In a recent media briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, revealed significant achievements by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in the past two weeks. They successfully neutralized 36 terrorists and apprehended 163 suspected criminals and gunmen in various theatres of operation.
The arrests included 137 gunmen, three gunrunners, two kidnappers, six collaborators, 15 individuals involved in oil theft, and six other collaborators. Additionally, the troops recovered N3.1 million in cash, rescued 140 kidnapped hostages, and seized 37 weapons and 370 rounds of ammunition.
Among the recovered arms were 16 AK47 rifles, six pump-action guns, six dane guns, three fabricated rifles, two locally made pistols, 199 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, six rounds of 7.62mm NATO, nine AK47 magazines, and two G3 magazines.
In their operations, the troops also confiscated eight vehicles, 45 motorcycles, 32 mobile phones, 925 machetes, and 151 machete sharpeners.
The North East witnessed notable progress, with nine terrorists neutralized, 19 insurgents arrested, and 12 hostages rescued during Operation Hadin Kai. Additionally, 313 terrorists, consisting of 12 male adults, 138 female adults, and 162 children, voluntarily surrendered at various locations in the theatres of operation. The air component also carried out successful attacks on terrorists’ hideouts in Wulade.
The North Central operations conducted by Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stoke led to the elimination and apprehension of criminals. Troops recovered two AK47 rifles, three dane guns, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and a pair of military uniforms belonging to a dismissed soldier named Bashir Abass. Further investigations revealed that one of the recovered AK47 rifles was linked to the dismissed soldier, who is currently at large with two terrorist members.
In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji rescued kidnapped hostages and apprehended terrorists in Jibia, Matazu, and Funtua Local Government Areas of Katsina State. Several air interdictions were carried out, resulting in the recovery of arms and ammunition in Maru and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamfara. The troops saved 20 kidnapped hostages and retrieved one AK47 rifle, four AK47 rifle magazines, two rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and 80 livestock.
Operation Whirl Findwhosabi led to the arrest of a bandit collaborator and logistics supplier, along with the rescue of kidnapped hostages and the recovery of weapons and ammunition in Chikun and Kajuru Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
Furthermore, the air component targeted a terrorist camp at Hanawanka in Shiroro Local Government Area of Niger State, neutralizing 11 terrorists with bombs and rockets.
The Armed Forces’ successful operations demonstrate their dedication to safeguarding national security and restoring peace in various regions of Nigeria.