In a significant blow to insurgent forces and criminal elements across Nigeria, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that Nigerian troops have killed 151 terrorists and apprehended 456 others during a series of successful operations.
The operations also led to the capture of oil thieves and the recovery of a substantial cache of weapons and illicit goods.
Edward Buba, the Director of Defense Media Operations, delivered the update during a bi-weekly news briefing held in Abuja on Thursday. The comprehensive military efforts showcased the Nigerian armed forces’ commitment to safeguarding national security.
Among the achievements highlighted by Buba were the arrests of 45 oil thieves during the period under review. In addition to the successful arrests and eliminations, troops recovered a significant quantity of arms and ammunition, further weakening the capabilities of the insurgent groups.
The recovered weaponry included 17 AK47 rifles, three locally fabricated rifles, three locally made guns, one Berretta pistol, three Dane guns, and 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Furthermore, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 13 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 20 rounds of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition, and 42 empty cases of 7.62mm x 54 ammunition were seized.
In addition to the weaponry, troops also recovered 12 magazines, 50 jerry cans filled with PMS (Premium Motor Spirit), three vehicles, five mobile phones, six motorcycles, three cutlasses, and a sum of N3.18 million in various locations.
The DHQ reported that the operations resulted in the arrest of several suspected terrorist collaborators in Jere, Maiduguri, and Biu in Borno state, as well as Gujba Local Government Area in Yobe state.
Additionally, troops successfully ambushed and raided suspected terrorist hideouts in Konduga and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno state, leading to the elimination of terrorists and the recovery of more arms and ammunition.
In the north-central region, Operation Safe Haven recorded significant achievements, with the troops eliminating 16 terrorists, arresting 16 individuals, and successfully rescuing a kidnapped hostage during the review period.
Meanwhile, in the northwest region, troops under Operation Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch operations eliminated 35 terrorists, apprehended eight suspects, and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, the armed forces reported the elimination of 15 terrorists, the arrest of six individuals, and the rescue of a kidnapped hostage, in addition to further arms and ammunition recovery.
Buba emphasized that the air components of various operations continued to play a crucial role in targeting and neutralizing terrorists in their hideouts through a series of interdictions.
The DHQ’s latest report underscores the relentless efforts of Nigerian troops to combat insurgency and criminal activities across the nation, marking significant progress in the ongoing campaign to restore peace and security in Nigeria.
