Tag: terrorists

• Kill 89 terrorists, rescue 181 kidnap victims

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops’ offensives have depleted the capability of the Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in North East Nigeria.

It said the blow has forced the terror group on a recruitment drive for new fighters across the region.

The DHQ said the terrorists in the North West also suffered the same fate and were on membership recruitment on social media.

The military high command said this in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba.

Gen. Buba said: “Troops are aware of the situation and working with other security agencies and governments to thwart the plans. Troops are also deployed in strength to provided assistance to the police in ensuring a hitch free off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, slated for Saturday.

Read Also: How to avoid high electricity bills – EKEDC boss

“Indeed, ‘troops’ presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, while keeping mischief makers at bay. The NAF is already engaged in flying sensitive electoral material in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”

Giving updates on successes across various theaters of operation in the past week, the defence spokesman said troops killed 88 terrorists, arrested 228 criminals, and rescued 181 kidnap victims.

Gen. Buba said troops recovered 84 high caliber weapons, comprising 34 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, five fabricated revolver pistol, eight locally made pistols, three pump action guns and one magnum pump action.

He said troops recovered 2,393 ammunition, comprising 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 146 rounds of 7.62mm PKM ammo, 77 rounds of 9mm ammo, 49 live cartridges, and 25 magazines, among others.

On troops successes in the Niger Delta region, Gen. Buba said troops destroyed 59 illegal refining sites and arrested 40 oil thieves.

He said: “Troops recovered 942,420 litres of stolen crude oil, 175,075 litres of illegally refined diesel and 4,980 litres of petrol. Troops also discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 20 dugout pits, 73 boats, 25 storage tanks and 59 illegal refining sites, three barges, seven speedboats, and 73 drums, among others.

Following the arrest of 12 bandits a few days ago, troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army / Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have successfully repelled a reprisal operation launched by armed assailants on Chanchanji village of Taraba state.

A statement by Spokesman of the brigade, Captain Olubodunde Oni, said the attack followed the earlier arrest of 12 suspected bandits and the seizure of 14 motorcycles and a locally fabricated pistol during a coordinated operation by own troops on November 9.

The statement reads: “On November 13, the remaining members of the criminal group launched an attempt to retaliate against Chanchanji village.

“Acting promptly on received intelligence, the gallant troops of  6 Brigade executed a counter operation, engaging the bandits with superior volume of firepower. The bandits, overwhelmed by the brigade’s swift and forceful response, were compelled to retreat into the surrounding bushes.

“During the encounter, one bandit was neutralized, and the troops successfully recovered several items, including One AK-47 rifle, Two AK-47 magazines, Twelve rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and One Motorola handheld radio”.

Also, the troops have arrested a couple of bandits and their sponsors in Bali Local Government Area of the state.

The statement added:  “In another development and a follow up operation on the arrest of suspected bandit sponsor identified as Buba Alitu AKA Buba Gayu and four others in Dakka village of Bali Local Government Area on 31 October 2024.

“Following the confession of two suspects of being in possession of arms, troops  conducted a search operation at the suspects hideout at Gabatari village of Bali Local Government Area and recovered one locally fabricated pistol”.

• Troops nab wanted terrorist Habu Dogo; seven IPOB/ESN members

Following weeks of relentless military onslaught against bandits in the NorthWest, some semblance of sanity is beginning to be restored in parts of the region and the people regaining their confidence, according to an investigation by The Nation.

Scores of the gang leaders and their foot soldiers have been eliminated in the onslaught, many more driven out of their operational areas, their camps destroyed and weapons seized.

And for the first time, the residents who had been terrorised  for years by bandits, are now standing up to confront the oppressors, in several cases, killing the gunmen or chasing them away.

Abubakar Ibrahim alias  Habu Dogo, is the latest among the terrorists in the region to  run out of luck.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba,confirmed yesterday that  Habu Dogo was apprehended at Rumji Village in Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.

The suspect had been on the watch list of security agencies in Nigeria and Niger Republic because of the cross border nature of his terrorist activities.

Read Also: Concerns as silent rage of hazardous pollution threatens air quality

The military onslaught which was ordered by President Bola Tinubu has already claimed the likes of Halilu Sububu,described as a fearsome terror lord in the NorthWest; Buhari Alhaji Halidu (aka “Buharin Yadi”) who terrorised citizens in Kaduna, Katsina, Niger, and Zamfara states through kidnappings, robberies, and indiscriminate killings; Boderi Isyaku who was behind the kidnapping of 39 students and the attack on the Nigerian Defence Academy in 2021; Kachalla Dan Chaki, Rufai Maikaji, Dogo Rabe, Dogo Gudali, Alhaji Auta, Kachalla Ruga and Yellow, who operated multiple bandit camps across Zamfara, Kaduna, and Katsina States. His gang was involved in various criminal activities, including kidnappings and robberies.

Yellow was killed in a strike  by the Nigerian Airforce, which dismantled his operational base.

In the last one week, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 51 terrorists, apprehended 55 suspects and rescued 81 kidnapped hostages with recovery of a large cache of arms in the region.

It is estimated that the number of bandits who used to operate in about 2,000 camps  across the Kamuku, Kuyanbana and Falgore forests which cover parts of Niger, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Zamfara and Sokoto states have been sharply reduced in the ongoing onslaught.

Although the security situation in the region is still far from being ideal, there has been a marked improvement over the last few weeks such that farmers can now  freely go to work.

Some villagers interviewed by our correspondents in parts of Katsina , Zamfara and Sokoto states confirmed the remarkable improvement brought about by the ongoing military action against bandits in the region

One of them, Mubarak Ahmed, told The Nation at  Gurbin Baure, a border village between Katsina and Zamfara states  that the remnants of the bandits are in disarray, unsure of their fate.

He said they would have to surrender to the authorities or get killed.

He asked the military to  descend heavily on the fleeing bandits.

 “With the killing of many of the bandit  leaders, the capture of numerous fighters, rescue of kidnap victims in their camps, their foot soldiers  are in total disarray,” he said.

A security expert, Major Mohammed Bashir Galma (rtd), also agreed that the security situation in the region has improved  but said much work remains to be done by the security agencies.

“We cannot say that we are entirely out of the woods because up till now, Zamfara is still a sparkling area.

“At intervals, you hear blockage of highways, kidnappings of people into the bush and some little bit of ransom demands.

“Recently in one place called Maradun, farmers were asked to pay N10million before they could  harvest their crops.

“But, generally the spate of burning of towns, kidnappings and so on have greatly reduced.

However, the most unfortunate thing is this matter of attacking vulnerable points that are important to the generality of the population of Northern Nigeria. A case in point is the recent attack on the Shiroro-Kaduna power line by the bandits.

“If care is not taken, this new dimension will do a lot of harm to the economy of the region and Nigeria as a whole.’

He advised the electricity companies to engage security personnel to patrol and detect threats on the power installations.

He added: “Banditry is now getting much more sophisticated, that is why I said, intelligence gathering should be strengthened and modernised within the cities, because the think tank of these bandits who are giving them tactics are in the cities and the motive is not yet clear whether it is economic or sabotage.

Read Also: My unforgettable battle with traditionalists in Ota, by cleric

“The military needs to do more. Their efforts are not in vain. We have recognised their efforts, but they should not let it go  cold. They should not give the bandits an opportunity to regroup and reinforce. The killings of  kingpins like Sububu and others have dealt a big blow on the bandits.

“So, if there would be continuation, others will definitely be eliminated. Though they have always had their succession plans, when the military continues their operations, the succession will not be able to grow.

“The military should also not dismiss any information they have now about the presence of these bandit groups in any place that is mentioned, especially in the  Shiroro, Sarkin Pawa, Palawa, Pandongari axis which are jungles akin to rain forest in the South West. These are likely places of hideouts.”

He said: “our ability to detect where the phone call is going and where it is coming from is very key. So, maximum use of intelligence gathering through telecommunications, though expensive, should be deployed. Because, if bandits can spend on intelligence gathering, I see no reason, government should not spend much more.”

Seven IPOB/ESN terrorists also arrested

The Defence Headquarters has also announced the arrest of seven people, including a woman, suspected to be commanders of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in the South-East.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said the suspects were arrested in  Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, Umuahia  South Local Government Area of Abia, Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia and  Orsu Local Government Area of Imo.

“The ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations have continued to degrade the combat capacity of terrorists across the country,” he said.

•Stop living in denial, Niger Speaker tells Nigeria Army

No fewer than 13 vigilantes in Mariga local government area of Niger state were killed by terrorists when they tried to invade the community on Thursday morning.

This is just as the terrorists also abducted commuters from five vehicles when they blocked the Minna-Kontagora road on Thursday afternoon. The number of people abducted is currently unknown.

The Nation learnt that since the rebuttal issued by the Nigeria Army over the occupancy of the military training camp in Kontagora, the bandits have come out in full rampage and have been unleashing terror on the people.

It may be recalled that last Wednesday evening, a military officer was abducted in his farm while nine other farmers were abducted with three of them killed.

Read Also: Zaaki Azzay hosts inaugural ‘True Nigerian Party’

In a related development, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Honorable Abdulmalik Sarkindaji have told the Nigerian Army to stop living in denial over the presence of bandits in its training ground in Kontagora saying that evidence on ground have revealed that the bandits are currently occupying parts of the military training camp.

Sarkindaji who represents Mariga Constituency where most of these attacks have taken place in the past three days disclosed that over 20 people were abducted during the blockage of the Minna-Kontagora road by the bandits.

He said that the blockage of the road occurred between Baban-Lamba and Beri, adding that families of some victims who were previously kidnapped had disclosed that they had taken ransom to bandits several times in the forest which was part of the military training camp.

The Speaker also said the passengers that were kidnapped on Thursday during the blockage of the road were also moved to the same forest which was part of the military training camp.

He called on the Nigeria Army to act fast in flushing out the bandits from the forest instead of dismissing and refuting the complaints and observations of the people.

“As members representing our people, we get feedback from our constituents of their plights. So, before we present anything on the floor of the House, we have done our investigation very well.

“It is not as if we are underrating the military capacity to fight bandits and terrorists but it is not right to just dismiss the complaints of our people. We want the federal government and concerned authorities to know their plights.

“The communities said the military training camp had become a safe haven for bandits who always come out of that forest to attack them, kidnap people and take them to the same forest.

Even the kidnapped victims that were released after the payment of ransom said they were taken to the same bush and they could sight the Kontagora Army Barrack from where they were kept by the bandits.

“What we expected from the military was to seek more information about what victims have told us and flush the bandits out. But you cannot just come out to refute what a member of the House of Assembly had said.

“Let me tell you, as the military refuted what one of our members said on Wednesday, on Thursday, October 31, bandits blocked the road between Baban-Lamba and Beri and kidnapped all Passengers in five vehicles. More than 20 passengers were kidnapped and taken to the same forest. From Kontagora to Beri is a vast land belonging to Army Barracks Kontagora.

“So, refuting the complaints of people is not right. The military should do the needful and flush out these criminals. The military is made to protect the people. So, we will continue to speak out to let the federal government and all stakeholders know the plight of our people,” the Speaker said.

Terrorists killed 13 vigilantes in Mariga local government area of Niger State when they tried to invade the community on Thursday morning.

The terrorists also abducted commuters from five vehicles when they blocked the Minna-Kontagora road on Thursday afternoon. The number of people abducted is still unknown.

The Nation learnt that since the rebuttal of the Army over the occupancy of the military training camp in Kontagora, the bandits have come out in full rampage, unleashing terror on residents. 

On Wednesday evening, a military officer was abducted in his farm while nine other farmers were abducted with three of them killed.

Niger Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkindaji has told the Army to stop living in denial over the presence of bandits in its training ground in Kontagora. 

He said evidence on ground has revealed that the bandits are occupying parts of the military training camp.

Sarkindaji, who represents Mariga Constituency where most of these attacks have taken place in the past three days, alleged over 20 people were abducted during the blockage of the Minna-Kontagora road by bandits.

Read Also: Military debunks alleged terrorists’ takeover of its training area in Niger

He said that the blockage of the road occured between Baban-Lamba and Beri, adding families of some victims previously kidnapped informed they had taken ransom to bandits several times in the forest which was part of the military training camp.

The Speaker also said the passengers kidnapped on Thursday during the blockage of the road were also moved to the same forest which was part of the military training camp.

He called on the Army to act fast in flushing out the bandits from the forest instead of dismissing and refuting the complaints and observations of the people. 

“As members representing our people, we get feedback from our constituents of their plights. So, before we present anything on the floor of the House, we have done our investigation very well.

“It is not as if we are underrating the military capacity to fight bandits and terrorists but it is not right to just dismiss the complaints of our people. We want the federal government and concerned authorities to know their plights.

“The communities said the military training camp had become a safe haven for bandits who always come out of that forest to attack them, kidnap people and take them to the same forest. Even the kidnapped victims that were released after the payment of ransom said they were taken to the same bush and they could sight the Kontagora Army Barrack from where they were kept by the bandits.

“What we expect from the military was to seek more information about what victims have told us and flush the bandits out. But you cannot just come out to refute what a member of House of Assembly had said.

“Let me tell you, as military refuted what one of our members said Wednesday, on Thursday, October 31, bandits blocked the road between Baban-Lamba and Beri and kidnapped all Passengers in five vehicles. More than 20 passengers were kidnapped and taken to the same forest. From Kontagora to Beri is a vast land belonging to Army Barracks Kontagora.

“So, refuting the complaint of people is not right. The military should do the needful and flush out these criminals. The military is made to protect the people. So, we will continue to speak out to let the federal government and all stakeholders know the plight of our people,” the Speaker said.

• Troops arrest 135 terrorists, rescue 76 kidnap victims

• Military deactivates 47 illegal refining sites in one week

• Three ‘notorious’ kidnappers arrested in Taraba

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has explained how government weapons end up in the hands of terrorists.

It said terrorists get such arms when they attack military formations.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this while addressing reporters on military operations across the country.

Last week, the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, had said a sizeable number of illicit arms being used by non-state actors originally belonged to the government.

Ribadu said the weapons ended up in the hands of non-state actors due to corrupt elements within the security agencies.

Echoing the NSA’s statement, Buba said: “When we talk about the proliferation of arms, first, you have to look at what happened in Libya years ago, in the Sahel.

“Now, this allowed arms to get into the wrong hands and then filtered into our country. This worsened the issue of insurgency and terrorism that we are faced with in the country.

“It is not a surprise. As we have seen, several of our troops have been ambushed or killed and their arms taken.

“But what we have done is that in every such instance, we have made the terrorists pay a greater price than we have been forced to pay in such circumstances.”

The DHQ also said troops on operations across the country arrested 135 terrorists, including two Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leaders, killed 140 terrorists and rescued 76 kidnap victims.

Read Also: FULL LIST: Osimhen misses out as Lookman, Ekong make CAF player of the year shortlist

Buba said troops of Operation Udo Ka at Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State arrested an IPOB leader identified as Pius Iguh.

The suspect is said to be a founding father of Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Orsu general area of Imo State.

Buba said troops at FOB Amaruku arrested another IPOP leader, identified as Emmanuel Onwugu in Mbano Local Government Area of Abia State.

The defence spokesman said troops, in collaboration with other security forces, arrested a “notorious cult leader” called Ifeanyi Rock with 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu area of Abia State.

He said the troops within the period recovered 241 assorted weapons and 3,254 assorted ammunition, among others.

He gave a breakdown of recovered weapons as follows; 141 AK-47 rifles, one PKT gun, two FN rifles, 17 fabricated rifles, 26 Dane guns, 13 pump action guns, four locally-made pistols, one Barreta pistol, two bayonets and 42 AK-47 magazines.

Others include 2,016 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 970 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 33 rounds 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 76 rounds of 9mm ammo, 113 live cartridges, two Baofeng radios, three vehicles, 31 motorcycles, 18 mobile phones and the sum of N79,052,150.00 and 19$ only amongst other items.

Also, in the Niger Delta region, Buba said troops destroyed 47 illegal refining sites, arrested 18 suspected oil thieves and recovered stolen products worth N1,751,886,550.00.

The troops also destroyed 33 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 41 boats, 70 drums, and 22 storage tanks.

The defence spokesman said troops also recovered  13 speedboats, one tricycle, four motorcycles, three vehicles, 1,122,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 557,210 litres of illegally refined AGO.

Also, troops of 6 Brigade of the Nigerian Army/Sector 3 of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) have dismantled a notorious kidnapping syndicate said to be terrorising parts of Jalingo, the Taraba State capital, and Lau Local Government Area of the state.

Acting on an intelligence report, the first two suspects, identified as Ali Idi and Haruna Umar, were apprehended on October 22 during a raid at a local hotel in Mayo Dassa area of Jalingo where they were reportedly hiding.

A search on their mobile phones revealed incriminating evidences, including a photograph showing Haruna Umar brandishing an AK-47 rifle alongside another individual at a yet to be identified location.

Further investigations led to the discovery that the gang’s hideout was at Kona Mountain in Jalingo Local Government Area, where additional members of the syndicate were believed to be camped.

Troops conducted a follow-up operation at Kona Mountain on October 23, and the suspected leader of the gang, identified as Dahiru Idi (aka Yellow), was apprehended.

Upon interrogation, he confessed to the recent kidnapping of three individuals, from whom a ransom of N6 million was extorted before their release.

The gang leader also said the two AK-47 rifles used in their operations had been taken to another location by another gang member, Yakubu Dogo, in preparation for an upcoming operation.

Terrorists have killed three people between Bangi and Kotonkoro in Mariga local government area of Niger state.

The incident occured on Sunday morning when the terrorists blocked the road and began shooting at moving vehicles.

The three victims were all passengers in a car. 

The owner of the car, Alhaji Shehu Kotonkoro who disclosed this in an interview, said that his driver, a girl and one passenger identified as Alhaji Ibrahim were passengers in his car,  adding that they were on their way to the market when they ran into the terrorists.

Read Also: JUST IN: Police bust suspected IPOB/ESN terrorists’ camp in Imo

Shehu informed the terrorists also abducted two rice farmers harvesting rice on their farm 2km from the town lamenting over the shortage of security in the area.

The Chairman of Mariga local government area of Niger state, Alhaji Abbas Musa Kasuwa bemoaned the increasing activities  of terrorists in the area, stating it has been consistent in the area due to their border with Zamfara, Kebbi and Kaduna States through Birinin Gwari axis.