Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria operating in the North-East have killed several Boko terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and arrested 25 terrorists logistics suppliers in Borno.
Maj-Gen. Musa Danmadami, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known on Thursday in Abuja while briefing the media on the operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies conducted in addressing the various security challenges across the Country between the period of 4 – 18 May 2023.
He said that a total of 511 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families comprising of 99 adult male, 161 adult female and 251 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations.
“All recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued Chibok school girl have been handed over to the relevant authority further action while the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province family members were profile and equally handed over to the appropriate authority.
“In a related development, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted several air operations at identified terrorists enclaves, camps and logistics, geared towards degrading the terrorists. Notably, on 10 May 2023 an air interdiction operation was conducted at identified Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists enclave at Arege. The location was sighted with several terrorists and gun trucks. Accordingly, the location was bombarded and feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their gun trucks destroyed in the air strike.
Speaking further, the Director said troops in the South-South zone of the country recovered 551,500 litres of crude oil and 394,500 litres of Automotive Gas Oil and other stolen products valued at N448,387,770.00 within two weeks.
He said that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE, in the conduct of Operation OCTOPUS GRIP and other operations within the zone, discovered and destroyed 38 illegal refining sites, 24 wooden boats, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens and 19 dugout pits.
“All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action. Additionally, it is worthy to mention that the sum of Four Hundred and Forty Eight Million Three Hundred and Thirty Eight Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Naira (N448,387,770.00) only were denied the oil thefts
“Relatedly, the air component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted series of air operation within the joint area of operation. Notably, an air interdiction was conducted at Abacheke general area. The location was observed to be active with illegal oil bunkering activities. Consequently, the target was struck, destroying all illegal refining equipment at the location,” he noted
Major General Danmadami further disclosed that a total of 42 Boko Haram/ISWAP and IPOB/ESN terrorists were neutralized and 102 other suspected criminals and economic saboteurs were arrested, while 15 kidnapped civilians including one of the abducted Chibok school girls, were rescued.
He added that within the same period, 17 AK47 rifles and large quantities of Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials were recovered while a total of 511 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and members of their families surrendered to the Nigerian troops.
Specifically, Major General Danmadami said that in the North-East zone of the country, troops recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 1 AK49 rifle, 8 SMGs, 15 grenades rifles, 2 pump action guns, 1 LMG, 1 Ma rifle, 4 AA guns, 2 AA barrel, 12 dane guns, 38 AK47 magazines, 2 double barrel guns, 3,896 rounds of .50 inch, 2,189 rounds of 12.7mm, 1,475 rounds of 9mm, 86 rounds of 12.7mm x 108API, 183 rounds of shilka, 60 rounds of 40mm BGL, 2 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 B/SP, 34 cartons of sig pistol, 125 RPG bombs, 52 x 36 hand grenade, 5 SMK bombs, 13 RPG tubes, 8 x 76mm bombs, 130 SMK grenade (tear gas) 13 x PG 42 grenade, and 247 rounds of 38mm SMK bombs.
“Others items recovered include 9 vehicles, 30 mobile phones, 10 motorcycles, 8 bicycles, 4 vehicle tyres, 3 GT tyres, 2 grinding machines, 1 sewing machine, medical supplies, 1 wheel barrow, 30 motor fan belt, 5 bags of grains, 3 bags of sugar, 3 bags of salt, 1 inverter battery, 75 bags of fertilizers, 2 drums of Premium Motor Spirit, 6 gallons of engine oil, 12 hose cables, 8 new tyres, 5 tyre tubes, 13 bicycles chains, 15 bicycles free wheels, 12 air pumps, 8 pedals, 4 brakes, 1 carton of maggi seasoning and the sum of Sixty Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty Naira (N69,520.00) only.
“Troops equally neutralized 26 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, arrested 25 terrorists’ logistics suppliers, 1 terrorists spy and 1 Boko Haram terrorist. Troops also rescued 1 kidnapped Chibok School girls. While a total of 511 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families comprising of 99 adult male, 161 adult female and 251 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations,” he said.
