Troops denies oil theft over N2.5bn worth of crude, neutralised 254 terrorists – Military

The military said Thursday that troops’ operations have denied oil theft an estimated sum of Two Billion Six Hundred and Two Million Nine Hundred and Two Thousand and Eighty Hundred Naira (N2,602,902,800.00) worth of crude products this week and neutralized 254 terrorists.

Director of Defence Media Operations, DMO, Major General Edward Buba who disclosed this in a statement also said that not less than 264 terrorists were arrested during the operations.

He said that the ongoing counter terrorism and counter insurgency operations have prevented these evil elements from accomplishing their strategic objectives.

“Accordingly, the armed forces will continue to degrade their ability to carry out small scale attacks which are intended to create panic in localities across operational theatres this week the country.”

He said that during the week under review also troops arrested 104 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 73 kidnapped hostages.

Furthermore, troops recovered 378 assorted weapons and 4,705 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 131 AK47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, 2 G3 rifle, 3 SMGs, 69 locally fabricated guns, 57 pump action guns, 7 pistols, 14 locally fabricated pistols, 5 revolver rifles, 4 revolver pistols, 45 dane guns, 4 locally made single barrel, and 2 hand grenades, 7 RPG Launchers, one RPG bomb, one locally made double barrel gun, 17 dane gun double barrel and IEDs.

Others are: 2,444 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,712 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 80 rounds of 9mm ammo, 61 rounds of 5.45 x 39mm ammo, 6 rounds of 0.44 inch ammo, 415 live cartridges, 10 empty cases of cartridges, 11 magazines, 18 vehicles, 40 motorcycles, 74 mobile phones, 4 baofeng radios and the sum of N748,430.00 amongst other items.

Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 131 dugout pits, 70 boats, 125 storage tanks, 12 motorcycles, 2 tricycles and 12 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 43 cooking ovens, 12 pump machines, 6 speedboats, one outboard engine and 67 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 3,282,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,050 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,925 litres of DPK.

The Director said the military will continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges in order to achieve the top priorities of securing the country and protect citizens from harm caused by these evil elements across the country.

He said that in the spirit of valentine citizens are encourage to demonstrate love for country in the face of challenge circumstances being faced.

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 16 FEBRUARY 2024

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; surrendered of ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters, arrest of suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists and arrest of suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists informants/collaborators and conducted ambush operation in Bama, Damboa, Konduga, Gwoza, Biu and Monguno LGAs of Borno State.
2. Additionally, troops conducted raid operations, fighting patrols, recovered weapons and had meeting engagement with ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Monguno, Bama and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State, Yunusari and Gombi LGAs of Yobe and Adamawa States respectively.
3. Details as follows:

a. Surrendered ISWAP/JAS Terrorists fighters. Between 27 and 8 February 2024, 81 ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their family members comprising 28 adult males, 78 adult female and 147 children surrendered to troops in Bama and Damboa LGAs of Borno State. Following the surrendering, troops recovered 24 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, 2 fabricated guns, 320 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 94 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 hand grenades, one RPG tube, cutlasses, one locally fabricated knife and assorted charms.
b. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists. On 8 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces arrested 3 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists in Biu LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one fabricated rifle, 2 magazines and one mobile phone.
c. Arrest of Suspected ISWA/JAS Terrorists Informants. On 9 February 2024, following reports ,troops in conjunction with hybrid forces arrested 2 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists informants in Monguno LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were informants for one Adam Kare ISWAP/JAS terrorists in the same LGA.
d. Ambush on ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. On 8 and 9 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Gwoza and Konduga LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 19 terrorists and recovered 14 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated rifles, 256 rounds of 7.62mm special, 59 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 mobile phones, 5 motorcycles and cutlasses amongst others.
e. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorist Collaborators. Between 9 and 13 February 2024, in separate operations, troops arrested 5 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists collaborators in Monguno and Kaga LGAs of Borno State as well as Damaturu LGA of Yobe State respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 4 mobile phones, 2 vehicles and the sum of N60,405.00 amongst others.
f. Arrest of Suspected ISWAP/JAS Terrorists. On 9 February 2024, troops while on patrol arrested one suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighter in Damboa LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops recovered one mobile phone and the N76,570.00 as well as 38,500 CFA.
g. Raid Operation. On 9 and 11 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted raid on terrorists and drug peddlers’ hideouts in Monguno and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 17 terrorists and arrested 3 suspected drug peddlers. During the operations, troops recovered 3 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 84 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 20 live cartridges.
h. Fighting Patrol. On 11 February 2024, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists in Dikwa LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists and recovered 15 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, 145 rounds of 7.62mm special, 70 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo.
i.​ Meeting Engagement. On 12 February 2024, following INTREP, troops intercepted BH/ISWAP terrorists planned to infiltrate towns in Yunusari LGA of Yobe State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 211 rounds of 7.62mm special, one RPG 7 launcher, one RPG bomb and one vehicle.
j.​ Recovery of Weapon. On 10 February 2024, following a tip off, troops with hybrid forces conducted cordon and search operation in Gombi LGA of Adamawa State. During the operation, troops recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 SMGs and 2 locally fabricated pistols.

SUMMARY

4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 63 terrorists and
   arrested 13 BH/ISWAP terrorists. Troops recovered 47 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one FN rifle, 3 SMGs, 10 fabricated guns, 2 dane guns, 2 hand grenades, 2 locally made pistols, 7 RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, one RPG tube, 1050 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 magazines, 3 vehicles, 5 motorcycles, 9 mobile phones and the sum of N136,975.00 and 38,500 CFA among others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

5. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrest of violent extremists/kidnappers/illegal miners, responded to kidnapping incident, arrested violent extremists/armed robbers and armed robbers in Barkin Ladi, Mangu, Riyom, Jos East and South LGAs of Plateau States.
6. Additionally, troops foiled herders/Illegal Miners clash, arrest of violent extremists/notorious gunrunner and discovery of rifle fabrication factory in Jos South and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
7. Details are as follows:

Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Kidnapper/ Illegal Miners.
(1) On 4 February 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 6 violent extremists/gunrunners and kidnappers in Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State. Two among the arrested we’re involved in gun running activities. During the operations, troops recovered 12 fabricated rifles and 55 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
(2) On 7 and 8 February 2024, following reports, troops in separate operations arrested 8 suspected violent extremists/armed robbers and illegal miners in Jos East and South of Plateau State. During the operations, troops recovered 3 fabricated AK47 rifle and one motorcycle.
b. Kidnapping Activities. On 8 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to kidnapping incidents in Riyom and Jos South LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 fabricated pistols loaded with 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Armed Robbers. On 7 February 2024, troops while acting on credible information arrested 6 violent extremists/armed robbery syndicate in Jos East and Sanga LGA of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. Troops recovered 3 fabricated AK47 rifles, 31 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and one motorcycle among other items.
d. Herders/Illegal Miners Clash. On 8 February 2024, troop responded to distress call on clash between herders and illegal miners at a mining site in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 6 suspects.
e. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Vandals. Between 10 and 12 February 2024, troops in separate operations intercepted and arrested 25 suspected violent extremists/insurgents and railway vandals in Riyom, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State as well as Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State respectively. Troops recovered one locally made revolver rifle, one truck vehicle, rail sleepers, 12 mobile phones, 2 cutlasses, 15 cutting discs, 67 pieces of zinc sheets and the sum of N624,930.00 only.
f. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Notorious Gunrunner. On 13 February 2024, following a tip-off, troops with DSS operatives arrested a notorious gunrunner in Jos South LGA of Plateau State. Arrested person is known to supply weapons and ammo to violent extremists. During the operation, troops recovered 2 fabricated revolver rifles, 2 dane guns, one FN rifle, one cross-bow pistol, 30 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 8 rounds of 9mm ammo, 17 cartridges, one tazer, 2 bullet-proof vests, one tear-gas canister, 2 mags, one mil bulletproof helmet, one knife, 2 mil binoculars, one sword, tools for forging ID card, one vehicle and assorted charms.
g. Discovery of Rifle Fabrication Factory. On 13 February 2024. Troops while on fighting patrol discovered a locally made rifles factory and arrested one suspect in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops
recovered 5 fabricated AK47 rifles, 3 AK47 magazines, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo, 21 dane guns, 4 revolver rifles, 9 local pistols with 3 magazines, 17 dane gun barrels and 6 rounds of 0.44 inch ammo. Others are, one gas cylinder, 3 saws, 12 filling machines, 4 hammers, 5 drilling machines, 2 electric filling machines, 2 G-Clamps, one spraying machine, one tiger generator and assorted drilling irons.

SUMMARY

8. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 47 violent extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostage. Troops also recovered one FN rifle, 61 locally fabricated rifles, 9 fabricated pistols, 40 dane guns, 6 locally made revolver rifles, 10 rounds
   of 7.62mm special ammo, 116 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 18 rounds of 9mm ammo, 17 live cartridges, 8 magazines, one motorcycle, 15 mobile phones and the sum
   of N642,930.00 amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

9. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting patrols, arrested violent extremists/kidnappers, foiled armed herders attack on civilians, and arrest suspected violent extremists/drug peddlers and kidnappers in Toto, Karu and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs of Nasarawa State, Ukum and Bali LGAs Benue and Taraba States respectively.
10. Details are as follows:

a. Fighting Patrol. On 8 and 9 February 2024, troops separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with violent extremist/insurgents in Toto LGA of Nasarawa State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 18 insurgents and recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated guns, 11 dane guns, 234 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle, jack knives and cutlasses amongst others.
b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/kidnapper
(1) On 5 and 6 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted covert operations in Karu and Nasarawa Eggon LGAs of Nasarawa State. During the operations, troops arrested 12 violent extremists/insurgents including 4 suspected arms and ammo dealers. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated guns, 626 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle and cutlasses amongst others.
(2) On 8 and 9 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted covert operations in Lafia and Karu LGAs of Nasarawa State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspected violent extremists/insurgents including one notorious kidnap kingpin identified as Yusuf Abubakar (aka Alhaji Kura). Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm special and 2 mobile phones.
c. ​ Armed Herders Attack on Civilians. On 10 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information on influx of violent extremists/armed herders and made contact in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 17 insurgents and recovered 14 AK47 rifles and 61 rounds of 5.45 x 39mm ammo.
d. Arrest of Suspected Drug Peddlers. On 13 February 2024, troops conducted a joint raid with NDLEA personnel on drug peddlers hideout in Karu LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops arrested 6 drug peddlers.
e. Arrest of Violent Extremists/Kidnappers. On 9 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations intercepted and arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Bali and Karu LGAs of Taraba and Nasarawa States respectively. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects belong to a kidnap group that terrorize the same LGA.

SUMMARY

11. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 35 insurgents, arrested 25 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 34 AK47 rifle, 6 locally fabricated guns, 11 dane guns, 883 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 61 rounds of 5.45 x 39mm ammo, one vehicles, 2 motorcycle, 2 mobile phones and cutlasses amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

12. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; conducted search and rescue operations, fighting patrols, rescued kidnapped hostages, arrested suspected violent extremists and foiled insurgents activities in Danmusa, Batsari,Faskari, Jibia and Dandume LGAs in Katsina State. Similar operations were conducted in Gwadabawa, Sabo-Birnin, Goronyo and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State. Same operations were conducted in Zurmi and Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State.
13. Additionally, troops arrested violent extremists/insurgents as well as their collaborators. Troops also conducted offensive operations in Chikun and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State. Other offensive operations were conducted in Batsari LGA of Katsina State as well as Gwadabawa, Illela and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State.
14. Details are as follows;

a. Search and Rescue Operations. On 5 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted search and rescue operations and made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 insurgents and rescued 22 kidnapped hostages. Troops also, recovered 13 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, one pump action gun,
one dane gun, 146 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 34 rounds of 9mm ammo, 54 cartridges, 4 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and one baofeng radio amongst others.
(b) Fighting Patrols.
(1) On 7 February 2024, troop in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with insurgents in Danmusa and Dandume LGAs of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 insurgents and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. During the operation, troops
recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated rifles, 2 revolver pistols, 256 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 87 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 rounds 9mm ammo, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones.
(2) On 7 February 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, then Kontagora and Shiroro LGAs of Niger State respectively. During the operation, troops made contact with insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 insurgents,
arrested 6 suspected violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops also, recovered 12 AK47 rifles, one fabricated rifle, 134 rounds
of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones.
(3) On 8 February 2024, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Gwadabawa and Illela LGAs of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 17 insurgents
and recovered 15 fabricated rifles, 2 dane guns, 223 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 45 cartridges and 2 motorcycles.
(4) On 11 February 2024, troop while conducting fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 insurgents and recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 2 fabricated guns, one fabricated pistol, 267 rounds
of 7.62mm NATO, 123 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and cutlasses amongst others.
c. Rescue of Kidnapped Hostages. On 7 February 2024, troops while on night patrol rescued one kidnapped hostage in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. The victim identified as Mr Nazip Aminu was a student of Federal University Dutsinma Katsina. Preliminary investigation revealed that victim was earlier kidnapped by violent extremists/insurgents on 4 February 2024.
d. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Insurgs’ Collaborator. On 8 February 2024, following a tip off, troops arrested one violent extremists/insurgs collaborator in Dandume LGA of Katsina State.
e. Violent Extremists/Insurgs Activities. Between 8 and 12 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to violent extremists/insurgents activities in Batsari, Faskari, Jibia and Danmusa LGAs of Katsina State. Then, Goronyo and Sabo-Birnin LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Zurmi and Tsafe LGAs of Zamfara State. Also, Kalgo and Kachia LGAs of Kebbi and Kaduna States respectively. During the operations, troops neutralized 35 insurgents, arrested 13 and rescued 21 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 30 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated guns, one fabricated pistol, 2 dane guns, 443 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 76 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4
motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, cutlasses and assorted charms amongst others.
f. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremist/Insurgents. On 8 and 11 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on violent extremists activities and arrested 2 suspects in Kajuru and Maradun LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara States respectively.
g. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents Collaborators.
On 9 and 11 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded to information on suspected violent extremists’ collaborators in Chikun and Zaria LGAs of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 violent extremists/insurgents informants and other collaborators.
h. Ambush on Violent Extremists/Insurgents. On 9 February 2024, troops ambushed violent extremists/insurgents and made contact in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 22 insurgents and recovered 20 AK47 rifles, 3 fabricated guns, 119 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 89 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 2 baofeng radios.
i. Offensive Operation. On 9 February 2024, troops conducted offensive operations in Gwadabawa, Illela and Tangaza LGAs of Sokoto State. During the operations, troops rescued 13 kidnapped hostages and recovered 3 dane guns, 12 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles.

SUMMARY

15. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 128 insurgents, arrested 27 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 65 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 124 AK47 rifles, 30 locally fabricated guns, 6 pump action guns, 2 fabricated revolver pistols, 3 fabricated pistols, 6 dane guns, 3 pump action gun, 1233 rounds
    of 7.62mm special, 986 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 54 rounds of 9mm ammo, 99 live cartridges, 3 baofeng radios, 19 motorcycles and 19 mobile phones amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

16. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents, kidnappers informant and illegal miners in AMAC, Bwari and Kwali Area Councils of FCT Abuja. Then, Kajuru and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State.
17. Details are as follows;

a. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents
(1) On 5 and 7 February 2024, following a tip-off, troops arrested 4 violent extremists/kidnappers in Jere LGA of Kaduna State and AMAC of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops recovered 2 locally made pistols, one vehicle, 2 mobile phones, 3 jack knife and the sum of ₦47,500.00 amongst others.
(2) On 8 and 9 February 2024, troops in separate operations responded report on activities of violent extremists/insurgents in Kajuru and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops arrested 6 suspected violent extremists/informants and collaborators. Preliminary investigation revealed that 2 among the suspects were girl friends to notorious terrorist identified as Ismail.
b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Kidnapper Informants. On 11 and 13 February 2024, troops following a tip off arrested 2 suspected violent extremist/kidnapper informant in AMAC and Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja. Suspect identified as Abdulganiyu Shuaibu was alleged to be an informant for kidnappers.
c. Arrest of Suspected Illegal Miners. On 11 February 2024, troops raided a suspected violent extremists/illegal mining site in Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 42 suspected illegal miners.

SUMMARY

18. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 14 insurgents and arrested 54 violent extremists/insurgents. Troops recovered 2 locally fabricated pistols, one vehicle, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N47,500.00 amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

19. 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/IPOB/ESN, bunkerers and car snatchers in Aniocha, Warri West and Oshimili LGAs of Delta State as well as Etche LGA of Rivers State.
20. Additionally, troops foiled mob action and conducted raid operations in Ukanafun and Bakassi LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Cross River States respectively.
21. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 3,282,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,050 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,925 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 68 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 131 dugout pits, 70 boats and 125 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 43 cooking ovens, 12 vehicles, 2 tricycles, 4 motorcycles, 12 pump machines, 6 speedboats, one outboard engine and 66 illegal refining sites.
b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/IPOB/ESN
(1) On 5 February 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information about a gun battle between suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN criminals with the compol monitoring team Asaba in Aniocha North LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops arrested 25 violent extremists/IPOB/ESN criminals and recovered 12 pump action guns, 2 revolver pistols 6 dane guns, 94 live cartridges, 8 rounds of 9mm ammo, one vehicle, 14 mobile phones and cutlasses.
(2) On 5 and 7 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations raided a suspected violent extremists hideout and also intercepted an illegal bunkering boat in Warri South West and Oshimili LGAs of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested 5 violent extremists/bunkerers. Troops also recovered 2 single barrel locally made gun, 38 live cartridges, 10 empty cartridges as well as destroyed the boat.
c. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/IPOB/Armed Robbers and Car Snatchers. On 7 February 2024, troops in separate raid operations arrested 6 suspected violent extremists/IPOB members and armed robbers in Oshimili North LGA of Delta State. During the operations, troops recovered one single barrel locally made gun, 2 locally made pistols, 30 live cartridges, 2 empty cartridges, one dagger and 10 mobile phones amongst other items.
d.​ Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Insurgents. On 11 February 2024, troops with hybrid forces arrested one suspected violent extremist/pipeline vandal in Etche LGA of Rivers State.
e.​ Mob Action. On 12 February 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information on mob action in Ukanafun LGA of Akwa Ibom State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers extracted from angry mob before execution.
f. Raid Operation. On 12 February 2024, troops raided a suspected kidnappers/sea pirates’ hideout in Bakassi LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops recovered one W19 fibre boat mounted with one 40 HP engine.

SUMMARY

22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 3,282,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,050 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,925 litres of DPK. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 131 dugout pits, 70 boats and 125 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 43 cooking ovens, 6 speedboats, one outboard engine, 12 vehicles, 2 tricycles, 12 motorcycles, 12 pump machines and 18 illegal refining sites.
23. Troops apprehended 104 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists/insurgents. Troops also recovered 29 weapons and 202 ammunitions amongst other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

24. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; responded to kidnaping incident, conducted fighting patrol, discovered locally made IED, arrested suspected violent extremists/robbers and recovered arms and ammo in Enugu South and Orsu LGAs of Enugu and Imo States as well as Umunneochi and Osisioma LGAs of Abia State. Accordingly, Owerri and Ohaji/Egbema LGAs of Imo State.
25. Details as follows:

a.​ Kidnap Incident. On 8 February 2024, troops while on patrol responded to a distress call on kidnap incident and made contact with violent extremists in Enugu South LGA of Enugu State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 insurgents and recovered 13 AK47 rifles loaded with 134 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 dane guns and 2 mobile phones.
b. Fighting Patrol. 11 February 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted fighting patrol and made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Orsu LGA of Imo State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 insurgents and arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN. Troops also recovered 12 pump action guns, one dane gun, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, Biafran currency and IEDs amongst others.
c.​ Discovery of a Locally Made IED. On 8 February 2024, troops while on patrol discovered and detonated a locally made IED (alias OGBUNIGWE) in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State.
d. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Armed Robber. On 8 and 12 February 2024, troops while on patrol responded to a distress call and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists/armed robbers in Osisioma and Owerri LGAs of Abia and Imo States respectively. During the operation, troops recovered one locally fabricated pistol, 5 live cartridge and one mobile phone.
e. Recovery of Arms/Ammo. On 12 February 24, following a tip off, troops while on patrol recovered arms and ammo in Ohaji/Egbema LGA of Imo State. During the operation, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle, one locally made double barrel gun, 35 magazines, 27 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

SUMMARY

26. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 28 insurgents, arrested 2 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 16 AK47 rifles, one G3 rifle 12 pump action guns, 2 pistols, one fabricated pistol, 3 dane guns, one locally made double barrel gun, 66 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 137 live cartridges, 35 magazines, one boafeng radio, IEDs one vehicle and 2 mobile phones amongst other items. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)

27. Troops of Operation AWATSE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted cordon and search operation, arrest suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists and rescued kidnapped hostages in Badagry and Ikorodu LGAs of Lagos State.
28. Details as follows:

a. Cordon and Search Operation. On 10 February 2024, troops conducted a joint conduct and search operation with personnel of the NDLEA in Badagry LGA of Lagos State. During the operation, troops arrested 6 suspected drug peddlers.
b. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists. On 7 February 2024, troops with DSS operatives raided a suspected terrorists hideout in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists.
c. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 7 February 2024, troops while on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incident in Ikorodu LGA of Lagos State. During the operation, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 corpses.

SUMMARY

29. Overall, troops of Operation AWATSE arrested 9 violent extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostage. 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