DHQ releases names of slain terrorist commanders

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Thursday the names of terrorist kingpins slain in various operations across the country’s north.

The DHQ stated that the terrorist commanders were killed in operations between January and March 2024.

The terrorist kingpins’ identities are Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok), the head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP), and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a known terrorist who operated along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway and Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State. He was slain by forces on February 21 and 24.

Others include Kachallah Damina (who was neutralized by troops on March 24). He was killed alongside approximately 50 combatants, including Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, and Alhaji Baldu, among others.

Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations of the DHQ, gave the names to journalists during a briefing in Abuja.

“The above was achieved through synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, immediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombardment raids on significant terrorist enclaves,” Buba added.

Director of Defence Media Operations of the DHQ also stated that 2,351 terrorists were killed, 2,308 were apprehended, and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued during the period under consideration.

Buba said, “Troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols, and offensives against the terrorists. The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period resulted in 2,351 terrorists being neutralized, 2,308 terrorists being arrested, and 1,241 kidnapped hostages being rescued. Furthermore, troops recovered 2,847 weapons and 58,492 rounds of ammunition.”

Regarding the operations against crude oil theft, Buba stated that troops recovered stolen products worth N20 billion between January and March.

He said, “Troops denied the oil theft of an estimated sum of N20,331,713,910.00 only. 21,573,310 liters of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 liters of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 liters of DPK, and 52,730 liters of PMS, amongst other items, were recovered.”