The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the killing of terrorists’ spiritual head of Gaita, one Mallam Shehu the Amir by troops of Operation Hadin Kai with some of his foot soldiers while conducting clearance operation at terrorists’ enclaves at Jaje, Mango Ali, Dissa, Balangaje of Borno State.
The Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Bernard Onyeuko, made the confirmation while briefing Defence Correspondents on highlights of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies activities and operational successes as recorded in all the theatre of operations across the country between April 28 and May 19, 2022 in Abuja, yesterday.
According to him, “On May 14, 2022 at Yuwe in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, also the troops of operation Hadin Kai in a coordinated attack on terrorists enclave neutralised a BHT Commander in Sambisa forest Abubakar Sarki, neutralising scores of the terrorists while assorted weapons and different calibres of ammunitions were recovered”.
The DMO informed that between May 1 – 14, 2022, a total of 1,627 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to own troops at different locations, comprises 331 men, 441 women and 855 children, maintaining that as at May 16, 2022 a total of 53,262 have so far surrendered.
“On April 28, 2022 troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted clearance operation at terrorists enclaves at Jaje, Mango Ali, Dissa, Balangaje, during the operation, one Mallam Shehu the Amir and spiritual head of Gaita general area and some of his foot soldiers were neutralised.
“Also, on May 14, 2022 at Yuwe in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of operation Hadin Kai in a coordinated attack on terrorists’ enclave neutralised Abubakar Sarki, a BHT commander in Sambisa forest neutralising scores of the terrorists while assorted weapons and different calibres of ammunitions were recovered.
“Troops also conducted operations at Dajima village, Molaa, Mamanti, Goneri, Koyamanti, Ajiri, Awoshei, Lawanti, Kyamla, Dogori, Kontori, Umanari, Banhyr, Alum Damm Kaiya-Kura, Gubia Magr axis, Sabon Gari general area, Mandarka, Zumbulum, Amuda Gave, Majuane village, Malis Gidde, Kezamari, Ngudda, Koshebe, Malami Fatori, Damboua town, Buluti village, Njine and Kamzone village, Banuwa Caniwa village, Kaidien village, Barimari-jigalta, Jajimaji town in Karasuwa Local Government Area all in Bornu State.
“Between May 1 and 14, 2022, a total of 1,627 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to own troops at different locations. They comprise of 331 men, 441 women and 855 children. As at May 16, 2022, a total of 53,262 have so far surrendered.
“On May 13, 2022 based on intelligent report, troops arrested Mallam Modu Goni a terrorist and logistics supplier at Bunin Yadi Market. In furtherance to its operational activities, on May 17, 2022, Mallam Modu Pantami was apprehended at the outskirt of Benishied village in Kaga Local Government Area while attempting to transport large quantity of logistics items he purchased for onward supply to terrorist at Gomari village in Fere Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Items recovered from him include; two mobile phones, cartons of assorted drugs and injections of different types, five gallons of PMS, 20 turban scarfs, 50kg bags of sugar, three bags of 50kg flour, five cartons of Maltina drinks, 290 sets of female hijabs, 20 females rubber shoes, 325 litres of red oil, 15 sets of Kaftan cloth, five black trousers, five cartons of macaroni, six Cartons of spaghetti, three cartons of sweet, four mudu of date (Dabino), five sacks of soft drinks, four dagger, three cartons of maggi, one big basket of kolanut, 10 box of matches, five sacks of detergent, 10 rubber mats and the sum of N200,000.00 only.
“Troops conducted ambush operations at terrorists crossing point at Kaidieri village in the cause of the operation five terrorists were neutralized with assorted weapons and different calibres of ammunitions captured from the terrorists.
“Consequently, during these operations, troops rescued 63 civilians, neutralised 42 terrorists, arrest 20 terrorists. Also, recovered 2 LMGS, 21 AK-47 rifles, 11 AK-56 rifles, 22 MGs, 419 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunitions, one gun turret, 31 AK-47 magazines, three motorcycles, six bicycles, one pumping machine, two bandolier belts containing 377 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunitions, one Isuzu vehicle. All surrendered Boko Haram terrorists, recovered items, rescued civilians and captured terrorists have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further actions.
“Troops in Operation Delta Safe continued to clamp down on the activities of oil thieves, economic saboteurs and other criminal elements. On May 15, 2022, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted raid operations in a suspected drug hideout in Effurum in Urwie Local Government Area of Delta State. During the operations, troops arrested some drug barons namely; Mrs Ughanekvwo Unagha, Mr Festus Baron, Mr Okumaba Eanaguono, Mr Ahmed Agbamu, Mr David Mene, Mr Unagha Paul, Mr Edirin Thomas, Mr Osanege Solomon, Mr Samuel Juwon and Mr Degbe Andy. Items recovered from them include 2.460kg of cannabis, 0.0703kg of cocaine, 0.054kg of meth, 0.067kg of loud, 0.654kg of cannabis seeds, 1 tablet of molly, I pump action with 15 cartridges, 1 Toyota Hilux and Mercedes Benz car.
“In furtherance, to rid the zone of illegal oil theft, troops conducted anti-crude oil theft, anti-smuggling, raid operations and patrols in locations such as; Akantu Creek in Warri North Local Government Area, Tibo Ajuomo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area, Effunim in Urwie Local Government Area of Delta State. Other locations were; East-West Road, Mbiama in Ahoada Local Government Area, Elele in Eleme Local Government Area, Rumuekpe in Emohua Local Government Area, Awoba in Degema Local Government Area of River State and Akenfa in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, respectively.
“Troops discovered and destroyed 17 illegal refineries, five wooden boats, 89 storage tanks, 59 ovens, 12 dugout pits. Troops also recovered 6 pumping machines, five trucks, two Outboard engines, two weapons, 778,500 litres of crude oil, 840,300 litres of AGO, 625 litres of DPK, 18 criminals were also arrested. All recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further actions.
“Relatedly, operations Dakatar da Barawo recorded some modest successes in its operations against oil thieves and economic saboteurs within its area of operations. Operational activities were conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship, SOROH, in locations such as Kiama, Mbiama, Sagbama water side, Odioma-Diema axis along Akassa-Brass route, Otuofor creek, Kotipiri fishing camp, Ereweibio creek in Bayelsa State. NNS DELTA conducted operational activities in Sara creek, Ogbodede community and Ekpemu community in Delta State. Other operational activities were conducted by NNS PATHFINDER in Isaka junction, Cawthone channel. The operational success led to the discovery of 150 illegal refineries, 59 ovens, 67 metal storage tanks, four wooden Cotonou boats which were all eventually destroyed.
“Cumulatively, the operations led to the recovery of one Yamaha engine, one generator, three pumping machines, 20,000 litres of kerosine, 1,625,000 litres of AGO, 2,050,000 litres of crude oil. All recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
“Troops in Operation WHIRL STROKE carried out its operations in form of patrols, ambushes and clearance operation towards achieving sustainable peace and ensuring that normalcy returns to all theatre of operations.
“In a renewed vigour to rid the general area operations of banditry and other criminal elements, troops conducted patrols and clearance operations in Ukpen village of Ayaba Council Ward, Mbaterem villages of Ayaba Council Ward, Kpranya village, Zaki Biam, Agbor, Gbise, Tor Donga, Azaye, Sakyaa, Kaikpa, Debe, Tse-Atim, Maben, Mbatsara Zun, Mbaterem villages of Ayaba Council Ward of Ukum and Katsina Ala Local Government Areas, respectively.
“Other locations include; Zabana village, Suntai Daji, Donga River in Dogan and Takum Local Government Areas. Accordingly, 13 bandits were neutralized, 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one motorcycle and eight phones were recovered. All recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action”, he said.
Onyeuko stressed the military high command appreciation of the general populace for their continued cooperation with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police and other security agencies in their fight against all forms of criminalities in the country.
According to him, the Armed Forces of Nigeria is determined to bring peace back to the country and saluted the courage and sacrifices by its troops in the field, to the entire media community while urging them to continue to keep faith with the Armed Forces of Nigeria.