In a statement released in Abuja on Wednesday by Army Operation Media Coordinator, Iliyasu, he said troops operating in various theatres of operations have continued to record significant achievements, adding that they have intensified operations nationwide to deny criminals the freedom to operate.
The statement reads: “Between October 1 and 8, 2019, troops of the Nigerian Army operating in various theatres of operations across the country have continued to record significant achievements. During the period under review, troops intensified their operations nationwide to deny criminal elements freedom of action, leading to a safer and more conducive environment, especially with the approach of the 2019 festivities.
“In the Northeast theatre, as troops of Operation Lafiya Dole intensify the bombardment of identified Boko Haram criminals’ locations and blockade of the criminals’ crossing points and escape routes, more criminal insurgents are giving up their indignant acts of criminality and surrendering to troops.
“This sobriety is further exacerbated by hunger resulting from the blockade of their supply routes, arrest of their logistics suppliers and collaborators as well as incessant artillery bombardments of their criminal hideouts.
“Accordingly, five marauding Boko Haram criminals surrendered to troops of 3 Battalion in Gamboru Ngala and Dikwa, respectively. During preliminary interrogation, the surrendered insurgents revealed that hunger and unending bombardments of their hideouts left them with no choice than to escape from them.
“They also disclosed that they belong to the Al-Barnawi faction. The surrendered insurgents include Ramat Mohammed, Alhaji Brazil, Bukar Gambo, Waziri Bukar and Bashuna Musa. The suspects are currently undergoing further interrogation.”
It added: “In another development, troops of 115 Task Force Battalion’s Quick Response Group, in conjunction with an Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team deployed at Askira, acting on a credible information, mobilised to the area and safely detonated an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) planted on the Rumirgo-Askira road. This has made the route to be safer for commuters.
“In Katsina State, troops arrested one suspected bandits’ logistic supplier at Irigi on Nigeria/Niger border. In another development, troops of 1 Division Garrison rescued 12 kidnapped passengers of a named Teile Bus in the general area of Jumbo Farm within Chikun Local Government Area.
“Furthermore, troops arrested one suspected bandit, named Garba YA’U in Yuna Village of Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State and recovered one Dane gun from him. Troops further conducted cordon-and-search operations at the same village and recovered a metal box, bow and arrow, a locally-made rifle and cutlasses from another suspected bandit’s resident.
“Additionally, troops arrested two motorcycle snatchers at Gazara Village of Makarfi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspects specialised in snatching and selling of stolen motorcycles to bandits.
“Additionally, in a separate operation conducted by troops, four impostors dressed in military and police uniforms with one Dane gun were arrested at Atanda Village in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State…”
“In Zamfara State, troops neutralised one bandit and recovered three AK47 rifles and 13 magazines. Similarly, in Plateau State, troops arrested five suspected criminals at Utan area in Jos North Local Government Area and recovered one locally-fabricated pistol, mobile phone and some quality of substances believed to be Cannabis Sativa.
“Also, following the failed attack on troops deployed at Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State, troops exploited the general area and arrested six suspects with one AK47 rifle and 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
“In Taraba State, troops intercepted five Jukun youths on the outskirt of Donga town in Donga LGA and recovered four rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Subsequently, troops conducted raid operations at Gana Militia Camp in Gbise area of Katsina Ala Local Government Area of Benue State and recovered two G3 rifles, one AK47 rifle, one Tavor rifle and two locally-made rifles. Other items recovered were four motorcycles, 52 rounds of 7.62mm special, one generator, one camouflage T-shirt, one combat belt and a Peugeot saloon car suspected to be used for conveying kidnapped victims.
“Additionally, in a swift operation in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), troops operating in conjunction with other security agencies and environmental agency personnel raided Jabi Park and arrested eight suspected drug peddlers. The troops also recovered three sacks of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa (Indian hemp) from the scene.
“In Abia State, troops arrested 27 Independenet People of Biafra (IPOB) members, including four females, led by their spiritual leader, Pa Micheal Madumere, at Ngwa in Isisioma Ngwa Local Government Area. During the encounter, one of the IPOB members, named Mr. Oliver Onyebunache, armed with one AK47 rifle and two magazines containing eight rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition was shot at his right leg while trying to shoot at the troops.
“In the Niger Delta region, troops continue to thwart illegal oil bunkering and illegal refining activities within the region. During the period under review, troops arrested two suspects and destroyed a Cotonou boat, 80,000 litres of substances suspected to be stolen crude oil, 11 illegal refineries, nine storage tanks with stolen crude oil, 5,700 litres of suspected illegally refined petroleum product, three pumping machines, one motor cycle, seven boilers, four Ovens, four coolers, eight Receivers, three saver pits, seven wheel barrows, three shovels and several makeshift accommodation.
“Troops also recovered two DAF trucks with registration number Yobe XA 349 FUN and Yobe 21 XA GDM conveying bags containing crude oil, a truck with registration number Lagos XR 510 GGE loaded with stolen crude oil, one pumping machine and one Motorola radio.
“In the light of the above, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Yusuf Buratai, wishes to thank patriotic Nigerians for availing the Nigerian Army with useful information that led to the successes recorded.
“He further enjoins them to continue to relentlessly support the Nigerian Army to effectively rid the society of the myriads of security challenges being confronted in our nation.
“All law-abiding citizens are equally requested to go about their legitimate business endeavours without fear of molestation.”