The Defence Headquarters says the troops of the armed forces have in the last one week neutralised 31 terrorists and apprehended 81 others in various operations across North-East, North-Central, and North-West.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this in a statement on Sunday, October 8, 2023.

Buba said the troops also rescued 10 kidnapped hostages, adding that 63 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to the troops.

In the North-East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted fighting patrols in Bama and Chibok Local Government Areas of Borno State, as well as Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe.

Buba said the troops also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two locally fabricated rifles, three Dane guns, 181 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, four magazines, and three motorcycles, among other items.

He added that the troops neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested 12, and rescued five kidnapped persons.

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In the North-Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested five suspects, and recovered arms and ammunition, as well as 145 rustled cows during the week.

He said the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke, on October 1, arrested two IPOB/ESN criminals in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State while on patrol.

He stated that the suspects were arrested at the residence of an herbalist, saying the herbalist fled.

He added that the troops recovered one body armour and bullet proof vests.

“Overall, troops arrested three suspects and recovered two locally fabricated rifles, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five cutlasses, one body armour, one bullet proof vest and a jack-knife,” the DHQ spokesperson disclosed.

In North-West, Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised six terrorists, arrested 12, and rescued 33 kidnapped victims.

He said the troops also recovered four AK47 rifles, two Dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, three motorcycles, five mobile phones, one cutlass, and five solar panels.

Buba noted that troops of Operation Whirl Punch also eliminated one terrorist and recovered three AK47 rifles, one AK47 magazine loaded with five rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm warheads, and one cutlass, among others.

“The military, through its operations, continues to prevail against the effects of insurgency and terrorism with an ultimate goal of securing the country against perpetrators of insecurity for national progress,” he added.

The Star