ABUJA (Sundiata Post) – Gives report on ongoing military operations by Armed Forces of Nigeria reports as at 11 January 2024.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; fighting patrol in Jere LGA, arrest of ISWAP/JAS terrorists sympathizers in Askira-Uba LGA, surrender of ISWAP/JAS terrorists combatants in Bama LGA and ambushed of BH/ISWAP terrorists in Konduga and Dikwa LGAs, all Borno State.
2. Additionally, Troops conducted offensive operations and arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists member in Bama, Gwoza, Gamboru-Ngala and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.
3. Details as follows:a. Surrender of ISWAP/JAS Terrorist.
(1) On 4 January 2024, one ISWAP/JAS terrorist fighter surrendered to troops in Bama LGA of Borno State. During investigation, the terrorist identified as Abubakar Mohammed claimed to have surrendered due to troops onslaught. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one AK47 rifle magazine, 5 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo (Keystone variant) and one mobile phone.
(2) Between 3 and 9 January 2024, a total of 111 BH/ISWAP terrorists combatants and their families comprising 4 adult males, 38 adult females and 69 children surrendered to troops within the theatre operations.
b. Fighting Patrol. On 8 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrol made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Jere LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and arrested one suspected terrorist’ informant. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine, 2 motorcycles and one Baofeng HH radio.
c. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Collaborators. On 3 and 6 January 2024, troops in a separate operations arrested 3 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Damaturu and Ngala LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectively. They are providing useful intelligence on terrorist activities.
d. Discovery and Detonation of IEDs. On 3 January 2024, troops in separate operations discovered and detonated IEDs in Nganzai and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. Troops further scanned the general area and recovered 300 m long cable used by terrorists for the IED.
e. Arrest of ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Sympathizers. On 3 January 2024, troops on patrol arrested 2 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist sympathizers in Askira- Uba LGA of Borno State.
f. Ambush on ISWAP/JAS Terrorists.
(1) On 4 and 5 January 2024, troop with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted night ambush on ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists, 10 AK 47 Rifles ,150 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 bicycles and tubes.
(2) On 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces while in patrol ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists in Dikwa LGA of Borno State. Sighting troops, the terrorists fled. Troop exploited the general area and recovered one magazine, 7 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one motorcycle.
g. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Member. On 5 January 2024, following a tip off, troops raided a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists member residence in Damboa LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect.
h. Offensive Operations. On 8 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Bama, Gwoza and Gamboru-Ngala LGAs of Borno State. Troops made contact with ISWAP/ JAS terrorists. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 6 terrorists and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, one motorcycle and one bicycle.
4. Air component. The Air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction on terrorists logistics base on 5 January 2023 in Sambisa general area. The location was observed and attacked with bomb and rockets following a confirmatory ISR. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed.
5. Similarly, on 6 January 2024, following intense ISR on terrorists settlement at outskirts of the Tumbuns in the Lake Chad region. The air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction and attacked the location with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and logistics destroyed in the air strike.
SUMMARY
6. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 4 and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 13 AK47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, one locally fabricated pistol, 4 magazine, 5 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammo,157 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, mobile phone and one baofeng radio.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
7. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review. They arrested suspected violent extremist/insurgent in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State as well as Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. Troops foiled a kidnap Incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. Troops also arrested suspected violent extremist/kidnappers informant in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.
8. Additionally, troops conducted fighting patrols in Wase LGA of Plateau State. Troops arrested a notorious kidnapper in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State.
9. Details are as follows:
a. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremist.
(1) On 2 January 2024, following reports, troops arrested a notorious violent extremist in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. The arrest was in connection with the kidnap of Pari Youths Leader and his wife at Kigas and the killing of a Fulani JTF member. Troops recovered one locally fabricated rifle and a pistol.
(2) Between 4 and 7 January 2024, based on report, troops in separate operations arrested 4 suspected violent extremists in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. During investigation the suspects were found to be connected with several terrorists incidents.
b. Assault. Between 3 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations responded to distress calls in Bokkos, Jos South and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspected violent extremists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages.
c. Foiled Kidnap Incidents.
(1) On 3 and 7 January 2024, troops in separate operations responded to kidnapping incidents in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.
(2) On 7 and 8 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to information about kidnapping incidents in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 10 kidnapped hostages while efforts is ongoing to rescue others.
d. Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers’ Informants. On 3 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces while on patrol arrested an informant for the violent extremists operating in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. He is providing intelligence that would support troops operations.
e. Foiled Armed Robbery Incidents. Between 3 and 9 January 2024, separate operations foiled armed robbery Incidents in Riyom and Sanga LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops rescued 3 victims.
f. Fighting Patrols. On 3 and 5 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols to Wase LGA of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 violent extremists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
g. Arrest of Notorious Kidnaper. On 5 January 2024, troops arrested one notorious violent extremist/kidnapper in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Suspect has been on wanted list of security agencies.
h. Foiled Attack on Civilians. On 6 January 2024, troops on patrol responded to a distress call on attack by violent extremists on civilians in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects as well as recovered 3 locally fabricated guns and 2 mobile phones.
SUMMARY
10. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 21 violent extremists and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one locally fabricated rifle, one pistol and one mobile phone.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
11. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE foiled kidnapping incident in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Troops also conducted fighting patrol to Logo LGA in Benue State.
12. Details are as follows:
a. Foiled Kidnap Incident. On 7 January 2024, troops responded responded to information about a kidnapping activities in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Troops rescued 2 injured kidnapped hostages in the course of the operation.
b. Fighting Patrol. On 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to violent extremists activities in Logo LGA of Benue State. Troops made no contact with violent extremists. Troops exploited the general area and rescued 2 injured victims and recovered 4 corpses.
SUMMARY
13. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST).
14. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review. They conducted fighting patrol to Batsari, Jibia, Safana, Kankara, and Matazu LGAs in Katsina State. Fighting patrols were also conducted to Shangaan and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States respectively. Troops also responded to terrorist activities in Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto State as well as Maradun, Jibia and Danmusa LGAs in both Zamfara and Katsina States.
15. Additionally, troops raided violent extremists hideout in Kumbotso LGA of Kano State. Troops foiled Kidnap Incidents and arrested suspected violent extremists collaborators in Kankara and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State as well as Kabau LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also arrested suspected violent extremists in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State.
16. Details are as follows;
a. Fighting Patrol.
(1) On 3 January 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with terrorist in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorist and recovered 15 AK47 rifles, 157 rounds of 7. 62mm special ammo, 7 dane guns, 3 locally fabricated guns, 2 locally fabricated swords, one GTA radio, a pair of woodland camouflage, 2 bandolier, 4 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
(1) On 4 and 7 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to terrorist hideouts in Batsari, Jibia Safana, Kankara and Matazu LGAs of Katsina State. During the operations, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and recovered 2 locally made guns, 5 motorcycles and one mobile phone as well destroyed their makeshifts houses.
(2) On 8 January 2024, following reports, troops with hybrid forces while conducting fighting patrols made contact with terrorist in Shanga and Gwadabawa LGAs of Kebbi and Sokoto States as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorist including a notorious terrorist commander known as Bello Asara. Troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, 150 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one radio, one mobile phone, one camouflage t-shirt and one MOPOL uniform.
b. Terrorist Activities.
(1) On 2 January 2024, troops responded to information on terrorist activities in Gwadabawa LGA of Sokoto State. Troops made contact the terrorist. Following a fire fight,troops neutralized eight terrorist one and recovered eight AK47 rifles, 120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one magazine.
(2) Between 5 and 8 January 2024, troops responded to information on attack by terrorist in Shinkafi, Maradun, Jibia and Danmusa LGAs in both Zamfara and Katsina States as well as Isa LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation troops recovered one AK47 rifle, 2 magazines, 24 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 3 motorcycles.
c. Raid Operations. On 30 December 2023, following a tip off, troops raided a suspected terrorist hideout in Kumbotso LGA of Kano State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected terrorist. Preliminary investigation revealed him to be an arms dealer that supplies arms and ammo to the terrorist. He also participated in the recent killings of civilians in Plateau State. Suspect is providing crucial intelligence that would assist troops operations.
d. Search and Rescue Operations. On 3 and 5 January 2024, troop with hybrid forces conducted search and rescue operations in Maru and Shinkafi LGAs of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops rescued 14 kidnapped hostages and reunite them with families.
e. Arrest of Terrorist Logistician. On 6 January 2024, following a tip off, troops while on stop and search intercepted a vehicle in Wurno LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected terrorist collaborators.
f. Kidnap Incident. On 6 January 2024, troops responded to information about kidnapping incident in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Troops made contact with violent extremist/insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized five terrorist, recovered 5 Ak 47 rifles with 88 rounds of 7. 62 mm special ammo and 16 rescued hostages.
g. Arrest of Suspect Terrorist. On 7 and 8 January 2024, based on report, troops with hybrid forces in separate covert operations arrested 2 suspected terrorist in Kabau and Danmusa LGAs of Kaduna and Katsina States respectively.
h. Offensive Operation. On 9 January 2024, troops conducted offensive operations to terrorist hideouts in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. Troops made no contact with insurgents. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 5 dane guns, bow and arrow, cutlass, one chain and one baofeng charger. Troops as well as destroyed their camps.
i. Arrest of Suspected Kidnapers. On 7 January 2024, following a tip off, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on kidnappers activities in Makarfi LGA of Kaduna State. On arrival, troops arrested 3 persons, that confessed to have buried some weapons in a farmland about 3 km ahead the location. Troops moved to the location and recovered one locally made pistol, 26 cartridge and 3 mobile phones.
17. Air component. On 6 January 2024, Following reports, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on notorious terrorist Kingpin Ado Aliero’s enclave in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities led by terrorists leader identified as Isuhu Dogo, an associate and sibling of notorious Ado Aliero. After a confirmatory ISR, the location was acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
18. Additionally, on the same day, following a confirmatory ISR, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction at terrorists kingpin Hamisu Mopol’s enclave in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. The location was acquired and attacked with rockets. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists neutralized and structures destroyed.
SUMMARY
19. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 10 and rescued 40 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 34 AK47 rifles, 5 locally made guns, one locally made pistol, dane guns, 2 bandoliers, 449 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 26 live cartridges, 2 locally fabricated swords, 3 magazine, 8 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and 2 GTA radio.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
20. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted fighting in Chikun, Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State as well as Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. Troops rescued kidnapped hostages in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops also raided suspected extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively.
21. Details are as follows;
a. Fighting Patrol.
(1) On 1 January 2024, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with terrorist in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorist and recovered eleven AK47 rifle, 11 AK47 magazines, 172 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 9 motorcycles.
(2) On 5 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Bwari Area Council of FCT and Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected extremists’ informants and recovered one mobile phone.
(3) On 6 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrols to Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Rijau LGA of Niger State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremistssympathizers.
b. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 30 December 2023, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces responded to kidnap incident in Ajaokuta LGA of Kogi State. Troops rescued 21 kidnapped hostages in the course of the operation.
c. Raid Operations. On 1 January 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Tafa LGA of Niger State respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 10 suspects including one violent extremists informant/collaborator and 2 kidnappers. The suspects are providing valuable intelligence which is supporting ongoing operation to make the FCT much safer.
SUMMARY
22. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 13 violent extremists, arrested 15 and rescued 23 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 11 AK47 rifle, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 magazines, 9 motorcycles and one mobile phone.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
22. 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 suspected extremist militant hideout in Obot Akara and Akuku-Toru LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Rivers States respectively. Troops also had meeting engagement with violent extremists in Okrika LGA of Rivers State.
23. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 1,013,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 299,269 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 30 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 37 dugout pits, 63 boats, 71 storage tanks and 14 vehicles. Other items recovered include 108 cooking ovens, 4 pump machines and 60 illegal refining sites.
b. Raid Operations.
(1) On 3 January 2024, troops raided a suspected violent extremists’ hideout in Obot Akara LGA of Akwa Ibom State. During the operation, troops arrested 5 suspects and recovered one HK G3 rifle, one magazine and one Shotgun cartridge.
(2) On 3 January 2024, following credible intelligence, troops raided a suspected violent extremists hideout in Ikom LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops recovered one English made pistol and one empty magazine as well as destroyed their hideout.
(3) On 4 January 2024, troops raided a suspected violent extremists hideout in Akuku – Toru LGA of Rivers State. During the operation, troops neutralized 2 violent extremists and recovered 89 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 pairs of woodland camouflage and 4 pairs of desert boots.
c. Meeting Engagement. On 3 January 2024, troops while on anti-illegal bunkering operation encountered violent extremists/militants in a speed boat in Okrika LGA of Rivers State. On sighting troops, the suspects fled abandoning their speed boat. Troops recovered one speed boat, 2 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 6 magazines, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 14 rounds 7.62mm NATO ammo.
d. Armed Robbery Incident. On 3 January 2024, troops responded to a distress call on armed robbery incident in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. Troops made no contact with violent extremists/robbers. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one cut to size locally fabricated double barrel gun and 2 cartridges.
SUMMARY
24. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,013,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 299,269 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,158 litres of DPK. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 28 dugout pits, 30 boats, 45 storage tanks and 5 vehicles. Other items recovered include 75 cooking ovens, one speedboat, 3 pump machines and 45 illegal refining sites.
25. Troops also neutralized 2 violent extremists, apprehended 30 suspected oil thefts and neutralized 2 violent extremists/insurgents. Troops recovered 15 assorted weapons, 234 assorted ammunitions, 8 motorcycles, 2 tricycles and 5 pairs of woodland camouflage.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
26. Troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Isu-Uzo and Edda LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Nnewi and Onicha LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops foiled Kidnap Incidents in Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State.
27. Additionally, Troops arrested suspected violent extremist/IPOB informant in Orsu LGA of Imo State. Troops also conducted fighting patrol in Orlu LGA of Imo State.
28. Details as follows:
a. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/insurgents. Between 5 and 9 January 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Isu-Uzo and Edda LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively. Troops recovered one pump action gun and one cartridge.
b. Raid Operations. On 4 and 8 January 2024, troops in a separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideouts in Nnewi South and Onicha LGAs of Anambra and Ebonyi States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/IPOB members.
e. Arrest of Suspected IPOB Member. On 5 January 2024, troops while conducting snap check intercepted one vehicle in Biase LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected violent extremist/IPOB member.
f. Kidnap Incidents. On 9 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on kidnap incident Uzo-Uwani LGA of Enugu State. Troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered one vehicle.
g. Arrests of Suspected IPOB/ESN Informant. On 7 January 2024, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected violent extremist/IPOB/ESN informant in Orsu LGA of Imo State. Preliminary investigation discovered that the suspect has been communicating with one notorious IPOB/ESN member identified as Ezegetive.
i. Fighting Patrol. On 8 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol to a notorious violent extremist/IPOB/ESN hideout in Orlu LGA of Imo State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/IPOB. Troops also recovered 2 auto pump action guns, 2 single barrel guns, 70 cartridge rounds, 5 motorcycles, FRSC uniform, NP accoutrements and several fake ID cards.
SUMMARY
29. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested 15 violent extremists/IPOB and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 auto pump action guns, one pump action gun, 2 single barrel guns, 71 live cartridges, 5 motorcycles, FRSC uniform and NP accoutrements.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)
30. Troops of Operation AWATSE conducted raid operations Kosofe and Yewa North LGAs of Lagos and Ogun States respectively. Troops also conducted fighting patrol in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State.
31. Details as follows:
a. Raid Operations.
(1) On 3 January 2024, troops raided suspected violent extremists hideout in Kosofe LGA of Lagos State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect is a member of EIYE Cult group terrorizing the LGA. Troops recovered one Beretta pistol, one 9mm ammo, one dagger and 3 mobile phones.
(2) On 5 January 2024, troops with Nigerias Police personnel raided violent extremists hideout in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspects.
b. Fighting patrol. Arrest of Suspected Criminal. On 6 January 2024, troop while on snap stop and search operations impounded a truck loaded with woods in Yewa North LGA of Ogun State. During the search, troops arrested one suspect and recovered 4 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis.
SUMMARY
32. Overall, troops of Operation AWATSE arrested 6 violent extremists and recovered one berretta pistol, ome round of 9mm ammo, 3 mobile phones one dagger and 4 bags of substance suspected to be cannabis. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
EDWARD BUBA
Major General
Director Defence Media Operations
