Troops Kill Terrorist Commanders, Rescue Hostages in Nationwide Operations – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have neutralised several terrorists, eliminated high-profile insurgent leaders and rescued dozens of kidnapped victims during operations carried out across the country within the past week.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while giving an update on military activities conducted between Feb. 28 and March 6.
According to him, troops also intercepted about 51,000 litres of stolen crude oil during the period.
Onoja said the operations, conducted across various theatres, targeted terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements threatening national security.
He said troops of the Joint Task Force North East under Operation HADIN KAI intensified offensive actions against terrorists of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province.
According to him, troops neutralised several terrorists, arrested 20 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents and their family members, and rescued 24 kidnapped victims.
“Notably, the air component conducted precision strikes on terrorist enclaves in the Sambisa Forest, eliminating key terrorist ring leaders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, alongside fighter Hussaini Ubaida.
“Human intelligence further indicates that over 18 terrorist commanders and 42 fighters were eliminated during the strike,” he said.
Onoja said troops also foiled terrorist attacks in Bama and Nganzai Local Government Areas of Borno State and recovered arms, ammunition, armed drones, anti-tank bombs and materials used in the production of improvised explosive devices.
In the North-West, he said troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralised several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages during coordinated operations across Zamfara and Kaduna states.
He added that troops intercepted arms and 542 rounds of ammunition concealed in a bag of rice during a stop-and-search operation.
Onoja also said troops of Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD operating in Niger and Kwara states neutralised more than 17 terrorists during an intense gun battle in Roguwa Forest in Patigi Local Government Area of Niger State.
He said troops also intercepted eight 50-kg bags of ammonium chloride, a chemical precursor used in the production of improvised explosive devices.
In the North-Central region, he said troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 12 suspected terrorists in Lokoja Local Government Area of Kogi State.
“Items recovered from the suspects include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and the sum of N645,000.
“Preliminary exploitation of their phones revealed suspicious coded contacts linked to criminal networks,” he said.
According to him, troops of Operation ENDURING PEACE also arrested suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna and Plateau states and recovered fabricated rifles and other weapons.
In the South-South region, Onoja said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE intensified operations against crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.
He said troops destroyed four illegal refining sites, arrested seven suspects and intercepted large volumes of stolen petroleum products.
“On Feb. 27, troops intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil near Cool Beach in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers State.
“In total, about 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were recovered during the week,” he said.
Onoja further disclosed that troops of Operation UDO KA sustained operations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
He said troops arrested five suspected terrorists and recovered arms, foreign currency and other incriminating materials during clearance operations in Imo, Cross River and Abia states.
Onoja added that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their gallantry and professionalism across all theatres of operation.
He also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces with credible intelligence to sustain the fight against terrorism and other security Okthreats across the country.
