Nigerian Troops Launch Coordinated Military Operation, Disrupting Terrorist Networks

Strategic Insights -

Nigerian troops conducted a synchronized military operation across the country, targeting terrorist cells and groups in Borno, Zamfara, and Plateau States. The operation, which took place between June 25-26, 2023, involved various military components, including Operation HADIN KAI, Operation FASAN YAMA, Operation WHIRL STROKE, and Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN. The operation led to the killing of a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mai Dada, the recovery of large quantities of arms and ammunition, the rescue of kidnapped victims, and the arrest of multiple suspects linked to terrorist logistics and criminal activities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Nigerian military operation was carried out between June 25-26, 2023, across Borno, Zamfara, and Plateau States.
  • The operation involved various military components, including Operation HADIN KAI, Operation FASAN YAMA, Operation WHIRL STROKE, and Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN.
  • Troops killed a notorious terrorist kingpin, Mai Dada, and dismantled several terror cells across the regions.
  • The operation resulted in the recovery of 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition, 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and two 40mm RPG bombs in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
  • Troops neutralized three terrorists during a targeted raid in Bama LGA, and a Dane gun was recovered, with several terrorist shelters destroyed.
  • In the North West, troops of Operation FASAN YAMA under 1 Brigade eliminated a terrorist kingpin identified as Mai Dada in Maru LGA of Zamfara State.
  • Soldiers on escort duty with the 2 Battalion engaged fleeing armed men in Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State, recovering an AK-47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
  • Troops of Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN carried out offensive operations in six communities in Plateau State, supported by drone surveillance, resulting in the recovery of a Dane gun.
  • Personnel under Operation WHIRL STROKE responded to a distress alert in Benue State, safely rescuing five passengers who were kidnapped, and recovering a vehicle used by the kidnappers.

Statistics:

  • 408 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition were recovered in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
  • 1,200 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
  • Two 40mm RPG bombs were recovered in Ngoshe, Gwoza Local Government Area.
  • Three terrorists were neutralized during a targeted raid in Bama LGA.
  • A Dane gun was recovered in Plateau State.
  • A vehicle used by kidnappers was recovered in Benue State.
  • Five passengers were safely rescued in Benue State.

Sources:

  • Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Borno State.
  • Statement by Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations.
  • Armed Forces of Nigeria.
  • Various military components, including Operation HADIN KAI, Operation FASAN YAMA, Operation WHIRL STROKE, and Joint Task Force Operation SAFE HAVEN.