Boko Haram Terrorists Surrender in Numbers, and Soldiers Save Chibok Girl – DHQ

The total includes 251 kids, 99 adult males, 161 adult females, and various sites throughout the theater of operations where they turned themselves in to troops.

Following a recent offensive by soldiers of the Nigerian Army in the North-East region, 511 Boko Haram militants and their families have given up.

The total includes 251 kids, 99 adults, 161 adults, and 99 adult males who turned themselves in at various points throughout the theater of operations.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, revealed this in a statement on Thursday.

A total of 511 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families, including 99 adult males, 161 adult females, and 251 children, surrendered to troops at various locations within the theater of operations, according to the statement.

In one of the operations, he claimed, troops killed “26 Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, detained 25 terrorists’ logistics providers, one terrorist’s spy, and one Boko Haram terrorist.”

“All recovered items, apprehended suspects, and rescued Chibok schoolgirl have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province family members were profiled and equally handed over to the appropriate authority,” he continued.

See the full statement below:

PRESS BRIEFING BY THE DIRECTORATE OF DEFENCE MEDIA OPERATIONS ON ARMED FORCES OF NIGERIA’S MILITARY OPERATIONS ON MAY 18, 2023

1. Good morning, senior officers, officers, and gentlemen of the press. On behalf of the Chief of Defense Staff, I welcome you all once again to the Defense Headquarters conference room for the fortnightly briefing on troops’ activities and operational successes being recorded in the various operational theaters within the six geo-political zones of the country. In the past 2 weeks, both kinetic and non-kinetic operations have been conducted in the various theaters of operations, with significant results recorded. The brief will therefore cover operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies conducted to address the various security challenges across the country between May 4 and May 18, 2023.

NORTH EAST ZONE

2. Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East zone of the country have sustained the offensive against terrorists and other criminal elements within the zone through intense ground and air operations, which yielded tremendous successes. Between May 3 and 12, 2023, troops conducted offensive and clearance operations at terrorist enclaves and camps at different locations in Sambisa Forest and villages within Bama, Damboa, Gwoza, and Kaga Local Government Areas of Borno State. In these operations, troops had several fierce encounters with Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, during which 15 terrorists were neutralized while others fled with gunshot wounds. During the operations, troops recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 8 SMGs, 15 grenades, 2 pump action guns, 1 LMG gun, 1 Ma rifle, 2 AA barrels, 12 Dane guns, 25 AK47 magazines, 2 double barrel guns, 3,896 rounds of.50 inch, 1,802 rounds of 12.7mm x 19, 1,475 rounds of 9mm, 86 rounds of 12.7mm x 108mm API, 183 rounds of shilka, 60 rounds of 40mm BGL, 2 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 B/SP, 34 cartons of sig pistol ammo, 124 RPG bombs, 50 x 36 hand grenade, 5 SMK bombs, 13 RPG tubes, 8 x76mm bombs, 130 smoke grenades (teargas), 13 PG 42 grenade, and 247 rounds x 38mm SMK bombs Others include 15 RPG tail pins, 245 rounds of 7.62mm special, 148 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 G3 skeletal weapon, 2 AK47 working parts, 2 mortar bombs, 2 x 60mm mortar tubes, 1 shoulder grenade launcher, 8 propeller charges (155 guns), 2 Vickers MBT bore sighting equipment, 1 charger for 125mm, 4 RKT 73mm PG9 bases, 3 fuses for the 105, 2 scraps for the AK47 rifle (police type), 1 scrap FN magazine, 194 fuse for 122mm D30 HW bombs, 41 fuse for 155mm bombs, 20 fuse for 82mm mortar, 5 illum fuse, 1 tripod stand, 6 non-electric detonators, 1 tool box containing several weapon parts, 1 SPG stand, 1 lister generator, 1 welding machine, 1 water heater, 1 exhaust, 3 mortar base plates, large quantities of improvised explosive device-making materials, and a terrorist flag
3. Also on May 12, 2023, troops on fighting patrol came into contact with terrorists at Fadondiya in Abadam Local Government Area of Borno State, and following the firefight, the terrorists fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 gun trucks, 2 AA guns, 1 RPG tube, 2 AK47 rifles, 1 RPG bomb, 387 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 440 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammo, 364 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm (NATO), and 3 buffalo GT tires. Furthermore, between May 4 and May 12, 2023, troops arrested 25 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist logistics suppliers at different locations within the theater of operations and recovered 75 bags of fertilizers, 7 vehicles, 2 drums of Premium Motor Spirit, 6 gallons of engine oil, 7 drums of water, 3 bags of grains, 3 bags of salt, 1 carton of Maggi seasoning, 12 hose cables, 8 new tyres, 1 carton of bulbs, 13 bicycle chains, 15 bicycles with free wheels, 25 mobile phones, 12 air pumps, 4 brakes, 7 pedals, and the sum of Sixty Nine Thousand Five Hundred and Twenty N69,550.00) only amongst other items.
4. Equally, on May 6, 2023, troops on fighting patrol rescued Saratu Dauda, one of the adopted Chibok School girls on serial 10 of the list. Furthermore, on May 8, 2023, 34 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and family members, comprising 6 adult males, 14 adult females, and 14 children, surrendered to troops at Damboa in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. They claimed to have escaped the terrorists camp due to the intensive troops’ offensive in the general area. Also, JAS fighters surrendered to troops at Damboa in the Damboa Local Government Area of Borno State. He claimed that his motivation to surrender was due to the military offensive in the Sambisa Forest area. Consequently, within the weeks in review, troops recovered 17 AK47 rifles, 1 AK49 rifle, 8 SMGs, 15 grenade rifles, 2 pump action guns, 1 LMG, 1 Ma rifle, 4 AA guns, 2 AA barrels, 12 Dane guns, 38 AK47 magazines, 2 double barrel guns, 3,896 rounds of.50 inch, 2,189 rounds of 12.7mm, 1,475 rounds of 9mm, 86 rounds of 12.7mm x 108API, 183 rounds of shilka, 60 rounds of 40mm BGL, 2 rounds of 7.62mm x 39 B/SP, 34 cartons of sig pistol, 125 RPG bombs, 52 x 36 hand grenade, 5 SMK bombs, 13 RPG tubes, 8 x 76mm bombs, 130 SMK grenade (tear gas), 13 PG 42 grenade, and 247 rounds of 38mm SMK bombs Others include 15 RPG tail pins, 275 rounds of 7.62mm special, 163 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 440 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 364 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm NATO, 234 rounds of AK49 ammo, 1 G3 skeletal weapon, 2 AK47 working parts, 2 mortar bombs, 2 x 60mm mortar tubes, 1 shoulder grenade launcher, 8 propeller chargers (155 gun), 2 Vickers MBT bore sighting equipment, 1 charge for 125mm, 4 PKT 73mm, PG9 base, 3 fuse for 105, 2 crap for AK47 rifle (police type), 1 scrap FN magazine, 194 fuse for 122mm D30 HW bombs, 41 fuse for 155mm bombs, 20 fuse for 82mm mortar, 5 illum fuse, 1 tripod stand, 6 non-electric detonators, 1 tool box containing several weapon parts, 1 SPG stand, 1 lister generator, 1 welding machine, 1 water heater, 1 exhaust, 4 mortar base plates, support weapons spare parts, and a large quantity of improvised explosive device making materials
5. Other items recovered include 9 vehicles, 30 mobile phones, 10 motorcycles, 8 bicycles, 4 vehicle tyres, 3 GT tyres, 2 grinding machines, 1 sewing machine, medical supplies, 1 wheel barrow, 30 motor fan belts, 5 bags of grains, 3 bags of sugar, 3 bags of salt, 1 inverter battery, 75 bags of fertilizers, 2 drums of Premium Motor Spirit, 6 gallons of engine oil, 12 hose cables, 8 new tyres, 5 tyre tubes, 13 bicycle chains, 15 bicycles free wheels, 12 air pumps, 8 pedals, 4 brakes, 1 carton of Maggi seasoning, and the sum of Sixty nine thousand five hundred and twenty N69,520.00) only. Troops equally neutralized 26 Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, arrested 25 terrorist logistics suppliers, 1 terrorist spy, and 1 Boko Haram terrorist. Troops also rescued one kidnapped Chibok School girl. While a total of 511 Boko Haram terrorists and members of their families, comprising 99 adult males, 161 adult females, and 251 children, surrendered to troops at different locations within the theater of operations, All recovered items, apprehended suspects, and rescued Chibok schoolgirls have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram terrorists and Islamic State of West Africa Province family members were profiled and equally handed over to the appropriate authority.
6. In a related development, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted several air operations at identified terrorist enclaves, camps, and logistics centers geared towards degrading the terrorists. Notably, on  May 10, 2023, an air interdiction operation was conducted at an identified Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist enclave at Arege. The location was sighted by several terrorists and gun trucks. Accordingly, the location was bombarded, and feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their gun trucks destroyed in the air strike.

NORTH CENTRAL ZONE

7. Troops in the North Central Zone of the country have continued to clamp down on terrorists and other criminal elements within the joint area of operation. Between May 8 and 16, 2023, troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted operational activities within Jos South, Barkin Ladi, and Mangu Local Government Areas of the Plateau and Tafawa Balewa Local Government Areas of Bauchi States. Notably, on May 16, 2023, troops responded to information on an attack at Kubun village in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State by gunmen. Troops on arrival evacuated those who sustained injuries to the hospital for medical attention. Following the incident, troops conducted clearance operations in the general area, arrested five suspects, and recovered three fabricated rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special, eight cartridges, three mobile phones, and five motorcycles. Consequently, within the weeks under review, troops recovered 3 fabricated rifles, 2 fabricated pistols, 2 Dane guns, 6 motorcycles, 1 vehicle, and 31 rustled cattle. Troops also neutralized two terrorists and arrested 25 suspected criminals. All recovered items, arrested suspected criminals, and rescued abducted civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

NORTH WEST ZONE

8. Troop Operation Haradin Daji has sustained the onslaught against banditry, kidnapping, terrorism, and other criminal activities in the North-West zone of the country. In furtherance of this, troops conducted raids, clearances, and fighting patrols to identify terrorist enclaves at different locations within Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, respectively. On May 6, 2023, troops on fighting patrol made contact with terrorists at Keta High Ground in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, and following the firefight, troops neutralized two terrorists while others fled. Troops further exploited the general area and rescued 10 kidnapped civilians and recovered 1 RPG bomb, 108 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 telescopic sight, and 1 Boafeng radio. Also on May 9, 2023, troops on fighting patrol had a meeting with terrorists at Sauri Hill in Tsafe Local Government Area of the same state. Following the operation, troops neutralized two terrorists while others fled. Troops searched the general area and recovered 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 AK47 magazines, 7 tear gas, 7 mobile phones, 2 SIM cards, 2 pairs of military camouflage, 3 pairs of combat boots, 1 pair of police uniform, 6 jungle hats, 3 pullover jackets, and 1 fragmental jacket, among other items.
9. Equally, on May 10, 2023, troops responded to information on terrorist activities at Dirin Daji in Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi State. Following a firefight, the criminals fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered 2 Ak47 rifles, 2 AK47 rifle magazines loaded with 47 rounds of 7.62mm special, and 1 improvised rocket launcher. Also, on May 12 and 14, 2023, troops raided some terrorist camps and enclaves within Birni Gwari Local Government Area of Kaduna State and made contact with the terrorists. During the engagement, troops neutralized two terrorists while others fled. Following the operation, troops recovered 2 locally fabricated pistols, 4 Dane guns, 13 motorcycles, 2 pairs of woodland camouflages, 1 fragmental jacket, 1 generator, and 2 mobile phones. Also on May 14, 2023, troops responded to information on terrorists trying to attack Kurna village in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, and following a firefight, troops neutralized one terrorist while the other fled. Troops recovered 1 AK-47 rifle, 2 AK-47 magazines, and 1 mobile phone. Also on May 16, 2023, troops responded to information about a suspected terrorist collaborator conveying food items to a terrorist leader. Troops arrested the suspect and recovered 6 bags of suya beans, 2 eagle generators, 1 mobile phone, 1 motorcycle, and the sum of N71,500.00 only.
10. Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops in the North West Zone recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 Dane guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 1 improvised rocket launcher, 1 RPG bomb, 74 rounds of 7.62mm special, 108 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1 telescopic sight, 10 AK47 magazines, 7 tear gas, 1 fragmental jacket, 12 pairs of woodland camouflage, 3 pairs of combat boots, 6 jungle hats, 1 pair of police uniform, 3 pullover jacket, 6 desert camouflage, 10 desert camouflage T- Others are 18 mobile phones, 3 leg chains, 3 generator sets, 6 bags of soy beans, 3 crates of soft drinks, 3 bags of bread, 2 SIM cards, 19 motorcycles, 108 rustled cattle, and the sum of Eighty-Two Thousand and Fifty Naira (N82,050.00) only. Troops also neutralized 12 terrorists, arrested 26 suspected criminals, and rescued 24 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued civilians have been handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
11. Equally, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted an air interdiction operation at Dutsin, Sauri High Ground in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State, on May 9, 2023. This was following a report by ground troops on the sighting of armed terrorists at the foot of the hill. Consequently, the target was bombarded, and feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralized in the airstrike. Furthermore, on May 10, 2023, the air component of Operation Whale Punch conducted an air interdiction operation at Sabon Birnin in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The operation was carried out following reports of sightings of suspected terrorists on seven motorcycles fleeing north-west of Sabon Birnin. Accordingly, the targets were engaged, neutralizing the terrorists. In another air operation, an air strike was conducted at Warari and Sambo in Mariga Local Government Area of Niger State, a sequel to INTEL’s investigation of terrorist activities at the locations. Accordingly, the locations were attacked with bombs and rockets, and the terrorists were neutralized.

SOUTH SOUTH ZONE

12. The land, maritime, and air components of Joint Task Force Operation Delta Safe have sustained the fight against oil theft and other criminal elements in the zone. Accordingly, troops conducted patrols, raids, anti-illegal oil refining, and swap buggies operations at different locations within Bayelsa, Delta, and Rivers States, respectively, aimed at denying oil theft and other criminal elements freedom of action, thereby creating an enabling environment for economic activities to thrive within the zone. On May 11, 2023, following a tip-off, troops responded to information about one AK 47 rifle concealed by a suspected cultist who died during a cult clash at NKWOK Community in ETIM EKPO LGA of AKWA IBOM State. On arrival at the scene, troops conducted cordon and search operations at the residence of the late cultist and recovered the AK-47 rifle, one empty magazine, and two rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo. Consequently, within the weeks in focus, troops of Operation Delta Safe in the conduct of Operation Octopus Grip and other operations within the South South Zone discovered and destroyed 38 illegal refining sites, 24 wooden boats, 169 storage tanks, 152 ovens, and 19 dugout pits. Troops equally recovered 551,500 liters of crude oil, 394,500 liters of automotive gas oil, 16 vehicles, 4 motorcycles, 1 tricycle, 2 pumping machines, 1 outboard engine, 1 generator, 1 speed boat, 4 weapons, and 132 assorted ammunitions, while 29 economic saboteurs were also arrested. All recovered items and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action. Additionally, it is worthy to mention that only the sum of Four Hundred and Forty-Eight Million Three Hundred and Thirty-Eight Seven Thousand Seven Hundred Seventy Naira (N448,387,770.00) was denied for the oil thefts.
13. Relatedly, the air component of Operation Delta Safe conducted a series of air operations within the joint area of operation. Notably, an air interdiction was conducted at Abacheke General Area. The location was observed to be active with illegal oil bunkering activities. Consequently, the target was struck, destroying all illegal refining equipment at the location.

SOUTH EAST ZONE

14. Troops of Operation UDO KA have sustained the offensive against the outlawed indigenous people of Biafra/Eastern Security Network and other criminal activities in the south-east zone of the country. Operational activities were conducted at different locations within Anambra, Abia, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States, respectively. The operations were aimed at restoring peace and normalcy to the general area of operations. On May 8, 2023, troops conducted a raid operation to identify the indigenous people of the Biafra terrorist camp in Mpu village in Ivo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops arrested five suspected terrorists. On the same day, troops, while on patrol, made contact with suspected terrorists who mounted roadblocks along Road Ishiagu-Agwu in the same local government area of the same state. On sighting troops, the terrorists opened fire, and following a firefight, troops neutralized one terrorist while the other fled into the bush with gunshot wounds.
15. Also on May 8, 2023, troops responded to kidnappers’ attacks on motorists along Road Nimbo-Opanda in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State. On sighting the troops, the suspects fled into the bush with the kidnapped victims. Troops pursued the criminals and rescued the four kidnapped civilians. Troops also recovered one truck and two motorcycles. Equally, on May 10, 2023, troops raided a suspected terrorist hideout within the Ohafia general area in the Ohafia Local Government Area of Abia State. During the operations, troops arrested a suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network criminal who has been on the security watch list. Accordingly, within the weeks in focus, troops recovered eight mobile phones, four motorcycles, and one truck. Troops also neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 7 suspected terrorists, and rescued 4 kidnapped civilians. All recovered items, apprehended suspects, and rescued civilians were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
16. On a final note, I wish to once again convey the military high command’s commendations for the unrelenting efforts of troops and other security agencies in the various theaters of operations across the country. The media community is also acknowledged for their partnership and continued cooperation with the military and other security agencies in our quest to restore peace and security to our dear country. Also, the entire populace is hereby appreciated for the support given to the members of the Armed Forces and other security agencies in the conduct of our various operations across the country, while also urging them to continue to provide prompt and creditable information on the activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in their respective areas.

Thank you all for your attention, and God bless.

MUSA DANMADAMI

Major General

Director, Defense Media Operations

18 May 2023