DHQ: Troops kill 128 bandits, 98 terrorists in 2 weeks

Nigerian troops have eliminated more than 128 bandits and arrested 64 others in different operations across North-West and North-Central zones in the past two weeks.

Also, troops in the last two weeks eliminated 98 Boko Haram and Islamic States West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in North-East. Twenty-one others were arrested.

Acting Director, Defence Media Operations of the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Brig.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed this while giving updates of military operations between November 11 and 25 on Thursday in Abuja.

Onyeuko said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji eliminated 118, arrested 12 criminal elements and rescued five kidnapped victims across the theatre within the period.

He added that 26 assorted arms and 194 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered within the period in focus.

According to him, troops executed series of land and air operations at Runka and Nasarawa villages in Safana Local Government Area and Kaiga Mallammai village, all in Katsina State.

He said that three men – Alhaji Lawal Auwalu, Ibrahim Tayo and Dahiru Abubakar – suspected to be providers of logistics to bandits s were arrested.

“Within the period in focus, several airstrikes were executed on bandits’ enclaves, which inflicted heavy casualties on the bandits.

“These include a location where a bandit kingpin, Bello Guda Turji, his subordinate commander, Bello Buza and other foot soldiers operating within Sokoto and part of Zamfa State, use as camp.

“The airstrikes resulted in the neutralisation of scores of armed bandits, including their key leaders and foot soldiers as well as destruction of their structures, equipment, weapons and logistic supplies.

“Troops have continued to heighten aerial patrols across the theatre to deny bandits and other criminal elements freedom of action in the zone,” he said.

In the North Central, Onyeuko said that the troops of Operation Safe Haven rescued some kidnapped civilians and arrested criminal elements.

He said one of the arrested elements was John Paul, who deals in weapons and owns a mini factory where he fabricated arms and ammunition.

The defence spokesman added that troops rescued 38 kidnapped victims, arrested 45 criminal elements and eliminated three during the period.

On the operations in the North-East, Onyeuko disclosed that troops in Baga town arrested a notorious terrorist – Mr. Haladu Saleh who has been on the wanted list since 2018.

He said that the troops also intercepted and impounded terrorists’ logistics supplies along Bukarti – Yusufari Road and Maima Hari Checkpoint on Biu – Damboa Road.

He said: “In the course of these operations, no fewer than 90 terrorists were neutralised and 21 of them arrested.

“Also, 98 assorted weapons, including AK-47 rifles and 2,589 rounds of ammunition were recovered within the period.

“Additionally, seven kidnapped civilians were rescued, while a total of 996 Boko Haram elements and their families comprising 203 adult males, 302 adult females and 491 children surrendered to own troops at different locations in Borno.

“All recovered items have been handed appropriately and rescued persons reunited with their families, while arrested and surrendered terrorists have been profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for further action,” he said.