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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Thursday, September 4, that Nigerian soldiers engaged in counter-insurgency and other security operations across the country killed scores of terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 66 kidnapped victims in August.
Additionally, troops dismantled 97 illegal refining sites and over 488 pieces of equipment used for illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta, foiling crude oil theft worth over ₦545 million.
Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Markus Kangye provided these updates during a media briefing in Abuja on military operations conducted nationwide in August. He noted that troops have effectively sustained a renewed operational strategy, enabling farmers in crisis areas to resume farming activities. Kangye highlighted the recovery of significant quantities of arms, including automatic weapons, RPG tubes, anti-aircraft guns, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices across various theatres.
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Breaking down the operations, Kangye reported that in the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated scores of Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters, arrested 15 suspects (including 13 collaborators, a gunrunner, and a drug peddler), and rescued 8 kidnapped victims. In the North West, troops neutralised terrorists in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Katsina States, arrested 23 suspects, and rescued 24 kidnapped victims. In the North Central, Operation Enduring Peace troops killed terrorists, arrested 7 criminals, and rescued 2 kidnap victims, with one suspect apprehended with ₦3 million in ransom cash in Bassa Local Government Area. Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and the Federal Capital Territory arrested 9 extremists and rescued 13 hostages.
“During the month under review, troops have continued to intensify joint operations aimed at neutralising threats to national security, restoring stability, and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens,” Kangye stated. He commended the troops for their courage, professionalism, and sacrifice, adding, “Their efforts are yielding positive results, and we remain resolute in sustaining the momentum.”
