The troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 167 Special Force Battalion in conjunction with the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH have neutralised no fewer than 30 terrorists in the Bwari area of the Federal Territory Capital (FCT), Abuja. This was disclosed by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja yesterday, Thursday, July 28. Spokesman of the Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko who made the disclosure while giving the summary of activities of the troops in the various operational theatres across the country, in the past two weeks said the feat was recorded when the troops conducted a clearance patrol.

He said further, “Troops successfully clear Kawu and Ido villages. Consequently, about 30 terrorists were neutralized and their enclave and hide out destroyed. Ground troops also recovered 6 motorcycles, 2 AK47 rifles, 1 fully loaded LMG magazine, amongst others during mob up”.

Speaking further in the bi-weekly press briefing on the activities of the troops between July 14 and July28 2022, he said “the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone between the 17 and 19 July 2022 responded to the activities of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province criminals who kidnapped some civilians and rustled some cattle at Balkani village in Jere Local Government Area”.

“Troops made contact with the terrorists and rescued the kidnapped civilians and recovered the rustled cattle. Also, at another location troops rescued 2 civilians that were kidnapped by Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at Kayamade village in Kondoga Local Government Area of Borno State.

According to him, within the weeks in focus, a total of 2,016 suspected Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families comprising 360 adult males, 580 adult females and 1076 children surrendered to the troops at various locations in the North East theatre of operation.

The Defence spokesman said: “Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE on 16 July 2022 arrested 2 notorious arms dealers, Mr Samuel Kwanu and Mr Ede Umar Yisa whom were said to have delivered weapons to one Mallam Saidu and some bandits in Gidan Bawa village. Items recovered from the suspects include; 2 magazines of 6 7.62mm special, 1 ussi rifle among others. Similarly, on same day acting on intelligence on kidnappers activities along Panda road linking Ayewawa and Dere in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and Kampani Sabon Gari village in Wase Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops of Operations WHIRL STROKE and SAFE HAVEN rescued 6 kidnapped victims and recovered 1 motorcycle. The suspects and recovered items were handed over to the relevant authorities”.

Also he said: “On 20 July, 2022, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested Mr Awal Jumba a suspected kidnap kingpin at Vokti Mungi in Gindiri District Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State. While enroute the barracks, Mr Jumba attempted to escape and he was neutralized. Item recovered include 2 motorcycles and 1 gionee L800 amongst other. Relatedly, troops in conjunction with vigilantes on 24 July 2022 arrested 3 suspected bandits Commanders; Mr Julius Simon (alias Bagga 37yrs), Mr Wolta Zambai (45yrs) and Mr Iliya Peter (alias Boubok 27yrs) at Shimankar village, Shendam Local Government Area Plateau State.

“Suspects confessed to be involved in buying/selling ammunitions. Suspects are currently in custody and undergoing further investigation. Items recovered include; 3 mobile phones and N5,600 cash amongst others. On the same day, troops arrested 2 kidnappers; Mr Musa Usman (27yrs) and Mr Adam Mohammed (25yrs) at Barkin Ladi, Plateau State. Suspects confessed to have carried out several kidnapping activities including the kidnap of one Master Jeremiah Elijah, a 6yrs on 21 July 2022”.

He continued: “The Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE in the conduct of operation OCTOPUS GRIP in the South South zone conducted operational activities in the creeks, communities and towns in the Niger Delta. Notably Madangho, Kokoye and jones creek in Delta State, Obi Sagbama village and Debu creek in Bayelsa State were patroled. Also, troops conducted patrol in Awoba, Cawthorne Channel, Boning Channel, Asaramatu in River State. Consequently, troops discovered and destroyed 80 illegal refining site, 60 wooden boats, 316 storage tanks, 262 ovens and 87 dugout pits. Troops also recovered 9 speed boats, 15 outboard engines, 19 pumping machines and 17 vehicles. “Furthermore, 27 pipeline vandals were arrested while a total of Five Million One Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand Five Hundred (5,159,500) litres of substance suspected to be crude oil and One million Four Hundred and Thirty Two Thousand (1,432,000) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were recovered. All arrested economic saboteurs and recovered items were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action”.

Onyeuko further said: “All rescued civilians and recovered items were handed over to relevant authority, while surrendered Boko Haram terrorists and their families were profiled and handed over to the appropriate agencies for further action”.

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