The Nigerian Defence Headquarters disclosed that in April 2024, coordinated ground and air operations led to the elimination of more than 715 terrorists, the apprehension of 146 suspects, and the liberation of 465 abducted hostages.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operation, unveiled these statistics during a biweekly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, highlighting the imperative of decisively defeating terrorist factions to safeguard citizens from further harm.
The operations conducted in April encompassed ambushes, raids, and combat patrols, with aerial resources pinpointing and striking terrorist leaders and their strongholds.
“The coordinated operations between ground and air units during the period led to the elimination of more than 715 terrorists,” Major General Buba explained. “In addition to this, troops apprehended 146 individuals and successfully liberated 465 kidnapped hostages.”
“Moreover, our forces recovered a total of 937 assorted weapons and 23,034 assorted ammunitions,” he continued. “Furthermore, they thwarted oil theft activities amounting to an estimated sum of over #2 billion (N2,572,397,190.00).”
Significant operations included the elimination of key terrorist leaders.
“On April 13, 2024, airstrikes targeted and neutralized three senior terrorist commanders, namely Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari, at Kolleram Village along Lake Chad.”
“Furthermore, on April 15, 2024, the stronghold of terrorist commander Babaru in Kankara LGA of Katsina State was obliterated. Additionally, on April 19, 2024, the terrorist hideout belonging to senior terrorist commander Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was eradicated.”
“Similarly, on 20 April 2024, a gathering of senior terrorist commanders Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was disrupted by airstrikes. Battle Damage Assessment of all these strikes revealed that several terrorist combatants and their commanders were neutralized,” he added.
In the North-Eastern region, the military spokesperson reported that Operation Hadin Kai troops conducted missions in the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and the Tumbus around Lake Chad, resulting in the elimination of 248 terrorists, the arrest of 422, and the rescue of 163 kidnapped hostages.
Additionally, 714 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, along with their families, surrendered. Recovered items include 208 AK47 rifles, 34 fabricated guns, 45 Dane guns, and various ammunition.
In the North-Central area, Operation Safe Haven operations neutralized 32 terrorists, arrested 148, and rescued 35 kidnap victims, seizing weapons and ammunition.
Operation Whirl Stroke focused on dismantling criminal strongholds, leading to the neutralization of 60 terrorists, the arrest of 99 suspects, and the rescue of 57 hostages, accompanied by the recovery of weapons and ammunition.
In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji continued its efforts against terrorist elements, resulting in the neutralization of 297 militants, the apprehension of 141 individuals, and the liberation of 143 hostages, coupled with notable recoveries of weapons and ammunition.
Operation Whirl Punch targeted terrorist groups, yielding results in terms of neutralizations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe conducted operations aimed at combating violent extremists, crude oil theft, and illegal refining activities, leading to neutralizations, arrests, and significant seizures.
In the South-East, Operation UDO KA was engaged in operations against terrorist activities, resulting in neutralizations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.
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