*As military, NDLEA arrest 10 drug barons
*Terrorists’ logistics suppliers apprehended
*Terrorists top sect commander killed in N’East
By Ezechukwu Chidozie
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says,over 53,262 Boko Haram/ Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) terrorists have surrendered to troops with their families due to the intensity of troops’ superpower in the ongoing military onslaught against terrorists, and other criminal elements in the North East and other parts of the country.
Coordinator, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Benard Onyeuko disclosed this whilst briefing newsmen Thursday on the operational activities of the military and other security agencies at DHQ , Abuja.
Major General Oneuko, said between 1 – 14 May 2022 a total of 1,627 BH terrorists have surrendered to troops at different locations during their clearance operations conducted by troops of Operation HADIN KAI (OPHK) in the North-East region with their families.
“They comprise of 331 Men, 441 women and 855 children. As at 16 May 2022 a total of 53,262 have so far surrendered.
“All surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists, recovered items, rescued civilians and captured terrorists have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further actions,” he stated.
Explaining further, he said one Mallam Shehu ,the Amir and Spiritual head of Gaita was eliminated alongside scores of foot soldiers by own troops of OPHK within the period.
He averred that ,in a coordinated operations by same troops, one Abubakar Sarki, a BHT commander was killed in Sambisa Forest while two terrorists’ logistics suppliers namely Mallam Modu Guni and Modu Pantami were apprehended at Bunin Yani market and the outskirt of Banishied village in Kaga Local Government Area respectively.
He said, different cache of arms and other items including food items and cash of money were recovered during the operations.
“Consequently, during these operations, troops rescued 63 civilians, neutralized 42 terrorists, arrest 20 terrorists.
Also, recovered 2 LMGS, 21 AK47 rifles, 11 AK 56 rifles, 22 MGs, 419 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunition, 1 gun turret, 31 AK 47 magazines, 3 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, 1 pumping machine, 2 bandolier belts containing 377 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunition, 1 Isuzu vehicle.”
In the Niger Delta region, General Onyeuko said, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE (OPDS) in conjunction with National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) have arrested over 10 drug barons with different illicit drugs during a raid in their hideout in Effurum in Urwie Local Government Area of Delta State within the period under review.
“On 15 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, 1 tablet of molly, I pump action with 15 cartridgs, 1 toyota hilux and Mercedes Benz car.” he added.
The DMO Coordinator also noted that troops during the onslaught on the economic saboteurs,arrested 18 criminals, destroyed over 167 illegal refineries,recovered 778,500 litres of crude oil, 840,300 litres of AGO, 625 litres of DPK among others within the period.
He added that troops of Operation WHIRL STROKES (OPWS) during their operations in some parts of Benue and Taraba States, killed 13 bandits and recovered several arms and ammunition within the period.
