September 17, 2024

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General News

Military neutralises 1,166 terrorists, apprehends 1,096 suspects –DHQ

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops eliminated 1,166 terrorists and apprehended 1,096 suspects in 29 days across the country.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said that the troops also rescued 721 kidnapped hostages.

He said the troops also recovered 391 weapons, 15,234 ammunitions comprising 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 dane guns, 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, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms and 2,498 assorted ammunitions.

He said that several  terrorist leaders and commanders were taken off the battlefield as a result of military onslaught during the month.

According to him, those in the North East include: Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda and Abu Rijab.

“Those in the North West include; 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.

“Ongoing operations across the country have significantly diminished the military capabilities of terror groups and denied the terrorist the ability to carry out major offensive.

“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 create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens.

“Accordingly, the military has prioritised targeting the terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers as well as their collaborators,’’ he said.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operations Hadin Kai, neutralised 292 terrorists, apprehended 254 suspects and rescued 213 kidnapped hostages during the month.

He added that a total of 2,742 Boka Haram/ISWAP terrorists’ combatants and their families, surrendered to troops as well as recovery of large cache of arms and ammunition.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised 50 violent extremist, apprehended 290 and rescued 121 kidnap hostages as well as recovery of cache of arms.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops neutralised 37 terrorists, arrested 94 suspects and rescued 68 kidnapped hostages.

In the North West, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 153 terrorists, arrested 97 suspects and rescued 186 kidnap hostages as well as recovery of cache of arms.

Under Operation Whirl Punch, he said the troops neutralised 63 terrorists, apprehended 291 suspects and rescued 62 kidnap hostages, with recovery of cache of arms and ammunition.

In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe, spiked the nation’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day in August.

He 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 AGO, 320 litres of DPK and 28,500 litres of PMS.

“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 well cooperation from the local communities.

“Troops are also monitoring the prosecution of culprits perpetrating crude oil theft,’’ he added.

In the South  East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror group and neutralised 34 terrorists, apprehended 82 suspects and rescued 26 kidnap hostages. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

edited by Sadiya Hamza

Defence/Security

Eid-el Kabir: COAS hails troops’ gallantry, sacrifice

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has commended troops of the Nigerian Army for their commitment and gallantry in confronting the security challenges and threats in the country.

Lagbaja gave the commendation on Sunday in Abuja, in his goodwill message to the troops and their families on the occasion of the Eid-el Kabir celebration.

He described the Eid-el-Kabir as a significant festival depicting the important place of sacrifice in humanity and divinity.

The COAS said the 2024 Eid-el Kabir celebration was also remarkable, as it coincided with the completion of his first year in office as the 23rd Chief of Army Staff.

He expressed gratitude to God for the gift of life and the relative peace restored in many troubled parts of the country.

He acknowledged the enormous sacrifice made by the army, both in human and logistics resources, in the ongoing battle against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, secessionist agitations and sundry crimes.

Lagbaja said the troops had displayed unalloyed loyalty, extraordinary courage and faith in the nation, thereby, emerging victorious in the face of grave danger.

He added that many of them currently bore the badge of courage and bravery in the form of battle scars and injuries, while others carried the memories and stories of their sacrifices for the country.

The COAS enjoined all Nigerians to show collective understanding and support for the government’s efforts to implement necessary reforms to restore economic prosperity.

He also urged all personnel and their families to renew their commitment to selflessness and patriotism for the growth and development of the country.

The army chief, however, reaffirmed his dedication to providing visionary and inclusive leadership needed for effective training, robust living standards and operational effectiveness.

He expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Tinubu, for his unflinching support and leadership.

Lagbaja also extended appreciation to the National Assembly, Minister of Defence, the Minister of State for Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff, for their strategic guidance.

He lauded Nigerians and the international community for their continuous support and belief in the Nigerian Army.

According to him, the Nigerian Army looks forward to continued collaboration to end security challenges and create an enabling environment for economic prosperity and other democratic dividends. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma and Emmanuel Afonne

Defence/Security

Troops eliminate 6 terrorists in Kaduna

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of the Nigerian Army  on Thursday neutralised six terrorists, recovering a substantial cache of arms in a counter-terrorism operation at Birnin Gwari in Kaduna State.

A statement by the army posted on its official X Handle said the operation targeted identified terrorists hideouts in the Birnin Gwari general area.

“It is part of a special clearance mission aimed at restoring peace and security in the state.

“The troops conducted  thorough clearance across Maidaro, Ngade Alha, Dogon Dawa, Damari, Saulawa, Farin Ruwa, Maganda, Sabon Layi, and Kampanin Doka villages.

“The troops made initial contact with the terrorists in Saulawa, where two terrorists were immediately neutralised with recovery of a Baofeng Radio and a motorbike.

“The mission continued with further combat engagements in Farin Ruwa, where the troops neutralised additional four terrorists.

“The gallant troops also recovered a General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), two AK-47 rifles, six AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle magazine, 22 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition, 51 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition and another motorbike.

“The successful clearance operation underscores the army’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and ensuring  safety and security of citizens in Kaduna State and other troubled spots,” it said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Defence/Security

Troops eliminate scores of terrorists in Niger ambush

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Troops of 1 Division of the Nigeria Army eliminated several terrorists who ambushed them on Friday while on fighting patrol to Karaga Village in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger.

Two officers and four soldiers were lost to the ambush, however, Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, stated on Sunday in Abuja.

He stated that some of the terrorists’ equipment were recovered.

Nwachukwu added that the General Officer Commanding 1 Division and Commander “Operation Whirl Punch’’, Maj.-Gen. Landers Saraso, had sent condolences to the families of the deceased personnel on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff.

He stated that Maj.-Gen. Saraso had assured that the unfortunate loss of personnel would be avenged as troops were currently trailing terrorists who fled from the encounter.

Saraso also urged the people of Niger to go about their legitimate and lawful activities and reassured that the Nigerian Army and other security agencies would ensure their protection at all times.

“In line with customs and traditions, the Nigerian Army has contacted the Next-of-Kin of the fallen heroes while burial has been conducted for the deceased Muslim personnel with the approval of their family members.

“The Chief of Army Staff (COAS) was represented at the burial which took place at Minna Military Cantonment Cemetery by the Commander, Training and Doctrine Command, Maj.-Gen. Kelvin Aligbe.

“Niger State’s Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, Maj.-Gen. Aligbe, Maj.-Gen. Saraso and other senior officers visited the two soldiers wounded in the ambush as they were receiving treatment at a military hospital.

“They also paid condolence visits to the families of the deceased.

“We urge the people of Niger and contiguous states to continue to avail the Nigerian Army and other security agencies with actionable and timely information to enhance the operations of the troops,’’ Nwachukwu stated. (NAN) (www.namnews.ng)

 

Edited by Alli Hakeem

Nigerian Army Troops
Defence/Security

Troops raid notorious IPOB/ESN camp in Imo, recover IEDs

By Stanley Nwanosike

The Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA, has raided a notorious camp of elements of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), in Imo.

This is contained in a statement issued on Sunday by the spokesperson of the operation, Lt.-Col. Jonah Unuakhalu.

He said that the B44 Camp of Monday Oluchi-Ogu, located around Njaba River on the border between Awo-Omama community in Oru East LGA and Ezoiha community in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo, was destroyed.

He added that three Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), one RPG bomb, a motorcycle, seven Baofeng radio, local jewelries, a foreign ATM card, two SIM cards, two voter cards, plate numbers of stolen vehicles and a toolbox were recovered.

Unuakhalu said that the raid was conducted on Thursday and Friday to clear the notorious camp.

He said that during the clearance operation, the troops came in contact with the criminals and forced them to flee with various degrees of gunshot wounds.

“Troops further encountered and detonated some of the planted IEDs meant to hinder troops movements.”

The spokesman further said that the troops discovered shallow graves at the camp of those kidnapped and killed by the gang.

“As part of the Nigerian Army’s Civil-Military Relations, forensic analysis of some of the exhumed corpses will be done for a befitting burial,” he added.

Unuakhalu said that the Force Commander, Operation UDO KA, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, had assured all citizens of the South-East of Nigerian Army’s commitments to ensure peace and stability in the region.

He urged the general public to provide timely, reliable and credible information through toll free line 193. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

==========
Edited by Maharazu Ahmed

Defence/Security

Troops overrun terrorists’ stronghold in Lake Chad Region

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Nigerian Army in conjunction with hybrid force and element of Civilian Joint Task Force, have successfully overran Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists’ stronghold in Lake Chad Region

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Army Public Relations, Maj.-Gen. Onyema Nwachukwu, on Friday in Abuja.

He said the offensive operation was conducted on Wednesday with a fierce battle leading to the killing of three terrorists and recovery of a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.

Others items recover are a truck mounted anti aircraft gun and a cache of arms and ammunition.

He said the insurgents attacked the troops with a Vehicle Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED), Mortar, Gun trucks and motorbikes.

Nwachukwu said the insurgents fell under the overwhelming superior fire power of the troops, forcing them to abandon their stronghold, armaments and equipment in disarray.

According to him, the operation proved to be a major setback to the insurgents, as the gallant troops neutralised three terrorists.

“Items recovered are one MRAP, one gun truck, one Dushka Machine Gun, one AK 47 Rifle and one locally fabricated gun.

“Troops also captured one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) Bomb,  273 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, one Pumping machine,  65 Dushka links, 48 General Purpose Machine Gun links and three motorbikes.

“The gallant troops are presently exploiting their success in pursuit of the routed insurgents,” he said.

Nwachukwu said the Nigerian army troops had in a separate operation at criminals’ hideouts in Katakpa Village in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State, eliminated one criminal.

He said the troops also recovered two AK-47 Rifles, one Pump Action semi- automatic rifle, three AK-47 magazines and 90 rounds of 7.62 mm special ammunition.

According to him, the Chief of Army Staff has commended the troops for the successful operations and charged them to remain resilient and sustain the momentum of the operations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Dorcas Jonah/Sadiya Hamza

Nigerian Army Troops
Defence/Security

Troops neutralise 974 terrorists, apprehend 621 in 1 month – DHQ

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters says the troops neutralised  no fewer than 974 terrorists, apprehended 621 others, and rescued 466 hostages in different theatres of operation across the country in the month of February.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this while giving update on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops recovered 1,573 assorted weapons, 23,345 assorted arms and ammunition within the month.

He listed the recovered   weapons to include 640 AK47 rifles, 248 locally fabricated guns, 93 pump action guns, 168 dane guns, 15,120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6,102 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 512 rounds of 9mm and 2,132 live cartridges.

He said the troops also recovered 8.9 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.06 million litres of illegally refined AGO, 18,950 litres of DPK and 45,950 litres of PMS ,amongst other items.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 242 terrorist, arrested 57 suspected terrorists, and rescued  42 hostages during the period.

 

 

Buba said  1,157  Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists fighters and their families surrendered to troops in the month.

 

He added that the troops recovered 198 AK47 rifles, 61 fabricated,  30 dane guns, 45 assorted arms, 3,692 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,854 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 339 rounds of  ammunition during the period.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven eliminated 31 terrorists, apprehended 187 suspects and rescued 19 hostages as well as cache of arms.

H added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke eliminated 100 terrorists, apprehended 67 suspects and rescued 53 hostages during the month.

In the North West, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neitralised 345 terrorists, apprehended 80  suspects and rescued 289 hostages in  the month.

He said the troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 150 terrorists, apprehended 161 suspects and rescued 44 hostages and  recovered large cache of arms and ammunition.

In the South-South, Bu a said  troops of Operation Delta Safe apprehended 359 suspected oil thieves, impounded 8.9 million litres of crude oil, 1.06 million litres of AGO, 18,950 litres of DPK and 45,940 litres of PMS.

He added that the troops also recovered 79 assorted weapons and destroyed 316 wooden boats, 3859 rounds of  ammunition and 246 illegal refining sites within the month.

In the South East, the defence  spokesman said  troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised 106 terrorists, apprehended 69 suspects and rescued 19 hostages. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Nigerian Army Troops
Defence/Security

Troops eliminate 286 terrorists, rescue 122 hostages in 1 week

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), says troops eliminated no fewer than 286 terrorists, apprehended 244 others, and rescued 122 kidnapped hostages in different theatres of operation across the country in the last one week.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while giving update on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Bubba said the troops also apprehended 83 perpetrators of oil theft and denied the oil thieves of the estimated sum of N2.5 billion during the week under review.

He added that the troops recovered 587 assorted weapons and 7,943 assorted ammunition comprising, 207 AK47 rifles, 56 locally fabricated guns, 17 pump action guns, 10 locally fabricated pistols, 22 dane guns, and 10 IEDs among others.

Others, according to him are: 4,088 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,529 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 138 rounds of 9mm ammo, 32 motorcycles amongst other items.

In the North East, Bubba  said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 70 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists,  arrested 31 others and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages.

He added that troops also recovered 47 AK47 rifles,  1,163 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 604 rounds of 7.62mm NATO among other items.

In the North Central, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke, neutralised 19 insurgents, arrested 68 violent extremists and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages.

In the North West, he said the land and air components of Operation Hadarin Daji, recorded massive successes against terrorists in Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara.

He said the air component had in multiple passes, conducted air interdictions in Maradun and Sabuwa Lical Givernment Areas of Zamfara and Katsina States respectively, killing several terrorists and destroyed their logistics.

Bubba said that similar missions were conducted between  Feb. 15 and Feb.16 in the enclaves of terrorists kingpins knowns as Abdulkarim and Sani Black with several terrorists neutralised and their structures destroyed.

“Overall, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested 5 terrorists and rescued 76 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, 524 rounds of 7.62mm special, 343 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 56 rounds of 9mm ammo amongst  other items,” he said.

Bubba said the troops of Operation Whirl Punch successfully ambushed terrorists in Chikun and Kachia Local Government Areas of  Kaduna state within the week.

He said the troops neutralised 93 insurgents, arrested 32 violent extremists/terrorists and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages.

According to him, troops recovered 55 AK47 rifles, 14 locally fabricated guns, seven dane guns,  1,123 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 411 rounds of 7.62mm NATO amongst other items.

In the Niger Delta region, Bubba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven, discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks.

Other items recovered, according to him, include 149 cooking ovens and 74 illegal refining sites.

“Troops recovered 2.9 million litres of stolen crude oil, 251,800 litres of illegally refined AGO, 6,125 litres of DPK and 6,790 litres of PMS.

“Troops discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks, 149 cooking ovens and 74 illegal refining sites among others,” he said.

In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA nuetralised 39 insurgents and  arrested 10 violent extremists as well as recovered 17 pump action guns, , 236 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 371 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 180 rounds of 5.5mm ammo and 206 cartridges amongst other items.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“On one hand, the above is indicative of the fact that  troops are recording successes  week in and week out in the ongoing counters insurgency  operations across the country,” he added. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chioma Ugboma

Defence/Security

COAS charges troops on diligence, focus

 

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, has charged officers and men of the Nigerian Army to be diligent and focused in every aspect of their duties.

Lagbaja gave the charge in Abuja at the Army Headquarters Departments and Commands West African Social Activities (WASA), held to mark the end of 2023 and usher in 2024.

He said the personnel must effectively contain the security challenges facing the nation and strengthen the people’s confidence in government and its institutions.

Lagbaja said the country was currently passing through one of its most trying times; regarding its economy, security and politics.

He said though the security challenges facing the nation were constantly mutating and defying known solutions, the army and other security agencie, have been working to contain the threats.

According to him, the army remains relentless in catching up with the fast-paced evolution of the threats and will be steps ahead of the criminals.

“The Nigerian Army will continue to ensure that every threat to our security is contained to allow for meaningful development across the nation,” Lagbaja said.

WASA is an annual cultural event deeply rooted in the Nigerian Army’s history.

It provides personnel, their families and loved ones, a conducive environment to celebrate the end of the training and operation year and beginning of another.

“Considering the fact that 2023 was a busy and tasking one for the personnel and that 2024 has not been any easier in terms of operational commitments, it is only proper that they be provided an opportunity such as this to unwind.

“WASA has sustained unity in diversity across barracks and cantonments as well as foster education and acceptability of cultures,” the COAS said.

Lagbaja said the event had helped troops to be aware of cultural sensitivities and uniqueness as they plan and execute operations across the geopolitical zones of the country.

He thanked President Bola Tinubu for his unwavering support to the Nigerian Army and assured him of their unalloyed loyalty to the government and the constitution of Nigeria.

Maj.-Gen. Koko Isoni, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, said the army had in addition to the cultural displays, introduced novelty to the tug of war competition.

He said this was by way of inviting some sister security agencies to compete in the maiden edition of Army Headquarters Interagency WASA Tug of war competition.

This, the Commander, Army Headquarters Garrison, said was in the spirit of the COAS’ command philosophy of enhancing interagency cooperation.

Isoni said the army had also introduced the Mega Suya Competition as a platform for personnel to display their culinary skills.

According to him, this is one of the essentials of maintaining a well fed and motivated fighting force.

He said the AHQ Garrison had a very successful 2023, that it had continued to provide operational, administrative and logistics support to AHQ, departments, formations and units.

The commander said the garrison  also conducted training activity throughout the year in line with the COAS Training Directives and Nigerian Army Forecast of events.

“It is on this premise that it becomes quite gratifying to thank the almighty God for granting the AHQ Garrison a very successful 2023.

“During the year, the command successfully executed all its activities, including taking part in all Nigerian army activities.

“It is indeed heartwarming to note that during the period under review, AHQ Garrison perform creditably well, coming first position during the entire formation Combat Platoon Obstacle Competition.

It was also the defending champion in the Nigerian Army Small Arms Championship.

“The Garrison also in 2023 made significant strides in terms of welfare in the formation of administration of personnel and rehabilitation of some leaving quarters.

“We, therefore, owe the success of this command and its modest achievements in 2023 to the unflinching support of the COAS in providing us with the tools, funds and requirements necessary for accomplishment of assigned tasks,” he said.

Isoni assured the COAS that the AHQ Garrison was poised to approach its duties with renewed vigour, commitment, professionalism and responsiveness in 2024.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Mega Suya Competition was won by the Nigerian Army Women Corps.

Also, the maiden inter-agency tug of war competition was won by the Nigeria army, while the Nigeria Police came second and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) third.

The event was climaxed with the lighting of the camp fire by the former COAS and other  retirees including former Chief of Defence Staff, retired Gen. Abayomi Olonisakin.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Kamal Tayo Oropo/Maharazu Ahmed

Nigerian Army Troops
Defence/Security

Troops eliminate 105 terrorists, arrest 140 others in 1 week – DHQ

By Sumaila Ogbaje

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria operating in different theatres of operation eliminated 105 terrorists and apprehended 140 others in the last one week.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this at a bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the troops also arrested 26 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 86 kidnapped hostages in the South South region.

He added that the troops recovered 208 assorted weapons and 5,332 assorted ammunition comprising 95 AK47 rifles, one assault rifle, 39 locally fabricated guns, 34 Dane guns, 14 pump action guns, among others.

In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised seven terrorists and arrested four terrorists as well as recovered 20 AK47 rifles, two fabricated guns and 12 dane guns.

He added that 353 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 209 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 34 live cartridges, 62 mobile phones and the sum of N100,000, among others, were also recovered.

According to him, 224 ISWAP/JAS terrorists fighters and their families comprising 23 adult males, 126 adult females and 87 children surrendered to troops in Bama and Konduga areas of Borno within the week.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 35 insurgents, arrested 65 violent extremists and 15 rescued kidnapped hostages.

He added that troops also recovered various caches of arms and ammunition within different theatres of operation.

In the North Central, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 57 insurgents, arrested five and rescued 66 kidnapped hostages during the week.

In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 18 illegal refining sites and recovered 657,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 23,750 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,050 litres of DPK.

He added that the troops discovered and destroyed nine dugout pits, 19 boats and 21 storage tanks, 35 cooking ovens, nine vehicles, nine mobile phones, and three pump machines.

According to him, troops rescued three kidnapped hostages and apprehended 50 people suspected of oil theft and other violent extremists/insurgents as well as recovered 20 weapons and 243 ammunition, amongst other items.

In the South East, Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised six insurgents, arrested five and recovered various types of arms and ammunition.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Salif Atojoko

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