As the Nigerian military troops intensify assault against terrorists in the country no fewer than 40 terrorists including their commanders have been neutralised within two weeks in the North East alone, Nigerian Defence authorities have said. Briefing journalists on Thursday in Abuja, on troops’ activities and operational successes recorded across the country the Defence authorities said that both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches were adopted in the operations.

Defence authorities disclosed that: “Notably, on 20 April 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Sabil Huda in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State, encountered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists who used their families as human shield to escape”.

The Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Musa Danmadami who briefed the press on troops’ activities between the period of 20 April - 4 May 2023, said: NORTH EAST ZONE Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone of the country have sustained and continued to dominate the Joint Area of Operations. Operational activities were conducted in villages, forest, mountains, towns and cities of Gwoza, Bama, Biu, Kukawa, Monguno, Marte, Damboa, Mobbar and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. Operational activities were also conducted in Michika and Madagali Local Government Areas of Adamawa State as well as Damaturu Local Government Area in Yobe State. Several raids, fighting patrols and ambushes operations were carried out to curb the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements within the Joint Area of Operations".

Continuing, he said: “Troops however arrested 5 terrorists and rescued 121 civilians comprising 72 children and 49 females including 2 Chibok schoolgirls who are on serial 2 and 103 of the List.

“Troops recovered 1 motorcycle, 3 bicycles, 3 mobile phones, 27 new wrist watches, other items and the sum of N4,800.00 only.

“On the same day, troops conducted clearance operations to Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclaves within Sambisa forest in Bama Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with terrorists. Following a fierce fire fight, troops neutralized a Boko Haram Terrorists Commander and 9 other terrorists.

“Troops recovered 1 QJC 88 AA gun, 1 QJC 88 barrel, 1 SMG, 2 AK47 rifles, 1 local made double barrel gun, 1 local made short gun, 2 dane guns, 51 rounds of 12.7mm ammo and 5 motorcycles.

“Also on 21 April 2023, troops conducted further exploitation; precisely in Ukuba in Sambisa forest within Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, where troops neutralized 2 terrorists and captured one high profile Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist Commander.

“Troops thereafter exploited the area and discovered and deactivated 4 Improvised Explosive Devices, and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 8 AK47 rifle magazines, one pump action gun, 2 yellow buckets vehicles, one damaged camel MRAP, several AK47 rifle parts, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 dane gun, 46 assorted bullets and the sum of N6,700 amongst other sundry items.

“Also, between 20 - 24 April 2023, troops while on several search operation within Biu, Konduga, Bama and Mobbar Local Government Areas of Borno State apprehended 8 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists logistics suppliers/informants. “Troops recovered 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 14 packets of drugs, packs of cigarettes, torch light, assorted food items, NIN ID cards, 45,000 CFA and Fifty Naira only.

“Equally, on 28 April 2023, based on credible intelligence of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists stockpiling arms at Ukuba within Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, troops conducted clearance operation to the terrorist enclave. "During the operation, troops made contact and neutralized 10 terrorists. "Troops exploited general area and recovered 5 Ak47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 4 QJC AA guns, 1 Gun Truck, 1 DSHKA (m) AA gun, 1 NSVT AA gun, 280 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 refilled rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 rounds of 9mm ammunition, several UXO to be used for IEDs, 6 x 122mm bombs, 3 x 120mm bombs, 3 x 105mm bombs, 2 x 155mm bombs and 1 x 105mm APF SDS bomb. “Others include 33 snipper rifle magazines, 30 AK47 magazines, 1 SMG magazines, 4 GPMG extra barrels, 4 AK47 extra working parts, 5 NSZT top cover alongside several clothing items, several vehicle spare part and large quantity of IED making materials.”Equally, between 29 April - 3 May 2023, troops carried out clearance operation in villages and forest areas within Kaga, Damboa, Ngala and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno State and made contact with terrorists. "Following these encounters, troops neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 19 and rescued 10 kidnapped victims. "Troops also recovered 6 AK47 rifles loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm special, 9 dane guns, 1 locally made double barrel gun, 1 DSHKA AA gun, 1 NSVT AA gun, 1 QJC AA gun barrel, 6 locally made IEDs, 1 GPMG, 10 AK47 magazines, 2 x 36 hand grenades, 1 x 122mm artillery bomb and 8 metal pressure plate. "Others item include, 26 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammo, 77 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 27 rounds of 7.62mm special, 182 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, 15 empty cases of 7.62mm special and 14 empty cases 155mm ammunition. Cumulatively, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 15 dane guns, 6 QJC 88 AA guns, 1 QJC 88 barrel, 1 SMG, 2 DSHKAA guns, 2 NSVT AA guns, 1 GMPG, 1 pump action gun, 2 local made double barrel gun, 1 local made short gun, 51 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 26 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm, 280 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 refilled rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 74 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 77 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm amm.

“Other items include, 1 SMG magazine, 33 snipper rifle magazines, 4 extra GPMG barrels, several UXO to be used for IEDs, 7 x 122mm bombs, 3 x 120mm bombs, 3 x 105mm bombs, 2 x 155mm bombs, 1 x 105mm APF SDS bomb, 2 x 36 hand grenades and 8 metal pressure plate amongst others.

“Troops equally neutralized 40 terrorists, arrested 25 terrorists as well as 8 terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 131 abducted civilians while a total of 510 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families, comprising 54 adult male, 164 adult female and 292 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations.

“All recovered items, apprehended suspects have been handed over to the relevant authority further action. Equally, the rescued terrorists escapees and members of their families were profiled and given medical attention, while the surrendered terrorists and members of their families are also been profile for further action.

“Equally, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted series of Armed Reconnaissance Mission at terrorist hideout, enclaves and camps in support of ground operations.

“Notably, between 22 – 27 April 23, several Armed Reconnaissance operation were conducted at terrorists enclaves at villages within Konduga, Bama, Mafa, Maiduguri and Damboa Local Government Areas as well as Sambisa Forest all in Borno State. Overhead these locations, which were observed to be active with terrorist scrambling for cover under the vegetation.

“Consequently, these locations were engaged with bombs and rockets and the battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized with their logistics and structures destroyed in the strikes.

“NORTH CENTRAL ZONE. Troops in the North Central zone of the country have sustained their commitment and resilience in the fight against terrorists and other criminal activities aimed at restoring peace and normalcy to the general area of operation. "In furtherance to this, operational activities were conducted at different locations and villages in Benue, Nasarawa, Plateau, Niger States as well as FCT.

“Notably, on 22 and 24 April 2023, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted raid operations to suspected bandits hide out within Nasarawa Egom Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and Iwilli village in Otukpo Local Government Area of Benue State and made contact with the terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 1 terrorist and arrested 9.

“Troops exploited the camps and recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 1 locally made revolver rifle loaded with 7 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 dane gun, 11 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 AK47 rifle butt, 4 rounds 7.62mm special ammunition empty cases, 4 cartridges, 3 jack knives, 5 cutlasses, 5 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and the sum of N1,130,090.00 only. Also, on 24 April 2023, troops conducted fighting patrols to terrorist camps within Ugba-Gbagir and Guma Local Government Areas of Benue State.

“Troops encountered terrorists and neutralized 4 terrorist, arrested 1, while 3 kidnapped civilians were rescued. Troops recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 2 AK47 magazines, 1 locally fabricated pistols, 1 fabricated wooden dummy gun, 40 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5 cutlasses, 3 mobile phones, 2 motorcycles and the sum of N14,625.00.

“Consequently, within the period in focus, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 1 locally made revolver rifle, 1 dane gun, 1 fabricated wooden dummy gun, 1 AK47 rifle butt, 2 AK47 magazines, 58 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 cartridges, 3 jack knives, 10 cutlasses, 7 motorcycles, 6 mobile phones and the sum of N1,144,715.00 only.

“Troops also neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 10 and rescued 3 abducted civilians. All recovered items, arrested suspected terrorists and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“NORTH WEST ZONE: The land and air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West zone of the country have sustained offensive operations on terrorists enclaves, camps and hideouts within the zone.

“Between 21 – 25 April 2023, troops carried out fighting patrol to villages in Danko-Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State, Bungudu, Zurmi and Maradum Local Government Areas of Zamfara State as well as Faskari Local Government Area of Katsina State and Tangaza Local Government Area of Sokoto State and made contact with terrorists at these various location.

“Following a fierce fire fight troops neutralized 14 terrorists including a notorious terrorist kingpin, troops also arrested 6 terrorist informants and rescued 4 kidnapped victims. Items recovered include; 5 AK47 rifles, 1 dane gun, 6 AK47 rifles magazines loaded with 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 6 AGL bombs, 3 cutlasses, 1 boafeng radio, 5 mobile phones, 20 motorcycles, 24 cows, 8 donkeys, 180 sheep, 102 goats, 2 solar panels and the sum of N6,900.00.

“Equally, on 25 April 2023, troops in search operation arrested a suspected ammunition dealer at Kachia town in Kachia Local Government Area and 2 suspected bandits drug peddlers at Wazata village in birni Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. “Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects are notorious suppliers of ammunition and hard drugs to terrorist. Troops recovered 15 rounds of 7.62mm special, 8 mobile phones, 105 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis, 1,032 tablets of tramadol and the sum of N82,800.00 only.10.

“Similarly, on 23 April 2023, troops intercepted 3 terrorist logistics suppliers with 1 vehicle, and 1 canter truck loaded with 87 bags of rice at Gusami and Mada villages in Birin Magaji and Gusau Local Government Areas of Zamfara State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the bags of rice belong to a terrorist kingpin on the watch list of security agents.

“In another development, troops responded to information on bandits attack at Kalehi village in Bakura Local Government Area of Zamfara State.”

Similarly, he said, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered 1 AK47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 8 motorcycles, 151 rustled sheep, 28 camels and 57 cutlasses.

“Equally, on 28 April and 1 May 2023, troops raided a terrorist hideout as well as a suspected gunrunners hideout at Dan-Kampani village in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara State and Wukari town in Wukari Local Government Area of Taraba State.

“During these operations, troops neutralized 7 terrorists and arrested 24 terrorists and 2 suspected gunrunners. Troops equally recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 3 GPMG, 1 dane gun, 1 LMG , 3 fabricated pistol, 1 Baretta pistol, 1 locally made revolver pistol, 1 double barrel gun, 8 AK47 magazines, 1 PKT magazines, 64 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 rounds of 9mm ammunition and 10 motorcycles.

“Cumulatively, within the weeks in review, troops in the North West zone recovered 19 AK47 rifles, 1 LMG, 2 dane gun, 3 GPMG, 3 fabricated pistol, 1 baretta pistol, 1 locally made revolver pistol, 1 double barrel gun, 8 AK47 magazines, 1 PKT magazines, 64 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 6 AGL bombs, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, 60 cutlasses, 1 boafeng radio, 2 solar panel, 13 mobile phones, 38 motorcycles, 87 bags of rice, 24 cows, 8 donkeys, 28 camels, 102 goats, 231 sheep, 105 wrapped cannabis, 1,035 tablets of tramadol and the sum of N89,000.00 only. Troops also neutralized 25 terrorists, arrested 30 terrorists informants, 6 terrorists logistics suppliers, 2 gunrunners and rescued 4 kidnapped victims.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects were handed over to the relevant authority for further action, while the rescued kidnapped civilians were given medical attention and handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“Also, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted a series of air interdiction operations at terrorist hideout within Katsina and Zamfara States that inflicted casualties on the terrorists.

“On 24 and 26 April 2023, a well planned and coordinated air operation was carried out at an identified notorious and wanted terrorists enclaves, within Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara State and camps within Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“The locations were seen to be active with terrorists and thereby bombarded and following the airstrikes, feedback revealed that several terrorists were eliminated.”

On SOUTH-SOUTH ZONE, he said: Troops of Joint Task Force Operation DELTA SAFE and other Operations in the South-South region of the country have continued to sustain the war against oil theft, illegal refineries and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta through aggressive patrols, raids and clearance operation amongst other activities. Operations were conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers State respectively which yielded appreciable results.

“Precisely, on 25 April 2023, following a distress call on suspected cultists activities at Iyara road in Warri South Local Government Area of Delta State.

“Troops mobilized to the location and arrested 5 suspected cultists who were in a fight with members of a vigilante group.

“Troop recovered 2 pistols, 2 knives, 2 machetes and 1 motorcycle.

“Additionally, troops conducted a fighting patrol to Sansan and Monikiri camp in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State and made contact with pirates who fled on sighting troops.

“Troops destroyed their camp and recovered 6 speed boats with 1 90 HP engine and 5 x 40 HP engines as well as 7 generators, 5 pumping machines and 7 radios.

“Consequently, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations discovered and destroyed 41 illegal refining sites, 156 cooking ovens, 189 storage tanks, 12 dugout pits and 15 wooden boats.

“Troops also recovered 6 vehicles, 1 tricycle, 1,060,000 litres of crude oil, 13,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 8,500 litres of Premium Motor Spirit while 18 suspected economics saboteurs were arrested.

“All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.

“It is worthy to mention that the sum of Two Hundred and Eighty Six Million Two Hundred and Seventy Seven Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Naira (N286,277,650.00) only were denied the oil thefts.

“Also, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE carried out series of air interdiction and Armed Reconnaissance Mission within the South South theatre of operation that recorded some remarkable results.

“Notably, between 21 - 27 April 2023, several air interdiction were conducted at Ogbogbo community in Ahoada West Local Government Area and Abisse Waterways in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area of Rivers State.

“Some identified illegal refining sites, illegal tanks and reservoirs loaded with suspected refined products were seen and bombarded accordingly. The air strike was observed to have set off explosions that burnt down the storages and reservoirs.”

On SOUTH-EAST ZONE, the Military Spokesman said: “Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation UDO KA in the South East zone of the country have sustained the fight against the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist group, aimed at restoring peace and normalcy in the zone. Notably, on 21 April 2023, troops acting on credible intelligence raided the residence of a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network member, said to be in possession of arms and ammo at Ihiala town in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Troops arrested the suspected criminal and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 4 AK47 magazines, 49 pump action guns, 6 dane guns, 75 rounds of 7.62mm special and 3,371 live cartridges.

“On the same day, troops raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists camps within Nkanu East Local Government Area and Nineth Mile area in Udi Local Government Area all of Enugu State and made contact with the terrorists.

“A fierce firefight ensued and 1 terrorist was neutralized while 7 others were arrested. Troops destroyed their makeshift camps and recovered 2 CCTV cameras, 8 motorcycles, 2 boafeng radios, 1 military jungle hat, 3 mobile phones, substance suspected to be cannabis sativa,1 knife, 1 hammer and 1 axe.15.

“Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops in these recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 49 pump action guns, 6 dane guns, 4 AK47 rifle magazines, 75 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3,371 live cartridges, 1 knife, 1 axe and 1 hammer.

“Other items include 1 military jungle hat, 2 baofeng radios, 2 CCTV cameras, 3 mobile phones, 8 motorcycles, and substance suspected to be cannabis.

“Troops also neutralized 1 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist and arrested 8. All recovered items, rescued abducted civilians and apprehended terrorists’ were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.”

SOUTH WEST ZONE: “Troops of Operation AWATSE in the South West region of the country have continue to clamp down on the activities of criminal element within the general area of operation. Precisely, 24 April 2023, following a violent clash at Ikare market in Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State, troops conducted patrol to Olukare Area of Ikare town but the criminal fled on sighting troops. "Troops searched the general area and recovered 3 locally fabricated double barrel guns, 3 locally made single barrel guns, 3 locally made guns and 5 cartridges.

“All recovered items were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.”

Update news