DHQ speaks on rumoured massive terrorism after May 29
…as gunmen planning Sallah attacks are arrested
BY ANDREW OROLUA
The Defence Headquarters DHQ on Thursday dismissed rumours of potential massive terrorists attacks in North West Zone particularly in Zamfara State after May 29 handover date saying that the public apprehension over the unconfirmed report is misplaced.
Unverified local intelligence sources have raised the alarm that terrorists are plotting to launch massive attacks in the zone immediately after the handover date.
Director of Defence Media Operations, DMO, Major General Musa Danmadami who allayed public fear while fielding questions during the biweekly media briefing said that anxiety over terrorists attack after the handover has no bases because the situation is not real.
He said that even when the US issues an alert and advisory on insecurity in the country nothing happened till now. “We (military) are not resting on our oars to ensure that peace and security is sustained in this country.
“I equally assured Nigerians that intelligent agencies and the military are working around the clock. Military operations are ongoing and arrests are being made on daily basis of people who are at verge of committing crime.
“People who are moving ammunition and weapon from one point to another to commit havoc are being arrested every day.”
He assured that the military is well prepared to deal ruthlessly and appropriately to any threat.
“So there is no need for apprehension over the handover or any other threat of calamity “
He advised Nigerians to go about their normal duties and to report criminals to appropriate security agencies.
Major General Danmadami also said that a report that soldiers posted to a trouble spot in Benue State had refused to take action against terrorists, was false. “It is a lie”, he said.
The Director of Media Operations said that more than 54 terrorists were neutralised in encounter with troops, 117 other terrorists arrested while 501 terrorists and families surrendered between April 6 and 20, 2023.
Danmadami who disclosed this during the biweekly media briefing on the operational activities against insurgents and other criminals in the country, said that 501 terrorists and families surrendered between April 6 and 20, 2023.
He said that 14 AK-47 rifles,2 AK49 rifle, 1 AK56 rifle, 1 GPMG, 1 RPG tube, 1 PK MG, 2 RPG bombs, 732 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 77 rounds of 7.62mm special, 19 rounds of 7.62mm x 29mm special, 16 rounds of 7.62mm ball metal links ammo, 1,000 rounds of 7.62mm NATO (belted), 243 round of 7.62mm x 54mm special ammo, 89 rounds of 5.56mm x 45mm special, 16 AK47 magazines, 7 dane guns and the sum of One Hundred and Three Thousand, Five Hundred and Five Naira (N103,505.00) only and other sundry items were recovered by troops in North East zone of the country.
According to Defence Media Operations spokesman troops of Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone of the country have sustained the aggressive posture against the Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists through “intense aerial and ground patrolling of logistics routes and mobility corridors”.
In furtherance to this, troops conducted operational activities at identified Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists camps and enclaves at high grounds, villages and forests within Gwoza, Bama, Jere, Nganzai, Damboa, Askira Uba, Kaga, Kuzamala and Monguno Local Government Areas of Borno Stat as well as Gulani and Bade Local Government Areas of Yobe State, he said.
He said that on 9 April 2023, troops acted on credible information and raided suspected terrorists enclaves within Askira Uba, Gwoza and Damboa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
In these operations troops made contact with the terrorists and neutralized 4 of them while others escaped with gunshot wounds. Troops destroyed their camps and enclaves and that further exploited the surrounding bushes where they discovered and rescued 136 civilians comprising of 46 adults females and 90 children.
Troops further recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 6 AK47 magazines, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 6 bicycles, 96 rustled cattle, 2 pairs of Boko Haram Terrorists uniforms and 4 solar panels among other sundry items, he added.
In a related development, the Department of State Services (DSS) on Thursday called for extra care and vigilance after it’s operatives arrested two gunmen in Kano who are to take part in an attack in one of the other states during the Sallah celebration.
A statement by DSS spokesman Peter Afunnaya informed the public of the arrest of two gunmen with assault rifles.
It said that “items seized from the duo are: Two (2) AK-47 assault rifles; Two (2) empty AK47 magazines; red boxer motor cycle; sack of yams in which the guns were concealed.”
According to the DSS, “the suspects were on transit to deliver the arms for a planned attack in one of the States in Northern Nigeria.
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“This development underscores the need for citizens to be extra vigilant and report any unusual or suspicious movements, persons or acts to the security agencies nearest to them.
“Operators and patrons of fun, hospitality and tourism centres are enjoined to be cautious during the festive periods. They should scale up measures to ensure safety of their facilities.
“However, the Service wishes the Muslim faithful, peaceful and joyous Eid al-fitr celebrations. It pledges to work with sister agencies and other stakeholders to emplace adequate security during and after the events.”
