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Tag: Defence Headquarters

  • DHQ reacts to viral military parade for President Tinubu’s son, Seyi

    DHQ reacts to viral military parade for President Tinubu’s son, Seyi

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has distanced itself from a now viral video showcasing the moment President Bola Tinubu’s son, Seyi Tinubu received a salute from the quarter guard on his arrival in Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    The video which has become a growing sensation, attracted a lot of criticim, as many Nigerians  questioned the propriety of granting such honours to a private citizen with no public office.

    Reacting to the video, the Director of Defence Information Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau told PUNCH on Sunday that the personnel in the video are unknown to the Nigerian military.

    “They are not our personnel. We don’t dress that way. We don’t have this type of badge of rank. We don’t know them,” Gusau said.

    Reacting to the video,  the presidential candidate of the People Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 general elections, Atiku Abubakar condemned the act, describing it as a “serious breach of military tradition”.

    Atiku in a statement on Sunday through his Media Aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku demanded a thorough investigation into the incident.

    Atiku said: “It is with utter dismay and concern that Nigerians were subjected to a nauseating video circulating online, where a group of young men, armed and in full military procession, bestowed upon the President’s son unwarranted military honours.” 

    Atiku further questioned the legitimacy of the military-like outfit involved, stating that the so-called group, the “Nigeria Cadet Network,” is not a recognized entity within the Nigerian Armed Forces.

    The presidential candidate emphasized how civilians exploited and tarnished the esteemed traditions of the military, while also noting the disturbing fact that the name “Cadet,” was associated with young, formally trained military personnel.

  • JUST IN : DHQ reveals how Kuriga school students were rescued

    JUST IN : DHQ reveals how Kuriga school students were rescued

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the abducted Kuriga students were rescued through coordinated search and rescue operation conducted by the military in collaboration with local authorities and government agencies.

    The primary and secondary school students abducted on March 7, were rescued in the early hour of Sunday.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    He said a total of 137 persons comprising 76 females and 61 male were rescued in Zamfara.

    According to him, they would be conveyed and handed over to the Kaduna State Government for further action.

    “Relatedly, it would be recalled that on March 21, troops equally rescued 16 pupils (Almajiris) with a woman taken hostage in Gada Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

    “These hostages were handed over to the Sokoto State Government.

    “These efforts demonstrate the armed forces resolve to finding other innocent hostages and track down the terrorists that perpetrated these crimes.

    “These efforts would continue until other hostages are found and the terrorists arrested, tried, and brought to justice by Nigerian law.

    “Troops are employing similar effort to track down the culprits responsible for the killing of 18 soldiers in Okuama Community in Delta State.

    “Justice await the culprits, as they can not go unpunished,” he said.

     

  • Defence HQ sends out strong warning over Plateau crisis

    Defence HQ sends out strong warning over Plateau crisis

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has cautioned interest groups against creating tension while the military is making efforts to restore peace and normalcy to troubled parts of Plateau.

    This is contained in a statement issued by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Monday in Abuja.

    Gusau reacted to a statement issued by HURIWA, faulting the formation of a Fact-Finding Team tasked to elicit practical workable solutions to the prolonged crisis in some parts of Nigeria, Plateau inclusive.

    He said the fact-finding team headed by an experienced retired senior military officer was constituted by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa.

    Gusau said the constitution of the team followed the deployment of military hardware including highly trained intelligence personnel and special forces to troubled areas of the state to ensure perpetrators of dastardly attacks are brought to justice.

    He said the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, visited the state on Jan. 27 and gave the troops specific orders to deal decisively with those fermenting troubles leading to loss of lives and properties.

    According to him, numerous intelligence-driven operations have been conducted leading to the arrest of key suspects who are currently undergoing interrogation.

    “It is therefore pertinent to note that the team was constituted as part of the non-kinetic approach of the DHQ in resolving the situation.

    “Also, the team’s responsibility spreads across troubled areas in the country and not limited to Plateau state alone.

    “The DHQ call on HURIWA to cultivate the habit of seeking credible information on issues especially as it concerns national security before approaching the media.

    “It is evident the group was ill-informed and could not spend time researching on efforts the military had made to restore normalcy in troubled areas of the country.

    “DHQ would have naturally overlook the ignorance of HURIWA on this matter, but finds it necessary to educate civil society organisations on the responsible use of the media not to disseminate falsehoods and create tension where none is existing.

    “We, therefore advise HURIWA to henceforth be passionate to seek adequate information on issues of national importance and stop misleading the public deliberately.

    “The DHQ would take strong legal action should such mistake repeat itself,” he said.

    Gusau said the CDS appreciates the support of Nigerians to troops in the field making unquantifiable sacrifices to ensure peace in our nation.

    He added that the defence chief was confident that the troops would stamp out criminality in Plateau and the country at large.

  • Why we bombed Kaduna community – Defence HQ

    Why we bombed Kaduna community – Defence HQ

    The Defence Headquarters says the drone attack on Ligarma community in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Sunday, was based on information about untoward activities of terrorists in the area.

    This is contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba on Tuesday in Abuja.

    Buba said the Nigerian Army Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) detachment had at about 2200hrs on Sunday, observed movement of terrorist at Ligarma, known to be a terrorist-infested area of Kaduna State.

    He said the aerial surveillance captured movement of groups of persons synonymous with the terrorist tactics and modus operandi.

    Buba explained that the observed advance of the  terrorist that were gathered, posed a threat to key infrastructure within reach of their activities.

    According to him, the threat was eliminated to prevent the terrorist from unleashing terror on  innocent civilians.

    “It should be noted that, terrorist often deliberately embed themselves within civilian population centres for civilian population to bear the consequences of their atrocities.

    “Nevertheless, the Nigerian military does its best at all times to distinguish between civilians and terrorist.

    “The military views every civilian death in the cause of operations as a tragedy as such tragedies are needless and unwanted, which causes the armed forces to take extensive measures to avoid them,” he said.

    According to him, one such measures taken by the military is to  continually gives precise instructions to  communities.

    “For instance, communities are to always alert troops of their activities particularly when such a community is known to be infested with terrorist and their sympathisers.

    “These instructions are intended at enabling the military distinguish between friendly and untoward activities,” he said.

    Buba said the armed forces would continue to operate in line with international laws and would also continue its determined and cautious progress in eradicating terrorist from the land.

    He said the terrorists often disguised as civilian to perpetrate terror as part of their tactics, adding that the military would continue to find innovative solutions to the challenges faced in the conduct of its operations.

  • CDS not dead, says Defence Headquarters

    CDS not dead, says Defence Headquarters

    The Defence Headquarters has dismissed a newspaper report suggesting that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa passed away on Monday.

    One of the national dailies have reported on Tuesday that the CDS had died.

    A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, on Tuesday in Abuja, dismissed the report as unfortunate, unethical and lacking in credibility.

    “To put the records straight, the CDS, Gen. CG Musa is alive and hearty.

    “The Chief of Defence Staff who just returned from an official assignment outside the country has resumed work with more vigour to continue with his uncommon leadership style to prosper the Armed Forces of Nigeria .

    “The newspapers have since retracted the news story and offered its unreserved apology to the CDS, his family and the Armed Forces of Nigeria,” he said.

  • How troops thwarted terrorists, thugs’ attempt to disrupt polls -DHQ

    How troops thwarted terrorists, thugs’ attempt to disrupt polls -DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters said troops on operations in Kogi and Borno states foiled planned attacks by terrorists and political thugs aimed at disrupting the February 25 presidential and National Assembly elections in the states.

    According to the military high command, the terrorists planned to attack some locations in Kauwa, Gamboru, and Monguno in Borno but the troops carried out an air raid in the location following an intelligence report.

    Speaking in Abuja on Thursday during the biweekly briefing on troop activities, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, also said troops on patrol at Okehi town in Okenne Local Government Area of Kogi on February 25 arrested 8 political thugs in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process.

    He said, “Notably, on February 24, 2023, an intelligent report revealed terrorist convergence with plans to attack some locations in Kauwa, Gamboru, and Monguno in Borno state in a bid to disrupt the 2023 general elections.

    “Consequently, a series of air interdiction operations were carried out at these identified locations. Feedback revealed that the airstrike dealt with terrorists, as several terrorists were neutralized with their logistics destroyed.

    Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 12 rounds of refilled 7.62mm special ammunition, one bandolier, 10 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm ammunition, 7 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and one mobile phone

    “Troops on patrol at Okehi town in Okenne Local Government Area of Kogi State on 25 February 2023 arrested 8 political thugs in an attempt to disrupt the electoral process. Troops recovered 3 pump action guns, 2 locally fabricated AK 47 rifles, 6 locally made assorted guns, and 2 daggers.”

    He said troops in Operation Hadin Kai in the North East and Hadarin Daji neutralized 21 terrorists, arrested 35 terrorist logistics suppliers and rescued 36 civilians while a total of 1,332 terrorists and their family members comprising 222 males, 411 females, and 699 children surrendered at different locations within the theatre of operations.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that Danmadami also said troops acting on credible intelligence apprehended a terrorist commander alongside his wife and 4 children at Gwoza town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno state.

    He said, “Based on credible intelligence, troops while on ambush position apprehended a Boko Haram Terrorists commander alongside his wife and 4 children at Gwoza town in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 12 rounds of refilled 7.62mm special ammunition, one bandolier, 10 rounds of fabricated 7.62mm ammunition, 7 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, and one mobile phone.”

    How troops thwarted terrorists, thugs’ attempt to disrupt polls -DHQ

    He added that between February 23 and 8 March 2023, troops ambushed terrorists as well as intercepted terrorists’ logistics suppliers in villages within Marte, Konduga, Bama, Biu, Monguno, and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno state.

    He said troops on patrol at Gusau in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara state intercepted a female bandit collaborator who was en route to Taraba state with the sum of N1,093,000.00 only concealed in a cosmetic bag, adding that the recovered sum was said to be for the purchase of arms and ammunition in Taraba state.

    On February 26, he also said troops on patrol in Gusau town in Gusau Local Government Area of Zamfara state arrested a suspected bandit collaborator with the sum of N9,500,000.00 naira only.

  • Armed forces will never be part of plot to truncate democracy – DHQ

    Armed forces will never be part of plot to truncate democracy – DHQ

    The Defence Headquarters has dismissed as malicious propaganda, the report peddled by some unscrupulous elements of plot by some military officers to disrupt the forthcoming general elections.

    The Acting Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

    The defence spokesman added that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was dismayed that even politically exposed persons had denigrated themselves into joining the agents of destabilisation.

    He said that the unscrupulous elements claimed that some military officers met with a Presidential candidate with the aim of disrupting the general elections and setting the country on fire.

    According to him, the purveyors of the wicked and very malicious propaganda also indicated that a so-called Thursday meeting is plotting a Coup d’etat to establish unconstitutional order.

    The Defence spokesman said those who made the false claims were agents of destabilisation and violence seeking to heighten tension in the polity and would be made to face the wrath of the law.

    “It needs to be stated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is a professional military that is loyal to the constitution of the Federal Republic and will never be part of any evil plot against our democracy.

    “Besides, the Military remains apolitical and neutral in the current political process and will not engage in the alleged shenanigans.

    “The Armed Forces of Nigeria will never be part of any ignoble plot to truncate our hard-earned democracy,” he said.

    Gusau said the military high command would ensure that those who fabricated and spread the unfounded report were invited by appropriate law enforcement agencies to substantiate their claims.

    “The general public is advised to disregard such information and go about their normal activities,” he added.

  • Troops neutralise over 50 terrorists in North East

    Troops neutralise over 50 terrorists in North East

    The Defence Headquarters says troops of the armed forces eliminated more than 50 terrorists in various operations in North-East and North-West theatres of operation in three weeks.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the military across the country on Thursday in Abuja.

    Danmadami said the troop of Operation Hadin Kai had between Dec. 30 and Jan. 12, eliminated no fewer than 25 Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists in the North East.

    He said that the troops also apprehended 18 terrorists and 21 logistics suppliers, two foreign informants and five kidnappers across the theatre during the period.

    Danmadami said the troops also rescued 47 abducted civilians while a total of 377 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and members of their families, comprising 52 adult males, 126 adult females and 199 children surrendered to troops.

    He said all recovered items, apprehended criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

    “The captured terrorists and those surrendered with members of their families are being profiled for further action.

    “Cumulatively, within the last three weeks, troops recovered 21 AK47 rifles, four FN rifles, three locally pump made action guns, five locally made pistols and three PKT machine guns.

    “Other items recovered are 124 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 139 rounds of 7.62mm special, 29 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition, 140mm bomb.

    “Also recovered are, 1 UXO 81mm mortar bomb, three RPG tubes and bombs, 36 hand grenades, five dane guns and five FN magazines, 19 drums of Automotive Gas Oil and five drums of Premium Motor Spirit.

    “10 bags of assorted grains, 10 crates of soft drinks, 150 pieces of used clothing, 50 pieces women fabrics, 50 children’s wear and 30 pairs of women foot wears, were also recovered.

    “Other items include, textiles materials, medical supplies, 21 motorcycles, 16 bicycles, two grinding machines, one tanker loaded with PMS, 30 rustle cattle, the sum of N938, 580.00 and other sundry items,” he said.

    Danmadami said the series of air interdiction operations at terrorists’ hideouts, enclaves and camps also eliminated scores of the terrorists and destroyed their enclaves in Borno and Lake Chad area.

    He said the battle damage assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralised with their structures destroyed in the strikes.

    In North-West, Danmadami said the land and air component of Operation Hadin Daji had sustained offensive operations on terrorists enclaves, camps and hideouts within the zone.

    He said the troops had within the period neutralised 25 terrorists, apprehended 19 and rescued 68 civilians while scores of other terrorists were killed in air interdiction operations.

    Danmadami said the troops had between Jan. 7 and Jan. 8 conducted a dawn attack at terrorist crossing points in Sunke and Gado forest in Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara, killing 10 terrorists, recovered a cache of arms and others items.

    The defence spokesman said the troops also apprehended a terrorist collaborator at Madachi in Dandume Local Government Area of Katsina State at a checkpoint with the sum of N1.5 million.

    According to him, the suspect revealed that he was sent by one Nasiru, a notorious terrorist on the wanted list of security agents.

    “Nasiru was responsible for the killing of several locals in Birni Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    “Also, between Dec. 27 and Dec 31, the air component conducted a series of air interdiction operations at terrorists hide out in Kaduna and Zamfara that inflated casualties on the terrorists.

    “Notably, on Dec. 31, a well-planned and coordinated air interdiction operation was carried out at identified notorious and wanted terrorist kingpin, Dankarami hideout along Kaura Namoda road in Zurmi Local Government Area of Zamfara.

    “Following the airstrike, feedback revealed that several of his foot soldiers were eliminated while Dankarami himself escaped with serious injuries,” he said.

  • Terror Kingpin Ali Dogo, scores of terrorists killed by Military airstrikes

    Terror Kingpin Ali Dogo, scores of terrorists killed by Military airstrikes

    Terror Kingpin, Ali Dogo and many of his soldiers have been killed by Military airstrikes known as  operation Whirl Punch at  Yadi in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    This announcement was made known by the Defence Headquarters on Tuesday.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami added that the operation whirl Punch targeting the terrorists  was carried out based on intelligence and credible report.

    General Danmadami said, during the air strikes, a “terrorist kingpin, Ali Dogo, aka Yellow alongside his fighters were naturalized in a building they were said to be hosting a meeting.

    He said yellow and his fighters were said to have relocated to Kaduna State following continued bombardment on his location in Niger State.

    Explaining further, he said, on the same day, following intelligence that some terrorist leaders and their foot soldiers were converging under tree covers for a meeting in the Northwest of Mando, Kaduna State, the Air Component also bombarded the location, neutralizing scores of terrorist leaders and foot soldiers.

    His words, “the military high command commends troops of Operation Whirl Punch and encourages the general public to avail troops with credible and timely information on criminal activities.”

    The Military has recorded more victories against the terrorists in recent times with operation Whirl Punch being the latest.

     

  • FCT is safe – Defence HQ assures

    FCT is safe – Defence HQ assures

    The Defence Headquarters, Nigeria has assured that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja is safe. The Defence HQ assured residents of the FCT that the hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies are undaunted and unrelenting in efforts to ensure the safety of lives and properties.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports Major General Benard Onyeuko, Director of Defence Media Operations made this known during a press briefing on Nigeria’s military operations held at the Defence Headquarters on Thursday.

    Major General Onyeuko disclosed that troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 167 Special Force Battalion in conjunction with the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted a clearance patrol around Bwari general area between 24 – 26 July 2022, and successfully cleared Kawu and Ido villages of terrorists who recently attacked soldiers in the FCT.

    “Consequently, about 30 terrorists were neutralized and their enclave and hide-out destroyed. Ground troops also recovered 6 x motorcycles, 2 x AK47 rifles, 1 x fully loaded LMG magazine amongst others during mob up,” Onyeuko disclosed.

    The Defence Media Operations Director also disclosed at the press briefing that 27 pipeline vandals were arrested in the Niger Delta region while a total of 5,159,500 litres of substance suspected to be crude oil and 1,432,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil were recovered, adding that all arrested economic saboteurs and recovered items were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

    “The Statistic above shows a significant loss to the economy of the Country. It has a street value of about Two Billion Five Hundred and Thirty Four Million Seven Hundred Seventy One Thousand Five Hundred Forty Three Naira Eight Kobo (N2,534,771,543.08). However, the number of arrested individuals have also increased and could reduce the illegal activities of these of oil thieves. Operation DELTA SAFE has therefore sustained it efforts to ensure relative safe and peaceful operations environment in the Niger Delta,” Onyeuko.

    Read text of the press briefing below:

    PRESS BRIEFING BY DIRECTORATE OF DEFENCE MEDIA OPERATIONS ON ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA’S MILITARY OPERATIONS HELD AT DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS NEW CONFERENCE ROOM ON 28 JULY 2022

    1. Defence Headquarters bi-weekly briefing on troops activities and operational successes being recorded in the various operational theaters of the 6 geo-political zones of the Country. In the past 2 weeks, kinetic and non-kinetic operations were conducted in the various theatre of operations which recorded significant results. The brief will cover operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies which were conducted in tackling insecurity in the Country between the period 14-28 July 2022.

    NORTH EAST ZONE
    2. The Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone between the17 and 19July 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.

    3. In similar operation, troops on fighting patrol repelled Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province attacks at Gwalaram village in Magumeri Local Government Area. Own troops fire power forced the criminals to flee the location. Also, troops came in contact with terrorists along Kwang – Kilakasa road, Monguno, Gajiran in a fire battle engaged the terrorist and neutralized 20 of the insurgents.Troopsfurther exploited the area and recovered 6x AK47 rifles, 3 bicycles, 1 Toyota Landcruiser van, 3 x tyres, 490 roundsof 108mm, 274 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, metal links, 5 x magazine, 2 x Improvised Explosive Device cylinders and 100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit among others items.Troops on 25 July 2022 rescued 4 women with children at Aulari in Borno State, while 2 were the list confirmed to be Chibok girls named Hanatu Musa and Kauna Sarah Luka who are on serial 7 and 38of the missing Chibok girls. Accordingly, 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 of 360 adult males, 580 adult females and 1076 children surrendered to own troops at various locations in the North East theatre of Operation. 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.

    NORTH CENTRAL ZONE
    4. 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.

    5. In another development, between 15 – 19 July 2022, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to information on bandits activities at Chito and Maraba Ukyonugu villages both in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Troops neutralized 6 x bandits, destroyed criminal hideouts/camps and recovered 18 motorcycles. Troops also conducted operations along Road Nasme – Akpanaja -Ondori, Road Nasme – Antie – Ondori, Rukubi and Kekura villages in Doma and Awe Local Government Areas of Nasarawa State. During the operations, troops arrested 8 x suspected cattle rustlers and cultists. Items recovered include; 2 motorcycles, 1 x locally fabricated pistol, 3 x mobile phones and the sum of One Hundred Fifty Naira (N148,650.00) amongst others. All recovered items were handed over to the Nigeria Police Daudu Division for further action.

    6. 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 andN5,600 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.

    7. Relatedly, on 25 July 2022, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested a notorious kidnapper/armed robber and cattle rustler; Mr Zwanlan Fatim – 42yrs at Shendam town, Shendam Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops recovered 1 x locally made pistol, 5 x cartridges, 1 x rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 x mobile phones, 2 x Union Bank ATM cards, 1 x ID card and assorted charms amongst others. In another development, on 26 July 2022, troops intercepted Two (2) rail vandals, Mr Abba Abdul – 23 yrs and Mr Joseph ZI – 26yrs at Bas village, Heipang District, Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. Vandals were intercepted while conveying Eighty Six (86) railways UIC sleepers in a red Peugeot Boxer vehicle with registration No BAU 05 SX.

    8. Troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 167 Special Force Battalion in conjunction with the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted a clearance patrol around Bwari general area between 24 – 26 July 2022. 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 x motorcycles, 2 x AK47 rifles, 1 x fully loaded LMG magazine amongst others during mob up.

    NORTH WEST ZONE
    9. Troops of Operations HADARIN DAJI at the early hours of 27 July 2022 responded to a distress call from Bayi village in Tsefe Local Government Area of Zamfara on banditry activities. Troops trailed bandits to one Alhaji Bello Dan Iya’s residence and neutralized 1 x bandit. Items recovered include; 1 x AK47 rifle, 1 x magazine, 4 x rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 x MPs and 1 x sachet of marijuana amongst others. Earlier, on 25 July 2022, troops engaged one suspected bandit on motorcycle while commuting bush path along Gidan Garba, Magami Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops recovered 1 x AK47 rifle and 2 pairs of woodland camouflage. All recovered items are in own custody.

    SOUTH SOUTH ZONE
    10. 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 and87 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.

    11. The Statistic above shows a significant loss to the economy of the Country. It has a street value of about Two Billion Five Hundred and Thirty Four Million Seven Hundred Seventy One Thousand Five Hundred Forty Three Naira Eight Kobo (N2,534,771,543.08). However, the number of arrested individuals have also increased and could reduce the illegal activities of these of oil thieves. Operation DELTA SAFE has therefore sustained it efforts to ensure relative safe and peaceful operations environment in the Niger Delta.

    SOUTH WEST ZONE
    12. Between the 15 and 17 July 2022, troops of Operation AWATSE intercepted large consignment of smuggled foodstuff along Seme -Badagry – Owode Road and a smuggler depot along Road Aiyetoro – Abeokuta and Oja-Odan village of Badagry, Owode, Imeko/Afon and Odeda Local Government Area of Lagos and Ogun States respectively. Items confiscated include; Four Hundred and Two (402) 50kg of foreign rice and One Hundred and Ninety Three (193) 30 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.

    13. In another development, during the conduct of Operation SAFE CONDUCT, troops on patrol along Road Osho – Egbedore village in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State arrested a political thug and recovered 1 locally fabricated pistol, 5 cartridges and a mobile phone amongst others. Troops also carried out a raid operation at Old Garage within Oshogbo metropolis and arrested a notorious kidnapper terrorizing the people of Osogbo alongside 9 of his gang members. Items recovered include 1 pump action rifle, 6 cartridges amongst others. All recovered items were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action.

    14. The hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wishes to re-assured Nigerians of its commitment and pact with all Nigerians. With the recent operations carried out between from 23 July we wish to assure residents of FCT Abuja in particular that we are undaunted and unrelenting in our efforts to ensure the safety of lives and properties. People should go about their normal business as their safety is guaranteed. The support and cooperation of all Nigerians is hereby solicited as security is everybody’s business. Citizens are encouraged to report any unusual persons in your community to security agencies. If you see something say something.

    BENARD ONYEUKO
    Major General
    Director
    Defence Media Operations
    28 July 2022