We are Winning the War Against Terrorists, Insurgents, Bandits, Others – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has assured that the military is winning the war against terrorists, bandits, insurgents, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements operating in various parts of the country.

This assurance was handed down by
Major General Edward Buba,
Director Defence Media Operations, while presenting a detailed update on the troops activities in various theatres of operations, on Friday in Abuja.

The update was titled Report on Ongoing Military Operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria as at 15 December 2023. Details of the report are presented below.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

Troops of Operation HADIN KAI ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Kaga and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Troops recovered arms, ammunitions and military accoutrements in Maiduguri Municipal Council of Borno State. Troops conducted raid operation in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.

Troops also arrested of suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Monguno and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State.

Details as follows: Ambushes on Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists.
On 5 and 7 December 2023, troops in a separate operations ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Kaga and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles and 45 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo.

On 7 and 9 December 2023, troops in separate operations ambushed suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists in Gujba and Konduga LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively.

Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 and arrested one suspected terrorist.

Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorists. Between 6 and 12 December 2023, a total of 76 BH/ISWAP terrorists fighters and their families comprising 7 adult males 24 adult females and 45 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.

Recovery of Arms/Ammo and Military kits. On 6 December 2023, following a report, troops recovered arms and ammunitions as well as military accoutrements from residence in MMC of Borno State.

During the operation, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles with Reg No806489 and 806629, 5 AK47 rifle magazines containing 140 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 2 LMG magazines containing 149 rounds of 7. 62mm Special ammo, one CZ pistol magazine containing 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 6 pairs of desert cam uniform and 2 helmets among other military kits. Investigation ongoing.

Raid Operation. On 10 December 2023, troops with hybrid Forces conducted a raid operation to terrorists enclave in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. During the operation, terrorists fled on sighting troops abandoning their victims. Troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages including 2 girl child.

Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Collaborators. Between 8 December 2023, troops in a separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Monguno and Kukawa LGAs of Borno State.

During the operations, troops arrested 4 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators. Troops also recovered 3 mobile phones, medical supplies, 2 motorcycles, foodstuffs and the sum of N27,000.00 only amongst others items.

Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 8 and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 334 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm, 5 magazines, one LMG magazine, one CZ pistol magazine, 3 mobile phones, 2 motorcycles and the sum of N27,000.00.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN raided suspected kidnappers hideouts in Bokkos and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively.

Troops also arrested suspected gunrunner and cattle rustlers in Jos South and Bokkos LGAs of Plateau State. Troops then recovered arms in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

Additionally, troops foiled attacks on civilians and as well arrested a suspected kidnappers in Mangu and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States,respectively. Troops then, arrested suspected armed robbers in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

Details are as follows: Raid Operation. On 7 December 2023, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops rescued one kidnapped victim and reunited same with his family.

On 7 and 9 December 2023, troops in a separate operations raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideouts in Bokkos and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected suspects and rescued one kidnapped victim.

Arrest of Suspected Gunrunner. On 9 December 2023, troops while on patrol intercepted and arrested a suspected gunrunner in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops recovered one fabricated AK47 rifle and one fabricated Double barrel gun.

Arrest of Suspected Cattle Rustlers. On 9 and 10 December 2023, following INTREP, troops in a separate operations arrested 3 suspected cattle rustlers in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State.

Recovery of Arms. On 9 December 2023, troops while on patrol recovered arms abandoned by fled suspected criminal in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered a sack bag containing one fabricated AK47 rifle.

Attack on Civilians. On 11 December 2023, troops ​responded to a distress call on attack by locals on Fulani settlements in in ​Mangu LGA of Plateau State. On sighting troops, the miscreants fled. Troops recovered 2 ​fabricated rifles and 9 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers. On 11 December 2023, following INTEL, troops with hybrid forces raided ​the hideout of suspected kidnappers in Sanga LGA of ​Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspected kidnappers in ​connection ​with the kidnap of a married couple earlier on 4 December 2023. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 mobile phones, one mobile phone batteries and ​the sum of ​Four Hundred and Sixty-Two Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira (₦462, 800.00).

Arrest of Suspected Armed Robber. On 11 December 2023, following credible information, troops arrested a suspected armed robber in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered substances suspected to ​be cannabis and other personal effects.

Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 14 and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 locally fabricated rifles, one locally fabricated Double barrel gun, 9 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 mobile phones and the sum of N462,800.00 amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE raided suspected illegal mining sites in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State, then terrorists hideout in Ukum and Okpokwu LGAs of Benue State. Troops also conducted fighting patrol to Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.

Details are as follows: Raid Operation.
On 6 December 2023, troops conducted a raid to a suspected illegal mining site in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops arrested 9 suspected illegal miners.

On 9 and 11 December 2023, troops raided suspected bandits hideouts in Ukum and Okpokwu LGAs of Benue State. During the operations, troops neutralized one terrorist and arrested 3 suspects.

Fighting Patrols. On 9 and 11 December 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrols arrested 2 suspected bandits collaborators in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Preliminary investigation revealed their association with the terrorist.

Air Interdiction. Following INTREP and ISR, the air component of Operations WHIRL PUNCH on 6 December 2023 conducted air interdiction that neutralized Machika (Dogo Gide’s younger brother and IED producer trained by Ansaru), Haro (a top commander in Gide’s group) and Dan Muhammadu kidnap and assault specialist alongside with several foot soldiers in Niger State.

Relatedly, a renown terrorist identified as Ali Alhaji Alheri (AKA Kachalla Ali Kawaje) was also neutralized wth several of his foot soldiers in another air strike on 11 December 2023 in Niger State.

The air component of Operations WHIRL PUNCH on 6 December 2023, conducted air interdiction following confirmation of the movement of a dreaded terrorist kingpin identified as Yellow Janbros and his cohorts around Galadima Kogo District. Subsequently, air component conducted a precision air strike on the target. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the terrorists kingpin and several of his foot soldiers were neutralized.

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 18 terrorists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI responded to terrorists activities in Tsafe and Maradun LGAs in Zamfara, then Gwadabawa in Sokoto State. Troops arrested suspected terrorists arms supplier in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.

Troops arrested suspected criminals/bandits in Danmusa and Chikun LGAs of Katsina and Kaduna States respectively.

Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols in Birnin Gwari, Gwadabawa, Tangaza and Illela LGAs in both Kaduna and Sokoto States . Troops also arrested suspected terrorist collaborators and illegal miners in Faskari and Anka LGAs, both in Katsina and Zamfara States

Details are as follows: Banditry Activities. On 7 and 8 December 2023, troops in separate operations responded to information of terrorists activities in Tsafe, Maradun and Gwadabawa LGAs, both in of Zamfara and Sokoto States.

Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 7 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines, 2 motorcycles and livestock amongst other items.

Arrest of Terrorists Arms Supplier. On 5 December 2023, following a tip off, troops while on stop and search operation intercepted a terrorists arms supplier in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. Troops recovered 444 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo concealed in a palm oil jerrican, 2 mobile phones, medical supplies and the sum of Six Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (₦6,900.00) only.

Meeting Engagement. On 7 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered 4 motorcycles. Troops as well destroyed terrorist’s makeshift houses.

Arrest Suspected Bandits. On 8 December 2023, troops responded to information on terrorist convergence for jumma’at prayer in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected bandits.

Arrest of Suspected Criminal. On 9 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces conducted operations in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected criminal. Preliminary investigation revealed that, the suspect was the mastermind behind kidnapping in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.

Fighting Patrols. On 8 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted 11 kidnapped victims in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation revealed that victims were earlier abducted in Munya LGA of Niger State. The victims comprises of 4 adult males,5 adult females and 2 children. The rescued victims have been reunited with their families.

On 12 December 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with bandits in Gwadabawa, Tangaza and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and the sum of N603,000.00 amongst other items.

Arrest of Suspected Bandit Informant. On 11 December 2023, troop responded to INTEL and arrested a suspected terrorist collaborator in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. During preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to have been an informant to terrorist’ kingpins identified as Damin and Yusuf Yellow.

Arrest of Illegal Miners. On 11 December 2023, following a tip ​off, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected illegal mining sites in Anka LGA of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops neutralized one bandit and arrested 13 suspected artisanal miners. ​Troops recovered 9 motorcycles and 8 bags of illegally mined precious stone.

Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 19 terrorists and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, one berretta pistol, one locally made rifle 800 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 17 motorcycles and the sum of N609,900.00 amongst others.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

18. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH raided a suspected terrorist’s hideouts in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State as well as Abuja Municipal Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops conducted fighting patrol in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops also rescued kidnapped victims in Batsari, Chikun and Igabi LGAs of both Katsina and Kaduna States . Additionally, troops ambushed terrorist in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.

Details as follows: Raid Operation .On 8 December 2023, following a tip off, troops raided suspected terrorists’ hideout in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops made no contact with terrorists. However,troops exploited the general area and recovered one damaged AK47 magazines, one mobile phone, one AK47 rifle clearing rod and one desert cam jacket amongst others.

On 11 December 2023, troops with hybrid forces while on patrol arrested 4 suspected criminals in Abuja Municipal Area Council of FCT, Abuja.

Fighting Patrol. On 6 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrol arrested a suspected criminal in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect was connected with kidnapping activities and drug peddling within the Area Council. Troops recovered one locally made pistol, 3 cartridges, 189 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis and other illicit drugs.

Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 6 and 9 December 2023, troops in separate operations rescued 2 kidnapped hostages in Batsari and Chikun LGAs of Katsina and Kaduna States respectively.

On 8 December 2023, troops responded to information on kidnapping activities in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Troops made contact with bandits. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine and one locally made weapon as well as recovered 2 corpses of kidnapped victims killed by bandits.

Ambush on Bandits. On 12 December 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces ambushed and made contact with suspected bandits in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one bandits while others fled. Troops recovered one Barreta pistol, one AK47 rifle and one AK47 magazine.

Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 3 terrorists, arrested 10 suspected terrorists and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one locally made pistol, 2 magazines, one damaged AK47 magazine, one mobile phone and one AK47 rifle clearing rod 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 raided a suspected criminals hideouts in Isoko South LGA of Delta State. Troops also responded to criminals activities in Akpabuyo and Obanliku LGAs Cross River.

Details as follows: Troops Destroyed Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 357,350 litres of stolen crude oil, 187,300 litres of illegally refined AGO and 20,600 litres of PMS. Troops also apprehended 54 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 6 dugout pits, 11 boats, 31 storage tanks, 10 receivers, 10 cooling systems, 3 motorcycles and 5 vehicles. Other items rec incl 54 cooking ovens, 13 reservoirs, 3 pump and 35 illegal refining sites.

Raid Operation. On 6 December 2023, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideou in Isoko South LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one AK47 rifle magazine loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one local Dane gun butt, 13 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, one rounds of 5.56mm ammo, one pair of cam uniform, one motorcycle and 5 mobile phones among other items.

On 12 December 2023, troops raided the hideout of a suspected leader of Akpafrikan militant group in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops neutralized the militant while attempting to escape and recovered an AK 47 Rifle with 6 rounds of 7. 62mm special ammo.
Joint Operation. On 8 December 2023, following a tip-off, troops responded to information on gathering of suspected Ambazonian rebels activities in Obanliku LGA of Cross River State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one combatant and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered one dane gun as well as one cartridge.
Kidnap Incidents. On 9 December 2023, troops responded to information on diversion of a Cameroonian Market Boat into Nigeria border by suspected sea pirates/kidnappers in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. Troops rescued one kidnapped hostage and recovered the boat.

Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 57350 litres of stolen crude oil, 185,500 litres of illegally refined AGO and 20,800 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 15 dugout pits, 25 boats, 74 storage tanks, 10 receivers, 10 cooling systems, 5 motorcycles and 14 vehicles. Other items rec incl 54 cooking ovens, 13 reservoirs and 35 illegal refining sites.

Troops also apprehended 12 suspected oil thefts and other criminals elements as well as neutralized one criminal, troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one dane gun, one cartridge,14 assorted ammunition, one magazine and 5 mobile phones amongst other.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted fighting patrols in Ivo and Umunneochi LGAs of Ebonyi and Abia States respectively. Troops conducted fighting patrol and as well foiled kidnap incident in Uturu and Izzi LGAs of Abia and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops also arrested suspected kidnappers in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.

Troops raided suspected criminals in Ihiala and Ikwo LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. As well as Edda LGA State of Ebonyi State. Additionally, Troops arrested suspected IPOB/ESN terrorist in Ideato North of Abia and as well Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State.

Details as follows:Arrests. On 5 December 2023, troops while on fighting patrol arrested a suspected criminal in Ivo LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops recovered one Pump action gun, a cartridge, one mobile phone and one motorcycle.

On 6 December 2023, following a tip-off, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. During the operation, troops arrested a suspect and recovered one Pump action gun and 3 live cartridges.

Kidnap incidents. On 12 December 2023, troops responded to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Uturu LGA of Abia State. Troops recovered one live round and 4 rounds of empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

Fighting Patrol. On 6 December 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol arrested a suspected gunrunner in Izzi LGA of Ebonyi State.

Arrest of Suspected Kidnapper. On 6 December 2023, troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. Troops recovered one Pump action gun and 3 live cartridges.

Raid Operations. On 11 December 2023, troops in separate operations raided suspected criminal hideouts in Ihiala and Ikwo LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 combatants and arrested 2 suspects. Troops recovered two Pump action rifle.

On 12 December 2023, troops raided a suspected IPOB/ESN Camp in Edda LGA of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 IPOB/ESN collaborators and recovered 2 motorcycles as well as one tricycle.

Arrest of Suspected Criminals. On 8 December 2023, troops responded to a distress call and arrested 2 suspected armed robbers in Ikwuano LGA of Abia State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects while others fled. Troops recovered one locally made pistol, one Dane gun, 3 cartridges, one box which contains tools and 2 knives amongst other items.

Arrest of Suspected IPOB/ESN Criminals. On 9 December 2023, troops responded to the regrouping of IPOB/ESN criminals in Ideato North LGA of Imo State. During the operation, troops arrested 9 suspects. Troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol, one cartridge, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of Fifteen Thousand Naira (₦15,000.00) only.

Arrest of Suspected Cultist. On 9 December 2023, troops responded to distress call on cultist activities in Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 cult members and rescued 2 victims.

Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 3 criminals, arrested 28 suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 pump action guns, locally made pistols, one dane gun, 35 cartridges, 3 mobile phone and one motorcycle amongst other items. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.