Major General Edward Buba
Major General Edward Buba

Why terrorists resort to abduction of large number of Nigerians in groups- DHQ

Posted by Editor 3 March 15, 2024

The Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba has shed light why terrorists in the past two weeks have resorted to abduction of large number of citizens in group in several locations .

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday on the ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the country, Buba said there are two obvious reasons for terrorists abduction of a large number people in recent times. One the military pressure on them and second forced recruitment drive.

According to the Director, the military “continue to degrade them each passing day” and “have seriously depleted their ranks to the extent that they are on a desperate recruitment drive, hence some of the witnesses abductions.”

“several of terrorists leaders and commanders have been neutralized as a result of troops onslaught. They want to use these hostages as human shield for their survival,” he said.

He recalled that in recent times troops have decimated several of the terrorist leaders, commanders and foot soldiers and are fast closing in on several others.

“These terrorist have exhibited cowardice by going for such soft targets to impede troops advances.” He assured that they will not rest until they are returned.

Major General Buba disclosed that during the week under review troops neutralized 213 terrorists and arrested 216 of them . Troops also arrested 67 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages. An estimated sum of N1,558, 665,080.00 only was denied oil theft.

While 189 assorted weapons and 4,003 assorted ammunition including 111 Ak47 rifles, G3 rifles , 31 locally fabricated guns ,5 pump action guns , automatic pump action guns, 26 Dane guns, 4 locally made double barrels , 2 fabricated pistols , RPG bomb and IEDs (OGBUNIGWE) were recovered.

Others are 2,766 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, ⁹82 rounds of 7.62mm NATO , 240 live cartridges,2 shotguns cartridges, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo 36 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 38 magazines, 3 G3 magazines ,8 vehicles,44 motorcycles, 19 mobile phones, 4 bicycles , rifle butt ,rifle stock and the sum of N628, 000.00 amongst other items.

Troops in the Niger Delta troops area discovered and destroyed 150 dugout pits, 30 boats, 73 storage tanks 209 drums and 15 vehicles, 105 cooking ovens, 3 pumping machines , 2 outboard engines and 45 illegal refining sites Troops also recovered 1,227,470 litres of stolen rude oil, 313,780 litres of illegally refined AGO and 13,000litres of PMS..

Details are as follows:

REPORT ON ONGOING MILITARY OPERATIONS BY THE ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA AS AT 14 MARCH 2024

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)

  1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators, intercepted surrendered ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters, foiled kidnap incidents and conducted decapitation operation in Kaga, Nganzai, Gwoz Damboa and Bama LGAs all in Borno State.
  2. Details as follows:
    a. Arrests. On 4 and 5 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 4 BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Kaga and Nganzai LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered one vehicle, food stuffs, medical supplies and substance suspected to be cannabis amongst others.
    b. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrorists Fighters.
    (1) On 4 and 5 March 2024, 7 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists and their family including a female terrorists collaborator surrendered to troops in Gwoza LGA of Borno State.
    (2) Between 6 and 12 March 2024, 16 BH/ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families surrendered to troops in Mobbar, Konduga, Monguno, Gwoza and Damboa LGAs of Borno State as well as Madagali LGA of Adamawa State. During the operations, troops recovered one G3 rifle, 3 AK47 rifles, 121 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine, 4 mobile, 2 bicycles and the sum of N325,000.00 amongst others.
    c. Kidnap Incident. On 5 March 2024, troops on patrol responded to information on activities of kidnappers and made contact in Damboa LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and
    recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 141 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 motorcycles, one mobile phone and N303,000.00 amongst others.
    d. Decapitation Operation. 10 March 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted a dawn operation and made contact with terrorists in Bama LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 locally made double barrel guns, 132 rounds
    of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and 4 bicycles amongst others.
    e. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrs. Between 6 and 12 March 2024, a total of 472 ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families comprising 26 adult males, 146 adult females and 300 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operations.
    f. ISWAP/JAS Terrorist Attack on Troops. On 11 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces while on offensive operations had meeting engagement with terrorists in Ngala LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 243 rounds of 7.62mm special and 2 motorcycles. Troops also discovered and destroyed IEDS and 2 vehicles.
    g. Raid Operations. On 7 March 2024, troops on patrol raided a suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists hideout in Bama LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops arrested 10 terrorists. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects were planning to attack pastors within general area in same LGA.
    h Fighting Patrols. On 8 and 12 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with terrorists in Kukawa and Bama LGAs of Borno State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 12 terrorists and recovered 11 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 142 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones amongst others.
    i. Night Ambush on SWAP/JAS Terrorist. On 8 March 2024, troops on patrol ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists and made contact in Jere LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists including one spy. Troops also recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 5 locally fabricated guns, 131 rounds
    of 7.62mm special and 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.
    j. Offensive Operations. On 10 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces conducted offensive operations to a notorious BH/ISWAP terrorists enclave and made contact in Konduga LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 18 terrorists and recovered 11 AK47 rifles, 3 locally fabricated
    guns, 2 locally made double barrel guns, 3 motorcycles, 4 bicycles and 2 mobile phones.
    k. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terr Log Suppliers. On 9 and 11 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations arrested 6 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists fighter and collaborator in Damboa and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops recovered one short gun and 20 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo amongst others.
  3. Abduction Case. On 3 March 2024, troops received information from coordinator Borno State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) about suspected abduction of unknown number of IDPs by suspected terrorists in Gamboru Ngala LGA of Borno State.
  4. Preliminary investigation revealed that IDPs left camp to undisclosed location to fetch firewood beyond the permissible distance. They reportedly did not notify the camp authorities of their movement. It was later at about 2030hrs at night, when the IDPs did not return to camp that alarm was raised as to their possible abduction by terrorist.
  5. It was at that stage that troops were notified of the incident. The standard practice was for troops to be notified prior to any movement of IDPs beyond the permissible distance of 5-7 kms from their camp. He IDPs reportedly went beyond the permissible distance to get firewood as a result of deforestation around their camp. The terrorist
    abducted 112 IDPs in the process. Nevertheless, effort is ongoing to get back the hostages.
  6. Air Interdiction. On 10 March 2024, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction following confirmatory ISR by combine Nigerian Army UAV and the air component on convergence of suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists within the Southern Tumbuns. The location was subsequently acquired and attacked with rockets, neutralizing several terrorists and destroying their logistics

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 70 terrorists and
    arrested 23 BH/ISWAP terrorists. Troops recovered one G3 rifle, 50 AK47 rifles, 8 fabricated guns, one dane gun, 4 locally made double barrel, 1,012 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 243 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 20 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, one magazine, 13 motorcycles, 9 mobile phones, 10 bicycles and the sum of N628,000.00 amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)

  1. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review; arrested violent extremists in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State.
  2. Details are as follows:

a. Arrests of Violent Extremist/Insurgents.
(1) On 7 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 2 violent extremists in Bokkos and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau State. Arrested persons have been on wanted list of security agencies in connection case of murder.
(2) On 7 and 11 March 2024, following report, troops arrested 5 violent extremists in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi and Mangu LGAs of Plateau State.
b. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Gunrunners. On 9 March 2024, troops in conjunction with DSS operatives arrested 2 violent extremists and gunrunners in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. Suspects was arrested with 185 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
c. Arrest of Violent Extremists. Between 8 and 11 March 2024, following report, troops in separate operations arrested 5 violent extremists including a murderer, kidnappers and informant in Zango Kataf and Riyom LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States. Suspects are cooperating with investigations.
d. Armed Robbery Incident. On 7 March 2024, troops responded to a distress call of an armed robbery incident and made contact in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 and recovered one dane gun, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 6 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo and matchet.
e. Raid Operations. On 12 March 2024, troops in conjunction with personnel of the NDLEA raided a suspected drug peddlers’ hideout. The operation led to the arrest of 2 suspects in Bokkkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops recovered one fabricated rifle and substances suspected to be illicit drugs.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 2 insurgents and
    arrested 16 violent extremists. Troops recovered one fabricated rifle, one dane gun, 185 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 6 empty cases
    of 7.62mm ammo amongst other items.

OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)

  1. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review; conducted fighting and raid operations in Ukum, Kwande and Ado LGAs of Benue State.
  2. Details are as follows:

a. Fighting Patrols. On 4 and 5 March 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with violent extremists/terrorists in Ukum and Kwande LGAs of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 insurgents and 2 locally made gun, 5 dane guns, 74 rounds
of 7.62mm NATO, 2 motorcycles and 2 cutlasses.
b. Raid Operations.
(1) On 5 March 2024, following report troops raided a suspected violent extremists militia known as Ezza militias leader hideout and arrested one suspect in Ado LGA of Benue State. Suspect confessed to being responsible for the ambush on personnel on 21 Oct 23. Several personnel were missing in action as a result of the ambush. Investigation ongoing.
(2) On 8 March 2024, following a tip off, troops in separate operations troops arrest 2 violent extremists in Ukum and Okpokwu LGAs of Benue State.
Suspects identified as Aondokaa Utib a collaborator working for kidnap kingpin Iwage Akanya (alias Dogo) and Ameh Emmanuel. During the operation, troops recovered a locally fabricated pistol, one dane gun, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 13 rounds of 9mm ammo.
c. Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers. On 8 and 10 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Sarduana and Takum LGAs of Taraba State. Suspects alleged to be member of kidnapping syndicate within the same LGA.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 7 violent extremists/terrorists and arrested 2 violent extremists. Troops recovered 2 locally fabricated guns, 5 dane guns, 74 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 2 motorcycles amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)

  1. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review; rescue kidnapped hostages, conducted fighting patrol, offensive operations and responded to terrorists activities Kaura Namoda and Illela LGAs Zamfara and Sokoto States as well as Batsari and Kurfi LGAs of Katsina State.
  2. Details are as follows;

a. Rescue of kidnap Hostages. On 5 March 2024, troops while on patrol responded to information kidnapping incident in Kaura Namoda LGA of Zamfara State. During the operation, troops rescued 15 kidnapped hostages and reunited with their families.
b. Fighting Patrol.
(1) On 4 March 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol made contact with terrorists in Batsari LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, one dane gun, 2 motorcycles, one mobile phone and cutlasses.
(2) Between 6 and 11 March troops with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted fighting patrols and made contact with terrorists in Safana and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State as well as Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Additionally, Danko Wasagu and Maru LGAs of Kebbi and Zamfara States respectively. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 11 terrorists and arrested 15 suspects. Troops also recovered 7 fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, one locally made pistol, 97 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 34 cartridges, 4 magazines, 8 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
c. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 4 March 2024, troops conducted clearance operation and made contact with terrorists in Kurfi LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 14 terrorists and recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 3 magazines, 265 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, rifle butt, AK47 rifle stock, 3 motorcycles and a pair of camouflage uniform. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that a terrorists identified as Maikusa believed to be 2ic to terrorists kingpin Modi Modi and his cohort called Sadiku were also neutralized.
(2) Between 6 and 11 March 2024, troops conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Maradun, Gusau and Maru LGAs of Zamfara. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 terrorists and arrested 8 suspects. Troops also recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 192 rounds of 7.62mm special, 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 AA rounds, one magazine and 3 motorcycles.
(3) On 7 and 10 March 2024, troop in separate operations conducted offensive operations and made contact with terrorists in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and 4 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, 135 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 7 magazines, 111 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one bandolier, 3 baofeng radios and 12 chargers of baofeng radios.
d. Suspected Violent Extremists/Terrorists Activities.
(1) On 6 March 2024, troops on armed recce responded to information on sporadic firing by terrorists while collecting levies imposed on communities in illela LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and 5 AK47 rifle, 5 AK47 magazines and 125 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
(2) Between 6 and 12 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations responded to information about terrorists activities in Illela, Gada, Sabon Birni and Tambuwal LGAs of Sokoto State as well as Zurmi, Tsafe and Kaura Namoda LGAs of Zamfara States respectively. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and arrested 7 suspects and recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 3 double barrel guns, 221 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 71 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 34 cartridges, 3 magazines, 8 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.
(3) On 10 March 2024, troops on patrol responded to information on terrorists activities and made contact in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 145 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3 magazines.
e. Violent Extremists Attack on Civilians. On 8 March 2024, troops responded to information on terrorists attack on locals in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun and 41 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
f. Arrest of Violent Extremists/Terrorist Collaborator. On 9 and 10 March 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations arrested 5 terrorists collaborators in Anka and Birnin Gwari LGAs of Zamfara and Kaduna States respectively.
g. Rescue of kidnapped Victims. On 11 March 2024, troops while on patrol responded to kidnapping incident and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages in Faskari LGA of Katsina State. The rescued victims were provided with medical care and were reunited with their families.

  1. Abduction Case. On 9 March 2024, terrorist invaded and kidnapped 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman in Gada LGA of Sokoto State. The incident which took place about 0100hrs was not reported to troops until about 1500hrs of same day. The late reporting of the incident affected troops response time in the ongoing search and rescue effort.
  2. Air Interdiction. The air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI on 5 March 2024, conducted air interdiction following report of terrorists commanders and their foot soldiers hibernating in Southern Tsaskiya, Safana LGA of Katsina State. Subsequently, the location was acquired and engaged with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
  3. Similarly, on 6 March 2024, following credible intelligence and confirmatory ISR the air component in multiple passes conducted air interdiction at terrorists commander Alhaji Nashama’s and Jammo Smally’s enclaves in Birnin Magaji and Maradun LGAs of Zamfara State. The locations were thoroughly scanned and observed to be active with terrorists activities. Subsequently, it was acquired and attacked with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 26 terrorists and rescued 15 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 22 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, 5 dane guns, rifle butt and stock, 390 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 magazines,5 motorcycles and one mobile phones amonsgt other items.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)

  1. The troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review; rescue kidnapped hostages, conducted fighting patrol, meeting engagement, conducted raid operations and arrested suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Chikun and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State, Gwagwalada and Kuje Area Councils of FCT Abuja as well as Lokoja LGA of Kogi State.
  2. Details are as follows;

a. Kidnap Incident. On 7 March 2024, troops responded to a distressed call on kidnapping of school children in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops exploit and rescued 4 students.
b. Fighting Patrol. On 6 March 2024, troops conducted fighting patrol and arrested suspected violent extremists/terrorists in Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists identified as Zakari YA’U Ibrahim and Mohammed Abdullahi.
c. Meeting Engagement. On 6 March 2024, troops responded to information on illegal mining activities and made contact with violent extremists in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 insurgents and recovered 2 mining equipments.
d. Raid. On 7 March 2024, Following report, troops raided a violent extremists/drug peddlers hideout in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 26 drug peddlers and recovered one cutlass, one local knife, 2 mobile phones and assorted charms amongst others.
e. Arrest. On 5 March 2024, troops on routine patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping activities and arrested 2 violent extremists and kidnappers in Lokoja LGA of Kogi State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects identified as Audu Hussaini and Muhd Nura Sulaiman (aka yellow) were part of notorious kidnapper syndicate terrorizing the LGA. During the operation, troops recovered 2 shotgun cartridges, one mobile phone and one motorcycle.
f. Ambush Operation. On 8 March 2024, following a tip-off, troops while on patrol ambushed violent extremists and made contact in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 15 insurgents and recovered 11 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated guns, 134 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 97 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5 magazines and 2 motorcycles.
g. Violent Extremists Activities. On 12 March 2024, troops on patrol responded to information on violent extremists activities in Kajuru LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 5 kidnap victims and recovered 10 empty cases of 7.62mm NATO.
h. Cordon and Search Op. On 11 March 2024, troops while conducting cordon and search operation intercepted and arrested 5 suspected violent extremists in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State.
i. Foiled Armed Robbery Incident. On 8 March 2024, troops responded to distress call on armed robbery incident in AMAC of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect and recovered mobile phones and cutlasses.
j. Incident Reports. On 12 March 2024, following report on activities of violent extremists, troops conducted a raid operation in Kuje Area Council of FCT Abuja. Suspect identified as Mr Demu Musa and his son were alleged to have strong affiliation with a kidnapping syndicate. During the operation, troops recovered one dane gun, one AK47 magazine, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and a set of assorted charms.
k. Arrest of Suspected Kidnappers’ Informant. On 12 March 2024, troops while at check point intercepted and arrested one violent extremist and kidnapper in Tafa LGA of Niger State. Suspect identified as Mohammed Sa’eed was alleged to be an informant to kidnappers.

  1. Abduction Case. On 7 March 2024, troops received information that terrorists had invaded LEA School in Chikun LG of Kaduna State and abducted unconfirmed number of pupils.
    The incident was not reported until several hours after the occurrence. The delayed reporting of the incident adversely affected troops response time in the ongoing search and rescue effort. .
  2. Air Interdiction. On the 6 March 2024, the Air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction at terrorists’ commander Alhaji Labi’s enclave in Gaude Forest, Kaduna State. Following confirmatory ISR on resurgence of terrorists at the location, the crew acquired and attcked the location with stores on board. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their logistics destroyed.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 17 insurgents,
    arrested 42 violent extremists/terrorists and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 11 AK47 rifles, 4 fabricated guns, 2 dane guns, 2 short gun cartridges, 176 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 97 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 10 empty cases
    of 7.62mm ammo, 7 magazines, 3 motorcycle and 3 mobile phones amongst others.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)

  1. 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/bunkerers and responded to kidnap incident in Okpe and Bonny LGAs of Delta and Rivers States as well as Akoko-Edo LGA of Edo States respectively.
  2. Details as follows:

a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 1,227,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 313,780 litres of illegally refined AGO and 13,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 150 dugout pits, 30 boats and 73 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 105 cooking ovens, 209 drums, 3 pumping machines, 2 outboard engines, 4 motorcycles, one tricycle, 15 vehicles and 65 illegal refining sites.
b. Arrest. On 4 March 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 7 violent extremists and illegal oil bunkerers in Okpe and Bonny LGAs of Delta and Rivers States respectively. During the operations, troops recovered 65,000 litres of illegally refined crude oil, 1,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, one vehicle, one wooden boat and 2 mobile phones.
c. Kidnap Incident. On 6 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to a distress call on kidnapping incident in Akoko- Edo LGA of Edo State. During the operation, troops arrested one suspect and recovered 4 kidnapped hostages.
d. Discovery of IPOB/ESN Criminals Arms and Ammo, IED and Drones Manufacturing Factory. On 11 March 2024, troops while conducting fighting patrol discovered and destroyed violent extremists IED and drone manufacturing factory in Aniocha South LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops arrested 8 suspects and recovered various types of weapons, drones under construction with prototypes and power generators.
e. Raid Operations. On 10 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected violent extremists/drug dealers’ hideout in Boki LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and rescued substances suspected to be canabis.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,227,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 313,780 litres of illegally refined AGO and 13,000 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 150 dugout pits, 30 boats and 73 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 105 cooking ovens, 209 drums, 3 pumping machines, 2 outboard engines, 4 motorcycles, one tricycle, 15 vehicles and 65 illegal refining sites.
  2. Troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 85 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists/insurgents.

JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)

  1. Troops of Operation UDO KA recorded the following during the week under review; conducted offensive and raid operations in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State as well as Oguta and Orsu LGAs of Imo State.
  2. Details as follows:

a. Offensive Operations. On 6 March 2024, troops on offensive operations raided suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN dissident doctor hideout Ihiala LGAs of Anambra State. The house used as hospital for wounded IPOB/ESN members was destroyed in the situation. During the operation, recovered 21 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 9 IEDs (OGBUNIGWE) and the sum N4,700.00 amongst others.
b. Raid Operations.
(1) On 4 March 2024, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN criminals’ hideout and made contact in Oguta LGA of IMO State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 violent extremists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 pump action guns, one locally fabricated gun, 2 AK47 magazines, 43 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles amongst others.
(2) On 7 March 2024, combine troops with Nigerian Police, Department of State Security Service and National Security and Civil Defence Corps personnel raided the supreme and military council Headquarters of violent extremists/IPOB/ESN in Orsu LGA of Imo State. During the operation, troops made contact with insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 20 terrorists and recovered several quantities of assorted weapons such as G3 rifles, AK47 rifles, auto pump action guns, double barrel guns, locally made pistols and RPG bombs. Others are: 226 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 216 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 172 live cartridges, 4 AK47 magazines and 3 G3 magazines. Others items recovered include: several quantities of IEDs (OGBUNIGWE), POS devices, baofeng radios, mobile phones, handheld IEDs, CCTV cameras, inverter and batteries.
(3) On 10 March 2024, troops on patrol raided a suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN camp in Afikpo South LGA of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops discovered and destroyed a 15 KVA generator and 5 houses where different arms and ammo were fabricated. Troops also recovered one locally fabricated AK47 Rifle, RPG bombs, biafra flags, welding and filing machines.

SUMMARY

  1. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 26 terrorists and recovered 3 G3 rifles, 12 AK47 rifles,one fabricated gun, 2 pump action guns, automatic pump action guns, RPG bombs, 269 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 216 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 172 live cartridges, 8 IEDs (OGBUNIGWE), 4 AK47 magazines, 3 G3 magazines 3 motorcycles 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.

EDWARD BUBA
Major General
14 March 2024 Director Defence Media Operations

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