The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Major General John Enenche said that “it is the level of weapons that matter not the quantity as Boko Haram cannot equate their weaponry with that of the military”.
Major General Enenche disclosed this at weekly news briefing in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital said that between 14th January to 20th of January, 2021, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and other subsidiary operations following credible intelligence on movement of armed bandits with rustled animals have neutralized 30 armed bandits while 24 cows and unspecified number of sheep were recovered in Zamfara State, North-West of the country.
He noted that troops swiftly mobilized to the area to forestall the reprisal attack, but they were ambushed short of Janbako village where firefight ensued.
The troops overwhelmed the bandits and killed 5 terrorists.
In another development he added, following actionable intelligence, 2 suspected bandits’ collaborators named Mustapha Sani and Murtala Sani were arrested at Dungun Muazu village in Sabuwa LGAof Katsina State.
He said “suspects are in custody for further action”.
According to him, in the North East Zone, troops of subsidiary Operation TURA TAKAI BANGO in conjunction with the Air Task Force of Operation LAFIYA DOLE destroyed 7 BHT/ISWAP terrorists’ gun trucks and killed several unconfirmed number of the terrorists’ sects in an operation.
The Coordinator said “this occurred when the criminal elements attempted to attack troops’ location at the outskirt of Marte Town of Borno State in which, the combined troops engaged and overwhelmed the terrorists with superior firepower”.
General Enenche added that after successfully repelling the BHT/ISWAP attack on Marte that led to the destruction of the 7 gun trucks in the combined ground and air operation, the Air Task Force also obliterated additional 6 gun trucks of the terrorists and eliminated scores of them in an attack on 16 January 2021.
He said “these feats were achieved when the Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships engaged and destroyed the terrorists’ convoy of gun trucks, sighted approaching the Marte axis for reinforcement”.
The helicopter gunships also strafed the fleeing criminal elements and scores of them were neutralized.
Gen Enenche said in the North -Central Zone, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN on stop and search duty arrested 2 suspects; Messrs Mantau Nabo and Victor Jonathan with one locally fabricated AK-47 rifle and one empty magazine concealed in a Tricycle.
The Coordinator noted that the suspects attempted to sneak the items past at a check point at Dong Junction in Bassa LGA of Plateau State on their way from Jebbu Miango enroute Jos Town.
He added that the suspects have been profiled and have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
Also, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN on Stop and Search patrol at Mariri arrested one Stephen Yaro, from Kigwanu village in Kauru LGA of Kaduna State. The suspect was arrested with a locally made rifle concealed under his motorcycle seat, he added.
He noted that the suspect is presently undergoing preliminary investigation for further action.
According to him, in the South- South Zone, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted anti-Crude Oil Theft and illegal oil bunkering operations as well as other anti-illegal maritime activities.
He said “in the course of their operational activities, 6 illegal refining sites, 11 wooden boats, 52 Gee Pee tanks, 102 metal tanks, 17 dugout pits and 45 ovens were immobilized”.
Also, 24 suspects arrested while 14 pumping machines, 2 speed boats and 13 outboard engines were recovered.
Additionally, a total of 9,856.1 barrels of stolen crude oil and 1,339,000 litres of illegally refined AGO as well as 500,000 litres of DPK were recovered.
Meanwhile, the Military High Command has reassured the general public of its determination and dedication towards securing the country.
Dominica Nwabufo
