The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that Nigerian troops eliminated 1,166 terrorists and arrested 1,096 suspects in a span of 29 days during nationwide operations.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
According to Buba, the troops also successfully rescued 721 hostages who had been kidnapped by various criminal elements.
The military operations led to the recovery of 391 weapons and over 15,234 rounds of ammunition, including 208 AK-47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump-action guns, and 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Additional recoveries included 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms, and 2,498 assorted rounds of ammunition.
The offensive operations also resulted in the elimination of several terrorist leaders and commanders. Notable figures removed from the battlefield in the North East include Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda, and Abu Rijab. In the North West, key targets included Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur, and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.
In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 292 terrorists, arrested 254 suspects, and rescued 213 kidnapped hostages. A total of 2,742 Boko Haram and ISWAP combatants, along with their families, surrendered, and a significant cache of arms and ammunition was recovered.
In the North Central, Operation Safe Haven forces eliminated 50 violent extremists, apprehended 290 suspects, and rescued 121 hostages. Troops under Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 37 terrorists, arrested 94 suspects, and freed 68 kidnapped individuals.
In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji forces killed 153 terrorists, arrested 97 suspects, and rescued 186 hostages. Under Operation Whirl Punch, 63 terrorists were neutralized, 291 suspects were arrested, and 62 hostages were rescued.
In the South-South region, troops from Operation Delta Safe contributed to increasing the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day in August. The military arrested 71 individuals involved in crude oil theft, confiscated 5,047,150 liters of crude oil, 1,152,500 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 320 liters of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), and 28,500 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). The operation also led to the recovery of 194 assorted rounds of ammunition, the destruction of 125 wooden boats, and the shutdown of 458 illegal refining sites.
Buba urged for greater transparency from International Oil Companies (IOCs), accurate metering, and cooperation from stakeholders and local communities to enhance the fight against crude oil theft. He also mentioned that the military is actively monitoring the prosecution of those involved in such crimes.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive actions against the IPOB/ESN terror group, resulting in the neutralization of 34 terrorists, the arrest of 82 suspects, and the rescue of 26 kidnapped hostages.
The operations demonstrate the Nigerian military’s continued efforts to maintain national security and combat terrorism across the country.
