In the past week, the Nigerian army was successful in eliminating 188 terrorists during their operations across various regions. They managed to rescue 133 hostages. The troops made significant progress by seizing a variety of weapons from the terrorists, such as 122 AK47 rifles, 47 Dane guns, 47 locally-fabricated guns, 24 automatic pump action guns, eight makeshift pistols, and Improvised Explosive Devices. Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj -Gen. Edward Buba provided journalists in Abuja with an overview of the troops’ recent actions, including the capture of 330 terrorists nationwide over the past week.
During the latest military operation, Buba disclosed that the insurgents had forfeited 5,083 ammunition units to the soldiers. When detailing the missions, Buba described how soldiers from Operation Hadin Kai” eliminated 68 terrorists, detained 182 individuals, and liberated 53 captives in the Northeast region. Additionally, they confiscated 58 AK47 rifles, three PKT guns, 14 makeshift firearms, 12 traditional guns, one grenade, one ammunition belt, and 741 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition was recovered, along with 510 rounds of 7.62mm NATO bullets, 151 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm bullets, and 17 magazines.
Airstrikes were carried out on ISWAP/JAS terrorists’ supply hub.
Buba revealed that a total of 136 terrorists turned themselves in to the troops in the combat zone between April 3 to April 9. This group consisted of 24 men, 38 women, and 74 children. As a response to intelligence gathered about terrorist operations, airstrikes were carried out on ISWAP/JAS terrorists’ supply hub and weapon-making facility in the vicinity of Mandara Mountains as part of “Operation Hadin Kai” on April 4th. After examining the aftermath of the battle, it was discovered that a number of terrorists were taken out and their supply lines were effectively eradicated due to the air strike.
Niger’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance troops worked together with the air component to provide close air support for the land component during an operation in Mobbar Local Government Area of Borno. Bombs and cannons were used against the terrorists, resulting in the neutralization of multiple enemy combatants, according to Buba’s report on the Battle Damage Assessment. In the North Central geopolitical zone, Buba reported that troops from Operation Safe Haven successfully eliminated 14 insurgents, apprehended 41 violent extremists, and freed three hostages.
21 illegal refining facilities demolished in southern region.
Operation Whirl Stroke troops reportedly eliminated 11 terrorists, apprehended 32 violent extremists, saved 11 hostages, and seized a collection of weapons in the area. Additionally, in the Northwest, “Operation Hadarin Daji” troops eliminated 62 terrorists, detained 43 individuals, rescued 45 hostages, and confiscated a significant amount of weapons and ammunition. During the operation in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, he mentioned that the air team targeted terrorists hiding in settlements. After assessing the damage caused by the battle, it was confirmed that many terrorists were eliminated and their buildings were demolished.
Furthermore, he reported that the forces of “Operation Whirl Punch” successfully eliminated nine terrorists, captured 18 individuals, and liberated 7 prisoners. In the Southern region, troops of “Operation Delta Safe” uncovered and demolished 21 illegal refining facilities, 51 excavation sites, 24 watercraft, and 21 containers. Additionally, they dismantled 28 furnaces, four cars, and two bikes. Troops found 672,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,530 litres of illegally-refined diesel. He also mentioned that nine insurgents were eliminated, 67 suspected oil thieves and violent extremists were taken into custody, and 23 weapons along with 455 ammunition pieces were recovered by the troops.
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It was also reported that troops from “Operation UDO KA” successfully dealt with 15 terrorists in the Southeast. They captured 56 violent extremists and freed 17 hostages. The operation also led to the recovery of two AK47 rifles, 15 automatic pump action guns, two locally-made pistols, and 10 Improvised Explosive Devices. Furthermore, troops found 52 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 30 rounds of 9mm ammunition, and 355 live cartridges. Buba revealed that all the recovered items, captured suspects, and liberated hostages had been transferred to the appropriate authorities for further measures.