Military neutralises 191 terrorists and captures 184 -DHQ

The Nigerian military has reportedly killed 191 terrorists, detained 184, and freed 91 captives during various operations across the nation, according to the Defence Headquarters.

The activities were carried out in the previous two weeks, according to Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, who revealed this Thursday in Abuja while briefing reporters.

Buba reported that throughout the period, 104 terrorists from Boko Haram and the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) as well as members of their families turned themselves in to the military.

He said that Operation Hadin Kai forces had launched a series of clearance operations in Borno and Yobe in the North East, neutralising 17 terrorists, capturing 12, and freeing 17 hostages who had been taken hostage.

The military was able to retrieve 40 AK-47 weapons, 10 G3 rifles, one single-barreled pistol, one 36-round hand grenade, nine AK-47 magazines, one G3 magazine, and 546 rounds of.62mm special ammo, according to Buba.

He said, “We also recovered 192 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 130 rounds of 9mm ammo, 10 empty cases of 7.62mm NATO, 4 rounds of 7.62mm special (refilled), 18 mobile phones, and N678,750.”

According to Buba, Operation Safe Haven forces in North Central have neutralised five terrorists, detained 24, freed nine hostages, and discovered a stockpile of weapons in addition to making 24 arrests.

Six daggers, three motorcycles, three cell phones, three pieces of a jacket, two Nigerian Police uniforms, a pair of military camouflage pants, a magazine holder for ammunition, and a military-grade camel pouch, among other goods, were also found on the suspects, he continued.

According to the defence spokesman, during Operation Whirl Stroke’s battle patrol and raid on terrorist hideouts in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the forces neutralised six terrorists, detained 62 people, and freed nine hostages who had been taken hostage.

He said, “The troops also recovered one SMG, one G3 rifle, one inoperable FN rifle, one locally made pistol, 1,060 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, four rounds of 9mm ammunition, vehicles, one motorcycle, and one cell phone.”

In addition, according to Buba, Operation Hadarin Daji forces in the North West detained eight people, neutralised 18 terrorists and bandits, and freed 38 hostages who had been taken hostage.

Additionally, he said, the troops were able to recover a PKT gun, five AK47 rifles, two AK47 rifles loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, a homemade rifle, a locally made pistol, seven magazines, 215 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, five cartridges, eleven motorcycles, and three cellphones.

Buba revealed that during the time, Operation Whirl Punch forces also captured seven people, detained three terrorists, and freed three hostages in the Kaduna and Niger States.

He claimed that during the raids, the culprits were captured with an AK-47 rifle, three 7.62mm special rounds, two mobile phones, N5.4 million, and many other stuff.

“Our fight against terrorists, militants, and those who cause instability in the nation is not something that should be viewed as being only the responsibility of the military.

“Our counter-terrorist and counter-insurgency wars must continue to be a reflection of a commitment by the entire society since experience has shown that the military alone cannot neutralise terrorism and insurgency.

“The instigators of insecurity are not phantoms; they have families, relatives, and they come from local villages and neighbourhoods.

He stated, “We will smother any hope that these groups have of winning by senseless killings and wicked crimes with a whole of society approach. (NAN)