Over the past week, the Nigerian military has achieved significant success with the elimination of 108 terrorists and the rescue of 214 hostages nationwide.
Providing details, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that in addition to neutralizing the terrorists, troops also managed to rescue a total of 214 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 204 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements.
The recovered items include a substantial cache of weapons, comprising 66 assorted weapons and 4,087 assorted ammunition. Among the recovered weaponry were one dushka, one MG, two GPMGs, one RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, one AK56 rifle, and 37 AK47 rifles.
In addition, the troops seized four MRAPs, two GTs, three fabricated rifles, six dane guns, three locally made pistols, six magazines, one bandolier, and two HH radios, further crippling the activities of the criminals.
A multitude of ammunition was also confiscated, including 313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT, 2,362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 699 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 201 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, and 503 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm.
Furthermore, the operation led to the recovery of nine live cartridges, one belted NATO ammo, 19 vehicles, 44 motorcycles, three mobile phones, and the sum of N4.9 million, among other items.
In the North East region, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai recorded substantial achievements with the neutralization of 47 terrorists, the arrest of 18 suspects, and the rescue of 130 kidnapped hostages. The operation also resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms.
The Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted a successful air interdiction at a recently discovered BH/ISWAP terrorists’ hideout and IED factory in Mandara Mountains on August 2. The attack, carried out with rockets and bombs, resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and the destruction of the IED factory and their logistics.
In the North Central region, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized 13 insurgents, apprehended 57 violent extremists, and rescued 36 kidnapped hostages during the week.
The troops of Hadarin Daji, operating in the North West region, succeeded in neutralizing 15 terrorists, arresting 22 terrorists, and rescuing 27 kidnapped hostages across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.
Significantly, the air component conducted successful air interdiction missions at suspected terrorists’ kingpin Kamilu Burazu’s enclave and newly discovered terrorists’ hideouts in Danmusa and Batsari Local Government Areas of Katsina State, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures and logistics.
Under Operation Whirl Punch, the troops neutralized eight terrorists, arrested 22 suspects, and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages in Kaduna, Niger, and Kogi States. The air component also eliminated several terrorists and destroyed the camp of a terrorists’ kingpin, Buhari, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In the South-South region, the troops of Operation Delta Safe achieved remarkable success with the recovery of 1.13 million litres of stolen crude oil and 228,770 litres of illegally refined AGO, along with 100 litres of DPK and 20,000 litres of PMS.
The troops also discovered and destroyed 487 dugout pits, 32 boats, 12 storage tanks, 71 cooking ovens, two speedboats, two pumping machines, and two HH radios. Additionally, they recovered 19 vehicles, 32 motorcycles, one tricycle, one wheelbarrow, and destroyed 76 illegal refining sites.
Five kidnapped hostages were rescued, and 32 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists were apprehended. The troops also recovered 11 assorted weapons during the operation.
In the South East region, the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized five terrorists, arrested 12 violent extremists, and rescued four kidnapped hostages.
All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages were promptly handed over to the relevant authorities for further action, ensuring accountability and justice.