UPDATES ON OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE- AN
ADDRESS BY MAJOR GENERAL LEO IRABOR AT A PRESS CONFERENCE IN MAIDUGURI
The troops
of Operation LAFIYA DOLE have continued with the ongoing operations to clear
the remnants of Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs). Since our last interaction, our
troops have conducted many operations with immense successes. Within the
period, there were some command changes. Let me use this opportunity to
introduce some of our Commanders who assumed duty recently. As you know, in Operation
LAFIYA DOLE, we have a value-addition command philosophy. The pedigree of these
officers speak to their readiness to key into the philosophy for greater
effectiveness.
Furthermore,
the Theatre has witnessed visits by several personalities to further support
the peace efforts already being enjoyed today. Therefore, this brief will touch
on some of the activities and operations as follows:
Visit of the
Chief of Defence Staff.
The Chief of
Defence Staff (CDS), General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, visited the Theatre of
operation between 20 – 21 Nov 16. During the visit, the CDS among other things,
inspected some modified military vehicles that would be inducted into our
operations. The CDS also launched the posters of Batch 3 Wanted BHT Suspects and
thereafter presented same to all heads of other security agencies in BORNO
State.
Visit of the
Chief of Army Staff. The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Tukur
Yusuf Buratai, had a working 2-week visit to the Theatre of operation between 8
– 21 Nov 16. The COAS later visited
soldiers and officers that were wounded in action and now hospitalised at the 7
Division Hospital and University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital on 14 and 15
Nov 16 respectively. On 16 Nov 16, the COAS received and inspected 3 types of
4-wheel drive vehicles that were manufactured locally in Nigeria and donated by
Innoson Vehicle Manufacturing Company. The vehicles were to be tested for use
in the counterinsurgency operations here in the Theatre. Furthermore, COAS also
inspected some modified military vehicles in the theatre’s Main Repair Group,
including some other equipment that have been repaired for future operations.
Visit by
Team from Africa Centre of Atlantic Council and Nigerian Guild of
Editors/Publishers. The COAS visit coincided with those of a team from Africa
Centre of Atlantic Council USA and a delegation of Nigerian Guild of
Editors/Publishers on 8 – 9 Nov 16. The visits were sponsored by the Nigerian
Army Resource Centre. The visitors were taken on a tour of parts of the Theatre
in addition to very useful exchange of ideas on the fight against terrorism.
Visit of
SRSG. On 16 Nov 16, the COAS received the Special Representative of United
Nations Secretary General Mohamed Ibn Chambas at the Headquarters Theatre
Command. During the visit, the COAS and the NA were commended for keeping to
Global best practices in the conduct of operations. A lot of issues were
discussed including the need for improved humanitarian assistance for the
Internally Displaced Persons in North East.
Operation
KARYA GWIWA. On 28 Oct 16 at about 0935hrs, own troops commenced clearing
operations on 2 axes to clear and destroy insurgents along GOLGORE, DOKSA,
AJIGIN and environs. By 1800hrs, own
troops had cleared DOKSA 1, 2 and 3. On 29 Oct 16 at about 0700hrs, own troops
continued their advance and later came under BHT ambush at UGUNDIRI where 5
soldiers sustained gunshot wounds. Two anti-air guns were recovered from the
BHT and a gun truck was destroyed. Later, on 1 Nov 16 at about 1354hrs, own
troops in conjunction with members of vigilantes conducted a fighting patrol to
BULABILI AJIGIN village around DOKSA - AJIGIN general area. The troops located
a BHT camp and on sighting the team, the BHT fled the camp abandoning 7
motorcycles, 5 bicycles, a desert camouflage and a large quantity of drugs. All
items were destroyed in situ. During the operations a total of 37 BHT were
killed while 2 officers and 5 soldiers of own troops were wounded in action.
Unfortunately, a member of the vigilante died during the offensive operation.
Clearing
Operations. Clearing operations were conducted as follows:
On 28 Oct 16
at about 0900hrs, own troops conducted clearing operations to GONGON and GONGON
KOLORI. During the operations, troops came in contact with BHT and the
terrorists fled their camp. Several huts, 3 motor cycles, food stuffs, a
bicycle and a Mikano generating set were burnt in situ. Two IEDs were also detonated by own EOD team.
Again, a solar panel and an unserviceable Steyr Armoured Personnel Carrier
(APC) were also discovered.
On 29 Oct 16
at about 0642hrs, the operation continued to ALAGARNO 1, MARKAS and GUJERI.
During the operation, several BHT huts, 7 Datsun pickup, 16 motorcycles, 21
bicycles, 8 solar panels, 4 generating sets, 3 Volkswagen cars, 3 unserviceable
Nigerian Army Toyota Hilux vehicles that were carted away by BHT in 2015 were
discovered in one of the camps. All equipment and items found were thereafter
destroyed in situ.
On 30 Oct 16
at about 1301hrs, own troops in conjunction with some vigilante conducted
fighting patrol to NJUBULLA village and they came in contact with BHT at about
1415hrs. The items recovered include 10 Dane guns, 2 APC rims, a locally made
pistol, a gun barrel, 4 locally made swords, 2 machetes, a camp gas cooker, 22 arrows, a solar panel, 9
motorcycles, 3 grinding machines and a large mechanic workshop were all
destroyed in situ.
BHT Attack
of Mallam Fatori. Own troops deployed
in Mallam Fatori, in the forward location along the Nigeria - Niger on 4 Nov 16
at about 2100hrs came under BHT attack. The insurgents who had been earlier
dislodged by the troops regrouped to reclaim the location but were ruthlessly
repelled after a fierce battle that lasted for about 2 hours. In the fierce
battle, the troops killed 14 insurgents and captured one General Purpose
Machine gun, one PKM, 7 AK47 rifles, 57 rounds of 7.62 mm, one hand grenade, 2
Nokia phones and chemical substances for making Improvised Explosive Device.
Sadly, however, an Officer Lt Col M Abu-Ali and 6 soldiers lost their lives in
the combat while 4 other soldiers sustained injuries (one unfortunately died
later). The rest of the wounded are responding to treatment in own medical
facility.
BHT Attack
on Kangarwa. Own troops deployed in Kangarwa came under Boko Haram attack on 6
Nov 16 at about 1640 hours. The attack which lasted for about 4 hours was
successfully repelled and the insurgents were decisively dealt with. In the
fierce encounter, the troops killed 13 insurgents, captured I Hilux vehicle
while 2 other Hilux vehicles were destroyed. Additionally, the troops captured
one Browning Machine Gun, one Anti-Aircraft Gun, 2 General Purpose Machine
Guns, one Light Machine Gun, 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade Tube, 4 x AK 47 Rifles,
5 Bombs for Rocket Propelled Grenade and 550 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition.
Sadly, we lost one soldier and 4 others were injured. The injured soldiers are
responding to treatment in own hospital.
Operation
RESCUE FINALE. Operation RESCUE FINALE
commenced on 2 Nov 16. It is the continuation of Operation CRACK DOWN and is
aimed at rescuing all the CHIBOK School Girls and other hostages held in
SAMBISA Forest. Preliminary bombardment of selected targets by own Artillery
and Air Component is in progress. The subsidiary operations allied to Operation
RESCUE FINALE, are ongoing and would be touched subsequently.
On 5 Nov 16
at about 1000hrs own troops conducted a decisive clearing operation into the
BHT strategic hub town of CHUKUNGUDU on the southern fringes of the LAKE CHAD
region. The troops successfully cleared and liberated GERAM, BULANKASSA and the
BHT stronghold of CHUKUNGUDU. The troops rescued 85 people held hostage by
insurgents and killed 5 BHT fighters in an encounter that saw several BHT
running into the LAKE CHAD water. Also, an IED making factory was discovered
and destroyed at GERAM. In the factory, several already prepared suicide
bombers vest were recovered by the EOD team. Two BHT vehicles were destroyed
while one was captured. Also, several newly acquired motor cycles were
destroyed. A well equipped BHT workshop for vehicle and motor cycle repairs, as
well as a spare parts warehouse was also destroyed at CHUKUNGUDU.
As a result
of the concentrated Arty and Air bombardment, on 18 Nov 16, 7 x BHT with their weapons
and ammo bandoliers were captured at Yemteke while they were running away from
Sambisa Forest. Also, same day at Pulka, 5 x BHT (4 males and 1 female) were
intercepted while escaping from Ngoshe.
On the 19
Nov 16, a ground clearance operation was conducted to Ngoshe and Gara to
exploit gains of the Arty and Air bombardment. On sighting own troops
approaching, the BHT fled. In the operation, am IED manufacturing factory was
discovered and destroyed. Several equipment belonging to the BHT were equally
recover as shown. A total of 63 hostages comprising 40 Adult females, 20 x
children and 3 Adult males were rescued. The rescued persons are presently in
IDP Camp undergoing screening.
Yale
Operation. On 19 Nov 16, own troops from 21 Bde carried out clearance
operations to destroy Boko Haram economic hub at Yale market. The troops in
conjunction with civilian JTF killed 11 Boko Haram insurgents and captured 2 x
AK 47 rifles, 785 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 9 x AK 49 Magazines, 6 x
Bandolier, one Binocular, 7 x Handsets, one
Camera, 3 x Bundles of IED strip wires. The troops also successfully
destroyed 11 Motorcycles, 400 Bicycles, Grains and Condiments. Troops successfully
cleared an ambush laid for them by Boko Haram on their way back to their
locations.
Arrest of a
BHT Suspect. On 30 Oct 16 at about 1320hrs, own troops at PULKA arrested one
BHT suspect named Kadiri Umate aged 35 yrs from JIMINI village. The suspect in
company of other BHT suspects was intercepted at FIRGI BHT crossing point while
crossing from ZAWAN village towards SAMBISA axis. Troops pursued the insurgents
but were able to apprehend the aforementioned suspect while others fled into
the bush. Items recovered include 35 packs of 500ml Glucose Intravenous
Infusion (drip), assorted pain killer drugs, clothes, slippers, insecticide,
salt, kola nuts and a bicycle. The suspect has been undergoing interrogation.
Arrest of
BHT Food Supplier. On 4 Nov 16 at about 1300hrs, own troops at BENISHEIK
arrested a suspected BHT food supplier, one Abdullahi Abur at BENISHEIK market
in KAGA LGA of BORNO State. The arrest was made possible based on intelligence
gathered from a BHT suspect earlier arrested at SASSAWA village in DAMATURU LGA
of YOBE State. The suspect, Abdullahi Abur was alleged to be responsible for
purchasing logistics from BENISHEIK and covertly delivering same to BHT in
TALALA and AJIGIN general areas of DAMBOA LGA of BORNO State. Suspect is in
custody undergoing further investigation.
Arrest of
Suspected Weapons. On 13 Nov 16 at about 2130hrs, own troops at FOB POTISKUM
arrested a trailer truck with registration number YOBE (XA 960 NGU) along
POTISKUM - AZARE road enroute KANO based on information from DSS. The truck was
arrested with 22 sharpened new cutlasses, a knife, 7 catapults, 5 military
belts, 41 iron rollers, 9 sharpened iron rods, 6 hollow irons, a first aid box,
2 tents and various black and red flags of IMN sect. The driver and 2 other
persons were arrested with the truck. The suspects and items have been handed
over to the NP for further action.
Ambush by
Troops. On 20 Nov 16 at about 1810hrs own troops at KASASEWA village
intercepted 2 BHT on a motorcycle. The troops immediately engaged and
neutralized the BHT. The troops later recovered 2 FN rifles a motorcycle, 2 FN
magazine and 18 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 pages of medical shopping list,
tablets, capsules, syrups and intravenous fluid were found in the pockets of
the killed insurgents.
Arrest of
BHT Logistics Supplier. A suspected BHT
supplier was arrested with some motorcycles loaded in a pick-up vehicle. He has
since been undergoing interrogation.
IED/Ambush
on Own Troops. On 15 Nov 16 at about 0930hrs own troops while on patrol to MUBI
encountered an IED explosion along Bitta – Pirang road and thereafter were
ambushed by BHT. Troops successfully cleared the ambush after a fight and
unfortunately the Commanding Officer, Lt Col BU Umar lost his life on the spot.
Subsequently, Lt Muktar also died in the hospital where 8 others soldiers who
are wounded in action were receiving treatment. The wounded soldiers have been
responding to treatment.
Induction of
Maritime Component in the Theatre. The advance party for the Maritime Component
of Op LAFIYA DOLE has been inducted into the Theatre on 8 Sep 16. They will be
deployed at Naval Outpost BAGA and will later operate around the fringes of
Nigerian side of LAKE CHAD. However, they are now temporarily accommodated at
the Federal College of Fresh Water Fishery Technology in BAGA awaiting arrival
of main body and other logistics. Currently, they are conducting patrols in
conjunction with troops of MNJTF brigade at BAGA.
Recent
Suicide Bombings in Maiduguri. The impact of recent bombings in Maiduguri,
though sad and unfortunate, was minimal due to the alertness of troops and
other security agencies. Apart from the one wherein 2 CJTF personnel were
killed and some others wounded, only the terrorists died, while one was
captured alive. The captured suicide bomber is assisting in the investigation
into cases of suicide bombings. The incidents are only indicative of a weakened
and defeated BHT. Their ignoble adventure is destined to fail totally.
In all the
operations, a total of 5,235 people were rescued from the BHT.
Meanwhile, I
wish to remind the general public to be more alert and security conscious with
their environment, especially when a strange face comes around. I also
commiserate with all the victims of the recent suicide bombings by BHT within
the Theatre. We shall continue to work to ensure the safety of lives of every
citizen. Let me once again use this medium to remind the remnants of BHT that
their miserable days are numbered because their future is going to be
disastrous if they fail to surrender and lay down their arms. Let me therefore,
encourage them to take advantage of this window of opportunity now to surrender
as failure to do so would be hugely regretted.
On that
note, let me sincerely thank the general public and other stakeholders for the
immense support rendered to Op LAFIYA DOLE. We remain committed to our mandate
and would not be distracted by whatever means. Thank you and God bless.
LEO IRABOR
Major General
Theatre Commander, Operation LAFIYA DOLE
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