The Nigerian Military has disclosed that restoring normalcy and putting an end to the insecurity bedeviling the Nation remain its greater priority.
The Director of Defence Media Operation, Major General Edward Buba gave the hint during the Press Briefing while giving accounts on the ongoing military operations and other various Joint Task Force operational activities across the Nation by the Armed Forces.

He stressed that the personnel of the Nigerian Military have answered the clarion call to duty to combat the perpetuators of insecurity to submission.
“We are in a good fight, and must flush them out from amongst us” he said.
On the Military Operations, he said during the week to 3rd August, 2023 the Military recorded huge breakthroughs in the fight against insecurity as it was able to neutralize 36 terrorists, achieve the arrest of 137 gunmen, 3 gunrunners, 2 kidnappers, 6 collaborators, 15 Perpetuators of oil theft, recovered the sum of N3,177,650 and also able to effect the rescue of 140 persons kidnapped.
He said during the operations across the country, the troops were able to achieve the recovery of a total number of 37 weapons and 370 ammunition. The breakdown is as follows: 16 AK 47 rifles, 6 pump action guns, 6 dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, 2 locally made pistol, 199 rounds of 7.62mm special, 6 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 9 AK47 magazines and 2 G3 magazines, 8 vehicles, 45 motorcycles, 32 mobile phones, 925 machetes, 151 machete sharpeners. Others include: 61 dugout pits, 32 wooden boats, 87 storage tanks, one speedboat, 32 cooking ovens, 3 outboard engine, one generator, 2 pumping machines, 36 illegal refining sites, 310,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 14,675 litres Automotive Gas Oil, 49,000 Dual Purpose Kerosene and 5 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) popularly called Petrol.

On the Joint Task Force operational activities, he stated that Troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted offensive operations in Konduga and Bama LGA of Borno State. According to him, a sting operation was also carried out within Maiduguri metropolis while air interdiction was conducted in Gwoza Local Government Area of the State.
The operations he saod resulted in neutralized terrorist, rescued hostages and the arrest of terrorist collaborators. Others include, recovery of weapons and arrest of a notorious gang member.
Full details of the Joint Task Force operational activities are as stated below;
a. Troops Neutralized Terrorists and Recovered Arms.
(1) On 27 July 23, troops ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Province terrorists at Shetimari in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State. As a result, 2 terrorists were neutralized, while one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 rifle magazine, 6 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one mobile phone were recovered.

(2) On 30 Jul 23, troops in conjunction with Hybrid Forces ambushed suspected BH/ISWAP terrorist at a check point at KUBTARA Village in DIKWA Local Government Area of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AK 47 rifle magazine and 5 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo

b. Rescued Hostages.   On 26 July 23, following intelligence report concerning terrorist activities at Hashime Village in Mafa Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops conducted a raid. Rescued 5 kidnapped hostages and recovered a motorcycle and among other sundry items. 
c.​    Arrest of Notorious Criminal Gang. On 25 July 23, troops conducted a sting operation on hideout of notorious criminal gang known as Malians. The gang were hibernating at Jiddari Polo, Gwange, Kaleri, Zannari and Gamboru areas of MMC of Borno State. Troops arrested 14 suspects, recovered one axe, 3 knives and 3 mobile phones. 

d. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorist Logistics Collaborator. On 27 July 23, following intelligence report on infiltration of notorious terrorist logistics collaborator into Maiduguri metropolis. Troops conducted a sting operation and made an arrest. The suspect admitted to be a courier that conveys arms, ammo, and other sundry logistic items to terrorists at their hideouts. The suspect confirmed   links with foreign arms network.

e. Surrendered of BH/ISWAP terrorist fighter. On 30 July 23, one ISWAP fighter identified as YAHAYA UMARU surrendered to troops with one AK 47 rifle and 2 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Accordingly, between 26 July and 1 August 2023, a total of 313 terrorists comprising 12 male adult, 138 female adult and 162 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operation.

4. Air Interdiction. Air component of Operation HADIN KAI acquired target of terrorists gathering at a hideout in Wulade. The target was attacked with bombs and rockets, degrading the terrorist.

SUMMARY

5. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 2 AK47 rifles, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special, one motorcycle, 4 mobile phones, 5 litres of PMS, one axe and one knife. Troops also neutralized 9 terrorists and arrested 19. Troops arrested 6 terrorist collaborator/courier and rescued 12 hostages.  

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted fighting patrols and raids on criminal hideouts in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau and Katsina-Ala LGA in Benue States. Same was carried out in Jema’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna States. In the course of the operation, troops arrested criminal suspects including a kidnapper and recovered arms and ammunition. 
7. Details are as follows: 
   a. Fighting Patrol. On 25 Jul 23, troops fighting patrol to Washina, Kombili and Changal general areas in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State made contact with suspected herder militias. The herder militia were assaulting Kombili village but fled on sighting troops, abandoning a motorcycle.  Troops cordoned and searched the general area and recovered one locally made gun. 

b. Raid Operation.   On 26 Jul 23, troops raided Rugan Basiru Village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State and arrested 10 suspects. Troops also recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, 3 Dane guns, 15 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and a pair of military uniform belonging to a dismissed soldier identified as Bashir Abass. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the recovered AK 47 rifle belongs to the dismissed soldier who is at large with 2 terrorists members. 

c. Arrest of Wanted Kidnapper.   On 26 Jul, troops arrested a wanted kidnapper at Jagindi Village in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspect was involved in the kidnap of a woman that was released after the payment of a Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00) ransom. Suspect is in troops’ custody for further action.

d. Arrest of Suspected Criminals. Between 27 and 28 July 23, troops arrested 3 suspected criminals in Bokkos and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas of Plateau and Benue State respectively. Troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol, 8 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one cartridge, 3 mobile phones, Jack knife, Diver License, 4 ID cards, one torch light and 2 ATM cards.

SUMMARY 

8. In the course of operations, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, one locally fabricated pistol, one locally made gun, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special, one cartridge, 3 mobile phones, a pair of camouflage, jack knife. Also, troops arrested 10 suspects.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

9. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized terrorist and arrested some of their collaborators in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State. Troops did same in Takum and Wukari Local Government Areas of Taraba State. Troops equally rescued kidnapped hostages and recovered arm and ammunition.
10. Details are as follows:

a. Arrest of Suspected Terrorist Collaborator.   On 25 Jul 23, troops fighting patrol made contact with terrorists at Kasar Village in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State. During the encounter, troops arrested a suspected terrorist and recovered one pistol, 4 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo including assorted charms. Similarly, troops raided suspected terrorists’ hideout at Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State and arrested 2 suspected terrorist informants/collaborators.

b. Troops Neutralize Terrorist.   On 27 Jul 23, troops responded to distress call on the activities of notorious terrorist leader alias Full-Fire. Troops made contact with the wanted terrorist at Kyayor and Gindin Mangoro general areas in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.  Following the fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered 2 x G3 magazines, 40 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one woodland camouflage trouser, one vehicle, one motorcycle and a pair of black boots as well as destroy the terrorists’ camp. 

SUMMARY 

11. In the course operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered one pistol, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 G3 magazines, one vehicle, one motorcycle, one mobile phone and a pair of black boots. Additionally, troops neutralized one terrorist, arrested 13 suspects and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

12. The operational activities of troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI resulted in the rescue of kidnapped hostages as well as the arrest of some terrorists in Jibia, Matazu and Funtua Local Government Areas all in Katsina State. Troops also, foiled attacks on farmer, conducted several air interdictions and recovered arms and ammunition in Maru and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
13. Details are as follows;

a. Rescue of Civilian Hostage.    On 25 July 23, troops responded to information on terrorists’ attack at Solar – Faru close to Malamawa Village in Jibia Local Government Area of Katsina State. Troops overpowered the fleeing terrorist and rescued 20 hostages being kidnapped.

b. Arrest of suspected terrorist.    On 26 July 23, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Police raided terrorists’ hideout at Kogon Village in Matazu Local Government Area of Katsina State. The operation resulted in the arrest of 4 suspected terrorists and the recovery a motorcycle and 80 livestock. In a separate development, and based on a tip off. Troops arrested a terrorist with gunshot wound along with 3 of his associates at Funtua General Hospital in Funtua Local Government Area of same state. 

c. Troops Foiled Attack on farmers.  On 26 July 23, troops responded to information of terrorists attack on farmers along Road Dansadau – Dandalla in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops made contact with the terrorists causing the terrorist to flee. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 4 AK 47 rifle magazines and 2 rounds of 7.62mm special abandoned by the terrorists.

14. Air Interdiction. On 25 July 2023, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI acquired and conducted air interdiction on Tuareg terrorist s’ camp in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State.  The target was engaged as one of several operations to degrade and disrupt terrorist activities in the area.

SUMMARY 

15. In the course operations, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 AK47 rifle magazines, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and 80 livestock. Troops also rescued 20 kidnapped hostages.

OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

16. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH carried out fighting patrols to Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. Accordingly, troops arrested a bandit collaborator/ logistician, rescued kidnapped hostages and recovered weapons and ammunition. 
17. Details as follows: 

a. Arrest of Suspected Bandit Collaborator/ Logistician. On 24 Jul 23, following intelligence, troops arrested one suspected terrorist’s collaborator and logistician at Tundun Wada Village in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The suspect is cooperating with security agencies to expose others.

b. Fighting Patrols.  On 27 Jul 23, troops conducted fighting patrol at Kajuru, Kujeni, Gidan Barde and Kuzo Hill in Kajuru and Chikun Local Government Areas of Kaduna State respectively. Troops invaded and destroyed a terrorist camp close to Gidan Barde and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 fabricated rifles, 16 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and 3 motorcycles. 

18. Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted acquired target on terrorist camp at Hanawanka. The camp is a Boko Haram Terrorist camp in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State.  The terrorists were neutralized with bombs and rockets.  The operation is one of several conducted by the air component.

SUMMARY

19. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 11 terrorists and recovered 2 fabricated rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 motorcycles and 80 livestock. Troops also arrested 16 terrorist, logistic suppliers or collaborators and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. 

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

20. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE sustained the momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites.
21. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites

(1) Troops discovered and destroyed 61 dugout pits, 32 wooden boats, 87 storage tanks, 3 vehicles, 126 cooking ovens, 3 outboard engine, one speedboat, 2 motorcycles, one generator, 2 pumping machines and 36 illegal refining sites.  Troops also recovered 310,700 litres of crude oil, 14,675 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 49,000 litres of Dual Purpose kerosine, one weapon, 3 ammunition and apprehended 22 suspects engaged in crude oil theft.

(2) On 24 Jul 23, troops during anti-illegal bunkering op intercepted and destroy one wooden boat loaded with 1000 litres of product suspected to be stolen crude oil at Wellhead Cluster Opukushi Community in Ekeremor Local Government Area of Bayelsa State. 

SUMMARY

22. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 61 dugout pits, 32 wooden boats, 87 storage tanks, one speedboat, 32 cooking ovens, 3 outboard engine, one generator, 2 pumping machines, 36 illegal refining sites. Troops also recovered 310,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 14,675 litres Automotive Gas Oil, 49,000 Dual Purpose Kerosine and 5 litres of Premium Motor Spirit and apprehended 15 perpetrators of oil theft.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

23. Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted raids on camps/hideouts of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at UMUNNEOCHI, Anambra West Local Government Area of Abia and at Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
24. Troops also arrested suspected gunrunners, rescued kidnapped hostage and recovered arms and ammunition at Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State. 
25. Details are as follows: 

a. Raid.   On 24 July 23, following kidnaping incident along Road NGODO – ISUOCHI in UMUNNEOCHI Local Government Area of Abia State. Troops conducted a raid and rescued 9 victims in the general area. The rescued victims have since reunited with their families, while the gun men are on the run.

b. Raid Operations. In a separate operation, on 24 July 23, troops raided suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network hideout at Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. During the firefight, troops neutralized one suspect while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle with 35 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one Dane gun, one locally made hand grenade, one pumping machine, one chainsaw, rain coats/boots, NP uniforms/boots, Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network uniforms and assorted drinks. Troops also destroyed 3 vehicles and 9 motorcycles.

26. Troops Arrest High Profile Gunrunner.

(1) On 27 Jul 23, troops arrested a high-profile gunrunner within Onitsha general area in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The arrest was based on credible intelligence that revealed him to be a major supplier of arms and ammo to an arms syndicate based in Benue and Taraba States.

(2) Same day and in a separate operation, troops at Abia – Imo States boundary check point in Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State arrested 2 suspected criminals and recovered one locally made pistol and a vehicle.  

(3) On 28 Jul 23, troops raided some shops at Onitsha Main Market in Onitsha North Local Government Area of Anambra State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspected gunrunner and recovered 6 Pump action guns, 925 machetes, 151 machete sharpeners, 1,080 sickles, one speaker and the sum of Two Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (N280,000.00) only.

SUMMARY

27. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 35 rounds of 7.62mm special, 6 pump action guns, one locally made pistol, one dane gun, one locally made hand grenade, 4 vehicles, 9 motorcycles, 925 machetes and 151 machetes sharpeners.
28. Others are: 1,080 sickles, Nigerian Police uniforms and boots, Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network uniform, one speaker, rain coats and boots and a chain saw.

29.  Troops also apprehended 3 gunrunners and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

CONCLUSION

30. Overall, troops will sustain the momentum in tackling the security challenges and shall continue to fight the perpetrators to submission. It is expected that well-meaning Nigerians would continue to support the military and in deed stand with the military to flush out the perpetrators of these dastardly acts from amongst us. Together will can flush them out.
31. In Nigeria of today, it is not enough “to see something and say something” as is popularly stated. There are more people than know things happening around them, than those who are waiting to see first before reporting. Consequently, “know something, say something and be assured the military will do something”. That’s how to flush them out from our midst.

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Nigerian Military Says Putting an End to Security Challenges and Restoring Normalcy Remain Its Priority