The Defence Headquarters on Friday said troops have increased the tempo of operations to find, degrade and destroy the terrorists and cohorts wherever they were hiding as the operations during the week resulted in rescue of 27 kidnapped hostages, 43 neutralized terrorists with 76 of them arrested. Troops also arrested 29 perpetrators of oil theft.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba confirmed in his press statement that the troops have prioritized the areas of kidnappings and increased both ground and air surveillance over the areas. Technologies have also been deployed to more easily detect these kidnapping gangs in their hideouts and enclaves.
Major General Edward Buba stated that the armed forces are not unaware of the terrible impact of kidnappings on the families of those affected. Indeed, our hearts and thoughts go to their families and loved ones. We also recognize the fear that these kidnappings create among the citizenry, following recent events in the FCT.
"While troops probably don't have all the answers as at now. Citizens should be rest assured that the armed forces is working relentlessly to address the hurtful situation. Additionally, troops are synergizing with other security services and stakeholders to investigate and gather more intelligence on these kidnapping gangs, particularly around the FCT.
"In the FCT and environs, some of the areas cleared by troops so far include Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, and Ushafa in the FCT, Garam, Jibi, and back of Zuma Rock in Niger State, as well as Gidan Dogo and Kuyeri/Kuyeri Hills in Kaduna State. There have also been intensified night patrols in the Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport Rd among others.
"In the NE, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI, on 10 January 2024, eliminated three top ISWAP terrorist commanders in Borno State. The three commanders identified as; Abou Maimuna, Abou Zahra and Commander Saleh with their lieutenants in a canoe, were targeted and destroyed by the air strikes.
In the SS, troops denied oil theft of the estimated sum of One Hundred and Thirty-One Million One Hundred and One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira (N131,101,750.00) only.
Furthermore, troops recovered 81 assorted weapons and 2,150 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: one NSVT AA gun, one GPMG, one PKMG, 36 AK47 rifles, one RPG 7 tube, 2 AGL bombs, 4 pump action guns, 4 locally fabricated guns, 8 Dane guns, 3 short guns, one cut-to-short dane gun, 2 berretta pistols, one damaged AK47 rifle, 2 RPG chargers, wooden stock of AK47 rifles, LMG magazine, 8 bandoliers and 42 magazines.
Others are 272 belted rounds of 7.62 x 51mm, 268 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 557 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special, 1000 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, one AA ammo, 74 live cartridges, empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 vehicles, 25 motorcycles, 21 mobile phones, 6 baofeng radios and the sum of N1,266,920.00 only amongst other items.
Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 13 boats, 23 storage tanks, 2 barges, 4 vehicles. Other items recovered incl 15 cooking ovens, 2 pump machines and 16 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 139,045 litres of stolen crude oil, 25,115 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of DPK.
The armed forces will always be mindful of the threat by kidnapping gangs and terrorist across the country. Accordingly, we will continually review our internal processes in order to deal with these threats both now and in the long term. The military is determined to give the situation the seriousness it deserves so as to create a safer environment for citizens.
SpyeTV News bring you the detailed report on ongoing military operations by the armed Forces of Nigeria as of 19th January 2024. We therefore, boldy highlight the Rescued hostages reports.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADIN KAI (NORTH EAST)
1. Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded the following activities during the period under review; offensive operations in Kaga, Gwoza, Bama and Damboa LGAs in Borno State, night ambush on ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Konduga, Gwoza and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. Fighting patrols in Bama and Marte LGAs of Borno State
2. Additionally, troops arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists informant and collaborators in Gwoza and Monguno LGAs of Borno State as well as Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State. Troops also discovered and detonate IEDs in Damboa and Gamboru-Ngala LGAs of Borno State.
3. Details as follows:
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 10 January 2024, troops while on offensive operations made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists in Kaga LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized eleven terrorist and recovered Ten AK47 rifle loaded with 88 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo.
(2) On 13 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces in separate operations conducted offensive operations in Gwoza, Bama, Kaga, and Damboa LGAs all in Borno State. During the operation troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 8 terrorists and detonated IEDs that we're discovered along the route. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 5 dane guns, 2 AGL bombs, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 magazines, one LMG magazine, one motorcycle, 3 mobile phones and one HP laptop amongst others.
(3) On 14 January 2024, troops conducted offensive operations to BH/ISWAP terrorists camp in Damboa LGA of Borno State. Troops made no contact with terrorists. Troops exploited the general area and recovered wooden stock of AK47 rifle, one round of AA ammo, 3 motorcycles, camouflage uniform and one BH/ISWAP terrorist flag amongst other items.
b. Night Ambush on ISWAP/JAS Terrorist.
(1) On 11 and 12 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces in separate operations ambushed ISWAP/JAS terrorists Konduga, Gwoza and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 4 terrorists and recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 2 motorcycles amongst other items.
(2) Between 13 and 15 January 2024, troops in conjunction with hybrid forces conducted night ambush on terrorists in Konduga and Gwoza LGAs of Borno State as well as Gujba LGA of Yobe State. During the operations, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 5 terrorists including a terrorists collaborator. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 25 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 bicycles and one mobile phone.
c. Surrender of BH/ISWAP/JAS Terrorist. Between 10 and 16 January 2024, a total of 85 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families comprising 5 adult males, 32 adult females and 48 children surrendered to troops within the theatre operations.
d. Fighting Patrols.
(1) On 11 January 2024, troops conducted fighting patrol and cleared ISWAP/JAS terrorists enclaves in Bama LGA of Borno State. During the operation, troops made contact with terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists and recovered one NSVT AA gun, one RPG 7 Tube, one GPMG, one PKMG, two AK47 rifle, 2 AK47 magazines, 3 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammo, 272 belted rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammo, 268 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 557 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm special ammo, one PKT barrel, one bicycle, 2 RPG chargers, one motorcycle,one lister generator and one terrorists’ comd flag. Troops also destroyed in-situ 2 unserviceable pick up vans and one serviceable TOYOTA GT.
(2) On 12 and 14 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Bama and Marte LGAs of Borno State. During the operations, troops made contact with ISWAP/JAS terrorists. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 2 terrorists including a terrorist commander, the AMIR of Garin Munzo. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 6 AK47 magazines, 20 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo and 4 motorcycles.
e. Arrest of ISWAP/JAS Terrorist Sympathizer. On 13 January 2024, troops while conducting patrol arrested 7 suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists sympathizers including 4 children in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspects were trying to escape back to terrorists enclave in the same LGA.
f. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Informant. On 14 January 2024, troops on patrol arrested one BH/ISWAP terrorists Informant in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Preliminary Investigation revealed that suspect communicates with terrorists at Njimia reporting on activities of the military.
g. Arrest of Suspected BH/ISWAP Terrorists Collaborators. On 14 and 16 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted stop and search operations in Monguno and Tarmuwa LGAs of Borno and Yobe States respectively. During the operations, troops arrested 2 suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators and recovered 3 dismantled motorcycles in a sack, one tricycle, motorcycles spare parts, tyres, tubes, clothens and the sum of Sixty Thousand Naira (₦60,000.00) only amongst others.
h. Discovery and Detonation of IEDs. On 14 and 15 January 2024, troops while on patrol discovered and detonated IEDs in Damboa and Gamboru - Ngala LGAs of Borno State.
SUMMARY
4. Overall, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 24 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, one PKMG, 17 AK47 rifles,one NSVT AA gun, one 6 dane guns, 2 AGL bombs, one RPG 7 tube, one PKT barrel, 2 RPG chargers, wooden stock of AK47 rifles, 272 belted rounds of 7.62 x 51mm NATO ammo, 268 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 580 rounds 7.62 x 39mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
5. Others are: 3 rounds of 12.7 x 108mm ammo, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, one AA ammo, one LMG magazine, 12 AK47 rifle magazines, 11 motorcycles, 4 mobile phones, 9 bicycles, one tricycle and the sum of N60,000.00 amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION SAFE HAVEN (NORTH CENTRAL)
6. Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recorded the following during the period under review: recovered weapons and arrested suspected violent extremists in Barkin Ladi, Riyom and Jos East LGAs in Plateau State. Troops also recovered weapons and made arrest in Kauru LGA of Kaduna States.
7. Additionally, troops arrested suspected notorious gunrunner and foiled kidnap incidents in Wase, Riyom and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State as well as Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State.
8. Details are as follows:
a. Recovery of Weapon. On 10 January 2024, troops responded to information of burning of herders settlement by suspected locals in Bokkos LGA of Plateau State. Troops made no contact. Troops exploited the general area and arrested 10 suspects as well as recovered one AK47 rifle.
b. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremist/insurgent. On 11 and 12 January 2024, following a tip off, troops in a separate operations arrested 2 suspected violent extremists in Barkin Ladi and Riyom LGAs of Plateau State. Troops recovered a gas cylinder and the sum of Two Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand Naira (₦267,000.00) only.
c. Arrest of Suspected Violent Extremists/Kidnappers.
(1) On 11 January 2024, based on credible report, troops arrested 2 notorious kidnappers identified as Mr Jaberu Umar and Usman Abdullahi Abdulkarim in Kauru and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Kaduna and Plateau States respectively.
(2) On 12 and 14 January 2024, following report, troops in separate operations arrested 2 notorious violent extremist and kidnapper that has been on the wanted list of security agencies in Jos East and Kauru LGAs of Plateau and Kaduna States respectively. One of the suspect was identified as Umaru Nuhu a notorious kidnapper.
d. Arrest of Suspected Notorious Gunrunners. On 14 January 2024, based on report, troops in separate operations arrested 3 notorious gunrunners in Wase and Nasarawa LGAs of Plateau and Nasarawa States respectively. One of the suspect is identified as Yellow. Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one Beretta pistol, 4 fabricated guns, one AK 47 rifle receiver cover, 741 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 26 magazines, one vehicle and filing machine.
e. Kidnap Incidents. Between 12 and 15 January 2024, troops in a separate operations responded to information of kidnapping incident in Riyom and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State. During the operations, troops arrested 3 violent extremists/kidnapper and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages.
f. Raid Operations. On 13 January 2024, as a follow up to ongoing investigation on an arrested gunrunners, troops raided another of his violent extremists/gunrunners associate at his hideout in Riyom LGA of Plateau State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 members of the syndicate.
SUMMARY
9. Overall, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 32 violent extremists and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, one berretta pistol, 741 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 26 magazines, one vehicle, filing machine and the sum of N267,000.00.
OPERATION WHIRL STROKE (NORTH CENTRAL)
10. Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE recorded the following during the week under review. They arrested a suspected violent extremists/vandals, arrested an impostor, conducted raid operations and arrested violent extremists/gunrunners in Ado, Makurdi, Ogbadibo and Guma LGAs all in Benue State.
11. Details are as follows:
a. Arrest of Suspected Vandals. On 11 January 2024, troops with hybrid forces responded to information of an auto accident involving one truck loaded with stolen rail tracks in Ado LGA of Benue State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected vandals and recovered 2 corpses from the scene.
b. Arrest of Impostor. On 11 January 2024, troops while on patrol arrested an impostor identified as Mr Orhule Lough in Makurdi LGA of Benue State. Suspect was arrested dressed in a woodland camo trousers and t-shirt. Troops recovered the sum of One Thousand, Eight Hundred and Fifty Naira (₦1,850.00) only and assorted charms.
c. Raid Operations. On 16 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops with hybrid forces raided a suspected violent extremists/kidnappers’ hideout and made contact in Ogbadibo LGA of Benue State. Following a fire fight, troops arrested 2 suspected violent extremists/kidnappers and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 AK47 rifles and 10 mobile phones.
d. Arrest of Gunrunner. On 14 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops arrested one Yahaya Haruna Musa in Guma LGA of Benue State. Preliminary investigation revealed the arrested person as a member of a violent extremist syndicate and a notorious gunrunner operating within Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.
SUMMARY
12. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 8 violent extremists/insurgents and rescued 9 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 10 mobile phones and the sum of N1,850.00 amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION HADARIN DAJI (NORTH WEST)
13. The troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recorded the following during the period under review. Troops conducted offensive operations in Jibia, Batsari and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State as well as Tsafe LGA of Zamfara State. Conducted fighting patrols in Isa LGA of Sokoto State and Birnin Gwari and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. Responded to violent extremists/insurgents activities in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State.
14. Additionally, troops arrested violent extremists/insurgents and accomplice in Ikara and Maru LGAs of Kaduna and Zamfara States respectively. Troops also arrested vandals and violent extremists/insurgents collaborators in Wurno and Talata Mafara LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States respectively.
15. Details are as follows;
a. Offensive Operations.
(1) On 12 and 13 January 2024, while conducting offensive operations troops discovered and destroyed violent extremists/insurgents camps in Tsafe and Jibia LGAs of Zamfara and Katsina States respectively. During the operation, troops recovered one damage AK47 rifle, 2 Dane guns, 2 magazines, one round of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 bandoliers, 6 Baofeng radios, 3 radio chargers, military and Nigerian Police accoutrements. Troops also destroyed a house, one vehicle and 12 motorcycles belonging to a violent extremist/insurg kingpin, Ado Aliero.
(2) On 14 January 2024, troops conducted offensive operations and made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Batsari and Faskari LGAs of Katsina State. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 5 insurgents and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 24 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, one LMG rifle butt, one AK 47 rifle trigger gd, one bandolier and one frag jacket, one mobile phone and one motorcycle.
b. Fighting Patrols.
(1) On 10 January 2024, troops while on fighting patrol made contact with violent extremists/insurgents in Isa LGA of Sokoto State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 insurgents and recovered 4 AK47 rifles with 4 magazines, 92 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and one motorcycle.
(2) On 12 and 13 January 2024, troops in separate operations conducted fighting patrols in Birnin Gwari and Chikun LGAs of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops made contact with violent extremists/insurgents. Following a fire fights, troops neutralized 5 insurgents and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 2 motorcycles and substance suspected to be cannabis.
d. Violent Extremists/Insurgs Activities. On 11 January 2024, troops responded to information on violent extremists/insurgents attacks on locals in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State. On arrival, troops discovered that locals resisted and neutralized one violent extremist/insurgent.
e. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Insurgents and Accomplice.
(1) On 13 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops conducted cordoned and searched operation in Ikara LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troops arrested one notorious violent extremist/insurgent identified as Idris and his spouse (aka Haji Fari). The suspect has been on wanted list of security agencies since 2022. Preliminary investigation revealed that suspect was involved in several killings and kidnappings within and outside the LGA.
(2) On 14 January 2024, following a tip-off, troops responded to information on suspected kidnapper and violent extremists/insurgento collaborator assisting insurgents to collect ransom in Maru LGA of Zamfara State. On sigting troops, the suspects fled. However, troops arrested the POS operator and recovered one motorcycle, one mobile phone and the sum of Four Hundred and Ninety-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred Naira (₦498,400.00).
j. Arrest of Suspected Cable Vandals. On 16 January 2024, troops responded to information on the activities of cable vandals in Wurno LGA of Sokoto State. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspected cable vandals and recovered one motorcycle and one panel box amongst others.
k. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Insurgent Collaborator. On 16 January 2024, following a tip off, troops arrested a violent extremists/insurgents collaborator that was assisting insurgents to procure motorcycle in Talata Mafara LGA of Zamfara State. During arrest, troops recovered one new motorcycle (unassembled), one mobile phone and the sum of Four Hundred Thousand Naira (₦400,000.00) only.
SUMMARY
16. Overall, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 10 terrorists, arrested 8 and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, one damage AK47 rifle, 117 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 bandoliers, one LMG rifle butt, 4 magazines, 6 baofeng radios, 6 motorcycles, one mobile phone and the sum of N898,000.00 amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION WHIRL PUNCH (NORTH WEST)
17. Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH recorded the following during the week under review. They arrested a violent extremists/arms dealer,conducted raid operations and fighting patrols in Abaji, Bwari and Kuje Area Council of FCT, Abuja. Troops also conducted raids in Kagoro LGA of Kaduna State. Troops also foiled kidnap incident in Sanga LGA of Kaduna State.
18. Details are as follows;
a. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Arms Dealer. On 10 January 2023, following reports, troops while conducting stop and search, intercepted and arrested a suspected arms dealer in Abaji Area Council of the FCT, Abuja. Investigation revealed that the suspect was heading to Kuje Area Council of FCT, Abuja.
b. Raid Operation.
(1) On 10 January 2024, troops raided an illegal mining site and arrested 7 suspects in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT, ABUJA.
(2) On 14 January 2024, following reports, troops raided violent extremists/kidnappers hideout in Kagoro LGA of Kaduna State. During the operation, troop made contact with the insurgents. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one insurgent and recovered 2 locally made dane guns and one machete.
c. Fighting Patrol. On 10 January 2024, troops conducted fighting patrol to suspected violent extremists hideouts in Kuje Area Council of FCT, Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 2 suspects and recovered one locally fabricated gun, one pistol, 51 cartridges and one motorcycle.
d. Troops Foiled Robbery Incident. On 11 January 2024, troops responded to information of armed robbery incident along Sanga LGA of Kaduna State. Sighting troops, the violent extremists fled abandoning their operation.
SUMMARY
19. Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized one insurgent and arrested 11 violent extremists/insurgents. Troops also recovered one locally fabricated gun, one pistol, 2 locally made dane guns, 51 cartridges, one motorcycle and machete amongst others.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION DELTA SAFE (SOUTH SOUTH)
20. Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE maintained the momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. They arrested a violent extremists/cultists and sea pirate in Sapele and Asaba LGAs of Delta State as well as Uran LGA of Akwa Ibom State.
21. Details as follows:
a. Troops Destroy Illegal Refining Sites. Troops recovered 139,045 litres of stolen crude oil, 25,115 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of DPK. Troops also apprehended 25 suspected oil thefts. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 13 boats, 23 storage tanks, 2 barges, 4 vehicles. Other items recovered include 15 cooking ovens, 2 pump machines and 16 illegal refining sites.
b. Arrest of Violent Extremist/Cultists. On 11 January 2024, following reports, troops while on fighting patrol arrested 4 suspected violent extremists/cultists in Sapele LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops recovered 4 pump action guns, 7 fabricated pump action dummy magazines, 23 live catridges, 3 shorts guns, 3 headgears (one belonging to NP), 3 pepper spray, 3 body armour and 5 mob phones. Preliminary investigation revealed that one of the suspects was a member a vigilante volunteer group.
c. Arrest of Violent Extremist. On 13 January 2024, troops while on patrol arrested 2 violent extremists in Asaba LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops recovered one cut-to-short Dane gun, 2 axes, one cutlass, one ATM card and the sum of Forty Thousand and Seventy Naira (₦40,070) only. Suspects claimed to be staff of Chuks Security Outfit at Onitsha under Nigerian Police Area C Division.
d. Arrest of Suspected Cultist/Sea Pirate. On 14 January 2024, troops responded to information on activities of violent extremists gang and arrested one suspected violent extremist in Uran LGA of Akwa Ibom. The suspect identified as Mr Kufre Archibong was alleged to be carrying out sea piracy/armed robbery and cult activities around riverine areas in the same LGA. Troops recovered one locally made single barrel gun, 19 live shotgun cartridges, 2 cutlasses, charms and one mobile phone.
SUMMARY
22. Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 139,045 litres of stolen crude oil, 25,115 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of DPK. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 13 boats, 23 storage tanks, 2 barges and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered include 15 cooking ovens, 2 pump machines and 16 illegal refining sites.
23. Troops apprehended 29 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists/insurgents. Troops recovered 22 assorted weapons, 46 assorted ammunitions, 5 mobile phones, and the sum of N40,070.00.
JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA (SOUTH EAST)
24. Troops of Operation UDO KA arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents in Onitsha LGA of Anambra State. Troops foiled kidnap incidents in Udenu LGA of Enugu State.
25. Details as follows:
a. Arrest of IPOB/ESN Violent Extremists. On 12 January 2024, following reports, troops arrested one suspected IPOB/ESN Comd identified as Nwanchukwu Sunday (aka Commando) in Onitsha LGA of Anambra State.
b. Kidnapping Incident. On 11 January 2024, troops responded to distress call on a kidnapping incident in Udenu LGA of Enugu State. On sighting troops, the kidnappers fled abandoning their kidnapped victims. Troops rescued 6 kidnapped hostages and reunited them with their families.
SUMMARY
26. Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested one violent extremist/IPOB and rescued 6 kidnapped hostages. All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.