Security
THE Defence Headquarters says the renewed military onslaught operations against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping across the country has led to return of peace to troubled communities in the northern part of the country.
The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this while giving updates on the operations of the armed forces in the last two weeks at a news conference on Thursday in Abuja.
Enenche said that between June 18 and July 2 the armed forces with renewed vigour in her operations had neutralised several bandits, terrorists and kidnappers in the northeast, west and central.
He said that the soldiers also affected the arrest of 12 criminals including two foreigners as well as seizing several arms and ammunition and other items from them.
He listed the items recovered by the soldiers to include 505 rustled cattle, four AK-47 rifles, one AK-47 magazine, 150 rounds of 7.62 special ammunition and 55 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
Also recovered are four locally-made rifles and five locally made pistols, amongst others at Akaa and Mbagyeren Villages in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue on June 26
He said the troops also rescued in Katsina and Zamfara States 29 kidnapped victims who had since been handed over to their respective state governments.
Enenche explained that in the North-East, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE (OPLD) recorded commendable results during the period under review.
According to him, troops conducted several operations at various locations, which led to the neutralisation of terrorists, destruction of their equipment and structures as well as recovery of various items.
He said that the Air Task Force of OPLD conducted intensive airstrikes to mark the launching of its subsidiary Operation LONG REACH along the fringes of the Sambisa Forest in Borno following concerted Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance missions.
“The air operations led to the destruction of a Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) tactical command centre housing some of their high-value leaders and neutralized several of their fighters at Garin Maloma and Yuwe Villages.
“Additionally, airstrikes conducted at Buka Korege, Bula Bello, Ngoske, Tongule, Bukar Meram and Warshale Villages led to the destruction of several BHT locations and gun trucks while scores of fighters were effectively neutralised.
“Meanwhile, troops of the Army Super Camp 17 at Cross Kauwa in Kukawa Local Government Area and troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE deployed at Response Area Aulari in Bama LGA, both in Borno, successfully repelled BHT/ISWAP’s attacks on June 24 and June 25.
“The gallant troops responded to the terrorists’ attacks with superior firepower, thereby killing two of them in contact and recovered two AK-47 rifles, two Hand Grenades and some ammunition as well as two Rocket Propelled Guns and Unexploded Ordnances fired by the terrorists,” he said.
He also said that the military in its air bombardments in the north-west led to the neutralisation of several bandits and their Logistics bases in Doumbourou, Kuyanbana, Bimasa forests as well as Dunya Village in Katsina and Zamfara States respectively.
“Also, within the period under review, troops foiled armed bandits attack in Katsina and Zamfara States. Troops successfully killed 12 armed bandits and arrested six suspected bandits’ informers/collaborators across the theatre,” he said.
The coordinator also said that the military in its operation in the north-central neutralised four bandits affiliated to wanted militia leader “Gana” at their hideout around Che Jukun Village in Donga LGA of Taraba on June 29.
According to him, the troops had earlier arrested six of his key lieutenants at Shakpev Village under Tiir and Yoyoo council ward of Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue state on June 25.
He said that three kidnappers were also neutralised during an ambush operation along the Abuja-Kaduna expressway on June 28.
“The Air Component of the subsidiary Operation GAMA AIKI neutralized several bandits and arrested two other fleeing bandits who happened to be foreigners, during intensive airstrikes at Kasuwan Ango Community in Mariga LGA of Niger State,” he said.
He said that the Military High Command commended all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their commitment and professionalism.
He also encouraged them to remain resolute and decisive in curtailing the activities of terrorists, armed bandits and other criminals across the country.
Enenche reassured the general public of the High Command of the Armed Forces’ commitment to securing the country for all human activities to strive.
“Members of the general public are always enjoined to continue providing timely information on the activities of criminals in their various localities to the nearest military and other security agencies location for prompt and effective action,” he said. (NAN)
– Jul. 2, 2020 @ 17:55 GMT |
Tags: banditry kidnapping yielding results – DHQ Renewed onslaught against terrorism
