By Odimmegwa Johnpeter, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria sustained operations against bandits and have degraded the capacities of BHT/SWAP elements as well as economic saboteurs. This was disclosed by Maj. Gen. John Enenche, Coordinator, Defence Media Operations during a media briefing on the General update on Armed Forces of Nigeria operations from January 14-20, 2021.
According to Enenche, in the North West Zone, Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and other subsidiary operations have sustained their operations in the North-West Zone of the country progressively. Notably, on January 17, 2021, following credible intelligence on movement of armed bandits with rustled animals at Bungudu LGA of Zamfara State, troops of Forward Operating Base Kekuwuje, responded immediately and made contact with bandits. In the course of the encounter, 30 armed bandits were neutralized while 24 cows and unspecified number of sheep were recovered.
Similarly, still on same January 17, 2021, troops deployed at Maradun received information of reprisal attack by armed bandits at Janbako village in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State. Troops swiftly mobilized to the area to forestall the reprisal attack, but they were ambushed short of Janbako village where firefight ensued. The gallant troops overwhelmed the bandits and neutralised 5 of them.
In another development, following actionable intelligence, 2 suspected bandits’ collaborators named Mustapha Sani and Murtala Sani were arrested at Dungun Muazu village in Sabuwa LGA of Katsina State. Suspects are in custody for further action. The gallant troops have not relented as they continue to dominate the North West theatre of operation with aggressive fighting and aerial patrols to deny the criminal elements freedom of action.
He further noted that, in the North-East Zone, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have not relented in their efforts to decimate the BHT/ISWAP elements operating in the North East zone of the Country. Between January 14-20, 2021, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies conducted several ground and air operations with renewed vigor. These operations further degraded the capabilities of the terrorists and denied them freedom of action within the theatre of operation. He also noted that these were evident in the attendant results recorded within the period.
He also stated that in the period under focus, troops of subsidiary Operation TURA TAKAI BANGO in conjunction with the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE destroyed 7 BHT/ISWAP terrorists’ gun trucks and decimated several unconfirmed number of the terrorists’ sects in an operation. This occurred when the criminal elements attempted to attack troops’ location at the outskirt of Marte Town of Borno State in which, the combined troops engaged and overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower.
After successfully repelling the BHT/ISWAP attack on Marte that led to the destruction of the 7 gun trucks in the combined ground and air operation, the Air Task Force also obliterated additional 6 gun trucks of the terrorists and eliminated scores of them in an attack on January 16, 2021.
According to Enenche, these feats were achieved when the Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships engaged and destroyed the terrorists’ convoy of gun trucks, sighted approaching the Marte axis for reinforcement. The helicopter gunships also strafed the fleeing criminal elements and scores of them were neutralized.
He also said that in the North Central zone, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies have continued to conduct aggressive kinetic and non-kinetic operations in the zone progressively.
Notably, on January 16, 2021, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN on stop and search duty arrested 2 suspects; Messrs Mantau Nabo and Victor Jonathan with one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one empty magazine concealed in a Tricycle otherwise known as “Keke Napep”. The suspects attempted to sneak the items past at a check point at Dong Junction in Bassa LGA of Plateau State on their way from Jebbu Miango enroute Jos Town. Suspects have been profiled and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Relatedly, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN on Stop and Search patrol at Mariri arrested one Stephen Yaro, from Kigwanu village in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. The suspect was arrested with a locally made rifle concealed under his motorcycle seat. The suspect is presently undergoing preliminary investigation for further action.
According to the DMO, in same vein, troops of Sector 3 deployed at Mararaba Udege in conjunction with troops of 177 Battalion in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State on 15 January 2021, received information about a suspected kidnapper in a hideout at Hawa Biyu moving to unknown location. Troops swiftly moved and laid ambush along the route which led to the arrest of the suspect currently undergoing investigation.
He also disclosed that in the South-South Zone, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE have continued with the aggressive fight against economic sabotage in the zone progressively. Between January 14-20, 2021, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted anti-Crude Oil Theft and illegal oil bunkering operations as well as other anti-illegal maritime activities.
In the course of their operational activities, 6 illegal refining sites, 11 wooden boats, 52 Gee Pee tanks, 102 metal tanks, 17 dugout pits and 45 ovens were immobilized. Also, 24 suspects arrested while 14 pumping machines, 2 speed boats and 13 outboard engines were recovered. Additionally, a total of 9,856.1 barrels of stolen crude oil and 1,339,000 litres of illegally refined AGO as well as 500,000 litres of DPK were recovered.
Equally, on January 14, 2021, Nigerian Navy Ship DELTA anti-crude oil team in conjunction with Forward Operating Base ESCRAVOS conducted anti-illegal bunkering operations. During the operations, the team de-activated illegally refining site at Egwa Creek, Warri South West LGA. The illegally refining site had 7 refining units (ovens), 16 metal storage tanks, 84,000 litres and 105,000 litres of products suspected to be illegally refined AGO and stolen crude oil respectively.
For these, according to Enenche, the Military High Command has encouraged the troops and personnel of other security agencies to remain unwavering and sustain the tempo in all the Joint Operations Areas. He noted that the High Command also reassured the general public of its determination and dedication towards securing the country. He also enjoined Members of the general public to continue providing timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the military and other security agencies for prompt and effective action.
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