Troops of Operation Hadin Kadin have eliminated over 36 terrorists and several others in air strikes across North-East in the last two weeks.

Two top commanders of Boko Haram and Islamic States in West African Province (ISWAP) terrorists, identified as Abu Asiya and Abu Ubaida (A’Qaid) were among those eliminated during the period.

While Asiya was killed at Parisu, Ubaida was eliminated at Sheruri all in Sambisa forest general area on September 12 and September 15 respectively.

The Director, Defence Media Operations of the Defence Headquarters, Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadami, made the disclosure at the bi-weekly news briefing on the operations of the armed forces on Thursday in Abuja.

Danmadami said: “Within the period under review, troops neutralised 36 terrorists, rescued 130 civilians and arrested 46 suspected Boko Haram terrorists as well as 12 suspected Boko Haram Terrorists/ISWAP logistic suppliers.

“Furthermore, 21 AK47 rifles, 163 rounds of 7.62mm special, two RPG bombs, 25 Dane guns, four explosive ordinance store, two bandoliers, 10 solar panels, 23 bicycles, 10 motorcycles and one tricycle were recovered.

“Other items recovered are, 19 cell phones, 28 torch lights, bags of assorted grains, 122 rustled sheep, and the sum of N203,125 among other items.

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“Equally, a total of 368 suspected terrorists and their families comprising 53 adult males, 116 adult females and 214 children surrendered to own troops at different locations in the theatre.

“All recovered items, rescued civilians and apprehended suspected terrorists were handed over to the relevant authority for further action while surrendered terrorists and their families are being profiled for further action.”

Defence spokesman said the air component had on September 9 eliminated several terrorists at Somalia in Sambisa forest in an air bombardment.

He said that similar operation was carried out on terrorists’ enclaves at Abdallari, Mafa, Zanari and Tumbun Baba between September 10 and September 14, killing several terrorists and destroying their structures.

The Star