Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations on Friday said the Armed Forces of Nigeria has neutralized 59 terrorists across the 6 geopolitical zones as part of tackling the security challenges confronting the nation.
General Buba said in a statement during the engagement, the military arrested 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts while also rescued 88 hostages.
He said the troops recovered a total number of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition.
He listed items recovered to include; 26 AK47 rifle, 1 GPMG, 1 AKMS rifle, 1 FN rifle, 4 pump action, 5 pistols and 19 dane guns. Also, recovered are 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, 9 rounds of 9mm ammo and sum of N41,915.00 only and CFA 49,000.
Others include: 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK. While an estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts.
The full statement reads: “Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted offensive operations against the terrorist enclaves in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State. Troops made contact with the terrorist during these operations neutralizing the terrorist, rescuing hostages and recovering weapons.
2. Troops offensive caused some terrorists fighters to surrendered denouncing the terrorist ideology. In a separate development, troops arrested a gunrunner in Bogoro LGA of Borno State and arrested a terrorist collaborator in Damaturu in Yobe State.
3. Details as follows:
a. Troops Neutralize Terrorist.
(1) On 17 July 23, troops conducted fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ enclave at Kaleri village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorist, captured one other suspect and rescued one adult female with a child. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, 105 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 3 mobile phones, and livestock among other sundry items.
(2) Between 18 and 19 July 23, troops ambushed Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists at check points at Bama and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State. During the operations, troops neutralized 2 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, recovered 2 AK 47 rifles and 39 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo.
(3) Between 19 and 24 July 2023, Troops in conjunction with CJTF and hybrid Forces ambushed BHT/ISWAP terrorists at Limankara, Mandara, Yakwami and Mainari villages in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State and made contact with terrorists. Troops neutralized 6 terrorists, while others fled. During the operations troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles with extra magazine, 3 dane guns, 60 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammo, 3 PKM rounds, one 36 hand grenade, one locally made hand grenade, 3 motorcycles, one boafeng radio, one mobile phone, one magazine pouch and one torch light. Troops also rescued 4 children from terrorists.
b. Arrest of Gunrunner and Logistics Supplier. On 18 July 23, troops arrested one suspected gunrunner at Boi in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was a dismissed soldier from 5 Bde Damasak. Troops recovered 2 pistols, 2 magazines and 8 rounds of 9 mm ammo. On the same day, troops in another operation arrested 2 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ logistic suppliers at Kukareta Mkt in Damaturu LGA of Yobe State and recovered 2 mobile phones and the sum Seven Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty-Five Naira (N7,265.00) only among other sundry items.
c. Troops Destroyed Terrorist Enclave.
(1). On 19 Jul 23, troops raided a Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ enclave at Gava in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops captured 5 terrorists and 2 children as well as recovered one AK 47 rifle, 2 magazines and 10 rounds of 7.62 mm Special refilled ammo. On the same day, in another operation troops acted on intelligence report on Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ activities at Musari, outer fringes of the Timbuktu Triangle in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact. Following a fire fight, the terrorists fled on Motorcycles into the bush. Troops exploited the area and recovered 2 AK 47 rifles with magazines, 43 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 Dane guns, one Motorcycle, 25 Litres of PMS and 5 bicycles. Troops also rescued 3 abducted women with 4 children and destroyed the terrorists camp.
(2). On 20 July 23, troops on fighting patrol to Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ enclaves at New Mairamri and Bula Daloye general area came in contact with the terrorist while clearing Bulanga, New Mairamri, Gamo and Landatar general areas in Bama LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists. Troops further rescued 4 children and recovered 3 Dane guns, 3 PKM rounds, one bicycle and one mobile phone.
d. Troops Recued Hostages. On 17 July 23, troops responded to information of kidnap incident at Huyum – Gwagwamdi in Askira Uba Local Government Area of Borno State and made contact with Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops over powered the terrorist and rescued a kidnapped victim and recovered one AK 47 rifle, 11 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one mobile phone.
e. Surrender of BH/ISWAP Terrorist. On 18 July 23, one notorious Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ identified as Ali Modu surrendered to troops at Dogumba in Mafa LGA of Borno State with one AK 47 rifle/magazine and 12 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
4. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air interdiction at terrorists’ hideouts in Tumbun Tulani among others in Borno State.These operations effectively degrade the terrorist and their activities.
SUMMARY
5. In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered ;11 AK 47 rifles, 3 PKM, 2 pistols, 8 dane guns, 105 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 187 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special refilled, 8 x 9mm rounds of ammo, 14 rounds of 5.56 x 45mm ammo, 3 PKM rounds, 6 AK47 magazines, 2 pistols magazines, one 36 hand grenade, one locally made hand grenade,
6. Others include; 7 mobile phones, 4 motorcycle, 6 bicycles, one boafeng radio, one mobile phone, 25 litres of PMS, livestock and the sum of Seven Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Five Naira (N7,265,000.00) only.
7. Troops neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 9 terrorists, 1 gunrunner and 2 suspected terrorists’ collaborators and rescued 18 hostages. Owing to troops onslaught, and other prevailing factors, a total of 764 terrorists comprising 2 adult males 336 adult females and 426 children surrendered to troops at different locations within theatre.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
8. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN sustained an offensive posture against kidnappers and criminals elements within the operational area. Troops raided criminal hideout at Logo, Takum, Ukum Local Government Areas of Benue and Taraba States respectively.
9. Troops made contact with the criminal elements during these operations neutralizing several, rescuing hostages and recovering weapons. Troops also arrested kidnappers/criminals and recovered weapons at Lere and Sanga Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
10. Details are as follows:
a. Arrests of Kidnapper and Criminal
(1) On 17 Jul 23, troops acted on intelligence and arrested 2 notorious kidnappers at Kurmin Masara in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. The suspects confessed about their involvement in the kidnap of 2 victims at Mariri Village in Lere Local Government Area of same State.
(2) On 18 Jul 23, following a tip off, troops snap checkpoint at Fadan Karshi in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State arrested one suspected criminal on transit inside a commuter bus enroute Abuja from Jos. The following items were recovered in his belongings: one AK 47 Rifle, 2 mags and 36 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
(3) On 22 Jul 23, troops conducted fighting patrol to suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Nasarawa EGGON in Nasarawa EGGON LGA of Nasarawa State and arrested 5 suspects. Troops recovered one Nigerian Merchant Navy ceremonial dress with peak cap, 4 Navy uniforms, 3 ranks, 3 badges, 4 mob phones, 3 ID cards, one camel bag, 2 military boots, one jack knife, 2 camouflage vests, 2 military belts, one pistol holder and some documents.
b. Troops Rescued Hostages. On 19 Jul 23, troops responded to information on the kidnap of a civilian at his residence at Sabon Barki village in Bokkos Local Government Area of Plateau State. On arrival, troops over powered the criminals who fled and abandoned the victim. Troops rescued the victim who was moved to a clinic for medical attention.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
11. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE raided kidnappers’ hideouts at Wukari, Ukum, Logo and Takum LGAs of Benue and Taraba States. Troops also arrested suspected cattle rustler and bandits in Guma LGA of Benue State. Additionally, troops arrested a gunrunner in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State recovering large quantity of ammo.
12. Details are as follows:
a. Raid on Criminal Hideout.
(1) On 17 Jul 23, troops in conjunction with locals raided suspected criminals’ hideout at Chinkai, Gbeji and Iorza vills in Wukari, Ukum and Logo LGAs of Benue and Taraba State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspects and recovered 2 vehicles.
(2) On 18 Jul 23, troops raided suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Tikari general area in Takum Local Government Area of Taraba State and arrested 2 suspected kidnappers.
(3) On 19 Jul 23, troops conducted fighting patrol to Tachia, Gbagir and Maraba villages in Ukum LGA of Benue State and made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, the terrorists fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered a vehicle, 4 bags of cement, one bicycle and a jack knife with blood stain. Troops destroy the criminals hideout in-situ.
b. Arrest of Suspected Cattle Rustler and Bandits. On 22 and 23 July 23, responded to information of suspected cattle rustling at TSE-AUDU, UKOHOL Villages in Guma LGA of Benue State and arrested 3 suspected cattle rustlers as well as recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, one Dane gun, 24 rnds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one green fragmental jacket, a pair each of black and desert boots with one extra leg of desert boot, 3 MCs, 5 mobile phones and other sundry items.
c. Troops Arrested Gunrunner. On 23 Jul 23, following intelligence on illegal movement of ammunition. Troops conducted snap check points at RUKUBI Town and Motor Park in Doma LGA of Nasarawa State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and recovered 12 fully loaded AK 47 magazineas well as 341 loose rounds totaling 701 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.
d. Arrest of Suspected Bandits. Between 22 and 23 July 2023, troops arrested a suspected bandit identify as TERHEMEN ADUWE (aka KULU) at SANKERA Village, along Rd GBAGIR in UKUM LGA of BENUE State. In another operation, troops arrested 3 suspected bandits at UKOLO Village in GUMA LGA of BENUE State and recovered 2 AK 47 rifles, 2 magazines, 24 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one Dane gun. Other items recovered include 3 waist bags, 2 combat boots, frag jacket, black charm vest, 5 mobile phones, 2 wrist watches, 2 face caps and 3 motorcycles.
SUMMARY
13. In the course operations, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 5 AK47 rifle, 2 fabricated rifles, one locally made gun, 4 dane guns, 4 magazines, 12 fully loaded AK47 magazines and 785 rounds of 7.62mm special.
14. Others include; 3 vehicle, 3 motorcycles, 1 bicycle, one military jungle hat, woodland camouflage, one Nigerian Merchant Navy ceremonial dress with peak cap, 4 Navy uniforms, 3 ranks, 3 badges, 14 mobile phones, 3 ID cards, one camel bag, 4 military boots, one jack knife, 2 camouflage vests, 2 fragmental jacket, 2 military belts, one pistol holder and some documents, 1 Jackknife, 2 wrist watches, 2 face caps and 4 bags of cement.
15. Troops arrested 17 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
16. Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI rescued kidnapped hostages in Talata Mafara and Maru LGA of Zamfara State. Troops also neutralized terrorist in Bukkuyum, Batsari and Maradun LGAs in Zamfara State. Troops also neutralized terrorist in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State.
17. Details are as follows;
a. Rescue of Kidnapped Hostages.
(1) On 18 July 23, troops conducted offensive ops within Danbagudu gen area through Ruwan Gora in Talata Mafara LGA of Zamfara State to rescue some kidnapped victims which were reported to have been kept at a high ground. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, the terrorist was over powered causing them to flee. Troops rescued 30 kidnapped hostages in the process. The hostages have reunited with their families, while 5 were handed over to the Sarkin Gwashi in Bukuyyum LGA for further action.
(2) On 19 July 23, troops deployed at Magami in Maru Local Government Area of Zamfara State rescued 20 kidnapped victims from terrorists’ captivity. Rescued victims are in troops’ custody for further action while efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.
b. Troops Neutralized Terrorists
(1) On 19 July 23, troops while on fighting patrol at terrorists check pt along Makakari Village in Bukkuyum LGA of Zamfara State made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one AK 47 rifle with 8 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo and one motorcycle.
(2) On 20 July 23, troops responded to information of terrorists activities at Gobirawa Garin Ruji general area in Batsari LGA of Katsina State and made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 terrorists and recovered one fabricated AK 47 rifle as well as one Dane gun.
(3) On 21 Jul 23, troops responded to information about movement of terrorists at Bagabuzu village in Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops ambushed the terrorists neutralizing one and recovering the following; one GPMG, one FN rifle and 123 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo.
(4) On 22 Jul 23, troops responded to information on terrorists gathering at Gidan Aiya/Dabugi Kurawa District in Sabon Birni LGA of Sokoto State. Troops attacked the terrorist, neutralizing one terrorist and recovered the following: one AK 47 rifle, one motorcycle and 5 mobile phones.
18. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation HADARIN DAJI conducted air interdiction on terrorist’s hideout in Sola in Jibia Local Government of Zamfara State. The terrorist uses the location to attack commuters along Road Jibia-Katsina and take hostages. The air interdiction is among several others.
OP WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
19. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH carried out fighting patrols to Chikun and Giwa LGA of Kaduna State. Troops Rescued kidnapped hostages in Kajuru and Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.
20. Details as follows:
a. Fighting Patrol
(1) On 17 July 23, troops fighting patrol to Chikun in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State recovered 7 Dane guns, 4 cutlasses and 4 chains. Troops also destroy the terrorist’s camp.
(2) On 18 July 23, troops while conducting fighting patrol and cleared suspected terrorists’ hideouts at villages in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State sighted pockets of terrorists fleeing on motorcycles at Yadi Forest general area. Troops pursuit the terrorists causing them to abandoned their motorcycles and flee. Troops recovered 2 locally made pistols, 3 motorcycles,12 arrows, one solar radio charger and one mobile phone as well as destroyed all the terrorists’ camps in the general area.
b. Rescued Kidnapped Hostages.
(1) On 19 Jul 23, troops fighting patrol responded to information of gunshots from suspected terrorist around Tashan Itche in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The terrorist fled on troops approach to the location abandoning 2 tricycles. Troops rescued 6 hostages kidnapped by the terrorist.
(2) On 20 Jul 23, troops while conducting fighting patrol at Kuriga and Manini villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Troops sighted a truck and 2 others vehicles along the road and discovered that terrorists had abducted some commuters and taken them into the bush. Troops pursued the terrorists forcing them to abandon the victims and fled. Troops rescued 19 passengers and they were escorted to their destination at Udawa.
21. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted air interdiction on 18 Jul 23, at a terrorists camp at Zamfara and another new hideout about 5km West of Farin Ruwa. The location and the targets were acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets, decimating the terrorists.
SUMMARY
22. In the course of operation, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 13 terrorists and recovered one GPMG, 3 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, one FN rifle, one fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 2 locally made pistols, 8 dane gun, 28 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 123 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 22 rounds of 7.62mm empty cases.
23. Others include: 12 motorcycles, 2 tricycles, 6 mobile phones, 4 cutlasses, one boafeng radio, one solar radio charger, one dagger and 12 arrows. Troops also arrested 3 terrorist collaborators and rescued 75 kidnapped civilians.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
24. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE troops in conjunction with Department State Services on two separate operations raided Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gun men hideout in Opkpanam Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Troops made contact neutralizing some of the gunmen and recovering weapons.
25. Troops also denied crude oil theft amounting to 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK, while arresting 19 suspects. An estimated sum of Three Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million Four Hundred and Forty One Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Naira (N388,441,660.00) was denied the oil thefts.
26. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites
(1) Troops discovered and destroyed 15 dugout pits, 27 boats, 34 storage tanks, 4 vehicles, 43 cooking ovens, one outboard engine, 2 generators, 6 pumping machines and 27 illegal refining sites. The quantities are about 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK were recovered. Troops also arrested 19 suspects.
(2) On Mon 24 Jul 23, troops raided suspected sea robbers within Ekpeditere Fishing Camp in Southern Ijaw LGA of Bayelsa State. During the operation, troops recovered one hunter’s gun, 3 AK-47 magazines loaded with 68 x 7.62mm (Special) of ammunition, one outboard engine, one 8HP Yamaha engine, one Baofeng radio, 3 mobile phone and 2 pumping machine. Also, 2 oven, one wooden boat and some drums were handled accordingly.
b. Troops Neutralize Criminal. On 17 Jul 23, troops in conjunction with Department State Services raided the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at Fuji Junction in Opkpanam Community in Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State. Following the fire fight, troops neutralized 2 while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one Pump action, 15 rounds of live cartridges and one Baofeng radio from the encounter. Troops also arrested 5 suspected collaborators.
c. Arrest of Suspected Criminal.
(1) On 18 Jul 23, troops arrested one suspected criminal at Ojobo Community in Burutu LGA of Delta State. During preliminary investigation, the suspect revealed that a locally made pistol belonging to one Mr Matthew Omiti (aka Black Albino), a hardened criminal presently in Department of State Services custody Asaba was seized by the Tubama Community prior to the arrest of Mr Matthew Omiti. Troops recovered the pistol from the Chairman Tubama Community one, Mr Opunah. Recovered pistol is in troops’ custody for further action.
(2) On 22 Jul 23, troops raided a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminals’ hideout at Asaba in Oshimili S Local Government Area of Delta State and made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops arrested one criminal and recovered 5 AK 47 rifles, 3 Pump action guns, one G3 rifle, one single barrel gun, live cartridges, electric saw, machetes, an axe and an IPOB flag. Troops also destroyed the criminals’ camp.
27. Air Interdiction. The Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction missions at Degema and Krakrama in Rivers Over the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets, damaging some equipment.
SUMMARY
28. In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 498,650 litres of crude oil, 168,145 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 4,400 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine.
29. Troops also recovered 152 assorted rounds of ammunition, 23 calibers of weapons and 8 AK47 magazines. Others include: 6 vehicles, 2 boafeng radios, 1 8HP, electric saw, matchets, axe and IPOB flag dagger.
30. Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speedboats and 5 outboard engines. Meanwhile, a total of 41 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. An estimated sum of Three Hundred and Eighty Eight Million Four Hundred and Forty One Thousand Six Hundred and Sixty Naira (N388,441,660.00) was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
31. Troops of Operation UDO KA raided camps/hideouts of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at Oroma, Umuemu and Umuewelum villages in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. Similarly, troops raided gunmen hideouts in Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. And,Garki and 9th Mile in Enugu East and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu State.
32. During these operations troops neutralized some of the gunmen and recovered weapons. Several kidnapped hostages were rescued in the process.
33. Details are as follows:
a. Neutralized IPOB/ESN Gunmen.
(1) On 23 July 23, troops base on intelligence raided camps/hideouts of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at Oroma, Umuemu and Umuewelum villages in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. Troops neutralized one criminal and arrested 8 suspects in the process. Troops also recovered one AK 47 rifle, one AKMS rifle, 3 vehicles and 2 motorcycles.
(2) On 24 July 23, Troops in conjunction with Anambra Vigilante Group raided suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen hideout at Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State and made contact with the criminals. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one suspect while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle with 35 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one Dane gun, one locally made hand grenade, one pumping machine, one chainsaw, rain coats/boots, Nigerian Police uniforms/boots, IPOB uniforms and assorted drinks. Troops also destroyed 3 vehicles, 9 motorcycles and as well destroyed the camp.
b. Troops Arrested IPOB/ESN Gunmen. On 24 Jul 23, troops in conjunction with DSS pers conducted raid operations at Garki and 9th Mile in Enugu East and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu State. During these operations, troops arrested one suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminal named Ejike Anifere aka 1960 who have been terrorizing Akpawfu general area in Nkanu East Local Government Area of same state. Troops also arrested 2 suspects believed to be IPOB/ESN gunmen and recovered one locally made pistol, 3 mobile phones and one cutlass, charms and substances suspected to be Cannabis.
c. Rescue of Kidnapped Victims. On 17 July 23, troops in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State responded to a distress call of kidnapping activities along Road Aguleri – Omor in same Local Government Area but no contact was made. Troops however discovered an abandoned vehicle with mobile phone suspected to belong to the victims at the road side. Troops conducted search and rescued operation and rescued 2 victims as the suspected kidnappers fled.
SUMMARY
33. In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 3 AK47 rifle, one AKMS rifle, 4 pump action gun, 2 dane gun, one locally made pistol, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 86 live cartridges and one locally made hand grenade.
34. Others are: 6 vehicles, 11 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones, Nigerian Police uniform and boots, IPOB uniforms, one chain saw, rain coats and boots, one pumping machine. Troops also neutralized 3 gunmen and apprehended 23 suspects.
All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION AWATSE (SOUTH WEST)
35. Troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted 2 different trucks loaded with substances believed to be cannabis along Road Ajilete in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. Troops also arrested suspected smugglers along Idoroko to Sango-Ota of Ogun State.
a. Troops Intercept Trucks loaded with Cannabis. Between 19 and 22 Jul 23, troops while conducting stop and search operations intercepted 2 different trucks loaded with substances suspected to be cannabis along Road Ajilete in Yewa South Local Government Area of Ogun State. The trucks were carrying a total number 5,407 wraps of substances suspected to be cannabis. Troops recovered, 8 mobile phones, 2 ATM cards, a BENIN Republic National ID card, one International Certificate for vehicle (Ghana), one driver’s license, a set of vehicle number plate, and a total sum of Twelve Thousand Six Hundred and Fifty Naira (N12,650.00) only and 49,000 CFA. Troops also arrested 5 driver’s conveying the substance.
b. Troops Arrested Smugglers. On 22 July 2023, troops intercepted 2 vehicles conveying 14 gas cylinders. Further check revealed that the cylinders were constructed to convey 16 bags of smuggled rice from Idiroko to Sango-Ota. Troops arrested the 2 vehicle drivers and recovered 2 mobile phones and the sum of Twenty-Two Thousand Naira (N22,000.00).
SUMMARY
36. In the conduct of the operation, troops of Operation AWATSE recovered 5,407 wraps of substances believed to be cannabis. Troops also recovered 4 vehicles, 10 mobile phones, 14 cylinders, 2 ATM cards, a BENIN Republic National ID card, one International Certificate for vehicle (Ghana), one driver’s license and a set of vehicle number plate.
37. The sum of Twelve N34,650.00 and 49,000 CFA were recovered. Troops arrested 7 criminals. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
CONCLUSION
39. The aggressive posture of troops is yielding the desired results and denying the perpetrators of insecurity in the country the freedom of action. The sustained momentum by the military would certainly cause them to reconsider their decision. The military would continue to take the fight to defeat these forces of evil.” the statement read.