The Defence Headquarters said on Thursday that the current leadership of the armed forces of Nigeria has activated troops into ‘War Mode’ to counter the threats of terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and economic sabotage being perpetrated against Nigerians.
Nigeriacrime.com gathered that, in the last week, troops rescued 17 kidnapped civilians and arrested 32 criminal elements including terrorist collaborators, logistics supplies, oil vandals and IPOB militants.
The troops also neutralized 23 terrorists, bandits and IPOB militants.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said a total of N3.525 million cash, 125,000 CFA and 60 GHA Cedis were also recovered from the criminal elements after the various operations by troops and handed over to appropriate investigation authorities.
Throwing more light on the operations, Major Gen Buba said, “ In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai recovered 7 AK 47 rifles, 2 FN rifles, one 36 hand grenade, 100 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, 2 Cow, foodstuff, condiment, one cart and the sum of Two Million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N2,104, 000.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 6 terrorists and arrested 8 suspected terrorists’ collaborators.
“The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air reconnaissance and intelligence at terrorist hideouts in Hyawa in Borno State. The location was active with terrorist activities, acquired and subsequently attacked with bombs. After action review revealed that many of the terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
“In the North Central, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 9 bandits and arrested 10 suspects while rescuing 9 kidnapped civilians. Troops recovered 1 AK47 rifle, 1 fabricated pistol, 1 locally made pistol, 1 Pump action ammo, 14 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 motorcycle, cartridge, 1 mobile phone, machete, axe, fake Nigerian Police ID card and the sum of N35,000.00 only.
“In the North West, following a tip-off, troops at FOB Danjigba arrested one suspected terrorist collaborator tasked by a notorious terrorist kingpin Nagala Jabbi to move livestock from Magami general area to Danjibga Cattle Market in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Troops recovered the sum of One million One Hundred and Four Thousand Naira (N1, 104,000) only.
“The Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji acting on confirmatory ISR that a terrorist enclave was uncovered, conducted air interdiction at Babban Gida in Kankara and Sola in Jibia Local Government Areas. The targets were acquired and successfully engaged with rockets dislodging the terrorists.
“Troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 9 terrorists and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1 Dane gun, 5 motorcycles, 2 phones and 322 livestock.
“Troops also arrested 15 suspected criminals and rescued 20 kidnapped civilians.
“In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 23 illegal refining sites, 15 wooden boats, 34 storage tanks, 96 ovens and 16 dugout pits.
“Troops equally recovered 367,200 litres of crude oil, 27,150 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 220 assorted rounds of ammunition, 6 calibers of weapons, 3 vehicles and 10 motorcycles.