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Nigerian Army and DSS avert planned Boko Haram attack on Kano (Photos)

Published

1 year ago

November 3, 2023

The Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services (DSS) have successfully averted an imminent attack by suspected Boko Haram terrorists in Kano in a joint operation in the state.

Brigadier General Onyema Nwachukwu, Director of Army Public Relations made this known in a statement on Friday, November 3, 2023.

According to him, troops from the 3rd Brigade of the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with the DSS, conducted a coordinated raid on a terrorist hideout in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano state.

He said the operation aimed to prevent a major Boko Haram operation planned within Kano state.

He said two Boko Haram suspects were apprehended, and a substantial cache of weapons was seized, including five AK-47 rifles, an RPG, hand grenades, camouflage uniforms, and materials for making Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

The statement partly reads;

“Joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the Department of State Services have successfully averted an imminent attack on Kano by insurgents. In a dawn raid operation carried out on the terrorists’ hideout in the early hours of today Friday 3 November 2023, troops of 3 Brigade Nigerian Army in close cooperation with the Department of State Services (DSS), conducted a well-coordinated raid operation in Gezawa Local Government Area of Kano State. The operation was aimed at uncovering and apprehending suspected Boko Haram Terrorists (BHT) believed to be planning a major operation in Kano State.

“Consequently, the troops swiftly swung into action and apprehended two BHT suspects, who are now in custody. During the operation, the joint troops of the Nigerian Army and the DSS recovered five AK 47 Rifles, five AK 47 Rifle Magazines, one Rocket Propelled Gun (RPG), five RPG Bombs, six Hand Grenades, five pairs of Desert Camouflage Uniforms, 10 pairs of magazine pouches and some Improvised Explosive Device (IED) making materials.

“The interagency cooperation between the Nigerian Army and other security agencies as exemplified in the conduct of this operation, is a testament of the strength of our collective resolve to defeat insurgency and other security challenges.

“The successful raid operation reinforces the Nigerian Army’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property of our citizens.

“The NA remains resolute in its effort to counter and degrade insurgency and other forms of security challenges across the country.

“We entreat members of the public to be vigilant and collaborate with the Nigerian Army and other security agencies by providing timely and credible information that could aid in the ongoing operations to curb insecurity.

“The Nigerian Army reiterates its dedication to the protection of our beloved nation and appreciates the support and trust of the Nigerian people.”

In a related development, the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) has arrested an MV Mother Mary, vessel with 300,000 litres of illegally refined AGO(Diesel) as well as two of its crew members in Rivers state.

OPDS seized the vessel at the Federal Ocean Terminal in Onne, Eleme Council Area of Rivers on the Bonny River.

Addressing journalists in Port Harcourt on Thursday, the Component Commander OPDS, Commodore John Siyanbade, who represented the OPDS Commander, Rear Adm. Olusegun Ferreira disclosed that the vessel was arrested on the 29th of October, 2023.

“The vessel which was arrested by teams from Headquarters Operation OPDS was leaving with over 300,000 litres of illegally refined products suspected to be AGO and with two suspects onboard at the time of arrest.”

“The product was illegally sourced and the vessel was used as storage for this illegal product, “Commandant Siyanbade said.

He also indicated that before Sunday’s seizure, OPDS had impounded two vessels, MV Cecilia and MV Ufuoma, which were being used for illegal activities.

“Vessels like this are being used as storage tanks for crude brought from illegal refining sites and other vessels and tankers take from them to go and sell to the public.”

“In recent times it has been found that some well-known companies and organisations have patronised these markets and this seems to be the biggest market for those illegally refining crude.”

“OPDS will continue to handle illegal refining sites but going forward more effort will be put into the logistic chain cut-off. ”

The Commander also stated that the two arrested suspects will be handed over to the appropriate authorities for possible prosecution while warning all those who are involved in any form of illegality to stop immediately or the long arm of the law will catch up with them.