The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that 1,166 terrorists have been eliminated and 1,096 suspects apprehended by its troops in the last 29 days across the country.
This was contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba. He made the disclosure while briefing journalists on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.
Speaking on the successes recorded by the Nigerian troops, Buba said 721 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
The Director also noted that the troops also recovered 391 weapons, 15,234 ammunitions. These comprised of 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 dane guns. Also recovered were 36 pump action guns, and 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo within the month.
Others, according to him, are 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms and 2,498 assorted ammunition.
Buba pointed out that several terrorist leaders and commanders were killed during the military onslaught during the period.
According to him, terrorist leaders slain in the Northeast include Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram) and Ameer Modu. Also eliminated were Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda and Abu Rijab.
“Those in the Northwest include; Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, and Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya. Others are Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.
“Ongoing operations across the country have significantly diminished the military capabilities of terror groups. It has also denied the terrorists the ability to carry out major offensives.
“The situation experienced mostly these days are low-level skirmishes and attacks on soft targets.
“We are aware that we are dealing with a shrewd, ruthless and brutal enemy that must be stopped from their acts of terror.
“Accordingly, the military is prepared to act with the relevant level of force that would be needed to dismantle these terror groups.
“Troops’ strategy is to undermine the abilities of these terror groups. And to create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens.
“Accordingly, the military has prioritized targeting the terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers as well as their collaborators,’’ Buba said.
He noted that in the Northeast, the troops of Operations Hadin Kai killed 292 terrorists. They also apprehended 254 suspects and rescued 213 kidnapped hostages during the month.
The Director added that a total of 2,742 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops within the period. He noted that the troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.
Reporting on the Northcentral, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven killed 50 violent extremists. 290 were apprehended and 121 hostages were rescued. The troops also recovered a cache of arms.
“Under Operation Whirl Stroke, the troops killed 37 terrorists, arrested 94 suspects and rescued 68 kidnapped hostages,” he said.
In the North-west, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji killed 153 terrorists. He noted that 97 suspects were arrested 97 and 186 hostages rescued. The troops also recovered a large cache of arms.
“Under Operation Whirl Punch, the troops killed 63 terrorists, apprehended 291 suspects and rescued 62 hostages. The troops also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.
“In the South-south, the troops of Operation Delta Safe helped to increase Nigeria’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day in August.
Buba said the troops apprehended 71 persons involved in crude oil theft. And impounded 5,047,150 litres of crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of diesel, 320 litres of kerosene and 28,500 litres of petrol.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 194 assorted ammunition and destroyed 125 wooden boats as well as 458 illegal refining sites.
“Nevertheless, troops are urging for more transparency by the IOCs, accurate metering, cooperation of stakeholders in the sector and cooperation from the local communities.
“Troops are also monitoring the prosecution of culprits perpetrating crude oil theft,’’ he added.
In the Southeast, the troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations against the IPOB/ESN terror group. 34 terrorists were killed, apprehended 82 suspects apprehended and 26 hostages rescued,” Buba said.
source: NAN
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