Despite the incessant attack on security personnel, the Nigerian military says, it’s troops have neutralized 23 terrorists, arrested 109 criminals, 5 kidnappers, one informant, 22 suspected oil thefts and rescued 41 kidnapped hostages within one week as counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations being conducted by troops continues to produce results.
The Director, of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, disclosed at the weekend in a statement that though, the men and women of the armed forces are fighting and dying for the country every day; they have made great strides.
Buba revealed, “The military will continue the momentum of its operations by mounting pressure on groups seeking to undermine the security of citizens and the nation. 231 terrorist and their families surrendered to troops comprising 25 adult males, 63 adult females and 143 children”.
Giving details of the operations, Maj Gen Buba said Troops recovered a total number of 41 weapons and 300 assorted kinds of ammunition. Breakdown of arms and ammunition is as follows; 14 AK47 rifle, one AK49 rifle, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 7.62mm special ammo, one PKT gun, one LMG, 2 pump action guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 3 locally fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, one pistol, and 2 locally made long barrel guns. ,
He added that troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 AK47 magazines, one magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 239 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62 NATO, 44 rounds of PKT, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 6 cartridges.
He noted that troops recovered 13 motorcycle, 22 mobile phones, one bicycle, 10 machete, a pair of camouflage. While, the operations in South South geopolitical zone resulted in the arrest of the following; 682,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 70,950 litres of illegally refined AGO, 23,250 litres of DPK. All amounting to an estimated sum of N414,396.250 denied to the oil thieves.
Major General Edward Buba stressed that the military will relentlessly pursue groups contributing to insecurity and instability in the country. Troops will through its operations continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security across the country.
Also revealing the major breakthrough by Joint Task Force operation Hadin Kai at North East as at 25 August, 2023, “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI offensive operations led to surrender of terrorist and their families’ members with one of the missing Chibok School girl amongst them”.
“The surrounding occurred in Dikwa and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State. During operations, troops neutralized terrorist, rescued hostages and recovered weapons. Troops equally intercepted terrorists’ fighters and arrested suspected collaborators in Gwoza, Biu and Bama LGA of Borno State. Troops also recovered arms in Jada LGA in Adamawa State.
“BH/ISWAP Fighters and Families with Missing Chibok Schl Girl Surrendered to Troops. On 14 August 2023, 8 Suspected BH/ISWAP fighters and families comprising 2 adult males, 3 adult females and 3 children surrendered to troops at Dikwa in Dikwa LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the adult female is Mary Nkeki, a missing Chibok School girl in Ser No 55 Chibok Girls poster. The identified missing Chibok School girl was evacuated to 7 DMSH for further action.
“Between 19 August 2023, 2 BH/ISWAP terrorist fighter and family surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special refilled ammo, one magazine, 3 rounds of 7.62 mm Special refilled ammo and the sum of Nineteen Thousand Two Hundred Naira (N19, 200) only.
“On 16 August 2023, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrol in Bama and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State. Troop made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one and others fled. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 AK 47 rifle mags with 30 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one boafeng radio, one motorcycle and 3 bicycle among other items.
Also on same day, following a report from a farmer who found a buried weapon on her farm in Kukawa LGA of Borno State. Troops contained the general area and recovered one AK 47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo buried on the farmland.
“Arrest of Suspected Terrorist Collaborators. Between 20 and 21 August 2023, troops in conjunction with vigilante arrested 3 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists’ collaborators in Biu and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 mobile phones, one SIM card, and the sum of N10,000. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of them was a terrorist informant.
“Troops Intercept Suspected Terrorists Combatant. On 21 August 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol intercepted one suspected BH//SWAP terrorist combatant alongside his wife in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle and 2 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
“Raid Operations. On 18 August 2023, following intel troops raided suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Jada LGA of Adamawa State. Troops came in contact with kidnappers. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one and apprehended 10. Troops recovered one locally made gun. Troops also rescued one injured victim whom was evacuated to hospital for medication attention.
Air Interdiction. On 15 Aug 23, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction at Hyawa. Terrorist activities were sighted. The location was acquired with cannons dislocating the terrorists and damaging their structures.
