Nigeria military neutralizes 39 terrorists, arrests 157 others
By Emumena Michael
• Recovers 55 assorted weapons, 96 assorted ammunition.
Nigeria military has in the last two weeks recorded some successes in its ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across the country as 39 terrorists were killed while 157 others were arrested.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations stated this on Thursday during a press briefing with journalists at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
According to the Defence Media Director, the feat was recorded following the efforts of troops in the frontline of different military operations across the country to sustain the momentum against terrorists and insurgents.
Gen Buba stated that troops of Operations Hadin Kai ambushed some Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists at two different operations on 21st and 23rd of August 2023, at Pulka and Firgi in Gwoza LGA of Borno State, neutralising four terrorists during the gun battle while others fled.
He further said that on 25 August 2023, troops following a tip-off conducted a raid at Mafa Village in Tarmuwa LGA of Yobe State, which led to the arrest of 4 terrorists’ combatants.
“On 23 August 2023, troops while on fighting patrol apprehended 5 terrorists comprising 3 males terrorist combatants and 2 children in Gwoza LGA of Borno State. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 10 AK47 rifle magazines, 9 rounds of 7.62 mm Special (refilled ammo), one bandalier and the sum of Five Hundred and Nine Thousand Three Hundred Naira (₦509,300.00) only.
“Fighting Patrol on 28 Aug 23, troops in conjunction with Hybrid Forces conducted a fighting patrol at Dikwa LGA of Borno State. Troops made contact with BH/ISWAP terrorists. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized one terrorist while others fled. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle, one magazine, 16 rounds of 7.62 mm Special (refilled ammo) and other sundry items,” Gen Buba added.
Also, troops of Operation Safe Haven conducted raid and recovered arms in Jos North LGA of Plateau State. The operations was said to have resulted in neutralized terrorists, arrest of notorious armed robbers and rescue of kidnapped hostages in Jema’s LGA of Kaduna State.
“On 21 August 2023, troops raided a suspected criminals’ hideout at Gwash Village in Jos Nort LGA of Plateau State. Troops made no contact with the terrorists and exploited the general area, recovering one fabricated pistol and one cartridge.
“Between 23 and 24 August 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol arrested 2 suspects in Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Preliminary investigation revealed that one was a notorious armed robber on wanted list of security agency. Troops recovered 2 fabricated rifle, one pistol and one dane gun.
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“On 29 August 2023, troops while conducting fighting patrol intercepted a criminal at Jos South LGA of Plateau State. Troops arrested the criminals. Troops recovered one AK 47 rifle and 37 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo from the suspect,” the Media Director told Journalists.
He further stated that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke arrested and neutralised a member of notorious violent extremist group in Ukum LGA of Benue State and rescued kidnapped hostages.
He said, “On 22 August 2023, following a tip-off about a member of violent extremist group suspected hibernating in Ukum LGA of Benue State. Troops raided the location and made an arrest. The suspect identified as Lubem Atirga Abagu is member of a notorious violent extremist group led by one Mr Chen. Detailed investigation is ongoing.
“On 23 August 2023, following information of suspected kidnappers hibernating in Takum LGA of Taraba State. Troops conducted a raid, arresting 3 suspects.
“n 27 Aug 23, following an intelligence on bandit activities, troops conducted a raid operation in Awe LGA of Nasarawa State. Troops made contact with bandits. Following a fire fight, troops arrested one suspect while others fled. Troops recovered one FN rifle loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammo, 2 mobile phones and the sum of Three Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty Naira (N3,450.00) only.”
Meanwhile, in the North West, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji continued to clamped down on terrorists’ activities in the general area, nneutralizing terrorist and recovering arms and ammunition in Talata Mafara, LGA in Zamfara State, as well as Danmusa and Mutazu LGAs in Katsina State. The troops also foiled kidnapped activities in Faskari LGA of Zamfara State and rescued hostages in Bukuyyum LGAs of Katsina State.
In another operation, troops of Operation Whirl Punch in the fight against terrorists, eliminated 9 terrorists, arrested 6 suspected terrorists and rescued 13 kidnapped hostages at Chikun and Birni Gwari LGAs of Kaduna State.
Gen Buba stated that overall, the Nigeria military recovered 55 assorted weapons and 96 assorted ammunition within the last two weeks in the country.
He assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces would continue to confront terrorists and insurgents in defense of the country and her citizens against criminals and their activities.
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