The Defence Headquarters has stated that it is more than ever, more committed to taking the fight against banditary, terrorism and all forms of criminality in the country to a logical conclusion. 

This, among others were the salient points contained in the bi-weekly summary of the Defence Headquarters operational activities before newsmen in Abuja on Thursday. 

Major General Bernard Onyeuko, Acting Director of Defence Media Operations said the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other Security Agencies have continued to sustain the operational tempo in the land, maritime and air operations across the various theatres of operations in the Country. 

He reeled out the operational activities of troops across the Country in the past two weeks, ranging from 14th to 28th October, 2021. 

According to him, Up North, troops of Operation HADIN KAI have sustained the aggressive posture with zest in the North East in particular. The Theatre Command conducted series of land and air operations at different locations. 

He said these sustained efforts have largely degraded the insurgents operational capabilities, thus contributing to more terrorists surrendering with their families. A total of 38 terrorists were neutralized. These include the ISWAP’s new leader, Bako.11 criminal elements including terrorists and their informants and their logistics suppliers were arrested in the course of these operations. 

A total of 29 assorted weapons, 166 rounds of assorted ammunition, among other items were said to have been recovered. Others are; 2 gun trucks and 622 bags of fertilizer, used for production of IEDs; while 5 kidnapped civilians were rescued. Some of these feats were recorded at; Dar, Kumshe, Wulgo, Chabbol and Kijmatari villages in Borno State as well as locations along Ngala – Wulgo and Nguru – Kano roads, Dikwa and Mafa villages as well as Ngama village in Yobe State. 

The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted series of successful air exercises against BHT/ISWAP terrorists at various locations. On 20 October, the Air Component scored another massive point hit on the terrorists at Malam Fatori, close to Lake Chad.

Similarly, on 21 October 2021, following report of ISWAP elements’ attack on own troops at Katarko area in Yobe State, the Air Component engaged the terrorists in successive air strikes and neutralized scores of them. 

The Maritime Component of Operation HADINK and operation HADARIN DAJI also dominated the operations theatre with aggressive fighting patrols. Consequently, worthy feats were said to be achieved at various locations. In Gwandu LGA in Kebbi State, some cattle rustlers were arrested. 

Also, some armed bandits were arrested at Wanzamai village in Zamfara State. Some were neutralized at Gimi village in Katsina State. Others were arrested at Safana LGA in Katsina State. In all, a total of 15 kidnapped civilians were rescued, 9 armed bandits neutralized, 11 AK 47 rifles, 43 rounds of ammunition and 86 livestock were recovered. 

Operation SAFE HAVEN troopps operations within the period in view led to the arrest of 8 criminal elements. The operations also led to the recovery of 13 assorted arms, 291 ammunition and 28 livestock among other items. 5 kidnap victims were rescued. 5 criminal elements were arrested within the period in review.

On it's part, Gen Onyeuko said Operation Whirl Punch and Thunder Strike sustained its operational activities in parts of the North West Zone. In various operations within the period in review, he said no fewer than 12 bandits were neutralized, 11 AK-47 rifles, 64 rounds of ammunition, 24 livestock among other items were recovered. 

 Within the period under review, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke were said to have deepened its grip on the North Central Zone with multiple strikes. Consequently, a total of 35 arms including AK-47 rifles, Machine Guns, teargas launchers, locally-made pistols and rifles, 25 extra rifle magazines and 431 rounds of ammunition were recovered within the period. A total of 11 armed bandits were arrested and 2 kidnapped civilians rescued. These feats were recorded at different locations in Nassarawa, Benue and Taraba States. 

Troops of Operation Delta Safe also executed land, maritime and air operations in the South-South Zone, to forestall activities of economic saboteurs and other criminal elements. Comsequently, troops destroyed tens of illegal oil refining and bunkering facilities. Cumulatively, troops destroyed a total of 27 illegal refining   sites, 57 ovens, 17 cooking pots/boilers, 2 cooling systems, 37 reservoirs, 9 large dugout pits and 27 storage tanks, drums and sacks laden with illegally refined oil products.  

A total of 788,500 litres of illegally refined diesel and 229,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered in the course of the operations. Troops neutralized 3 armed robbers and freed 2 kidnaped civilians.5 suspected pipeline vandals, sea pirates and other criminals were also arrested within that period.

The Acting Director of Defence Media Operations, commended the continued sacrifices of all uniformed men and officers at the various theatres of engagement. He also thanked the general public and the press community what he described as their patience and professionalism. 

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