Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Airforce, Air Commodore Edward Gabkwet has stressed the need for Nigerians, and particularly the media should support ongoing military operations across the country.
The DOPRI gave the advice on Thursday during the bi-weekly defence correspondents briefing on strategic military operations across the country.
He said that in times like this, the media should show patriotism in reporting security challenges facing the country.
Earlier, Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said troops have within 2 weeks neutralized 28 terrorists, arrested 92 terrorists, 6 gunrunners, 3 kidnappers, 6 collaborators, 7 perpetrators of oil theft, rescued 82 kidnapped hostages and denied oil theft the sum of Eight Hundred and Seventy-Six Million Four Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand Eight Hundred Naira (N876,451,800.00) only, and troops recovered 108 weapons and 564 ammunition.
According to Maj.Gen Buba, troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 36 dugout pits, 62 wooden boats, 73 storage tanks, one vehicle and 75 cooking ovens. Others include; 4 pumping machine, 5 outboard engine and 33 illegal refining sites.
Maj Gen Buba revealed that, in North East Operation Hadin Kai, troosp eliminated 7 terrorists, arrested 5 and rescued 31 kidnapped hostages. 28 family members of the BH/ISWAP terrorists comprising of 9 adult females and 19 children were among were also rescued and taken into custody for profiling.
He said, troops of Operation HADIN KAI arrested a terrorist’s collaborator and kidnapper at Gujba and Kaga LGAs of Yobe and Borno States respectfully.
“Additionally, BH/ISWAP terrorist combatants surrendered to troops at Kukawa, Konduga and Bama LGAs of Borno State. The operations resulted in eliminated terrorists, rescued kidnapped hostages, recovered arms and ammunitions.
“The air component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted air recce around Arina Chiki. Subsequently, precision air strikes to eliminate the terrorist gather in the area were conducted. The outcome of the strikes is being continually monitored.
“The troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered one fabricated AK47 rifles, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special, one empty case of 7.62mm special, one mobile phone, one cutlass and sum of Five Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (N5,900.00). Troops eliminated 2 gunmen, rescued 2 hostages and arrested 6 kidnappers.
“On 8 August 2023, troops arrested a notorious kidnap gang leader identified as Alhaji Abdulkarim Bawa at Janaret Market in Mangu LGA of Plateau State. The suspect being on the wanted list was tracked and apprehended.
“On 10 August 23, troops responded to distress call on kidnapping activities at Shabu – Danan Village in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops pursued the kidnappers through their escape route and arrested 2 suspects hiding in a nearby bush.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 199 rounds of 7.62mm special, 7 AK47 magazines and one motorcycle. Additionally, troops eliminated one terrorist, arrested 5 suspects and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
“Troops arrested an impostor, Mr Nuradeen Mohammed at Doya Village in Wukari LGA of Taraba State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect has been impersonating as a service personnel and extorting locals around the general area.
“The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI continued to degrade the terrorists in the general area. Troops eliminated terrorists, recovered arms and ammunition at Isa and Bukuyyum LGA of Sokoto State, as well as and Tangaza LGAs of Zamfara States. Troops also arrested terrorists’ collaborators at Gwadabawa and Shinkafi LGAs of Sokoto State.The operations resulted in the rescued of kidnapped hostages at Sabon Birni and Danmusa LGAs of Sokoto and Katsina States, respectively.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recovered 2 locally made dane guns and 5 AK47 magazines. Troops also eliminated one terrorist, arrested 3 suspected terrorists and rescued 10 kidnapped hostages.
“In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 36 dugout pits, 62 boats, 73 storage tanks, one vehicle, 75 cooking ovens, 2 motorcycles, 4 pumping machine, 5 outboard engine and 33 illegal refining sites. Troop’s also recovered 4 pump action guns, 4 mobile phones, 1,166,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,491,250 litres of illegally refined AGO, 54,750 litres of DPK, 800 litres of PMS and the sum of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Naira (N7,500.00). Troops also neutralized 3 gunmen arrested 12 suspects, 4 gunrunners and 7 perpetrators of oil theft.
In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA eliminated 3 IPOB/ESN terrorists recovered 4 pump action guns, one single barrel loaded with 100 live cartridges, one locally fabricated rifle and 3 live cartridges. Troops also arrested 18 terrorists and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
Major General Buba affirmed that the operations as enumerated is indicative of the professionalism of men and women of the armed forces, their courage and bravery.
He stressed that these men and women put themselves in harms way, time and time again, to protect Nigeria and Troops will continue to use superior military force to eliminate any group or groups that constitutes a threat to the safety of citizens and own forces alike. Again, no group will strike the military with injurious consequences
