The Defence high command has disclosed that no fewer than 26 terrorists were neautralised by troops in the frontline in the North east in the last two weeks.
Spokesman of the Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Musa Danmadami made the disclosure during 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.
According to him, in the past two weeks, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatres of operations, with significant results recorded.
In the north east zone, he said troops of the Joint Task force Operation HADIN KAI have sustained the aggressive and ruthless posture against the Boko Haram Terrorists and their counter parts, the Islamic State of West Africa Province Terrorist and other criminal elements in the North East zone of the country.
“In furtherance to this, between May 18 to June 1, 2023, troops conducted various offensive operations to identified terrorists hideouts, enclaves, camps, villages, forest and mountains of Konduga, Abadam, Guzamala, Ngala, Bama, Dikwa, Gubio, Damboa, Jere, Kukawa, Magumeri and Monguno Local Government Areas of Borno State. Also, at Damaturu and Gujba Local Government Areas of Yobe State.
“During these operations troops made contact with terrorists and following a fierce fire fight, troops neutralized 25 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 3 training rifles, 1 AK56 rifle, 2 K2 assault rifles, 1 MC rifle, 1 pump action gun, 2 double barrel gun, 2 locally made pistols, 12 dane guns, 1 locally made grenade, 12 AK47 magazines, 100 rounds of 7.56mm ammo, 5 rounds of 12.7mm NATO, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special, 31 rounds of 7.62mm refilled and 28 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
“Other include 26 bicycles, 2 hilux, 14 motorcycles, 130 motorcycle bearings, 60 throttle cables, 1 chain, 1 sprocket, 30 packs of herbicides, 3 solar panels, 3 sewing machines, 2 pairs of Boko Haram Terrorist uniforms, 4 boafeng radios, large quantities of Improvised Explosive Device materials, 3 axes, 10 mobile phones, 2 borehole heads, 18 rustled cattle and assorted grains.
“Also, onMay 23, 2023, troops conducted cordon and search operation at suspected criminals hideout at Kasuwan Fara in Borno State. During the operations troops arrested 52 suspected criminals. Relatedly, between 19 and 31 May 2023, troops intercepted and arrested 12 Terrorist logistics suppliers at different locations within the theatre of operation while conveying logistics items to terrorists.
“Items recovered from them include; 200 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 105 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 50 litres diesel, sacks of food stuff, 4 litres of groundnut, 2 packs of each of Sprite and Fanta drinks, 10kg of sugar, packs of matches, 3 packs of maggi seasoning, 3 packs of mosquitoes coil, 2 packs of tiger battery, 4 mosquitoes spray, 1 basket of kolanut, 3 packs green tea, 15 rolls of mix fruit biscuits, assorted drugs, the sum of Two Hundred and Ninety Nine Thousand, Eight Hundred and Eighty Five Naira (N911,320.00) only and other sundry items.
“In another development, on May 18, 2023, troops responded to distress on robbery activities at Fulatari village in Gubio Local Government Area of Borno State, troop mobilized to the location and arrested 3 suspects who confessed to be involved in armed robbery, kidnapping as well as cattle rustling in the general area.
“Troops recovered 1 locally made pistol, 3 mobile phones, 2 knives, 1 cutlass, 1 torchlight, the sum of N12,485.00 only amongst other items.
“Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops in the North East Zone recovered, 7 AK47 rifles, 3 training rifles, 1 AK56 rifle, 2 K2 assault rifles, 1 mc rifle, 1 pump action gun, 2 double barrel gun, 2 locally made pistols, 12 dane guns, 1 locally made grenade, 12 AK47 magazines, 100 rounds of 7.56mm ammo, 5 rounds of 12.7mm NATO, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special, 31 rounds of 7.62mm refilled, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and large quantities of Improvised Explosive Device making materials.
“Others include; 26 bicycles, 5 vehicles, 14 motorcycles, 130 motorcycle bearings, 60 throttle cables, 1 chain, 1 sprocket, 3 solar panels, 3 sewing machines, 2 pairs of Boko Haram Terrorist uniforms, 4 boafeng radio, 3 axes, 17 mobile phones, 2 borehole heads, 8 bags of grains, 200 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 105 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 50 litres of diesel, 18 rustled cattle, 5 sacks of food stuffs, 4 litres of groundnut oil, 2 packs each of Sprite and Fanta drinks, 10kg of sugar, packs of matches, 3 packs of maggi seasoning, 3 pack of mosquitoes coils, 2 packs of tiger battery, 4 tins of mosquitoes spray, 1 basket of kola nut, 3 packs of green tea, 15 rolls of mixed fruits biscuits, medical suppliers, the sum of Three Hundred and Twelve Thousand Three Hundred and Seventy Naira (N312,370.00) only amongst other items.
“Troops also neutralized 26 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, including 1 suicide bomber, arrested 22 Terrorist logistics supplier, 2 Terrorist spy/informants, and captured 1 Boko Haram Terrorist fighter as well as apprehended 3 armed robbers and 52 suspected criminals. Troops equally rescued 16 abducted civilians while a total of 876 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of the families comprising of 89 adult males, 249 adult females and 538 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations.
“All recovered items, arrested suspected criminals and rescued kidnapped civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families, were profiled and documented for further action.”
Danmadami noted that during the period in focus, the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air operations against terrorists’ enclaves and logistics to degrade them and curb the spate of insecurity within the Area of Responsibility.
“Precisely on May 21, 2023, the air component conducted an air interdiction at a location 4KM South of TUMBUN FULANI, a relatively new terrorists’ hideout on the western outskirts of the Lake Chad Basin. Recent ISR of the area observed 2 x motorcycles and terrorists’ activities within the location. On arrival, the crew engaged the target with rockets and cannons resulting in neutralization of several terrorists and destruction of their logistics.”
Troops in the North Central zone of the country have maintained the aggressive posture towards the activities of terrorists and other criminalities in the general area of operation.
“In furtherance to this, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted operational activities within Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State. Notably, on May 27, 2023, based on tip off, troops raided a suspected criminal hideout at Tefi Gana in Bassa Local Government Area of same state and arrested 5 suspected motorcycles thieves with 3 stolen motorcycles.
“Also on May 29, 2023, troops responded to information on the activities of suspected criminals at Mai Adiko Rayfield in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops mobilized to the area and arrested 5 suspects. Troops equally, recovered 4 fabricated rifles, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 11 empty cases of 7.62mm, 3 cartridges, 2 jack knives, 2 walkie talkie radio, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N6,990.00 only amongst other items.
Relatedly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE equally conducted operational activities at different locations within in Joint Area of Operation. On May 18, 2023, troops on fighting patrol at Katakpa in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State made contact with terrorist, following a fire fight, troops neutralized 1 terrorist while other fled in the nearby bushes.
Troops further exploited the general area and recovered 1 pump action gun, 2 locally made guns, 28 cartridges, 1 motorcycle and 1 mobile phone. In the same vein, on May 27, 2023, following a tip off troops raided a suspected kidnappers hideout at Igumale village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State.
“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.” He said.