The operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria over the past week have dealt a heavy blow to terrorist elements, resulting in significant gains. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the operations, which spanned land and air interdictions, led to the elimination of over 180 terrorists, the apprehension of 204 others, and the successful rescue of 234 kidnapped victims.
The operations also led to the recovery of a staggering arsenal, including 46 assorted weapons and 148 assorted ammunition. Among the seized weapons were 30 AK47 rifles, two Josef Magnum pump action guns, one double-barrel gun, and two single-barrel guns. Additionally, the troops seized 12 locally made pistols, 13 dane guns, one hand grenade, nine locally made rifles, three RPG chargers, two locally made grenades, and 120 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. The recovered items also included 364 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 54 live cartridges, 11 rounds of empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 32 magazines, 34 vehicles, 64 mobile phones, 47 motorcycles, and N1.5 million in cash, along with a range of other items.
In the North East, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai achieved significant milestones, neutralizing 19 terrorists, apprehending 52 others, and rescuing 134 kidnapped victims. The troops also recovered six AK47 rifles, 58 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, seven live cartridges, three vehicles, eight mobile phones, three motorcycles, one bicycle, and two camouflage magazine carrier jackets. Notably, suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists were arrested in Chibok Local Government Area, and fighting patrols were conducted in Borno’s Kukawa, Bama, and Gwoza Local Government Areas.
The troops also conducted fighting patrols in Yobe’s Gulani Local Government Area, resulting in the arrest of kidnappers and illegal miners. In related actions, the troops discovered and safely detonated improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in Borno’s Monguno, Mafa, and Gwoza Local Government Areas, neutralized suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorists in Adamawa’s Madagali and Borno’s Maiduguri Municipal Council areas. Additionally, a notable development was the surrender of 91 terrorists, including 13 adult males, 35 adult females, and 43 children, to the troops between November 22 and November 28.
Meanwhile, the air component of Operations Hadin Kai carried out successful air interdictions overhead Tagoshe and Chongolo Kura in Borno, leading to the neutralization of over 130 terrorists with low possibility of survivors for the wounded.
In the North Central, the troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke mounted decisive land and air offensives, neutralizing several terrorists and dismantling their enclaves in Niger, Benue, Plateau, and Taraba States. An impressive air interdiction on November 26 targeted terrorist kingpin Ali Kawaje’s enclave in Dagam, Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger, resulting in the elimination of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures.
Furthermore, the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized two terrorists, arrested 37 individuals, and successfully rescued three kidnapped hostages. Similarly, Operation Whirl Stroke led to the neutralization of five terrorists, the arrest of 10 suspects, and the successful rescue of one hostage.
In the North West, the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch conducted relentless land and air offensives, eliminating several terrorists across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. The air component’s interdiction on November 25 at a bandits’ enclave in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara resulted in the neutralization of several terrorists.
Overall, the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 20 others, and successfully rescued 88 hostages in land operations. Additionally, a gunrunner was apprehended in Kaduna by troops of Operation Whirl Punch, and criminals in Abaji Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
In summary, the unwavering efforts of the Nigerian Military have produced remarkable results in the ongoing battle against terrorist elements. The recent operations have underscored the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to secure the nation and protect its citizens from threats posed by insurgents and criminal elements.
