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Tag: troops

  • Troops demolish Kano bomb factory

    Troops demolish Kano bomb factory

    Security agents raided yesterday a suspected Boko Haram hideout in Kano where a man was killed. Explosives and arms were recovered.

    The action, according to the troops and State Security Service (SSS) operatives, was to prevent a Sallah Day bloodbath planned by the suspected insurgents.

    They acted on a tip-off to launch the attack on Gubduwawa village in Gezawa Local Government Area where they discovered a bomb factory.

    The two houses involved were demolished.

    The person killed is believed to be the son of the landlord, who rented the house to the suspected terrorists.

    For about eight hours, guns boomed in the area as the suspected terrorists and the operatives fought for supremacy.

    The Joint Task Brigade Commander of the Army 3rd Brigade Command Headquarters, Brig.-Gen. Illyasu Isah Abba, along with the Director of DSS in Kano, Mr. Bassey Eteng, said: “At about 2:00 a.m. on 8 October 2013, a combined team of the JTF troops and Department of State Security Services (DSS) personnel attacked Boko Haram terrorists’ hideouts at Gunduwawa village in Gezawa council of Kano State.

    “The raid, was conducted following a lead on intelligence reports; we made no arrests as the terrorists fled the village as the JTF troops and DSS personnel arrived.

    “The combined team was also able to recover weapons, working tools and materials used for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). The weapons include assault rifle, two AK 58 rifle magazines with 193 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, one AK 47 rifle magazine with 107 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, bows, and arrows.

    “The materials used for making IEDs found in the buildings raided include 3 primed cylinders of IEDs, one primed explosive suicide back pack, 18 empty IED cylinders, 24 detonators, small bags of fertiliser, IED timers, cortex wires and three remote control devices.

    “Other items recovered include work tools, five Motorola hand-held radios, four communicators, six alarm clocks, two cartons of 9-volt batteries, a scale, one external hard-drive and one heavy duty charger/battery.

    “These weapons, ammunition and other heavy dangerous materials were meant to wreak havoc on Kano during the Eid-El-Kabir festivities and other festivities before the end of the year.

    “The JTF is aware that the terrorists are trying to establish some safe havens on the outskirts of Kano metropolis in order to resume their nefarious activities which had been curbed within the city.

    “In order to ensure Kano remains a safe place for all, we are keeping a watchful eye on the surrounding towns and settlements through which the terrorists may use as access into the metropolitan.

    “The JTF appreciates the cooperation of the public in the fight against terrorism and enjoins all well-meaning citizens to come forward with relevant information towards dealing decisively with the terrorist group. We shall continue to uphold the confidentiality of our sources and follow up every information to a conclusive end,” the Army boss stated.

    The Kano DSS Director said the terrorist group had devised a new trick similar to that used in the Boston, United States, suicide-bombing, by carrying explosives on back-pack bags. He urged the public to be wary of such tricks.

  • Troops comb forest in pursuit of killers

    Troops comb forest in pursuit of killers

    Following the killing of 40 students, there were strong indications last night that the Boko Haram insurgents, who perpetrated the gruesome act, had been sighted in a forest between Yobe and Borno states.

    Heavy shelling of the forests was ongoing last night, it was learnt.

    The troops have secured the College of Agriculture, Gujba and its vicinity.

    Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ola Sa’ad Ibrahim had ordered deployment of more troops in Yobe for a battle-to-the-finish with the insurgents.

    A top source said: “Our troops are in pursuit of those who perpetrated the incident in Gujba. These insurgents have been sighted by troops in the forests between Yobe and Borno states.

    “The troops have boxed the insurgents in the forests and they are advancing towards them. Heavy shelling is going on as I speak with you.

    “I cannot give you an update more than this now.”

    On the situation in Gujba, the source added: “The place has been secured and the vicinity is under control.

    “Troops are doing their best to protect all public institutions which had been major targets of the insurgents.”

    Another source however said: “There had been clashes between troops and the insurgents in the last six hours.

    “We learnt the insurgents opened fire at troops who also hit back at them. There might have been casualties on both sides.”

    Spokesman of Defence Headquarters, Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, last night, said: “There are troops already deployed in and around the school. At the moment, there are no insurgents around the school.

    “Troops are still in pursuit of the terrorists. There is an ongoing operation in a forest area between Yobe and Borno states where the terrorists were sighted.

    “Other details would be made available as the mission progresses.”

  • Troops deployed in schools to stop Boko Haram attack

    Troops deployed in schools to stop Boko Haram attack

    -UNICEF, Amnesty seek arrest of killers

    —Britain bans sect

     

    Troops have been deployed in Government College, Maiduguri, following a threat by Boko Haram members.

    It is apparently to prevent another massacre of pupils like the one in Yobe where no fewer than 22 were killed.

    In Yobe, there is a heavy security build-up to ward off insurgents.

    The Defence Headquarters yesterday fingered Boko Haram as the mastermind of the murder of the Yobe pupils, amid reports that the sect denied responsibility for the gruesome action.

    Defence Headquarters spokesman Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade told our correspondent: “Even if they are denying it, Boko Haram members are those in a marauding group doing such a thing.

    “The manner in which the students were killed conforms to the pattern of their operation.”

    UNICEF and Amnesty International demanded the arrest of the perpetrators of the Yobe massacre and protection of pupils.

    According to a top security source, the Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad, has directed the Joint Task Force (JTF) to protect the Government College in Maiduguri, following the receipt of threat letters from insurgents.

    The source said: “As I am talking to you, JTF has moved near the school and placed it on surveillance. The school got a series of threat letters, asking students and teachers to leave because western education amounts to nothing. But our troops are up to the task.

    “Also, the CDS has directed that even schools without threats from Boko Haram should be heavily protected in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe.

    “We will certainly secure all the schools in the flashpoints.”

    As at press time, it was gathered that the CDS has ordered a fresh security build-up in Yobe.

    Another source said: “The fresh deployment is just a move around type. The main concern is to continue the chase against those behind the killing of these innocent 29 students.”

    The state government and indigenes have demanded restoration of GSM service to allow them to assist security agencies.

    But the DHQ said the disadvantages of restoring GSM service outweigh the advantages.

    A statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Press Affairs and Information, Abdullahi Bego, said: “The governor, Ibrahim Gaidam, calls on the Federal Government and military authorities to order the restoration of GSM service across the state.

    “He said lack of GSM service has prevented patriotic citizens who have hitherto been collaborating with security agents from reporting suspicious movements in their neighbourhoods.”

    But a Defence source said: “The disadvantages of restoring GSM service far outweigh the advantages. Restoring GSM may retard the progress we have made in the last few weeks or months.

    “The Boko Haram insurgents had taken advantage of GSM service to unleash mayhem. But since we curtailed GSM service in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe, thy have not been able to coordinate. Restoring GSM service now will compound security challenges.

    “In fact, the insurgents became desperate to the extent that the attacks on schools in Borno State were coordinated with Thuraya, despite the huge cost of such a mobile service.”

    The killing of the 29 students has attracted international outrage from UNICEF and Amnesty International (AI).

    The two agencies yesterday demanded the arrest of the perpetrators of the Yobe massacre and protection of school children.

    UNICEF, through its Regional Director for West and Central Africa, Manuel Fontaine, said: “The deaths of students in yet another attack on a school in northeast Nigeria should be condemned absolutely by all communities,

    “As we extend our sympathy to the families of the victims, we would say in the strongest possible terms that there can be no justification for the deliberate targeting of children and those looking after them.

    “UNICEF is calling for those responsible to be brought to justice and for communities to demand that schools be considered as places of safety.

    “Since June 16th, it is reported that a total of 48 students and seven teachers have been killed in four attacks in the region.”

    Amnesty International’s Deputy Director for Africa, Lucy Freeman, said: “The Nigerian government must act to prevent attacks on schools to protect children’s lives and their right to education.

    “The protection of children’s lives is paramount, and the Nigerian government has a duty to ensure that the country’s educational sector is not further threatened by the killing and intimidation of students and teachers and the destruction of school buildings.”

    “It is not yet known who is responsible for the attack although the group Boko Haram has claimed responsibility for several attacks on schools in the past.

    “Such attacks violate the right to life and undermine the right to education for thousands of children in northern Nigeria. They must stop immediately,” said Lucy Freeman.

    “The Nigerian authorities must investigate these attacks and bring those responsible to justice in fair trials without recourse to the death penalty.”

    “According to information received by Amnesty International, dozens of children who fled to the bush after Saturday’s attack are still unaccounted for.

    “Since January 2013, around 30 schools have been reportedly burnt, damaged or destroyed by suspected Boko Haram members in the neighbouring state of Borno alone.”

    “The attacks have ranged from killing teachers in full view of school children to destroying school buildings. Many schools have reportedly been forced to close as a result of the attacks.”

    “The Nigerian government is obliged under the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child to which Nigeria is a state party to “take measures to encourage regular attendance at schools”.

  • Troops keep security in 28 states, says NSA

    Troops keep security in 28 states, says NSA

    The National Security Adviser (NSA), Mr. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki, has said that terrorism and other security challenges in the country have forced the military to embark on joint operation with other para-military outfits in 28 states.

    He pleaded with Nigerians to accept military presence in the society which is becoming a routine pattern.

    He, however , admitted that military intervention in internal security is affecting its professionalism.

    He said terrorism has raised the flag of security demands to levels higher than the nation had witnessed since the civil war.

    Dasuki, who spoke at a session on National Civil-Military Dialogue in Ajuji Hotel, Abuja, urged Nigerians to assist the military to provide information which could assist in the fight against insurgents, terrorists and all other forms of criminality.

    He said: “The past decade has witnessed multiple forms of unrest-from armed robbery, kidnapping, electoral, communal to ethno-religious violence.

    “Currently, we are battling with insurgency and terrorism. This has raised the flag of security demands to levels higher than we have witnessed since the civil war. It has meant that the military are seeing more deployments in aid of civil authority than anticipated.

    “While it is the function of the military to assist civilian authority to handle civil disobedience, it is assumed that such rules would be carried out only when the capacity of the police is overwhelmed. Policing the domestic arena is not the duty of the military, whose training is directed against external enemies of the State.

    “However, our recent history has seen the military in joint activities with other para-military outfits currently in about 28 states. In addition, the military is involved in checking armed robbery and other crimes on interstate roads.

    “From mere intervention to assisting the police quell domestic violence; the military is now fighting the scourge of insurgency and terrorism. Thus, the military presence in our society is becoming routine. While this affects the level of professionalism of the military, it also generates new dimensions of conflicts between the military and civilian populace.”

    Dasuki advised Nigerians to cooperate with the military to provide adequate security for lives and property.

    He tasked the civilian populace to provide information which could assist in the fight against insurgents, terrorists and all other forms of criminality.

    He added: “You can therefore see why this National Civil-Military Dialogue is timely and essential. We must create new bridges of understanding between the military and civilians in order to enable us provide adequate security for lives and property.

    “It will be tragic to have wide communication gaps between the military and the civilian population in our struggle against insurgency and terrorism, not to mention criminal acts of kidnapping, armed robbery and others.

    “It is my belief that the military can provide desirable assistance to civilians wherever they operate, while the civilian populace can reciprocate this in many other ways. Their vigilance and provision of information enhances the efficiency of the security agencies in the fight against insurgents, terrorists and all other forms of criminality.”

  • Boko Haram: Troops to watch mountains

    Boko Haram: Troops to watch mountains

    FACED with threats from Boko Haram to overrun Borno State, the Defence Headquarters has directed the Special Force to keep an eye on Mandara, Mountains.

    Gwoza and 1 Kirawa Hills are to be under surveillance.

    Gwoza and Bama towns are under air and mobile patrol, The Nation learnt yesterday.

    The Chief of Defence Staff, Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad, has sent an eight-man team to Borno State for on-the-spot assessment of the special operation and alleged fresh threats from Boko Haram.

    Boko Haram, according to reports, has regrouped for reprisals against the Special Force and Multi-National Task Force(MNTF), which destabilised the sect’s base in 10 local government areas.

    The regrouping of the sect members led to the killing of more than 16 people in the last one week in Borno and Yobe states. Eight teachers and students in a boarding secondary school in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital.

    The Defence Headquarters, which is monitoring the resurgence of the sect, is said to have dispatched an eight-man team to Borno for stock-taking.

    Boko Haram fighters have been driven away from Northern Borno, but military chief have got intelligence reports that they may regroup. “We are not taking things for granted,” a source said, adding:

    “What they are trying to do is to shift base to Gwoza in Southern Borno(a district, with less exposure to insurgency) and Bama in Borno Central District. We are trying to curtail the insurgents in these two towns. I think there is no cause for alarm because the Special Force has regained most parts of the trouble spots in Borno.

    “What the insurgents are doing now is to relocate to towns with difficult terrain but we are up to the task.”

    A brief on Borno State’s website gave an insight into the new base of the insurgents on Mandara mountains.

    The brief says: “The Mandara Mountain complex is situated at the southeastern part of the region. The rocks on the Mandara Mountain belong predominantly to the granite suite, the most widespread of which is a coarse granite composed of quartz and feldspar with little biotite.

    “ The area records the highest altitude in the Bomo region, attaining heights of between 900-1200m above sea-level in the extreme south (Udo, 1970). The Gwoza and Kirawa hills are the most prominent hills that form part of the Mandara Mountains.”

    The top source, confirmed that the CDS, Admiral Ibrahim Ola Sa’ad, had dispatched an eight-man team to Borno State to take stock of the situation, including the alleged threats.

    The source added: “In the last four days, the eight-man team sent by the CDS had been in Borno State for on-the-spot review of the special operation. Members of the team started returning to Abuja on Sunday.

    “Although the team will brief the CDS on Monday, preliminary reports confirmed that ‘there are skirmishes here and there but they are not as significant as we are being made to believe.”

    Defence Headquarters spokesman Brig.-Gen. Chris Olukolade, said: “I know that our patrols are taking care of some of these threats.”

    A source in Borno State Government said: “We are aware that there are issues in Bama, which has been a base of the insurgents. The challenge the security agencies are having is that the people of Bama are not as co-operative as much as expected.

    “Many people in Bama are afraid that they could be killed by the insurgents if they cooperate with security agencies.”

    On the letters written to public officers and workers not to report in their offices, the government official said: “The insurgents do no even need to write letters; they have always threatened workers. The letters are not new at all because the threats had been in place all along.”

  • Troops arrest Boko Haram recruitment agent

    Troops arrest Boko Haram recruitment agent

    … 49 suspected terrorists nabbed in Yobe

    The military Special Forces have arrested a recruitment agent for the Boko Haram sect, the Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday.

    A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Chris Olukolade said the unnamed terror agent was arrested in a cordon and search operation in Maiduguri.

    According to the spokesman, the suspect used to be in charge of the sect’s armoury.

    He added that the troops also arrested five Nigeriens at a hideout in Mallam Fatori as they attempted to escape in two Toyota Cruiser Jeeps.

    The statement said troops were still patrolling the notorious Sambisa forest and cordoned off the Alou forest and Gwoza Hills.

    “More abandoned vehicles, weapons and other items are being recovered in the camps of the insurgents.

    “Among the recent finds are rifles, double barrel guns, various charms and amulets, machine guns as well as pairs of camouflage uniforms, bows and quiver and assorted rifle magazine.

    “Others are handset, walkie talkie, car number plates and some food items. Abandoned vehicles recovered include a Golf car, a Honda, Customs pickup van, Honda (2003 Model) and a Volkswagen Monte Carlo”, the statement added.

    The DHQ said police stations were being reopened in some parts of Borno State, adding that detachments of police anti-terrorists unit had been deployed to complement security in Kirenowa area of Borno.

    Olukolade said a team of local and foreign journalists have commenced a tour of the operational areas of the Joint Task Force.

    According to him, the tour, organised by the DHQ was meant to ensure that the media have first-hand information on the situation in the operational areas.

    Meanwhile, No fewer than 49 suspected Boko Haram members were arrested at various locations in Yobe State by Special Forces following a tip off by locals in some communities.

    Olukolade said the suspects were arrested during cordon and search operation.

    According to him, weapons including AK 47 rifles, locally made pistols and ammunitions were recovered from the suspects when federal troops combed Rugan Fulani, Arikime, Afghanistan and Ngandu villages and communities.

    “The team led by Air Commodore BE Inyang was also briefed that all the camps of the terrorists in the area had been dislodged as some of the insurgents fled towards Niger Republic.

    “The DHQ team was also informed of a trend whereby some particular crimes have now taken the place of terrorism as the criminals now resort to brigandage, robbery and attempted assassination of business rivals.

    “All law abiding Nigerians were however assured of the safety of their lives and property as troops of the Special Forces comprising of various security agencies including the Police Anti Bomb Squads are working round the clock to nip the negative trend in the bud.

    “Citizens were further encouraged to continue to volunteer information on activities of terrorists in order to help troops rid the state of insurgents,” the statement added.

     

  • Troops uncover underground armoury in Bayelsa

    A special security squad and men of the Bayelsa State Police Command have uncovered an underground armoury in Koluama I Community in Southern Ijaw Local Government.

    The weapons found in the armoury include: eight pump action guns, five Kalashnikov (AK) 47 rifles, 19 magazines and 1,700 rounds of ammunition.

    They are believed to be part of arms and ammunition abandoned by ex-militants fleeing the area in the wake of a recent military operation.

    The Joint Task Force (JTF) deployed troops to the area, especially Azuzuama community, where 12 policemen were killed by renegade ex-militants recently.

    Commissioner of Police Tonye Ebitibituwa who announced the discovery yesterday, said the arms were found buried in a desolate building in the community.

    “These arms were buried in the ground. The house was deserted. But digging up the ground, these arms and ammunition were found. We have eight pump action guns, five AK 47 rifles, 1,700 rounds of ammunition and 19 pump action guns,”he said.

    The commissioner said the arms were recovered in a major operation carried out by the command and members of the special security squad, ‘Operation Doo Akpo’, established by Governor Seriake Dickson.

    Ebitibituwa said no one had been arrested. He noted that the unusual discovery indicated most communities were not safe because suspects were using them as their hideouts.

    He said: “The import of what we have discovered is serious. This is not going to be the end.

    “We are going to mop up more arms. With the information given to us, we will make use of it.”

     

  • Boko Haram fighters resist troops with Libyan arms

    Boko Haram fighters resist troops with Libyan arms

    Sect’s women, kids to be freed

    Reps curb President’s emergency powers

     

    Boko Haram insurgents have been fighting the army with sophisticated weapons from Libya, it was learnt yesterday.

    President Goodluck Jonathan last Tuesday declared a state of emergency in Borno –the epicentre of the sect’s activities – and two other states, Yobe and Adamawa, all in the northeast, to combat Boko Haram’s malignant insurgency.

    Since then, soldiers deployed in the states have been battling to rout out the sect’s members, who have been fighting back.

    On Sunday, the military announced the death of three soldiers in the battle. One soldier was also declared missing, although scores of terrorists were killed.

    “They have been putting up fierce resistance and they are very, very well-armed with weapons from Libya,” a senior military official told The Guardian of London, adding that most of the militants who have waged a bloody four-year battle to create an Islamist state have scattered across the borders.

    A renewed military campaign, including aerial bombardments of Boko Haram training camps in three remote states which were put under emergency rule this month, has led to the capture of almost 200 militants and the death of dozens in a week, according to the military. In one raid, a helicopter gunship was hit by anti-aircraft and anti-tank fire, the military said.

    North African country Libya recently emerged from a civil war which claimed almost one million lives including that of its long-standing President Col. Muhammar Ghadaffi.

    Although a transition government led by the rebels who flushed out Ghadaffi is in place, Libya is littered with weapons and small arms.

    The Senate and the House of Representatives yesterday endorsed the declaration of a state of emergency in the Northeast states.

    The House cut some of the powers the President requested in the implementation of the state of emergency.

    Also yesterday, President Jonathan ordered the release of some arrested Boko Haram members especially women and minors.

    Among the beneficiaries of the order are wives and relations of Boko Haram leaders in custody. They are to be released after a re-orientation, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ). Also yesterday the DHQ said Nigerian soldiers in Mali would not be withdrawn for special operations in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe states against Boko Haram insurgents.

    According to a statement by the Defence spokesman, Brig-Gen. Chris Olukolade, the order for the release of women, minors and others had been communicated to field units and the Joint Task Force.

    The statement said: “Consequent upon the directives of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters will be releasing from detention a number of persons being held in connection with terrorist activities.

    “The move is in furtherance of the Federal Government position in response to requests by the Presidential Committee on Dialogue and Reconciliation. The measure, which is in line with presidential magnanimity to enhance peace efforts in the country, will result in freedom for suspects including all women under custody.

    “The details of the directives and those to benefit from this gesture have been communicated to field units and the Joint Task Force.

    “The beneficiaries will be released to the State Governors who will be involved in further rehabilitation before these suspects are released to their respective community leaders/relations.”

    In a separate statement, the DHQ said Nigerian soldiers in Mali would not be withdrawn for special operation in Adamawa, Borno and Yobe against Boko Haram insurgents

    The statement added: “As the operation to rid our country of terrorist activities continues, the Defence Headquarters wishes to reassure Nigerians that the Nigerian military is quite capable and ready to discharge this duty professionally and creditably well.

    “The report, therefore, in a section of the press that Nigerian troops are to be withdrawn from Mali to face the ongoing insurgency is complete falsehood.

    “There is certainly no need for such action now as the human and material resources of the Armed Forces of Nigeria are being meticulously deployed and quite able to meet its present internal and external assignments.

    “As a matter of fact, the normal and scheduled rotation of troops in various missions will continue.

    “This routine should not be misunderstood or misrepresented to misinform Nigerians and the international community.

    “These times are too sensitive for anyone to engage in unnecessary sensation, speculation or rumour mongering on military affairs please.”

    Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima, said he is in support of the decision of President Jonathan to release some detainees suspected of terrorist activities.

    Shettima said the decision of thePresident may bring Boko Haram leaders to the negotiation table.

    The governor made his position known in a statement through his Special Adviser on Media, Alhaji Isa Umar Gusau.

    The statement said: “I am in the picture of the very welcome development and I look forward to receiving them. It is cheering news for me and the government of Borno State because it will no doubt help in fast tracking the peaceful resolution process which like I have always said, remains the long term solution to the crisis.

    “Releasing the detainees will further show the commitment and sincerity of the federal government to the peace negotiation which should attract the sect members to the negotiation table and increase community participation in the process.

    “The State Government is dutifully committed to every lawful and reasonable efforts that aims at the return of peace and security of lives and property in Borno, the Northern region and Nigeria in its entirety since no society can achieve any meaningful and steady progress in an atmosphere of violence”

  • Deployment of troops, a big plus, says Yobe CP

    Deployment of troops, a big plus, says Yobe CP

    Yobe State was calm yesterday, 72 hours after President Goodluck Jonathan imposed emergency rule on the state and neighbouring Borno and Adamawa.

    Residents said there was little or no difference between the security situation that had existed in the state for more than one year and what obtains under the emergency rule.

    People were seen moving about their normal business yesterday. The Jumat was also observed peacefully in the metropolis and different parts of the state.

    The Yobe State Commissioner of Police, Sanusi Rufai, told our correspondent on the phone that “the deployment of more troops in the state is a double plus to what the security forces in the state have been doing.

    “As you know, our area is calm. Yobe State, especially Damaturu, is very calm at the moment. But I must add that the deployement has added a tremendous boost to what we have been doing.

    “The JTF, SSS, Police and everybody, including the general public, are doing their work very well,” Rufai said.

    Restriction of movement in the state runs from 7 pm to 6 am

  • Troops take over Delta communities

    The Joint Task Force (JTF) in the Niger Delta at the weekend began a partial lockdown of some communities in Delta State in continuation of the manhunt for the state’s most notorious criminal, identified as Kelvin.

    Security sources said Kelvin, who was accused of some high-profile crimes, is holed up somewhere around Isiokolo, Oviore, Kokori and Eku axis of Ethiope East Local Government.

    Over 20 checkpoints manned by armed soldiers have been erected around the communities. Military patrol teams are combing communities on the Warri-Osubi-Eku axis of the Effurun-Agbor highway.

    Troops from Sector 1 of the JTF have taken up positions at strategic locations in the area. Vehicles plying the areas are subjected to thorough security checks.

    Kelvin and his associate, simply identified as Rufus, are accused of taking part in no less than 30 crimes, including kidnap, robbery and rape, and the killing of dozens of security operatives, including five prison wardens in Warri last month.

    The police suspected Kelvin as being the brain behind the prison convoy attack, which freed Rufus, who was being taken to court from the Warri Prison, where he was awaiting trial for kidnap and robbery.

    The Sector 1 spokesperson, Capt Mohammed Abdulahi, said the Task Force would apprehend the suspect and bring him to justice.

    He said the weekend’s operation followed reports that the suspects were planning a fresh onslaught.

    “Yes, there is an ongoing military operation and the target is a criminal, who is responsible for various crimes and we are determined to bring him to justice.

    He launched an unprovoked attack on our men, killing one and injuring two.

    “In a confrontation with the gang in Agbarekpa area, we killed two of the criminals and we are intensifying patrols in the area. You will agree that the rate of kidnap and robbery has reduced since this operation started and I can assure you that we will get him (Kelvin),” he added.

    However, the operation is taking its toll on users of the Eku-Amukpe/Sapele highway, Warri-Agbor and other link roads, with traffic stretching for miles.