Troops Eliminate 152 Terrorists, Rescue 91 Hostages in Nationwide Operations
By Matthew Eloyi
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that 152 terrorists were killed, 109 suspects apprehended, and 91 kidnapped hostages rescued by Nigerian troops in the past week during operations across the country.
Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, providing an update on the military’s recent successes.
Buba revealed that two notorious terrorist commanders, Sadiku and Alhaji Yusuf, were neutralized in targeted operations. Sadiku’s stronghold was destroyed at Tsora Hill in Katsina State’s Safana Local Government Area, while Alhaji Yusuf’s enclave in Yadi Forest, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, was also dismantled.
Additionally, two female terrorist collaborators involved in ransom negotiations were arrested.
The military recovered a significant cache of weapons, including 95 AK-47 rifles, 35 locally fabricated guns, 76 Dane guns, 4,131 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and several other types of arms and ammunition.
“The gallant men and women of the armed forces continue to put themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety and security of citizens. Citizens, in turn, must constantly show support for the troops to win the war,” Buba stated.
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 63 terrorists, arrested 38 suspects, and rescued 35 kidnapped hostages, along with seizing a large quantity of arms and ammunition. Between August 28 and September 4, 196 terrorists, including 70 adult females and 107 children, surrendered to the military.
The air component of the operation carried out a successful airstrike on August 31, killing an ISWAP spiritual leader named Goni Sanda and several other terrorists in Borno State.
In the North Central, troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized three extremists, apprehended 40 suspects, and rescued 28 hostages within the week. Meanwhile, in the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji troops killed 105 terrorists, arrested 21, and rescued 36 hostages.
Under Operation Whirl Punch, 16 terrorists were neutralized, nine suspects arrested, and two hostages freed.
In the Niger Delta, troops destroyed 58 illegal refining sites, seized over 725,000 litres of stolen crude oil, and arrested 36 suspected oil thieves.
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested two extremists and rescued two hostages.
All rescued hostages, arrested suspects, and recovered items have been handed over to relevant authorities for further action.
