Troops kill 39 terrorists, arrest 157, rescue 109 hostages

The troops of the armed forces eliminated 39 terrorists, apprehended 159 others, and rescued 109 hostages in different operations in the last two weeks

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, said this at a bi-weekly press briefing on military operations across the country in Abuja on Thursday, August 31, 2023.

Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai ambushed and arrested Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists in Gwoza and Tarmuwa Local Government Areas of Borno and Yobe states, respectively, in the North-East.

He said the operation led to the surrender by some terrorists at Gwoza area of Borno State and resulted in the elimination of some others, the rescue of hostages, and the recovery of arms and ammunition.

He added that in another operation, the troops neutralised 11 terrorists, arrested 45 others, rescued 34 hostages within the period, and recovered large cache of arms and ammunition.

Buba disclosed that the troops recovered six AK47 rifles, one HK21 gun, one GPMG, one fabricated gun, 11 AK47 magazines, and 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.

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The defence spokesperson said the troops also recovered 17 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, one bandolier, and seven empty cases of 7.62mm special, five motorcycles, eight mobile phones, and N368,950.

Buba said the air component of the operations acquired and engaged terrorists’ enclaves at Wulde in Borno State, adding that the outcome was being monitored.

He said in the North-Central, the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised two gunmen, rescued three hostages, and arrested 15 crime suspects during the period.

He added that the troops arrested two suspects in Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna State, one of whom was a notorious armed robber on the wanted list of a security agency.

Buba stated that the troops recovered three AK47 rifles, one fabricated AK47 rifle, one fabricated pistol, one Dane gun, and 41 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition in the state.

The defence spokesman added that the troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in the North-Central also arrested a member of notorious violent extremist group in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State, neutralised terrorists, and rescued hostages.

The Star