Military Disrupts Criminal Activities Nationwide, Uncovers Cache of Arms and Ammunition
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Military Disrupts Criminal Activities Nationwide, Uncovers Cache of Arms and Ammunition
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
In a statement released on Friday, the Defence Headquarters has reaffirmed its steadfast dedication to ongoing military operations against terrorists and violent extremist groups within the country.
The statement, made available to the press in Abuja by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), provided an update on the Military Operations conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) as of September 22, 2023.
The report highlighted significant achievements in these operations, including the neutralization of terrorists, successful hostage rescues, voluntary surrenders by terrorist combatants, and the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.
As of September 22, 2023, the armed forces reported the neutralization of 52 terrorists and the apprehension of 53 criminals, 7 suspected oil thieves, and the successful rescue of 61 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, seven terrorists, consisting of five adult males and one adult female, voluntarily surrendered to the troops.
The military efforts led to the retrieval of 77 weapons and 658 assorted types of ammunition during various operations conducted in different theatres.
The breakdown of the recovered weaponry includes 53 AK47 rifles, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 18 locally fabricated rifles, 1 Beretta pistol, 3 pump-action guns, 650 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 50 AK47 magazines, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62 NATO ammunition, and 5 fragmentation jackets.
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Furthermore, the troops seized 15 vehicles, 12 motorcycles, 12 bicycles, 5 mobile phones, 12 cutlasses, 2 generator sets, 2 gas cylinders, 133 livestock, a sum of N602,000 in cash, and Airtel airtime worth N8,000.
The statement elaborated on the operational activities of troops in various regions, showcasing a wide range of successful missions, from rescuing kidnapping victims to disrupting the activities of terrorists and criminals.
It noted that troops of Joint Task Force Operation HADARIN DAJI played a pivotal role in rescuing kidnapping victims in Tsafe LGA of Zamfara, among other accomplishments.
Operation Safe Haven troops conducted raids, apprehended terrorists at Afana village in Zangon Kataf, Kaduna State, and apprehended cattle rustlers in different locations in Plateau State.
Operation Wild Strike carried out 22 operations, including fighting patrols, confidence-building patrols, and raids in Benue State, leading to several arrests.
Troops of Joint Task Force Operations UDO KA and Operation SEARCH AND FLUSH in the South East region continued their efforts to combat insecurity, responding to distress calls, thwarting kidnappers’ activities, and apprehending suspects associated with IPOB/ESN in Ebonyi and Anambra States.
Operation UDO KA conducted successful raid operations on IPOB and ESN camps in Ohafia LGA of Abia State, resulting in the recovery of weapons, including an improvised 16 MBRL gun mounted on a vehicle.
However, the statement sadly reported a setback when a joint patrol team of Operation SEARCH AND FLUSH (SAR) was ambushed by members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Ehime Mbano LGA of Imo State. Despite this, the operations led to the rescue of kidnapped hostages and others.
Operation Delta SAFE’s efforts in the South-South region successfully deterred oil theft, preventing an estimated sum of N946,387,570.00 in losses. The operations resulted in the recovery of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, PMS, equipment, and vessels used in illegal activities.
The statement concluded with an assurance that the military would persist in its operations to enhance the safety of citizens and restore security across the country. Citizens were encouraged to report information to the military and collaborate in the collective effort to address these challenges.
The armed forces expressed their commitment to continue conducting aggressive operations to bring these groups to submission.
