According to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters, the combined ground and air offensives in April 2024 led to the elimination of more than 715 terrorists, the apprehension of 146 suspects, and the liberation of 465 abducted individuals.
During a recent media briefing in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operation, presented these statistics on the military’s activities spanning the country’s six geopolitical regions.
Maj. Gen. Buba stressed the decisive defeat of terrorist factions to safeguard the nation’s populace.
The operations in April involved various tactics such as ambushes, raids, and combat patrols, with air support identifying and striking terrorist leaders and their bases.
“The synchronized operations between our ground and air units in the reviewed period resulted in the neutralization of over 715 terrorists,” Maj. Gen. Buba stated.
“In the same vein, 146 suspects were apprehended, and 465 hostages were rescued during the operations. Our troops also seized 937 assorted weapons, 23,034 different ammunitions, preventing a potential oil theft amounting to over #2 billion (N2,572,397,190.00),” he added.
Significant encounters included the elimination of key terrorist leaders.
“On April 13, 2024, airstrikes in Kolleram Village along Lake Chad led to the neutralization of three senior terrorist commanders – Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari,” Maj. Gen. Buba disclosed.
Furthermore, on April 15, 2024, an operation destroyed the stronghold of terrorist leader Babaru in Kankara LGA of Katsina State. Additionally, on April 19, 2024, a terrorist hideout linked to senior commander Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was eradicated.
“Likewise, airstrikes on April 20, 2024, disrupted a meeting of senior terrorist commanders Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State. Assessments confirmed the successful neutralization of numerous terrorist combatants and leaders,” Maj. Gen. Buba elaborated.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai forces conducted missions in regions like the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and Tumbus near Lake Chad, resulting in 248 terrorists eliminated, 422 arrests made, and 163 hostages rescued.
Additionally, 714 Boko Haram and ISWAP members surrendered, accompanied by their families. The recovery included 208 AK47 rifles, 34 improvised firearms, 45 Dane guns, and various ammunition.
Operation Safe Haven in the North-Central region eliminated 32 terrorists, detained 148 suspects, and rescued 35 kidnapped victims, while confiscating weapons and ammunition.
Operation Whirl Stroke targeted criminal strongholds, resulting in 60 terrorists neutralized, 99 arrests, and 57 hostages rescued, with arms and ammunition seized.
Operation Hadarin Daji in the North-West continued its campaign against terrorists, neutralizing 297, arresting 141, and rescuing 143 hostages, alongside significant weapon and ammunition recoveries.
Operation Whirl Punch executed successful operations against terrorists in the North-West, yielding neutralizations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe tackled violent extremists, oil theft, and illegal refining, achieving neutralizations, arrests, and significant asset recoveries.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA targeted terrorists, resulting in successful operations leading to neutralizations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.