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According to a statement released by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday, troops engaged in counter-insurgency operations have detained Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, a renowned and wanted terrorist commander in the North-West who has killed and abducted people in Sokoto State.
Habu Dogo was taken into custody in Rumji Village, Illela Local Government Area, or LGA, of the state, according to Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.
“Because of the cross-border nature of his activities, Habu Dogo is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies in both Nigeria and the Niger Republic,” he stated.
Buba also mentioned that over the week, seven IPOB/ESN leaders and operatives were taken into custody by troops in the South-East.
Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha, also known as Chapet, were detained in Ihiala LGA, Anambra State; Mrs Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr Oyekachi Ohia, detained in Umuahia South LGA, Abia State.
The others are Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke, Mr Augustine Udemba, Mr Onyedikachi Udemba, and Mr Ifeanyi Eze.
187 terrorists were killed during nationwide operations, according to Major-General Buba, while 311 other criminal elements, including those involved in oil theft, were taken into custody.
It was also reported that 147 victims who had been abducted had been freed.
His words:” In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 51 terrorists, arrested 55 persons and rescued 81 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 26 AK47 rifles, six fabricated rifles, three Dane guns, five pump action guns, three locally made pistols, 414 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 51 rounds of 9mm ammo, 30 live cartridges, six magazines, seven motorcycles and six mobile phones amongst others.
“On 21 October 2024, troops in separate fighting patrol operations made contact with terrorists in Maradun and Isa LGAs of Zamfara and Sokoto States respectively. Following a firefight, troops neutralized 13 terrorists and recovered 9 AK47 rifles, 3 pump action guns, 297 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles and 2 mobile phones, amongst others.
“On 23 October 2024, troops, while conducting a fighting patrol, responded to information on activities of suspected terrorists/kidnappers in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State. During the operations, troops rescued 4 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle loaded with 16 rounds of 7.62mm special as well as one mobile phone.”
“Between 22 and 28 October 2024, troops in separate offensive operations made contact with terrorists in Rabah and Tsafe LGAs of Sokoto and Zamfara States as well as Wasagu and Batsari LGAs of Kebbi and Katsina States.
“Additionally, troops conducted operations in Giwa and Kachia LGAs of Kaduna State. Following firefights, troops neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 11 and rescued one kidnapped hostage.
“Troops also recovered two AK47 rifles, six fabricated rifles, three Dane guns, two pump action guns, three locally fabricated pistols, 210 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 132 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 51 rounds of 9mm, 30 live cartridges, two magazines, four motorcycles and nine mobile phones amongst others.’’