The Defence Headquarters has reported a series of successful operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, resulting in the elimination of more than 180 terrorists, the apprehension of 204 others, and the liberation of 234 kidnapped victims within the span of one week. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed that the operations encompassed both ground and aerial missions across various theatres of operation.
Amidst these strategic offensives, the troops seized 46 assorted weapons and 148 types of ammunition, including 30 AK47 rifles, two Josef Magnum pump-action guns, one double-barrel gun, and two single-barrel guns. Furthermore, the recovered arsenal comprised 12 locally made pistols, 13 dane guns, one hand grenade, nine locally made rifles, three RPG chargers, two homemade hand grenades, and 120 rounds of 7.62mm NATO. Additionally, the stockpile encompassed 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, along with various other items.
In the North East region, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 19 terrorists, apprehended 52 individuals, and rescued 134 kidnapped victims. The successful operations led to the recovery of 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. The troops also conducted fighting patrols and carried out arrests in various local government areas, demonstrating their commitment to maintaining peace and security.
Additionally, the troops arrested suspected ISWAP/Boko Haram terrorists in Chibok Local Government Area and conducted fighting patrols in Borno, showcasing their unwavering dedication to combatting insurgency and ensuring the safety of citizens. Notably, the troops also apprehended kidnappers and illegal miners during their operations in Yobe, further underscoring their multifaceted efforts in maintaining law and order.
The air component of Operations Hadin Kai executed air interdictions in specific areas, resulting in the neutralization of a significant number of terrorists. Furthermore, in the North Central region, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke launched successful land and air offensives, dismantling terrorists’ enclaves and neutralizing several perpetrators across multiple states.
The relentless pursuit of peace and security extended to the North West, where the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch carried out land and air offensives, decisively eliminating numerous terrorists in Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. The air interdiction at a bandits’ enclave in Zamfara showcased the aerial prowess of the armed forces, leading to the neutralization of a significant number of terrorists.
The comprehensive operations culminated in the neutralization of 14 terrorists, the arrest of 20 individuals, and the rescue of 88 hostages, underscoring the unwavering commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to safeguarding the nation and its citizens. Additionally, the security forces apprehended a gunrunner in Kaduna, conducted raids on criminal hideouts, and carried out offensive operations in various areas, further solidifying their resolute stance against criminal elements.
Overall, the resounding success of these strategic operations serves as a testament to the Nigerian Armed Forces’ dedication to upholding peace, security, and stability across the nation.