The Defence Headquarters said yesterday that but for the resilience, commitment and gallantry of the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, 597 terrorists and criminals would still be prowling the forests with ease by now, adding that besides, 59 rescued victims and about 340 families who surrendered might have been missing perhaps forever.
Also, illegally procured oil products estimated at N128, 260,990.00 recovered by the troops would have been lost to oil thieves and criminals in the Niger Delta region within the same period.
Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Musa Danmadami made the disclosure yesterday in Abuja at the bi-weekly briefing of defence correspondents.
At the regular briefing on the military’s operations across the country which also had in attendance the newly appointed Acting Director Defence Information (DDI), Brigadier General Tukur Ismaila Gusau and spokesmen of the tri-services of Army, Navy and Air Force, it was revealed that the troops and other security agencies dislodged 81 terrorists and arrested 176 others in the last two weeks.
He said16 AK47rifles and 102 stolen cows were recovered from Boko Haram patrons including their logistics suppliers and suspected drug peddlers, adding that no fewer than340 terrorists and members of their families surrendered while 59 kidnapped civilians were rescued from their abductors.
On troops’ activities in the South-South geo-political zone which were adjudged highly successful, Major-General Danmadami said the troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refining sites, 136 storage facilities, 66 ovens, 39 wooden boats, one generator, 11 vehicles and 2 tricycles.
“Additionally, troops recovered 222,000 litres of suspected crude oil, 83,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene while 53 suspected economic saboteurs were arrested.,” he said, noting that all recovered items and apprehended suspects were handed over to the appropriate agencies for further necessary action.
On the military’s operations in the North-East, Danmadami said that troops of Operation HADIN KAI were in the villages, towns, cities and communities of Bama, Konduga, Biu, Magumeri, Kukuwa, Kaga, Mafa and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State where they had amazing exploits.
“Cumulatively, within the period under review, troops in the North East region recovered 2 GPMG, 1 AK47, 13 dane guns, 3 AK47 Magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade , 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 jack knives, 11 bicycles, 1 vehicle,1 motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260 as well as a vehicle loaded with food items and other sundry items.
“Troops equally neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists and 9 Boko terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 59 civilians while a total of 340 terrorist and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females and 195 children surrendered to troops at different locations of the North East theatre of operation.
‘’All recovered items, apprehended criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families are been profiled for further action,” he said.
Troops in the North Central zone, he added, cracked down on terrorists and other criminal elements.
“Troops conducted operational activities in villages and towns in Mangu, Bokkos, Bassa and Kanam Local Government Areas of Plateau State as well as in Keana Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. Troops also conducted operational activities in Ukum and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue State and Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State.
Notably, on 27 January 2023, based on credible intelligence, troops arrested 3 suspected criminals at Sabon Bariki general area in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State.
“Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and one gunrunner. Troops also recovered 36 cows, 10 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, 2 knives and 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition”, said Major General Danmadami.
He further disclosed that troops of operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West zone sustained operational activities conduct fighting patrols, raids and clearance operations to clear bandits and terrorist enclaves within various towns, Local Government Areas and States within the zone.
“Cumulatively, within the weeks in review, troops in the North West zone recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 16 locally made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 AK 47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, 1 vehicle, 3 MTN sim cards, one NIN card, 1 driver’s license, receipt of cash transfer, 66 cows, 18 sheep and assorted charms. Troops equally, neutralized 16 terrorists and arrested 7 suspected terrorists,” he said.
He added that troops of the Joint Task Force, operation DELTA SAFE and other Operations in the South South zone dislodged oil thefts, illegal refineries and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta region through aggressive and increased tempo in raids and clearance operations as well as patrol amongst other activities.
“Consequently, troops of operation Delta Safe in the conduct of operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations discovered and destroyed many illegal refining sites, equipment and petroleum products and apprehended some suspected criminals.
“Cumulatively, within the weeks under review, troops discovered and destroyed 40 illegal refining sites, 136 storage facilities, 66 ovens, 39 wooden boats, one generator, 11 vehicles and 2 tricycles. Additionally, troops recovered 222,000 litres of suspected crude oil, 83,000 litres of illegal refined Automotive Gas Oil and 1000 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene while 53 suspected economic saboteurs were arrested,” he said.
Troops and other security agents, he pointed out, sustained the offensive against the activities of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals in the South East zone of the country, saying “troops conducted operational activities in villages, forest, towns and cities of Anambra, Abia, Enugu and Imo States geared towards restoring peace and normalcy to the region.
“Consequently, within the weeks under review, troops recovered 3 AK47 rifle, one dane gun, one double barrel gun, one SMG, one tear gas launcher, 6 locally made pistol, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 AK47 magazines, 260 rounds of 223 Remington ammunitions, one travor 21 rifle loaded with 23 rounds of 5.56mm ammo,11 expended cartridges, political banners, one vehicle, Nigerian police personnel uniforms, combat boots IPOB flyers , 3 motorcyles, and 2 mobile phones amongst others items. Troops equally neutralized 4 terrorists and arrested 9 terrorists,” Major-General Danmadami said.
