Troops Neutralize 50 Terrorists, Apprehend 114, Free 49 Hostages In One Week

The Defence Headquarters has announced a significant victory in the ongoing fight against terrorism, revealing that Nigerian troops have successfully neutralized 50 terrorists and apprehended 114 others during a week-long operation spanning the North-East, North-Central, and North-West regions.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these remarkable developments during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday. The military efforts led to the liberation of 49 hostages who had been held captive by the insurgents.

In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai have maintained relentless pressure on Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants. This offensive resulted in some terrorists surrendering in Borno and Yobe states.

The troops also made substantial seizures, including 17 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one hand grenade, 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four mobile phones. Furthermore, 12 terrorists were neutralized, 26 were captured, and six kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued from the region.

In another tactical move, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction operations in the Damboa-Maiduguri and Gwoza-Madagali areas, where terrorists were sighted and subsequently neutralized using precision rocket strikes.

Operation Safe Haven in the North Central region also achieved significant results during fighting patrols, leading to the arrest of suspected kidnappers in Kanam and Sanga Local Government Areas of Plateau and Kaduna states.

The troops confiscated one AK47 rifle, four pistols, a Dane gun, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and two mobile phones. Two terrorists were eliminated, 12 apprehended, and three kidnapped hostages rescued during these operations.

Operation Whirl Stroke carried out successful raids against suspected terrorists in the Tathe Kum Local Government Area of Benue State and the Federal Capital Territory. This resulted in the arrest of suspected criminals and illegal oil bunkers in Gwagwalada and Abuja Municipal Councils of the FCT.

These operations culminated in the neutralization of four terrorists, the capture of 28 terrorists, and the rescue of one kidnapped hostage.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba praised the dedication and professionalism of the Nigerian troops, reiterating their commitment to maintaining peace and security across the nation. These recent achievements reflect the continuous efforts of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism and insurgency in all regions.