DHQ: It’s Impossible to Defeat Terrorism Without the Support, Cooperation of People

*Troops killed 1,166 terrorists, destroyed 339 illegal refining sites in one month

*MNJTF intercepts terrorists logistics supply syndicate with illicit drugs, flags
*Lagbaja urges support for Tinubu, security 

*Police condemn DPO’s killing by military 

Linus Aleke in Abuja and Onuminya Innocent in Lagos

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said it was impossible to defeat terrorism, insurgency and banditry without the support and cooperation of the people.
This was as the Military High Command, yesterday, said no fewer than 1,166 terrorists died from the bullets and aerial bombardment in their numerous hideouts, across all theatres of operations, following a coordinated military onslaught against them, while 1,096 others were taken into custody in the month of August alone.

Also, troops of Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) deployed for counter terrorism operations in the Lake Chad Region, successfully intercepted two Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), terrorists’ logistics supply syndicate in a significant counter terrorism operations.
This, nonetheless, the Nigeria Police, has condemned the killing of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Wasagu Division by the operative of the Nigeria Army, in Zamfara State.

The DHQ averred that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and operatives of other security agencies were not spirits, adding that terrorism and other emerging security threats would end the day citizens resolved to stop it.
Director, Defence Media Operation, Maj Gen Edward Buba, reiterated this position on the ongoing counter terrorism and anti banditry war, while fielding questions from newsmen during his biweekly press conference on operational activities of the troops and other security agencies across the federation.
He noted that the terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements came from families, communities and states, and had friends who knew about their nefarious activities and movements.

He further averred that it was their community members that provide logistics for them, including arms and ammunition and they slept in homes of their family members and friends who were not ignorant of their villainous activities.
Buba equally decried last week’s killings of police officers by adherents of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as Shiite, stating that the military would not tolerate such act of terrorism from them going forward.
“Who are we fighting? We are fighting an enemy that has taken on different forms in different parts of the country. But these enemies are one and the same – terrorists.

“Take it from me, be they herders, bandits IPOB, or IMN, they are all terrorists carrying out act of terror against our citizens and the nation.
“If they be terrorists, the military will bring overwhelming military force upon them to destroy them, take out their commanders and foot soldiers and annihilate them from the surface of the earth,” he said.
On the trending video footage of terrorists brandishing ransom collected from victims of abduction and their families, Buba said, “I will say that winning this war without the support of the people is impossible.
“These persons that we have seen on the social media brandishing their loots are of two categories, first they are not ghost or faceless, they have proven to us that they are not invisible.

“So, they come from families and communities, they come from a state, they have brothers and sisters, they have friends, and  people know them. What are they doing to assist the military and other security agencies to get to them?
“The troops of the military and operatives of other security agencies are not spirits. I had said it severally, when you see something, say something. More people even know more than those that see. So, if you know something, say something and we will do something about it.”
He also said no fewer than 1,166 terrorists died from the bullets and aerial bombardment in their numerous hideouts, across all theatre of operations, following a coordinated military onslaught against them, while 1,096 others were taken into custody in the month of August alone.
According to him, over 2,741 Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), terrorist fighters and their families surrendered selves and weapons to troops of JTF Operations Hadin Kai.

This, it said, was in addition to the rescue of  721 kidnapped hostages, and recovering of 391 weapons, and 15,234 ammunition.

Buba made this disclosure while briefing journalists in Abuja.

He said the military had prioritised targeting the terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers as well as their collaborators, stressing that several terrorist leaders and commanders were taken off the battlefield as a result of its operations within the month of August.

He noted that terrorist commanders killed in Northeast and Northwest zone within the period under review included “Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda and Abu Rijab, Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.”

Buba further disclosed that troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), South-South Operation Delta Safe, retrieved petroleum products worth over N5bn from crude oil thieves.

Others, he said are 5,047,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 320 litres of DPK and 28,500 litres of PMS amongst other item. He also disclosed that troops uncovered and dismantled 339 illegal refining sites in the Niger Delta region within the period under review.

MNJTF Intercepts Terrorists Logistics Supply Syndicate With Illicit Drugs, Flags

Troops of Multi-National Joint Task Force (MNJTF) deployed for counter terrorism operations in the Lake Chad Region, has successfully intercepted two Boko Haram and Islamic State West African Province (ISWAP), terrorists’ logistics supply syndicate in a significant counter terrorism operations.

A statement by Chief Military Information Officer, HQ MNJTF N’djamena, Chad, Lt Col Olaniyi Osoba, said the syndicate specialised in supplying illicit drugs and materials for sewing uniforms and flags for the terrorist groups.

He noted that one of the apprehended terrorists’ logistics suppliers identified as Mr Yahaya Muhammad, was picked up along the Kekeno-Cross Kauwa Road, adding that “he was found in possession of a substantial quantity of hard drugs, including Metro, Doxycycline, Discloppxac, and 198 wraps of Indian hemp.

“Other seized items included Kpomix, Coldtime, Nopami, Coughter, Nexcape sachets, Ostanac, and various other illicit substances. It was confirmed that Mr Muhammad is not a licensed pharmacist.”

He said another operative was arrested along the Gubio-Damasak Road, in a separate operation. The suspected logistics supplier, he said was driving a blue Toyota Pickup Vehicle with registration JAK 49 XA (YOBE) and was found with two sacks containing 19 bundles of clothing material, stressing that these materials were suspected to be intended for making uniforms and flags for Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters.

“In yet another successful rescue operation, troops rescued three women and a baby, suspected to be family members of the terrorists.

“The rescued individuals claimed they had escaped from terrorist enclaves in Jubillaram, located in the southern Lake Chad Island within Marte Local Government Area. The women and the baby are currently undergoing medical assessment and profiling,” Col Osoba said.

Lagbaja Urges Support for Tinubu, Security

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt Gen Taoreed Lagbaja, has appealed to Nigerians to continue to support the government of the day and security forces in an effort to make Nigeria safe and prosperous.

A statement by Director Army Public Relations, Maj Gen Onyema Nwachukwu, said the Army Chief made this appeal while declaring closed, the Chief of Army Staff Combined Second and Third Quarters Conference 2024, at the Council of Chiefs Hall Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.

Lagbaja reassured Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to continually collaborate with sister services and other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property across the nation.

He averred that the conference afforded various theatre and formation commanders the opportunity to provide insights on the activities of their forces, with a view to better position their operations for positive results.

He however, reassured of the unflinching loyalty and commitment of the Nigerian Army to the country’s constitution and promotion of national interest and values.

How Flooding Helps to Suffocate Terrorists

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), has narrated how torrential rain and attendant flood had helped the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), particularly the Air Component of Operations Hadin Kai, to enjoy advantage against terrorists in the Lake Chad region.

The service also explained that the current successes against the terrorists, followed the forced migration of remnant terrorists to higher and drier grounds after their enclaves became flooded and exposed due to persistent rainfall in the area in recent days.

A statement by Director of Public Relations and Information, Nigerian Air Force, Air Vice Marshal Edward Gabkwet, said the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai successfully conducted an air interdiction mission at Jubillaram, in southern Tumbuns, which he described as a major blow to remnants of terrorists hiding in the Tumbuns near Lake Chad.

“To confirm this, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) conducted Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions over the location on 22, 24, and 26 August 2024, which revealed several terrorists with some of their salvaged belongings tucked within four makeshift accommodations, some concealed under trees and thick vegetation.

“Consequently, precision airstrikes were authorized on the selected target areas, engaging and destroying most of the structures,” he said.

The spokesperson explained that a thick black smoke from one of the destroyed structures signified a storage area, probably designated as an armoury or a logistics storage area.

Noting that several terrorists were also neutralised in the process, Gabkwet averred that the success of the operation was a testament to the NAF’s commitment to achieving its mandate and protecting the nation from terrorist threats.

Police Condemn DPO’s Killing By Military

The Nigeria Police, has condemned the killing of Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Wasagu Division, Halliru Liman, by the operative of the Nigeria Army in Zamfara State.

In a statement by the command public relations officer, Assistant superintendent of police, Yazid Abubakar, said the brutal murder of the DPO by the Army was uncalled for.

“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the senseless killing of the superintendent of Police (SP), Halliru Liman, the Divisional Police Officer of Wusagu Division, Kebbi State Police Command.

The statement stated that on August 28, 2024, at approximately 1030 hours, Liman was brutally murdered by military personnel led by one Hassan, attached to Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD) Sector 6, Dan Marke area of Bukkuyum, Zamfara State.

“The circumstances surrounding this heinous crime are alarming and unacceptable. SP Liman, who was on his way to attend a monthly conference in Birnin Kebbi, was stopped by military personnel despite identifying himself as a police officer.

“In a shocking display of aggression, Hassan pointed his gun at SP Liman and shot him in the head, resulting in his instant death. We condemn this unprovoked attack in the strongest possible terms and demand a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident.

“The military’s actions are a clear violation of the rules of engagement and the principles of inter-agency cooperation. We urge the relevant authorities to take immediate action to address this egregious incident and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

“The police and military must work together to maintain peace and security, not engage in violent confrontations that undermine public trust. We extend our deepest condolences to the family and colleagues of SP Halliru Liman and assure them that we will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served.”