Troops Neutralize 125 Terrorists, Rescue 140 Hostages in One Week – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters announced that troops have eliminated 125 terrorists, apprehended 200 others, and rescued 140 kidnapped hostages in various operations across the country over the past week.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while providing an update on military operations nationwide.

Buba reported that the troops recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 rounds of ammunition. The seized items included 56 AK-47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 22 Dane guns, one SMG rifle, and seven pump-action guns, among others.

Additional recovered items included a fabricated Beretta pistol, 5x60mm mortar bombs, unexploded ordnance, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 383 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62x54mm, 78 live cartridges, and 24 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo. The troops also seized 21 AK-47 magazines, one Baofeng radio, six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, five bicycles, 38 mobile phones, and N2.7 million.

In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 52 terrorists, arrested 40 suspects, and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages during the week. They also recovered 23 AK-47 rifles, seven fabricated rifles, five Dane guns, one SMG gun, 16 magazines, 408 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 112 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 88 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammo, and 5x60mm mortar bombs.

In the North Central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized 22 insurgents, arrested 38 violent extremists, and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages.

In the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 31 terrorists, arrested 21, and rescued 30 kidnapped hostages, in addition to recovering a cache of arms.

Buba mentioned that on July 12, an air component conducted an air interdiction in Bukuru, Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, based on intelligence and confirmatory ISR, which resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and the destruction of their logistics.

Further operations included offensive actions by troops of Operation Whirl Punch in Kwali Area Council of FCT Abuja, Lokoja, and Adavi LGA of Kogi State. Air strikes on July 8 and July 12 targeted terrorist commander Alhaji Layi’s enclaves in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and destruction of their structures.

Air interdictions in Igabi Local Government Area of Kaduna State also killed several terrorists and destroyed their structures and logistics. Over the week, troops neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 13 suspects, and rescued 53 kidnapped hostages.