Military neutralizes 151 terrorists, detains 456 others in 2 weeks– DHQ

Military neutralizes 151 terrorists, detains 456 others in 2 weeks– DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has reported that the military forces of Nigeria have successfully neutralized a total of 151 insurgents and detained 456 others in various operations carried out within the past fortnight across the nation. 

The update on military operations across the country was provided by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday. 

Mr Buba stated that the forces of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated 44 terrorists, apprehended 21 individuals, and successfully liberated four abducted captives during the specified timeframe. 

According to the statement, the armed forces spokesperson revealed that the troops had seized a haul of weapons, including 17 AK47 rifles, three improvised firearms, three locally produced weapons, one berretta pistol, three traditional hunting guns, and 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition 

Additionally, as per his account, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, thirteen rounds of 9mm ammunition, twenty rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammunition, and forty-two empty casings of 7.62 mm x 54 ammunition were also retrieved. 

Additional items confiscated during the operations include 12 ammunition magazines, 50 containers of petrol, three automobiles, five cellular devices, six motorbikes, three machetes, and a total sum of N3.18 million in currency. 

As indicated by Mr Buba, the military personnel apprehended several individuals suspected of aiding and abetting terrorists in the towns of Jere and Biu within Borno state, as well as in Gujba Local Government Area located in Yobe state. 

He mentioned that the military personnel also launched surprise attacks and conducted raids on suspected terrorists’ hideouts in the Local Government Areas of Konduga and Gwoza within Borno state. 

The director stated that the military operation led to the eradication of terrorists and the retrieval of weapons and munitions. 

In the Northern Central region, Mr. Buba reported that the forces of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 16 insurgents, apprehended 16 individuals involved in terrorist activities, and successfully freed one abducted hostage during the specified timeframe. 

He stated that they also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two handguns, five homemade rifles, six traditional rifles, 32 rounds of specialized ammunition, 15 gun magazines, and three motorcycles.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he mentioned that the troops eliminated 15 terrorists, detained six individuals involved in terrorist activities, successfully liberated one abducted hostage, and recovered arms and ammunition. 

In the North West region, as per the statement from the defense spokesperson, the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch effectively eliminated 35 terrorists, apprehended eight individuals involved in terrorist activities, and successfully freed 17 individuals who had been kidnapped as hostages within the designated time frame. 

He further stated that the air segments of the different operations have been persistently eradicating the terrorists from their multiple hideouts through a sequence of aerial engagements.