The Defence Headquarters, of the Nigerian Army, has reported significant successes in counter-terrorism operations across the country, with troops eliminating at least 358 terrorists, apprehending 431 suspects, and rescuing 249 kidnapped victims in January alone.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja by Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba,
Buba emphasized that troops have maintained relentless pressure on terrorist groups and their associates through sustained military offensives.
He further detailed the recovery of 370 weapons and 4,972 rounds of ammunition, which included 105 AK-47 rifles, 25 locally fabricated firearms, 32 Dane guns, and 23 pump-action shotguns.
The cache also contained 3,066 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 758 rounds of 7.62mm NATO rounds, 980 cartridges, 72 assorted arms, and 500 rounds of mixed ammunition.
Providing a regional breakdown, Buba stated that in the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai intensified their attacks on terrorist hideouts, eliminating 193 insurgents, capturing 89 suspects, and rescuing 39 kidnapped victims.
Additionally, 95 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their families, surrendered.
In the North Central region, troops from Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized 22 violent extremists, arrested 149 suspects, and rescued 73 kidnapped hostages while seizing a significant stockpile of weapons and ammunition.
The North West saw troops under Operation Fasan Yamma eliminate 102 terrorists, detain 134 individuals linked to criminal activities, and rescue 100 abducted persons, while also securing a large quantity of arms and ammunition.
Meanwhile, in the South-South, troops participating in Operation Delta Safe cracked down on oil theft, arresting 59 suspects and preventing economic losses estimated at over N2 billion.
The troops recovered 2.7 million liters of stolen crude oil, 42,515 liters of illegally refined diesel, 200 liters of kerosene, and 2,250 liters of petrol, among other materials.
Operations in the South East under Operation UDO KA led to the elimination of 41 terrorists, the arrest of 57 suspects, and the rescue of 37 kidnapped individuals.
Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to national security, stating:
“Overall, the armed forces continue to fight admirably in defeating terrorists and their cohorts across the country. Troops remain focused on creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens is assured.”
