 3 fabricated revolver guns, 1 fabricated AK47 rifle, 1 AK47 magazine and other sundry items. Accordingly, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 1 SMG rifle, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, 4 fabricated revolver guns, 1 G3 rifle, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special, 32 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 20 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 AK47 magazines and 2 daggers. Other items recovered include 4 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 2 gas cylinders, 4 cutlasses, 5 mobile phones and 114 rustled cattle. Troops also neutralized 4 bandits, arrested 86 suspected criminals and rescued 9 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

NORTH WEST ZONE

9. Troops of Operations HADARIN DAJI and other Operations in the North West zone of the country have sustained their commitment and resilience in the fight against terrorists, banditry and other criminalities in the Joint Area of Operations. Specifically, on 1 June 2023, troops conducted offensive operation to Shamushalle forest in Birnin Magaji Local Government Area of Zamfara State where several terrorists’ camps and hideouts were identified and made contact with the terrorists. Following the operation, troops neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 2 suspects and recovered 1 PKT gun, 91 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 4 AK47 rifles. Also, on the same day, troops conducted ambush operation at a location within Kubusu forest in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 4 AK47 magazines, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special, assorted drugs and other sundry items. Equally, on 3 June 2023, troops had a meeting engagement with bandits at Sakida village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Following the encounter, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special and 2 motorcycles. On the same day, troops ambushed terrorists at Kumbo village in Bukkuyum Local Government Area of the same state. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 6 AK47 magazines, 26 rounds of 7.62mm special and 4 motorcycles.

10. Furthermore, on 9 June 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists at Maidaro village in Birni Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following the fight, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 192 rounds of 7.62mm special, 74 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 5 dane guns, 1 PKT Gun, 9 AK47 magazines, 3 IEDs, 3 boafeng radios and other sundry items. Also, on 9 June 2023, following a tip off, troops arrested a suspected terrorists logistics supplier at Bena town in Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State with 566 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo concealed in a black bag. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was to deliver the ammunition to terrorists in Maru LGA of ZAMFARA State. Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 20 AK47 rifles, 92 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 894 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 PKT gun, 1 pump action gun, 1 barreta pistol, 28 AK47 magazines, 8 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 83 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm special, 5 dane guns, and 3 IEDs. Other items include 19 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, 3 boafeng radio and 34 cattle. Troops also neutralized 38 terrorists, apprehended 10 and rescued 24 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

11. Equally, between 2 and 6 June 2023, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction operation at a terrorist leader enclave in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and the location was observed with terrorist activites. Accordingly, the target was attacked with rockets neutralizing several terrorists. Also, on 4 June 2023, a similar operation was carried out at locations within Batsari, Danmusa and Jibia Local Government Areas of Katsina State and Shinkafi Local Government Area of Zamfara State. The operations were conducted following intel on terrorists converging at these locations. Consequently, the target areas were engaged with rockets with several terrorist neutralized in the air strikes.

SOUTH SOUTH ZONE

14. The land, maritime and air component of the Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE as well as other operations in the South South zone of the country have sustained the efforts in ensuring a relatively safe and peaceful environment for business activities to strife in the region. In sustaining this, troops conducted operational activities at the waterways, bush paths, creeks, cities, towns of Delta, Bayelsa and Rivers State. During these operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other Operations discovered and destroyed 57 illegal refining sites, 27 wooden boats, 158 storage tanks, 149 ovens and 8 dugout pits. Troops also recovered 122,600 litres of crude oil, 89,850 litrers of AGO, 7 vehicles, 18 pumping machines, 1 outboard engine, 1 speedboat, 6 assorted ammunitions, 1 weapon and 1 tricycle. Troops also arrested 16 suspected economic saboteurs. All recovered items, arrested suspects have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action. Additionally, it is worthy to mention that a total of Eighty Two Million Four Hundred and Forty Five Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (N82,445,150.00) only were denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.

15. Relatedly, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE between 2 and 3 June 2023 conducted air reconnaissance and air interdiction operation at Okoro Nyong and Ndele. Overhead, these locations which were observed to be rife with illegal refining activities with about 6 motorcycles sighted. Consequently, the locations was bombarded and destroyed while the illegal refined products and equipment were engulf in flames as a result of the air strike.

SOUTH EAST ZONE

18. Troops of Operation UDO KA have sustained their dominance over the activities of the proscribed Indigenous people of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals and other social vices in the South Eastern zone of the country. In furtherance to this, troops conducted operational activities at some Local Government Areas of Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi and Abia State respectively. Between 1 and 8 June 2023, following information about the activities of illegal miners at some communities within Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Troops raided these locations and arrested 17 illegal miners while 4 excavators, 7 tipper trucks, 1 generating set, 6 AGO jerrycans and 2 motorcycles were recovered at these mining sites. Also on 2 June 2023, troops raided suspected drugs peddlers hideout at Old and New Garki in Enugu South Local Government Area of Enugu State. During the operation, troops arrested 6 suspected drug peddlers and recovered large quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs.

19 Equally, on 11 June 2023, troops raided a suspecetd Indigenous people of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals hideout at Udoma District in Aninri Local Government Area of Enugu State and Nnebukwu in Oguta Local Government Area of Imo States and made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 1 Indigenous people of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminal and recovered 1 pump action rifle as well as 2 cartridges. Consequently, within the weeks in review troops recovered 4 excavators, 7 tippers trucks, 1 generating set, 6 AGO jerrycans, 2 motorcycles, 2 vehicles, 1 locally made pistol, 1 pump action rifle, 2 cartridges, 6 mobile phones, 1 digital camera, 1 tricycle among other sundry items. Troops also neutralized 2 criminals, arrested 8 suspected criminals and rescued 1 kidnapped civilian. All recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

20. 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.

MUSA DANMADAMI

Major General

Director Defence Media Operations