Korede Abdullah in Lagos
The Nigerian Armed Forces have dealt a significant blow to terrorist groups in the North East, neutralizing 61 terrorists and arresting 34 suspects in a week-long operation.
This was disclosed in a weekly report released on Thursday and signed by Major-General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations.
According to the report, toops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted successful operations in Kaga, Konduga, Bama, Jere, Damboa, Chibok, Mafa, and Kukawa Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State.
The report also said between November 13-19, 2024, 22 terrorists, including two adult males, five adult females, and 13 children, surrendered to troops. In addition, troops neutralized 12 terrorists in Kaga LGA and nine in Bama, Jere, and Konduga LGAs, recovering significant quantities of arms and ammunition.
During the week under review, troops neutralised 115, arrested 238 and rescued 138 kidnapped hostages.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 145 assorted weapons and 3,825 ammunition, comprising one GPMG, two PKT guns, 68 AK47 rifles, two AK56 rifles and 24 fabricated rifles.
“Also recovered are 28 Dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, six locally made pistols, one pistol, eight pump action guns, one hand grenade, four fabricated hand grenades, one RPG bomb and three explosives.
“Others are 2,093 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 246 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 rounds of 7.62mm GPMG/PKM ammo, 129 live cartridges, 28 shotgun cartridges, 500 empty cases of MG ammo and 147 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo,” he said.
In the North-central, he said troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke killed 18 violent extremists, captured 48 persons and rescued 48 kidnapped hostages.
In the North-west, he said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, killed 28 terrorists, apprehended 77 others and rescued 57 kidnapped hostages.
General Buba said the air component conducted air interdiction on the hibernating terrorists at notorious terrorist kingpins Sadiku’s and Sola’s in Safana and Batsari areas of Katsina State.
“The air component acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated, and their structures were destroyed.
“Similarly, on November 11 and November 13, the air component conducted air interdiction on terrorist enclaves in Shinkafi and Zurmi LGAs of Zamfara, killing several terrorists and destroyed their logistics,” he said.
In the South-East, General Buba said the troops of Operation UDO KA killed six terrorists, apprehended 13 violent extremists and rescued one kidnapped hostage during the week.
These successes demonstrate the Nigerian military’s commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring peace and security across the country. All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
