Troops Neutralize 640 Terrorists, Apprehend 1,051 Suspects in May

The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has announced a significant success in its military operations for the month of May. Troops have neutralized no fewer than 640 terrorists, apprehended 1,051 suspects, and rescued 563 kidnapped hostages. This substantial achievement underscores the continuous efforts of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism and improve security across the nation.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, provided a detailed briefing on the operations. He highlighted that senior terrorist commanders and fighters have been significantly degraded due to the intensified pressure from the troops in various theatres of operations. 

The troops have also recovered a vast array of weapons and ammunition. This includes 707 assorted weapons and 16,487 assorted ammunitions. Among the recovered arms were 411 AK47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns, and 43 pump action guns. The recovery of such a large cache of weapons is seen as a major step towards disarming terrorist groups and reducing their capability to carry out attacks.

In the North East, the Operation Hadin Kai has been particularly effective. Major General Buba reported that key terrorists, including Malam Mohammed, a leader of the IED cell in Sambisa Forest,

were neutralized. Additionally, 386 hostages who had been in captivity for over ten years were rescued and handed over to the Borno State Government. In total, the troops neutralized 306 terrorists, arrested 199 suspects, and rescued 219 kidnapped hostages in this region. Furthermore, 1,099 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and their families surrendered, and 200 AK47 rifles along with 53 fabricated rifles were recovered.

The North Central region saw significant actions under Operation Safe Haven. The troops conducted several offensive operations resulting in the killing of 39 terrorist violent extremists and the apprehension of 140 suspects. They also rescued 77 kidnapped hostages and recovered nine AK47 rifles. 

Operation Whirl Stroke in the same region continued its offensive against terrorists and violent extremist strongholds. The operations led to the neutralization of 41 terrorists, the arrest of 184 suspects, and the rescue of 48 kidnapped hostages. The troops also recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 27 assorted arms, and 2,237 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji achieved significant success by instigating rival clashes among terrorist groups, leading to the elimination of notorious terrorist commander Usman Modi Modi. He was known for terrorizing communities around Danmusa, Kankara, and Safana LGAs of Katsina State. In total, the troops neutralized 262 terrorists, arrested 204 suspects, and rescued 243 kidnapped hostages. The air component of Operation Hadarin Daji also recorded significant air strikes on terrorist camps in various locations, including Faskari, Bayan Ruwa, Maradun, and Anka Local Government Areas of Zamfara. Key terrorist leaders, such as Jammo Smally and Kachalla Halilu, were targeted and neutralized.

Under Operation Whirl Punch, the troops neutralized 56 terrorists,

arrested 150 suspects, and rescued 80 kidnapped hostages. They also recovered 23 AK47 rifles. The air component conducted successful operations, destroying terrorist training camps in Kuduru, Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State, and enclaves in Kabago, Alawa Forest, Katarma, and Kwaki general areas in Shiroro and Chikun Local Government Areas of Niger and Kaduna States.

Operation Delta Safe in the South-South region focused on combating oil theft and related crimes. The troops prevented the theft of 4.12 million liters of crude oil, 793,796 liters of AGO (diesel), and 4,480 liters of PMS (petrol). They also recovered 73 assorted weapons, destroyed 129 wooden boats, seized 686 assorted ammunition, and dismantled 223 illegal refining sites. Five violent extremists were neutralized, and 81 suspected oil thieves were arrested. The air component destroyed several illegal refining sites across different locations in Rivers State.

In the South East, Operation UDO KA continued its efforts to frustrate the activities of terrorist groups and restore peace to troubled areas. In May, the troops neutralized 69 terrorists, arrested 115 suspects, rescued 32 kidnapped hostages, and recovered eight AK47 rifles and 13 pump action guns.

Major General Edward Buba emphasized that the overall operations have significantly diminished the offensive capability of the terrorists, denying them the ability to carry out major offensives. The comprehensive efforts of the Nigerian military across all regions of the country have contributed to a notable decrease in terrorist activities and enhanced the security landscape.