Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Agency Report
Published on 2024-02-22 22:43:54
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that its troops have made significant progress in combating terrorism across the country, eliminating 286 terrorists and rescuing 122 kidnapped hostages in the last week. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, provided a comprehensive update on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja. Major General Buba disclosed that the troops also apprehended 244 individuals and thwarted oil theft estimated at N2.5 billion.
The recovered items include 587 assorted weapons, 7,943 assorted ammunition, 207 AK47 rifles, 56 locally fabricated guns, 17 pump action guns, 10 locally fabricated pistols, 22 Dane guns, 10 IEDs, and other items. Additionally, 4,088 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,529 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 138 rounds of 9mm ammo, and 32 motorcycles were seized.
The North-east region saw the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralize 70 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, apprehend 31 others, and rescue 27 kidnapped hostages. They also recovered 47 AK47 rifles, 1,163 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 604 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, among other items. In the North-central, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke troops neutralized 19 insurgents, arrested 68 violent extremists, and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages. In the North-west, Operation Hadarin Daji’s land and air components recorded substantial successes against terrorists in Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara. The air component conducted air interdictions in the Maradun and Sabuwa Local Government Areas of Zamfara and Katsina States, killing several terrorists and destroying their logistics.
In addition, the air component conducted similar missions in the enclaves of known terrorist kingpins Abdulkarim and Sani Black, neutralizing several terrorists and destroying their structures. Overall, Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested five, and rescued 76 kidnapped hostages. They also recovered 29 AK47 rifles, 17 locally fabricated guns, and other ammunition and weapons. The troops of Operation Whirl Punch ambushed terrorists in Chikun and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State, neutralizing 93 insurgents and arresting 32 violent extremists/terrorists while rescuing 14 kidnapped hostages. Recovered items included 55 AK47 rifles, 14 locally fabricated guns, and other ammunition and weapons.
In the Niger Delta region, the troops of Operation Safe Haven discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats, 116 storage tanks, 149 cooking ovens, 74 illegal refining sites, 2.9 million liters of stolen crude oil, 251,800 liters of illegally refined AGO, 6,125 liters of DPK, and 6,790 liters of PMS. In the South-east, the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 39 insurgents, arrested 10 violent extremists, and recovered assorted arms and ammunition.
All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
Mr. Buba emphasized that these successes are indicative of the armed forces’ dedication to continuing counter-insurgency operations across the country, resulting in recurring triumphs week in and week out. With these operations, the armed forces remain committed to the ongoing fight against terrorism, ensuring the safety and security of citizens. The recovered ammunition and weapons have been a significant blow to the terrorist operations and will undoubtedly contribute to maintaining peace and safety in the country.
As efforts intensify across different regions, the Armed Forces continue to provide vital support in securing communities and maintaining peace. This update highlights the ongoing commitment of the Nigerian military to combating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens.
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