The Armed Forces of Nigeria says its operations both kinetic and non-kinetic in conjunction with other security agencies have drastically reduced activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra IPOB and the Eastern Security Network ESN in the recent weeks.
Director Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Benard Onyeuko while briefing newsmen on the operational activities of the military at the Defence Headquarters Abuja, emphasized that troops have remained undaunted and determined in their quest to attain sustainable peace in the Country despite some setbacks recorded.
“However, pockets of incidents were recorded in some locations at; Oru-West LGA of Imo State and Ebonyi LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops responded to distress calls and carried out raid operations on some IPOB enclaves within the period in focus.
“During some of these operations, troops arrested one of the IPOB secretaries, Mr Obinna Nwite and recovered 4 pistols, 3 long barrel guns, 18 rounds of assorted ammunition and minutes of meeting book, containing some names of IPOB members.
“The arrested IPOB/ESN militia and all recovered items have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for further action.
In the meantime, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN, in Jos have extensively executed various land and air operations in different locations across its area of responsibility. Some of these operations were conducted at villages and towns under Bassa, Bokkos, Jos South, Mangu, Riyom, Barki Ladi, Shendam and Jos North LGAs of Plateau State. Other locations were at villages and towns in Jama’a, Kaura and Zangon Kataf LGAs in Kaduna State.
General Onyeuko further stated that in the course of these operations, troops amicably resolved farmers/herders clashes and averted a bloody clash between 2 families over land disputes.
“Troops also rescued some kidnapped civilians and arrested criminal elements; including one Mr John Paul who deals in weapons and owns a mini factory where arms and ammunition are fabricated. Additionally, troops neutralized some criminal elements and recovered several arms and ammunition within the period.” He added.
Cumulatively, a total of 6 assorted arms, 13 rounds of 7.62mm as well as several sacks of cannabis sativa and 200 livestock among other items were recovered. Also, 38 victims of armed bandits’ attacks and kidnap incidents were rescued and 45 criminal elements arrested, while 3 were neutralized within the period.
On Operation HADIN KAI, General Onyeuko said over 50 terrorists have been neutralized and several of their combat equipment, including gun trucks and other weapons, were destroyed.
“In related developments, troops in Baga town arrested a notorious terrorist named, Mr Haladu Saleh who has been on security forces wanted list since 2018. Similarly, along Bukarti – Yusufari road and Maima Hari Checkpoint along Biu – Damboa road, troops intercepted and impounded Boko Haram terrorists’ logistics supplies.
“Following credible intelligence on terrorists’ activities in Karawar village, troops raided their enclave and recovered arms and ammunition as well as assorted drugs and arrested 2 drug peddlers named; Mr Ezekiel Karson and Galadima Bako with large quantities of cannabis Sativa. In the course of these operations, no fewer than 90 terrorists were neutralized and 21 of them arrested.
“Also, 98 assorted weapons, including AK-47 rifles and 2,589 rounds of ammunition were recovered within the period. Additionally, 7 kidnapped civilians were rescued, while a total of 996 Boko Haram elements and their families comprising 203 adult males, 302 adult females and 491 children surrendered to own troops at different locations in Borno State.
“All recovered items have been handed appropriately and rescued persons reunited with their families, while arrested and surrendered terrorists have been profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for further action,” he added.
He maintained that the efforts of Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, both kinetic and non-kinetic have continued to yield attendant results. He assured that the military will continue to remain steadfast in the fight against all forms of criminalities across the Country.