Military neutralizes 108 terrorists, rescues 214 hostages in one week

The Nigerian military has announced the elimination of 108 terrorists and the rescue of 214 kidnapped hostages in a series of operations conducted over the past week across the country.

This was disclosed by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, in a statement released on Friday in Abuja.

According to Buba, troops apprehended 204 suspected terrorists and criminal elements during this period. 

They also recovered weapons and ammunition, including, "one Dushku, one MG, two GPMGs, one RPG launcher, one RPG bomb, one AK56 rifle, and 37 AK47 rifles," among others. 

In addition, the military seized four MRAPs, two GTs, three fabricated rifles, six Dane guns, three locally made pistols, and various other items.

"313 rounds of 7.62mm PKT, 2,362 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 699 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 201 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, and 503 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition. The operations also led to the seizure of 19 vehicles, 44 motorcycles, three mobile phones, and N4.9 million."

In the North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, the military neutralized 47 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects, and rescued 130 hostages. 

“This operation also involved an airstrike on an ISWAP hideout in the Mandara Mountains, resulting in the destruction of the IED factory and the elimination of several terrorists.

In the North Central region, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke resulted in the neutralization of 13 insurgents, the apprehension of 57 extremists, and the rescue of 36 hostages. 

Meanwhile, in the North West, troops from Hadarin Daji killed 15 terrorists, arrested 22 suspects, and rescued 27 hostages across several states, including Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara. 

The air component successfully targeted terrorist hideouts and key figures, such as the kingpin Kamilu Burazu.

Under Operation Whirl Punch, eight terrorists were neutralized, 22 suspects were arrested, and 12 hostages were rescued in Kaduna, Niger, and Kogi States. 

The military also destroyed the camp of a notorious terrorist leader, Buhari, in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe led to the recovery of 1.13 million litres of stolen crude oil and 228,770 litres of illegally refined AGO, along with other stolen petroleum products. Troops also destroyed numerous illegal refining sites and recovered various vehicles and equipment.

In the South East, Operation UDO KA neutralized five terrorists, arrested 12 extremists, and rescued four hostages. 

“All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued individuals have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action,” the statement added.