Military neutralises 39 terrorists, apprehends 157, rescues 109 hostages in 2 weeks
The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the armed forces have in the last two weeks eliminated 39 terrorists, apprehended 159 others and rescued 109 hostages in different operations across theatres of operation.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this at a bi-weekly news briefing on the military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja.
In the North East, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai ambushed and arrested Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe States.
He said that troops’ offensive led to the surrender of some terrorist combatants at Gwoza area of Borno and resulted in eliminated terrorists, rescued kidnapped hostages, recovery of arms and ammunition.
He said the troops neutralised 11 terrorists, arrested 45 and rescued 34 kidnapped hostages within the period as well as recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.
According to him, troops recovered six AK47 rifles, one HK21 gun, one GPMG, one fabricated gun, 11 AK47 magazines, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 17 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one bandolier, seven empty case of 7.62mm special, five motorcycles, eight mobile phones and the sum of N368,950.
Buba said the Air Component acquired and engaged the terrorists’ enclaves at Wulde in Borno, adding that the outcome was being continuously monitored.
In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two gunmen, rescued three hostages and arrested 15 criminal suspects during the period.
He said the troops, while conducting a fighting patrol, arrested two suspects in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, adding that preliminary investigation revealed that one was a notorious armed robber on a wanted list of security agencies.
According to him, troops recovered three AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifle, one fabricated pistol, one dane gun and 41 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, Buba said that troops arrested a member of a notorious violent extremist group in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue and neutralised terrorists and the rescue of kidnapped hostages.
He said the troops recovered one FN rifle, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO and neutralised two terrorists, arrested 11 suspects and rescued six kidnapped hostages.
In the North West, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 12 terrorists, arrested 33 terrorists, rescued 40 kidnapped hostages and recovered three AK47 rifles, 18 motorcycles and three mobile phones.
He added that the air component conducted an air interdiction on terrorists at Sububu Forest in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, degrading the terrorists at the location.
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