The Defence Headquarters has reiterated the military’s sustained efforts in targeting the leadership and chains of command of extremist groups, insurgents, and terrorists posing a threat to national security.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday, highlighting the continuous success of the nation’s counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations.
During the previous week’s operations, a total of 122 terrorists were apprehended while at least 50 others were eliminated in simultaneous operations across the country. Additionally, 182 captives were rescued from abduction, and 49 individuals involved in oil theft were apprehended.
Furthermore, the military recovered an arsenal of weapons, including 11,474 rounds of ammunition and 66 different types of firearms such as one GT3 rifle, one NSVT gun, one Conqueror APC, four pump action guns, 25 AK47 rifles, and two locally manufactured AK47 rifles, among others.
Among the items recovered were three locally made guns, one locally made revolver gun, four locally fabricated pistols, and four long Dane guns, as well as two locally made hand grenades and a bandolier. Additionally, a substantial quantity of ammunition, explosives, vehicles, mobile phones, radios, motorcycles, and a substantial amount of currency were seized.
In the Northeast, Operation Hadin Kai forces eliminated 33 terrorists, captured 13, and secured the release of 132 captives, accompanied by the recovery of a significant cache of weapons during the same period.
Similarly, in the North Central region, Operation Safe Haven troops took down 20 terrorists, captured 34, and freed 10 captives while seizing weapons and ammunition of various calibres.
In another development, Operation Whirl Stroke in the North Central killed one terrorist, apprehended nine others, and successfully rescued eight kidnap victims.
Meanwhile, Operation Hadarin Daji forces in the North West neutralized 20 terrorists, apprehended 48, freed 56 captives, and recovered multiple weapons.
These substantial achievements underscore the commitment of the Nigerian military in decimating the command structures of terrorist organizations and ensuring the safety and security of the nation’s populace.
