The Directorate of Defence Media Operation (DMO) has said the defence has arrested one Mallam Modu Pantami at the outskirt of Benishied village, Kaga Local Government Area while attempting to transport a large quantity of logistics items he purchased for onward supply to terrorists at Gomari village in Fere Local Government Area of Borno State.

The Director of DMO, Major General Benard Onyeuko, disclosed this on Thursday, at the Defence Headquarters News Conference Hall, Abuja, during a press briefing on highlights of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies’ activities and operational successes as recorded in all the theatre of operations across the country.

He said, “troops of Operation Hadin Kai also arrested 20 other terrorists, killed 42 and rescued 63 civilians.”

According to Gen. Onyeuko, these operational successes were achieved within the period 28th April – 19th May 2022.

As he puts it: “On the 13th May 2022, based on the intelligent report, troops arrested Mallam Modu Goni a terrorist and logistics supplier at Bunin Yadi Market. In furtherance of its operational activities, on 17 May 2022, Mallam Modu Pantami was apprehended at the outskirt of Benishied village in Kaga Local Government Area while attempting to transport a large quantity of logistics items he purchased for onward supply to terrorists at Gomari village in Fere Local Government Area of Borno State.

“Items recovered from him include two mobile phones, cartons of assorted drugs and injections of different types, five gallons of PMS, 20 turban scarfs, 50kg bags of sugar, three bags of 50kg flour, five cartons of Maltina drinks, 290 sets of female hijabs, 20 females rubber shoes, 325 litres of red oil, 15 sets of Kaftan cloth, five black trousers, five cartons of macaroni, six Cartons of spaghetti, three cartons of sweet, mudu of date (Dabino), five sacks of soft drinks, four daggers, three cartons of Maggi, one big basket of kola nut, 10 boxes of matches, five sacks of detergent, 10 rubber mats and the sum N200,000.00 Naira only.”

He noted further, “Troops conducted ambush operations at the terrorist crossing point at Kaidieri village in the cause of the operation, five terrorists were neutralized with assorted weapons and different calibres of ammunitions captured from the terrorists.”

The military spokesman said, during these operations, “troops rescued 63 civilians, neutralized 42 terrorists, and arrest 20 terrorists.

Also recovered were 2 LMGS, 21 AK47 rifles, 11 AK 56 rifles, 22 MGs, 419 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunition, one gun turret, 31 AK 47 magazines, three motorcycles, six bicycles, one pumping machine, two bandolier belts containing 377 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunitions, one Isuzu vehicle.”

The General also revealed in another development that Troops of Operation Hadin Kai, “On 28th April 2022, conducted clearance operation at terrorist enclaves at Jaje, Mango Ali, Dissa, Balangaje, during the operation, one Mallam Shehu the Amir and spiritual head of Gaita general area and some of his foot soldiers were neutralized.

“Also, on May 14 2022 at Yuwe in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, in a coordinated attack on terrorists enclave neutralized Abubakar Sarki, a Book Haram Commander in Sambisa forest, neutralizing scores of the terrorists while assorted weapons and different calibres of ammunitions were recovered.

“Troops also conducted operations at Dajima village, Molaa, Mamanti, Goneri, Koyamanti, Ajiri, Awoshei, Lawanti, Kyamla, Dogori, Kontori, Umanari, Banhyr, Alum Damm Kaiya-Kura, Gubia Magr axis, Sabon Gari general area, Mandarka, Zumbulum, Amuda Gave, Majuane village, Malis Gidde, Kezamari, Ngudda, Koshebe, Malami Fatori, Damboua town, Buluti village, Njine and Kamzone village, Banuwa Caniwa village, Kaidien village, Barimari-jigalta, Jajimaji town in Karasuwa Local Government Area all in Bornu State.”

Between the 1st -14th May 2022 Onyeuko disclosed that “A total of 1,627 Boko Haram Terrorists and their families surrendered to own troops at different locations. They comprise 331 Men, 441 women and 855 children. As of 16 May 2022 a total of 53,262 have so far surrendered.”

All the surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists, recovered items, rescued civilians and captured terrorists, according to Onyeuko, have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further actions.

On Operation Delta Safe, the Director said, “On 15th May 2022, troops in conjunction with Nigerian Drug Law enforcement Agency (NDLEA) conducted raid operations in a suspected drug hideout in Effurum in Urwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

“During the operations, troops arrested some drug barons namely, Mrs Ughanekvwo Unagha, Mr Festus Baron, Mr Okumaba Eanaguono, Mr Ahmed Agbamu, Mr David Mene, Mr Unagha Paul, Mr Edirin Thomas, Mr Osanege Solomon, Mr Samuel Juwon and Mr Degbe Andy.

“Items recovered from them include 2.460kg of cannabis, 0.0703kg of cocaine, 0.054kg of meth, 0.067kg of loud, 0.654kg of cannabis seeds, one tablet of molly, one pump action with 15 cartridges, one Toyota Hilux and Mercedes Benz car.”

He added, “troops conducted anti-crude oil theft, anti-smuggling, raid operations and patrols in locations such as Akantu Creek in Warri North Local Government Area, Tibo Ajuomo Creek in Warri South Local Government Area, Effunim in Urwie Local Government Area of Delta State.

Other locations were; East-West road, Mbiama in Ahoada Local Government Area, Elele in Eleme Local Government Area, Rumuekpe in Emohua Local Government Area, Awoba in Degema Local Government Area of River State and Akenfa in Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State respectively.”

He said: “Troops discovered and destroyed 17 illegal refineries, five wooden boats, 89 storage tanks, 59 ovens, and 12 dugout pits. Troops also recovered 6 pumping machines, five trucks, two Outboard engines, two weapons, 778,500 litres of crude oil, 840,300 litres of AGO, and 625 litres of DPK. 18 criminals were also arrested.”

He said all recovered items and apprehended criminals were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further actions.

Gen. Onyeuko also disclosed to newsmen that Operations Dakatar da Barawo also recorded some modest successes in its operations against oil thieves and economic saboteurs within its Area of Operations.

The Operational activities were said to have been conducted by the Nigerian Navy Ship SOROH in locations such as Kiama, Mbiama, Sagbama water side, Odioma-Diema axis along Akassa-Brass route, Otuofor creek, Kotipiri fishing camp, Ereweibio creek in Bayelsa State.

“NNS DELTA conducted operational activities in Sara creek, Ogbodede community and Ekpemu community in Delta State.

Other operations activities were conducted by NNS PATHFINDER in Isaka junction, Cawthorne channel.

“The operational success led to the discovery of 150 illegal refineries, 59 ovens, 67 metal storage tanks, four wooden Cotonou boats which were all eventually destroyed.”

According to him, “The operations led to the recovery of one Yamaha engine, one generator, three pumping machines, 20,000 litres of kerosine, 1,625,000 litres of AGO, 2,050,000 litres of crude oil. “All recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.”

While Operation Whirl Stroke in its renewed vigour to rid the general area of operations of banditry and other criminal elements, troops conducted patrols and clearance operations in Ukpen village of Ayaba Council Ward, Mbaterem villages of Ayaba Council Ward, Kpranya village, Zaki Biam, Agbor, Gbise, Tor Donga, Azaye, Sakyaa, Kaikpa, Debe, Tse-Atim, Maben, Mbatsara Zun, Mbaterem villages of Ayaba Council Ward of Ukum and Katsina-Ala Local Government Areas respectively.

Other locations include Zabana village, Suntai Daji, Donga River in Dogan and Takum Local Government Areas.

Accordingly, 13 bandits were neutralized, 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one motorcycle and eight phones were recovered.

“All recovered items have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

The General said the Military High Command appreciates the general populace for their continued cooperation with the Armed Forces of Nigeria, Nigeria Police and other security agencies in their fight against all forms of criminalities in the country.

The Armed Forces of Nigeria also assured of its determination to bring peace back to our dear country. It “salutes the courage and sacrifices of its troops in the field.”