Military Not Oblivious of Security Challenges in the Country – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has stated that the Military is not oblivious of the security challenges across the country in recent times, particularly with the spike in kidnappings for ransom.

Major General Edward Buba stated this while briefing Journalists on the report of ongoing Military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria as at 2 February, 2024.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; conducted ambush operation, arrested a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators, conducted raid operations, fighting patrols and offensive operations in Gwoza, MMC, Konduga, Kukawa, Kaga, Damboa, Bama and Monguno LGAs all in Borno State as well as Gujba and Geidam LGA of Yobe State.

Additionally, troops arrested suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists and armed robbers in Nganzai and Monguno LGAs of Borno State. Also, ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters with their families surrendered to troops in Bama and MMC LGAs of Borno State.

Details as follows: Ambush Operation on ISWA/JAS Terrorists.
On 24 January 2024, troop conducted ambushed operation and made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. During the operation, troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles and 70 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

On 24 and 28 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces ambushed suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Konduga LGAs of Borno State.

Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated guns and 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Collaborators. On 23 and 25 January 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 3 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Gujba and MMC LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively.

On 25 and 29 January 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 2 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in MMC and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State. One among the suspects identified as Mallam Aliyu Abubakar has been on troops the watch list of troops and other security agencies.

Raid operation. On 25 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected illegal drug syndicate in Damagun LGA of Yobe State. During the operation, troops arrested 5 suspects violent extremists and recovered 10.2 kg of Cannabis, 231 grams of DS Exol and 47 grams of Tramadol.

Fighting Patrols. Between 24 and 30 January 2024, troop in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Kaga, Damboa and Bama LGAs of Borno State as well as Geidam and Gujba LGAs of Yobe State respectively. During the operation, troops made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists.

Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 25 terrorists and recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 5 locally fabricated guns, 3 dane gun, 207 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 143 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 7 primed IEDs, 5 motorcycles, 3 bicycles, 2 baofeng radios, 4 mobile phones and IEDs making materials amongst others.

Offensive Operations. On 26 and 27 January 2024, in separate operations, troops with hybrid forces conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Gwoza and Bama LGAs of Borno. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists and recovered 11 AK47 rifle, 2 locally fabricated guns, 2 dane guns and 23 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. On 25 January 2024, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist in Nganzai LGA of Borno State. Suspect identified as Ali Ali clamed to be a member of Monguno Hybrid Forces.

Arrest of Suspected Armed Robbers. On 29 January 2024, troop while on patrol responded to distress call on armed robbery activities in Monguno LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect.

Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. Between 24 and 28 January 2024, a total of 133 terrorist comprising 4 adult males 48 adult females and 81 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

Surrender of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Escapees. Between 24 and 29 January 2024, a total of 129 escapees suspected to be BH/ISWAP terrorists family members comprising 5 adult males, 47 adult females and 74 children surrendered to troops in Bama and MMC LGAS of Borno State.

Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 45 terrorists, arrested 8 BH/ISWAP terrorists and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 10 locally fabricated guns, 5 dane guns, 7 primed IEDs, 231 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 143 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 baofeng radios, 5 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones, 3 bicycles and IED making materials among others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; conducted fighting patrols, arrested suspected violent extremists/militias, notorious kidnapper, gunrunners and illegal miners in Barkin Ladi, Jos South, Mangu and Bassa LGAs of Plateau.

Details are as follows: Fighting patrols. Between 23 and 26 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Barkin Ladi, Mangu and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State.

Following a fire fight troops neutralized 15 insurgents and arrested 20 suspected violent extremists. During the operations, troops recovered 22 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, 2 dane guns, 2 pistols, 157 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 15 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, one pistol magazine, 7 mobile phones and the sum of N26,000.00 only.

Update on Clash between Fulani and Mwaghavul Militias. on 25 January 2024, following the attack on Fulani settlement earlier on 23 January 2023, troops arrested 4 suspects in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops recovered 2 fabricated rifles.

Arrest of Violent Extremist/Notorious Kidnapper. On 25 January 2024, troops acting on credible intelligence arrested a violent extremist/notorious kidnapper in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. Suspect identified as Mr Haruna Abdul has been on wanted list of security agencies for kidnapping activities.

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Militias Members. On 25 January 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrols responded to information on violent extremists/militias activities in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

During the operations, troops arrested 12 suspected violent extremists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 6 fabricated rifles, one dane gun, 97 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 cartridges, 5 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, one pistol magazine, one motorcycle, 9 mobile phones and the sum of N29,280.00 amongst others.

Arrest of Illegal Miners. On 26 January 2024, troops in separate operations raided an illegal mining sites in Jos South and Mangu LGA of Plateau State. Troops arrested 11 illegal miners.

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents. Between 25 and 27 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and arrested 13 suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Mangu and Bassa LGAs of Plateau State.

During the operations, troop recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 5 locally fabricated rifles, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 cartridges, one motorcycle and 6 mobile phones amongst others.

Incident Report. On 27 January 2024, troops responded to information about suspicious movements of suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Riyom LGA of Plateau State.

During operation, troops made contact with the insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 insurgents and recovered one AK47 rifle, one local fabricated revolver gun, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.

Arrest of Suspected Gunrunners. On 28 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops conducted stop and search operation intercepted a suspected violent extremists vehicle in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.

During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and recovered 5 AK47 rifles and mobile phone. Suspect claimed to have been contracted to deliver the weapons to one Mr Danladi in the same LGA.

Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 27 January 2024, troops while on patrol responded to a distress call on kidnapping activities in Kaura LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 17 insurgents, arrested 64 violent extremists and 3 rescued kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 38 AK47 rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 2 pistols, one fabricated pistol, one locally fabricated revolver gun, 7 dane guns, 118 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, 16 live cartridges, 20 empty cases of 7.62mm special, one pistol magazine, 2 motorcycles, 22 mobile phones and the sum of N55,280.00 amongst others.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted search and rescue, a raid operations, fighting patrols and arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Katsina-Ala, Karu and Ukum LGAs of Benue and Nasarawa States.

Details are as follows: Search and Rescue Operation. On 25 January 2024, troops while conducting search and rescue operations rescued one kidnapped hostage in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. The hostage was a caretaker chairman of Ukum LGA earlier kidnapped on 13 January 2024.

Raid Operations. On 25 January 2024, following report on stockpiled of arms and ammo by one Alh Bello Bodejo who doubles as the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore and the leader of the newly formed Nomad Vigilante, troops conducted cordoned and searched operation at his residence in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. During operation, troops made no contact with suspect. Troops recovered one fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 3 AK47 rifle magazines, 76 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 mobile phones.

Fighting Patrol. On 28 January 2024, troops while on patrol made contact with suspected violent extremists/militia in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and recovered 5 AK47 rifle, one berretta pistol, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo and one magazine.

Arrest of violent extremist. On 25 January 2024, troops while on stop and search operation arrested one suspected violent extremist in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State.

The suspect identifed as Mr Shekwodiza Danayiru was arrested with illegal possession of a locally fabricated pistol. Troops also recovered one dane gun, 2 empty case of ammo and one Jack knife.

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 7 insurgents, arrested 3 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued one kidnapped hostage.

Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifle, one berretta pistol, one locally fabricated rifle, 3 dane gun, 136 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 empty cases, 4 magazines and 2 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; responded to violent extremists/insurgents activities, conducted fighting patrols, arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents/gunrunners and collaborators in Illela, Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Sokoto State and Kankara, Sabuwa, Batsari and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State respectively. Also, Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara as well as Karim-Lamido LGA of Taraba State.

Troops equally conducted offensive operations and made some arrest.

Details are as follows: Troops Responded to Violent Extremists/Insurgs Activities. On 24 and 26 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to information on violent extremists/insurgents activities in Illela and Maru LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States.

Troops made contact with insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralised 10 insurgents and rescue one kidnapped hostage. During the operations, troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one empty magazine. Also, troops destroyed 3 motorcycles.

Fighting Patrols. Between 23 and 26 January 2024, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Kankara, Sabuwa and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State as well as Karim-Lamido LGA of Taraba State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 insurgents and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. During the operations, troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, 128 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines loaded with 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one motorcycle.

On 26 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Batsari and Maru LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively.

During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremists/insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 10 insurgents and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 3 locally fabricated guns, one dane gun, 230 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 empty magazines, 2 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

Troops Arrested Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents .On 25 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops conducted a sting operations and arrested a suspected violent extremist/insurgent kingpin identified as Usman Abubakar (aka HARINDE) in Shinkafi LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation, troops recovered 2 mobile phones and the sum of N160,000.00 amongst others.

On 26 January 2024, following INTREP, troops raided a suspected violent extremists/insurgent hideout and arrested one insurgent between Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Sokoto State. The suspect identified as Harinde, a 35 years old warlord who have been terrorizing the same LGAs.

Troops Arrested Suspected Violent Extremists/Gunrunners. On 26 January 2024, acting on reports, troops while conducting stop and search operation intercepted suspected violent extremists/gunrunners in Shinkafi LGA of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected gunrunners identified as Musa Usman, Aminu Ibrahim and Isah Mohammed.

Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect were on a mission of procuring assorted weapons at the border of Sokoto State. Troops recovered one vehicle, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N2,000,000.00 only.

Arrested of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents Collaborator. On 26 January 2024, following credible intelligence, troops with hybrid forces arrested one suspected notorious violent extremist/insurgent collaborator in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State.

Fighting Patrol. On 27 January 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Zurmi LGA of Zamfara State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and rescued 35 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 6 locally fabricated gun, 3 dane gun and 2 motorcycles.

Offensive Operations. On 30 January 2024, troops while conducting offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists/insurgents hideout kingpin identified as Usman Moi Modi in Safana LGA of Katsina State.

During the operation, troops made contact with insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and recovered 4 fabricated guns, one fabricated pistol, 4 dane guns, 2 bandoliers, 4 AK47 magazines, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one Baofeng radio amongst others.

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgent Informant. On 29 January 2024, troops responded to information on a suspected violent extremists’ informant hibernating in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect.

Ambush on Violent Extremists/Insurgents. On 29 January 2024, troops conducted ambush operation at suspected violent extremists’ route in Kachia LGA of Kaduna State.

Troops made contact with insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 9 violent extremists and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 3 magazines with 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 4 local IED rods.

Attack on Civilians. On 26 January 2024, troops responded to information that violent extremists/militias activities while shooting sporadically in Wukari LGA of Taraba State.

Troops made contact with violent extremists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 insurgents and recovered 4 AK47 rifles with 36 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one double barrel gun, one single barrel gun, 10 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 empty cases of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 14 live cartridges. Troops recovered one corpse and one injured civilian.

Air Interdiction. On 23 January 2024, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction following intelligence on convergence of violent extremists/insurgents at the violent extremist kingpin Alhaji Daradu’s enclave in Jibia LGA of Katsina State.

The location was subsequently acquired and attacked with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 65 insurgents, arrested 18 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 33 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, 13 locally fabricated guns, one fabricated pistol, one double barrel gun, one single barrel gun, 8 dane gun, 657 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 empty magazines, 9 magazines loaded with 90 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14 live cartridges, one vehicle, 3 motorcycle, 6 mobile phone and the sum of N2,000,000.00 only amonsgt other item.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; arrested suspected terrorists ransom collector and violent extremists/arms dealer and robbers in Sanga and Tafa LGAs of Kaduna and Niger States as well as Abaji and Kuje Area Councils of FCT Abuja.

Details are as follows: Arrest of Suspected Terrorists Ransom Collector. On 23 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops arrested a suspected violent extremists/ransom collector in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.

Suspect identified as Aisha Lawal (aka Ingo) is an in-law to a terrorists kingpin Ganae. Preliminary investigation revealed that she exploit locals using her relationship with Ganae.

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Arms Dealer/Robbers.
On 23 January 2024, following intelligence on movement of suspected violent extremists/arms dealer, troops conducted stop and search operation along Abuja – Lokoja highway.

During the operation troops arrested one suspected violent extremist and recovered 65 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one truck and substance suspected to be cannabis.

On 24 January 2024, troops while on night patrol arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/armed robbers in Tafa LGA of Niger State.

During the operation troops recovered 2 locally fabricated pistol, 51 rounds of 9mm ammo, 6 empty cases of cartridges, one vehicle, 5 mobile phones and one pair of military camouflage among others.

On 25 and 26 January 2024, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Abaji and Kuje Area Councils of FCT Abuja. During the operations, troops arrested 26 violent extremists/kidnappers and illegal miners.

Foiled Kidnap Incident. On 25 January 2024, troops responded to information of kidnap incident in AMAC of FCT, Abuja. During the operation, troops rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops continue to conduct operations in the surrounding hills and bushes to the FCT to rid the areas of kidnappers and terrorist elements.

Air Interdiction. Following intelligence on large movement of violent extremists/terrorists with intention of conducting kidnapping activities in Birni Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction on 28 January 2024. The target converged under trees to evade aerial detection. The targets were acquired and attacked with precision ammunitions. The Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their mobility destroyed.

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 30 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol, 110 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 51 rounds of 9mm ammo, 6 empty cases of cartridges, one vehicle and 5 mobile phones amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.

Troops arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers, bunkerer’s kingpin, robbers in Warri North and Oshimili LGAs of Delta as well as Bodo Gokana LGA of Rivers State respectively. Also, in Uruan and Boki LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States respectively.

Details as follows: Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 815,980 litres of stolen crude oil, 163,675 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,750 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 44 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 12 dugout pits, 61 boats and 56 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 78 cooking ovens, 13 vehicles, 13 motorcycles, 4 pump machines and 51 illegal refining sites.

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/insurgents. On 24 January 2024, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist in custody of empty case of 7.62mm special ammo in Ikwerre LGA of River State.

During the operation, troops recovered 5,389 empty case of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect resides at the Cant Mammy Market.

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremist/Cultist. On 26 January 2024, troops while on routine patrol arrested one suspected violent extremist/cultist in Sapele LGA of Delta State.

The arrest of suspected kidnappers/extremists. On 29 January 2024, following report, troops responded to kidnapping activities in Uruan LGA of Akwa Ibom State. During the operation, troops arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers.

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Robbers. On 29 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to distress call on armed robbery incident in Boki LGA of Cross River State.

During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/robbers. Preliminary investigation revealed that 2 of the suspects were Cameroonian faction of Ambazonian separatist group. Troops recovered 3 dane guns and 3 motorcycles.

Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 815,980 litres of stolen crude oil, 163,675 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,750 litres of DPK. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 12 dugout pits, 61 boats and 56 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 78 cooking ovens, 13 vehicles, 7 motorcycles, 4 pump machines and 51 illegal refining sites.

Troops neutralized 5 insurgents and apprehended 44 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists/insurgents. Troops also recovered 20 weapons, 243 ammunitions, 5,389 empty 7.62mm ammunition and the sum of N8,000.00 amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; had meeting engagement with violent extremists/insurgents, rescued kidnapped hostages, conducted fighting patrols and foiled suspected violent extremists activities in Owerri North, Obowo, Okigwe, Orlu and Oguta LGAs of Imo State.

Additionally, troops conducted a raid operations and foiled armed robbery Incidents in Ohaji/Egbema, Orsu and Njaba LGAs of Imo State. Also Ihiala and Aba South of Anambra and Abia States respectively.

Details as follows: Meeting Engagement. On 22 January 2024, troop with hybrid forces had a meeting engagement with suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Owerri North LGA of Imo State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 insurgents and recovered 4 AK47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one cutlass and Seven Hundred Naira (₦700) only.

Rescue of Kidnap Hostages. On 25 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call on kidnapping activities in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. On sighting troops, the insurgent fled abandoning their victim. Troops rescued one kidnapped hostage and recovered one vehicle.

Fighting Patrols. On 29 January 2024, based on intelligence, troop in separate operations conducted fighting operation and made contact with suspected violent extremists/IPOB in Ihiala and Oguta LGAs of Anambra and Imo States as well as Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State respectively.

During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/IPOB members and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.

Incident Report. On 26 Jan 2024, troops while on patrol made contact with suspected violent extremists/ezza militias group in Idemili and Ohaukwu LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States.

Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 insurgents and arrested one violent extremist. During the operations, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one motorcycle.

Violent Extremists/IPOB/ESN Activities.
Between 26 and 29 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN activities in Obowo, Okigwe, Orlu and Oguta LGAs of Imo State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 44 cartridges (10 filled and 34 empty), containers of gun powder and 2 mobile phones.

Raid Operation. On 26 and 28 January 2024, troops in a separate operations raided suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN hideout and made contact in Ohaji/Egbema and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra States as well as Ukanu East LGA of Enugu State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 insurgents and arrested 9 suspected violent extremists/IPOB. Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 4 pump action guns, 3 locally fabricated guns, 126 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 59 live cartridges, 23 K2 rounds, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 magazines, 11 HH radios amongst other items.

On 29 and 30 January 2024, troops in a separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists/kidnappers/drug dealers’ hideouts in Aba South and Orsu LGAs of Abia and Imo States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 13 violent extremists.

Armed Robbery Incident. On 24 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to distress call on armed robbery activities in Njaba LGA of Imo State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 violent extremists and recovered 2 mobile phones and the sum of N30,540.00 amongst other items.

Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA nuetralized 18 insurgents, arrested 36 violent extremists and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 8 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 4 pump action guns, 3 locally fabricated guns, 126 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 102 live cartridges, 23 K2 rounds ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 magazines, 4 mobile phones, 11 HH radios and the sum of N31,240.00 only amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)

Troops of Operation AWATSE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting and arrested suspected violent extremists/armed robbers and cultists in Ikorodu and Ijebu Igbo LGAs of Lagos and Ogun States respectively.

Details as follows: Arrest of Suspected Armed Robbers. On 28 January 2024, troops responded to distress call on armed robbery incident in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/robbers and recovered 2 pistols, 2 mobile phones and the sum of ₦115,150.00 amongst others.

Fighting Patrol. On 28 January 2024, troops with Nigerian Police personnel conducted fighting patrol to a suspected violent extremists/kidnapper’s hideout at Ijebu Igbo LGA of Ogun State. During the operation, troops arrested 8 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers.

Arrest of Suspected Cult Members. On 28 January 2024, troops on patrol arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/members in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State. The suspects were arrested following fracas between rival cult group.

Overall, troops of Operation AWATSE arrested 12 violent extremists and recovered 2 pistols, 2 mobile phones and the sum N115,150.00 amongst other items. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.