Troops kill 94 terrorists as 168 others surrender

By Sumaila Ogbaje

Nigerian troops involved in counter-insurgency operations have killed no fewer than 94 terrorists in the past week while 168 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families also surrendered to them.

The BHT/ISWAP troops that surrendered comprised 11 adult males, 65 adult females and 92 children.

They surrendered to troops within the theatre operations between Jan. 17 and Jan. 24, the Director, Defense Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, told journalists in Abuja.

Buba who was briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces also said 214 suspects including kidnappers and oil thieves were apprehended in various operations in the last week.

Buba said the troops also rescued 29 hostages and recovered 168 assorted weapons and 2,757 assorted ammunition within the week.

While giving details of the operations, Buba said in the North East, a total of 168 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families comprising 11 adult males 65 adult females and 92 children surrendered to troops within the theatre operations between Jan. 17 and Jan. 24.

Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 27 terrorists and arrested four as well as recovered 22 AK47 rifles, and one VEKTOR R4 rifle, among several other items.

He said the air component conducted air interdiction on the terrorists’ hideouts and movements of gun trucks with the intention of carrying out coordinated attacks on troops and civilians in Gwoza Local Government Area of Borno.

According to him, the locations were acquired, attacked and bombarded with rockets and cannons killing several terrorists, and destroyed their mobility and structures.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven arrested suspected violent extremists/insurgents and foiled Fulani militias attack on locals in Mangu, Bokkos and Wase Local Government Areas of Plateau during the week.

He said they neutralised 11 insurgents, arrested 32 violent extremists and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered of arms and ammunition.

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised 13 insurgents and arrested 30 violent extremists and insurgents as well as recovered weapons amongst others.

In the North West, Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 27 insurgents, arrested six and rescued 13 hostages during the period.

He added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 12 insurgents, arrested 27 violent and rescued 12 hostages

According to him, the air component conducted air interdictions on a notorious terrorist hideout in Kaduna State killing several terrorists/kidnappers and their kingpin known as Janari.

In the South-South, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe discovered and destroyed 31 illegal refining sites with 16 dugout pits, 51 boats, 49 storage tanks, 38 cooking ovens, and three pumping machines.

He added that the troops recovered 363,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 198,315 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of PMS, during the period.

(NAN)