The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have, in the last two weeks, killed no fewer than 151 terrorists and arrested 456 others in different operations across the country.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations, announced this on Thursday in Abuja while providing an update on military operations around the country.
During the period, Operation Hadin Kai forces killed 44 terrorists, detained 21, and rescued four kidnapped captives, according to Buba.
According to him, the troops recovered 17 AK47 weapons, three locally manufactured rifles, three locally manufactured firearms, one Beretta handgun, three Dane guns, and 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
Also recovered, according to him, are five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, 42 empty cases of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, and
Others are 12 magazines, 50 jerry cans of PMS, three vehicles, five mobile phones, six motorcycles, three cutlasses, and the sum of N3.18 million.
According to him, he also collected five rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, and 42 empty boxes of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo.
Other items include 12 magazines, 50 PMS jerry cans, three automobiles, five mobile phones, six motorcycles, three cutlasses, and N3.18 million.
Buba stated that troops apprehended suspected terrorist collaborators in Borno’s Jere and Biu, as well as Yobe’s Gujba Local Government Area.
He further disclosed that troops ambushed and attacked suspected terrorist hideouts in Borno’s Konduga and Gwoza Local Government Areas.
According to the director, the offensive resulted in the destruction of terrorists as well as the recovery of weaponry and ammunition.
Buba stated that throughout the period, forces from Operation Safe Haven killed 16 terrorists, detained another 16, and freed one abducted captive.
He also stated that they found 12 AK47 rifles, two handguns, five locally made rifles, six Dane guns, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 15 magazines, and three motorcycles.
He added that during Operation Whirl Stroke, troops killed 15 terrorists, detained six others, rescued one abducted prisoner, and seized rifles and ammunition.
In the North West, a defence official said that during the period, forces from Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch killed 35 terrorists, detained eight others, and rescued 17 abducted captives.
He went on to say that the various operations’ air components have continued to eliminate the terrorists from their various hideouts through a succession of air encounters.