The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), has disclosed that over 37 terrorists have been killed by its troops in the past 14 days.
Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko, Director of Defense Media Operations, who announced this at a press conference in Abuja,said that the troops also received weapons, made arrests, as well as rescues.
He added: “The Armed Forces of Nigeria have continued to maintain increased vigour and aggressive posture throughout all its operations in the various theatres. This is coupled with the Chief of Defence Staff’s non-kinetic engagements across the Country between 16 and 29 July 2021.Consequently today’s brief will entail a summary of our kinetic and non-kinetic activities in the various theatres across the country that yielded attendant results within the period under review”
According to him, the operational engagements of Operation HADARIN DAJI within the period in focus include clearance, search and rescue as well as extensive air operations to dominate the airspace and provide of close air support for ground troops.
These operations,he said, were conducted concurrently in different locations of the North West Zone; only incidents with significant results are highlighted,adding that within the period, own troops responded to distress calls of bandits and armed militia groups’ attacks on civilians at Hanutaru and Dansadau villages in Maru LGA of Zamfara State; along Gusau – Sokoto Road. Troops also carried out rescue operations within the period at Bakori LGA of Katsina State; Eldabala village in Tangaza LGA and along Lamba Bakura – Dogo Karfe Road in Sokoto State.
He said:”Consequently, no fewer than 14 armed bandits were neutralized. Also, a total of 36 kidnapped victims were rescued within the period and troops assisted one of the victims to safe delivery of a baby during one of the encounters. A total of 7 AK-47 rifles, 6 motorcycles, assorted military and police uniforms, 6 vehicles and 4 machetes among other items were recovered within the period. Also, a total of 24 criminal elements were intercepted and arrested, including 16 bandits’ informants/collaborators and an impostor by name Faisal Saidu who paraded himself as Lance Corporal Saidu Abubakar. Furthermore, a total of 223 rustled livestock were recovered during the period.
“Within the period, troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several land and air operations at different locations of the theatre. These include robust clearance, ambush and road piquet operations as well as comprehensive air patrols to dominate the general area and neutralize terrorists as well as frustrate other criminal elements. Cumulatively, the operations led to the neutralization of 16 BHT/ISWAPs as well as arrest of 29 of them, while 40 civilians were rescued. BHT and their families 5 female Adults and 12 children were arrested at FOB Mayanti and Darajamel on 15 Jul. Troops also recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, 4 AK-47 rifles, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one belt containing 296 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, accessories for making IED among other items”
He said in Operation SAFE HAVEN, troops conducted several kinetic and non-kinetic operations concurrently at various locations in Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna States,stressing that within this period, troops responded to distress calls of armed bandits’ attacks on civilians, as well as incidents of kidnap, armed robbery and farmland destructions by herders’ cattle.
“These operations were conducted at Ungwan Jabba, Ungwan Rohogo village in Zangon Kataf LGA of Kaduna State; Rafiki village in Bassa LGA as well as Kerang and Panyam villages in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. Other locations where some incidents were recorded are Penjum and Magamiya villages in Zango Kataf LGA of Kaduna State. Other areas include Godogodo District; Kafanchan Town and Kyayya village, all in Jama’a LGA as well as Numbu village in Sanga LGA, Kaduna State.
“Raid operations were also conducted on some Sara Suka members’ hideouts and other criminals’ enclaves at Rikkos and Gangare general areas in Jos North LGA; Biembiem village and Dabba Village in Wase LGA of Plateau State. Cumulatively, 7 armed bandits and 5 armed robbers were neutralized and several others escaped with gunshot wounds, while 12 were arrested within the period.
“A total 12 assorted rifles, a truck load of stolen railway tracks and sleepers were also recovered in the course of the operations. More so, a total of 17 kidnap victims were also rescued from their abductors within the period. All arrested criminals and recovered items have been handed-over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further necessary action, while rescued victims have been reunited with their families.
“In a related development, peace and security meetings were also held in various parts of the state with community heads, youth leaders and relevant stake holders. Troops have continued to dominate the theatre of operations with aggressive fighting and air patrols to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the operation SAFE HEAVEN theatre of operations.
“Troopsf Operation WHIRL STROKE within the period simultaneously conducted several operations in different locations in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States.
“These include foot and clearance patrols in various communities, aimed at denying armed bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action and boosting confidence of locals as they go about their daily activities. Significantly, troops responded to distress calls on bandits’ attacks as well as youths’ clash over land dispute at Kyegba village in Takum LGA of Taraba State and Ogundu village in Guma LGA of Benue State on 15 and 16 July 2021, respectively. Troops also carried out rescue operations at Uttu village in Toto LGA of Nasarawa and Tsegbaka village in Utenge Council Ward of Benue State.
“Troops’ swift response during the incidents forced the armed bandits to flee in disarray as well as brought the conflict situation under control. Cumulatively, troops recovered a total of 5 motorcycles, 3 pump actions one locally-made mortar tube, 6 Dane guns, 3 machetes and 62 assorted rounds of ammunition within the period.
“Similarly, 6 kidnappers were arrested and 12 kidnap victims were rescued by troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE within the period under review. Troops have continued to dominate the theatre of operations with standing and fighting patrols to deny armed groups freedom of action.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH/THUNDER STRIKE have continued to sustain piquet operations as well as highway, clearance, fighting and confidence building patrols within its area of responsibility. Within the period in focus, troops provided security on Kaduna-Abuja and Kaduna-Birnin Gwari highways and vulnerable routes to deny armed militiamen and herdsmen freedom of action as well as deter criminal elements in the theatre of operation.
“Effectively, on 18 July 2021, own troops tracked and arrested a notorious criminal named Mr Simon Unande, who supplies military uniforms and accoutrements to militia gangs in parts of Benue and Taraba States.
“Troops also carried out operations at Unguwan Mashaya in Mararaban Gassol, in Gassol LGA of Taraba State and around Sabon Gayan Village in Chikun LGA of Katsina State. Within the period, a total of 2 Dane guns, 3 AK-47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 3 motorcycles and 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition as well as 16 livestock were recovered during the operations.
“The arrested criminals and recovered items have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for necessary action, while rescued persons have been reunited with their families. Troops have continued to sustain their operational tempo with its area of responsibility.
“In a renewed effort by the Armed Forces to end the menace of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network in the South East Zone of the Country, own troops based on credible intelligence conducted a raid operation on a notorious camp of the group at Akpawfu Community in Nkanu East LGA of Enugu State.
“A combined team of security operatives raided the camp and neutralized some of their members and recovered some arms and ammunition in the process.
“In a another development a new ESN hideout at Ihiala in Anambra State used in the production of explosives was discovered and destroyed by the security forces within the period under review. Troops have continued to maintain vigilance and dominate the Zone with patrols to deter intending criminal activities.”
He said it was obvious that members of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies were seriously committed and are working hard to fight all forms criminality for the unity of this nation and will not relent in their efforts to achieve sustainable peace in the country.
