In two weeks, gallant troops nab Abuja-Kaduna train attack mastermind, 340 terrorists, bandits, oil thieves

Defence Media Organization (DMO) on Tuesday said military and security operations conducted in the last two weeks, has led to the arrest of 340,suspected terrorists, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves, drug dealers including one of the mastermind and attackers of the Abuja/Kaduna train attack.

Director Defence Media Operations Major General Musa Danmadami, who made this disclosure, also said that military operations led to the killing of 69, terrorists, bandits and IPOB members while 57, abducted persons were rescued.
DMO spokesman,
Danmadami, made the revelation while briefing journalists on military operations conducted between February 9-23. He said 252 members of the Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province group and member of their families comprising of 24 adult male, 79 adult female and 150 children surrendered to troops at various theaters in the north east.
Danmadami said the one of the mastermind of the 28 March 2022 Abuja/Kaduna terrorist attack was arrested alongside two others by troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

Danmadami, further stated that troops on anti crude oil theft operations in the Niger Delta, discovered and destroyed 61 illegal refining sites, 289 storage tanks, 167 ovens, 19 dugout pits, and 13 wooden boats. The soldiers were also said to have recovered 250,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 75,000 litres of crude oil, 2,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 20 assorted weapons, 359 variety of ammunition, 10 vehicles, 2 speedboat, 2 pumping machines and 2 outboard engine, and arrested 142 suspected oil thieves.

Giving an update on the operations conducted within the period under review, Gen Danmadami said “Troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone of the country, conducted various offensive operations at villages, mountains, roads and town of Gwoza, Bama, Gubio, Biu, Dikwa, Monguno and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State as well as Mubi town in Mubi Local Government Area of Adamawa State. Several raids, fighting patrols and ambushes operations were conducted to curb the activities of terrorists and other criminals within the Joint Area of Operations. Notably, between 8 and 13 February 2023, troops while acting on credible intelligence, ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at locations within Gwoza, Mafa, and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State. At these locations, troops made contact with the terrorists, during which, 10 terrorists were neutralized while other fled in disarray with gun shot wound. Troops exploited these general areas and recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 38 rounds of 7.62mm special, 71 rounds of 45mm ammunitions, 50 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5 dane guns, 4 AK47 magazines, 4 motorcycles, 2 pairs of desert camouflage, 28 bundles of mats, clothing materials, medical supplies and boafeng radios among other sundry items.

Equally, troops while on fighting patrols between 9 and 21 February 2023, made contact with Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at villages within Gwoza, Jere and Bama Local Government Areas of Borno State, during these engagements, troops neutralized 7 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists while other fled with gun shot injuries. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 10 rounds each of 7.62mm special ammunition. Other items recovered are 3 dane guns, medical supplies, mobile phones, motorcycles, clothing materials among other items. Furthermore, between 9 and 20 February 2023, troops arrested 11 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists logistic suppliers at several locations within Borno and Adamawa State. Items recovered from them include assorted clothing materials, medical supplies, large quantities of items suspected to be hard drugs, livestock, 138 jerrican of PMS and other sundry items. Also, on 11 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol responded to distress call on the activities of terrorists at Mallam Maja in Dikwa Local Government Area of Borno State, however, the terrorists fled on sighting the troops. The general area was exploited and troops rescued 20 abducted civilians.
Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops in the North East, recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 9 dane guns, 12 AK47 magazines, 86 rounds of 7.62mm special, 71 rounds of 45mm ammunitions and 145 rounds of 7.62mm NATO. Others items recovered are 132 jerricans of Premium Motor Spirit, 6 motorcycles, a vehicle, medical supplies, livestock, 28 bundles of mats, assorted clothing materials, mobile phones and other sundry items. Troops neutralized 27 terrorists and arrested 18 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists logistics suppliers, spies and informants at different locations within the theatre as well as rescued 20 abducted civilians while a total of 252 Boko Haram Terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist and member of their families comprising of 24 adult male, 79 adult female and 150 children surrendered to own troops at different location within the theatre of operations. All recovered items, rescued civilians, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action.
Relatedly, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air interdiction operations against terrorists enclaves and logistics in support of ground operations. Notably, on 13 February 2023, following intelligent report that revealed the gathering of some wanted terrorists top commanders and leaders who had assembled at Madara Mountains to restrategise on their terrorists activities. Consequently, an air interdiction operation was carried out at the location. Feedback revealed that the airstrike dealt a massive blow on the terrorists as several of the terrorists were reported to have been neutralized including some of key commanders while others escaped with severe injuries. A similar operation was conducted at Yuwe fishing pond area of Borno State, following the sighting of about 50 terrorists in the general area. The location was consequently bombarded with several of the terrorist neutralized in the strike.
Equally, on 19 February 2023, an air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorists enclaves at the Timbuktu Triangle in Damdoa Local Government Area of Borno State. The operation was carried out following intelligent report that revealed stockpile of weapons and supplies to the Timbuktu Triangle to sustain, Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists activities. It was further revealed that the location is one of the enclaves from which terrorists launch attack against the Maiduguri-Damboa general area. Hence, the location was bombarded and reliable feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their weapons and structures destroyed in the air strike. In the same vein, another air interdiction operations was conducted at identified Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists enclaves at Baranga and Dogon Chuku, both in Southern and Northern Tumbuns on the 20 February 2023. In these locations, intelligent revealed that terrorists were converging and massing up plans to attack the general areas. Consequently, the locations were targeted and bombarded. Reliable report confirmed that several terrorists were neutralized in the air strike.
NORTH CENTRAL ZONE

Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN as well as other operations in the North Central Zone have sustained the offensive against terrorists and other criminal elements in their general area of operations. In furtherance to this operational activities were conducted at different locations and villages within Jos South, Wase and Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State and other location within the theatre of operation. Notably, between 16 and 18 February 2023, troops on patrol responded to distress call on kidnapping incidents at Kwanan Fulani, along Jos-Abuja road in Jos South Local Government Area Plateau State. Troops mobilized to the location and engaged the criminal in a fire fight, who fled. Troops searched the general area and rescued 10 abducted civilians. Troops equally engaged some criminal elements at Yelwa Nono village in Bokkos Local Government Area who fled in disarray, during which 4 civilians were also rescued. Troops also responded to robbery activities at Anguldi village in Jos South Local Government of the same state. Troops mobilized to the locations and made contact with the criminal who fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 1 fabricated rifle, 1 pistol and 76 rustled cattle. Also troops on 19 February 2023 while on check point duty at Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State intercepted a vehicle and arrested 2 suspected gunrunner. Troops recovered one FN rifle with fully loaded magazine, one pump action gun, a motorcycle and 3 mobile phones.
Accordingly, within the weeks in review troops recovered, one FN rifle with fully loaded magazine, one pump action gun, 3 locally fabricated rifles, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 locally fabricated pistols, 3 motorcycles, 8 mobile phones, 7 bags of substances suspected to Indian hemp, 76 rustled cattle and other sundry items. Troops equally neutralized 1 criminal, arrested 18 suspected criminals and rescued 14 abducted civilians. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to relevant authority for further action.
NORTH WEST ZONE

Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and other operations have continue to sustained their dominance over the menace of terrorists and other criminal activities in the North West zone of the Country. Between 9 and 12 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol responded to information on terrorists activities within Giwa, Birni Gwari and Zango Kataf Local Government Areas of Kaduna State. In these operations, troops made contact with the terrorists, and following the fire fight troops neutralized 5 terrorists, while others fled with gun shot wounds. Troops equally exploited these areas and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 1 locally fabricated rifle loaded with 37 rounds of 7.62mm special, magazine carriers, 3 motorcycles, mobile phones and other sundry items, while 7 abducted civilians were also rescued by troops. In the same vein, between 16 and 19 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol responded to terrorists activities at Turba and Kwana Kamabazawa village all in Sabo Birnin Local Government Area of Sokoto State. During the engagement, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 1 AK47 rifle and 3 motorcycles as well as rescued 13 civilians earlier kidnapped by the terrorists.
Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH on 14 February 2023 responded to information on the presence of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province kingpins at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Subsequently, troops mobilized to the location and arrested 3 terrorists. One of the terrorists arrested was identified as one of the mastermind of the 28 March 2022 terrorist attack on the Abuja Kaduna Train Services. Following the operation, troops recovered 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, the sum of five thousand Dollar ($5,000) as well as some other currency and other sundry items. Also, on 16 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Following fire fight, troops neutralized 7 terrorists while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, 7 magazines, 5 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones among other items. Also, on 20 February 2023, troops on fighting patrol to Gada Oli Village in Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State, recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, 4 magazines, 66 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition and 7 BH/ISWAP terrorist flags. Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops in the North West Zone recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 238 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 1 locally fabricated pistol, 7 magazines, 19 motorcycles, mobile phones, 30 rustled cattle and other sundry items. Troops also neutralized 23 terrorists and arrested 9 as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians. All recovered items and rescued civilians were handed over to the relevant authority for further action while arrested terrorists were documented for further action.
Equally, the air component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conduced series of air interdiction operation to decimate and deny the terrorists freedom of action. Specifically, on 13 February 2023, an air interdiction operation was conducted based on Intelligent of terrorists gathering for a wedding ceremony at location within Safana Local Government Area of Kastina State. Another air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorists locations within Kanakara and Batsari Local Government Area all in Katsina State. Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized in the both air strikes. In another development, the air component of the Operation WHIRL PUNCH on 14 February 2023, equally conducted air interdiction operation at identified terrorists location at Riyawa in Kaduna State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities, accordingly, the identified targets was engaged and destroyed with several terrorists neutralized.
SOUTH SOUTH ZONE

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 operations amongst other activities. Operations were conducted at the creeks, waterways, high sea, towns and cities of Bayelsa, Delta and River State respectively which yielded appreciable results. Precisely, on 11 February 2023, troops raided an identified criminal houses at different locations within Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State and arrested 8 suspects. Troops also recovered 10 dane guns, 1 GPMG belt with 212 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 340 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2 AK47 magazines, 3 G3 rifle magazines, a pair of woodland camouflage with beret, 8 mobile phones, boafeng radio, substance suspected to be hard drug and other sundry items. On the same day, troops raided an identified notorious criminal hideout on the wanted list of troops at Abua-Odual Local Government Area of Rivers State, who fled on sighting troops. Troops search the area and recovered 1 AK47 rifle with a magazine loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
Additionally, troops of operation Delta Safe in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations in the South South Zone, within the weeks in review discovered and destroyed 61 illegal refining sites, 289 storage tanks, 167 ovens, 19 dugout pits, and 13 wooden boats. Troops equally recovered 250,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 75,000 litres of crude oil, 2,000 litres of Premium Motor Spirit, 20 assorted weapons, 359 variety of ammunition, 10 vehicles, 2 speedboat, 2 pumping machines and 2 outboard engine, while a total of 142 suspected criminals were also arrested. All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action. It is worth mentoring that the sum of Two Hundred and Twenty Two Million Three Hundred Thirty Eight Thousand Four Hundred and Thirty Naira (N222,338,430.00) only were denied oil thieves.
Equally, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE carried out series of air interdiction operation within the theatre of operation that recorded some remarkable achievement. Notably, on 9 February 2023, an air interdiction operation was conducted at Dokubokiri an identified illegal refining sites, illegal refining tanks and reservoirs loaded with suspected illegal refined products were seen and bombarded. The air strike was observed to have set off explosions that burnt down the storage tanks and the reservoirs.
SOUTH EAST ZONE

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 aimed restoring peace and normalcy in the Zone. Notably, on 19 February 2023, troops made contact with the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist while responding to an attack on a location along Umuleri-Onitsha road. Following the engagement, troops neutralized 5 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists, arrested 2 and recovered 1 AK56 rifle, 1 M70AB2 rifle, 2 loaded magazines, explosives, 1 vehicle among other items. Troops equally had meeting engagement with Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists between 13 and 18 February 2023 at a location within Okigwe Local Government Area of Imo State. The operation was carried out based on intelligent report about the regrouping of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists at the location. During the encounter troops neutralized 1 terrorist, while other fled. However, troops exploited the general area and recovered 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 19 cartridges, 2 locally made Hand Held explosive, large quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs and other sundry items.
Also troops in conjunction with other security agencies raided several identified Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists camps within Ihiala Local Government Areas of Anambra State. Following the encounter in these operations, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered 1 AK47 rifle loaded with 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, 8 motorcycles, 3 vehicles, mobile phones among other items, troops equally arrested 13 terrorists. Equally troops between 19 and 20 February 2023 responded to Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists attack in Oyi and Onitsha South Local Government Areas of Anambra State. In both incidence, troops made contacts with the terrorist and following the fire fight, troops neutralized 8 terrorist while others fled, troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one pump action rifle, 7 cartridges, 2 vehicles and one petrol bomb among other items. Also troop in conjunction with DSS on 18 February 2023 arreated 2 suspected gunrunners in Anambra State and recovered one AK 47 rifle with 3,985 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition buried in a shallow trench. Consequently, within the weeks in focus troops recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 1 M70AB2 rifle, 1 AK56 rifle, one pump action rifle, 3,924 rounds of 7.62mm special, 20 cartridges, explosives, mobile phones, 10 motorcycles, 4 vehicles and other sundry items. Troops also neutralized 18 Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists while 18 were arrested including a high profile gunrunner. All recovered items and apprehended terrorists have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
Relatedly, the air component of Operation UDO KA conducted air interdiction operation in response to intelligent report on the activities of Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists at a high ground at within Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. The location was observed to be active with terrorists activities with various structures as well as the terrorist flag hoisted. Subsequently, the target was bombarded, neutralizing several terrorists as well as destroying their structures.
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 operations. Between 15 and 17 February 2023, troops in conjunction with other security agencies raided identified criminal hideout at Akala Community and Ajah general area in Mushin and Eti-Osa Local Government Areas of Lagos State. During the operations troops arrested 101 suspected drugs peddlers comprising 96 males and 5 females as well recovered assorted substances suspected to be hard drugs and the sum of Eighty Two Thousand (N82,000.00) Naira among other sundry items at Akala community while 16 suspects were also arrested in a raid operation at their hideout at Ajah general area all in Lagos State. Items recovered from the include axes, cutlasses, hammers, jack knives, large quantities of substances suspected to be hard drugs and the sum of Seven Hundred Thousand and Thirty Naira (N700,000.00) among other items. Operational activities were also conducted in Ondo, Oyo, Osun, Ogun and Ekiti State. Consequently, within the weeks in review troops arrested 117 suspected drug peddlers, 34 suspected criminals, large quantity of substance suspected to be hard drugs as well as the sum of N782,000.00 was equally recovered. All recovered items and apprehended suspects were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.
On a final note, I wish to once again convey the military high command commendations on troops and other security agencies efforts in the various theatres of operations across the country. The media community is also acknowledged for their partnership and continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies, in our quest to restore peace and security to our dear Country. Also, the entire populace is hereby appreciated, for the support given to the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the conduct of our various operations across the country, while also urging them to continue to provide prompt and creditable information on the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements, in their respective areas.