Troops killed 216 terrorists, arrested 284, rescued 188 kidnapped

From Molly Kilete, Abuja

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) yesterday said troops engaged in counter-insurgency and other internal security operations across the country killed 216 terrorists and arrested 284 others in April.

The troops also rescued 188 kidnapped victims, destroyed two illegal refineries, and recovered 101,443 litres of petroleum products valued at about N104 million.

Director, Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, disclosed this at the monthly briefing on military operations nationwide.

Onoja said ongoing operations had continued to yield significant results, noting that troops also recovered 93 assorted arms, while 10 terrorists surrendered at various theatres of operation.

Providing a breakdown, he said troops carried out precision strikes against insurgents and criminal elements, dismantled enclaves and logistics networks, and rescued abducted civilians.

He added that the operations were conducted in collaboration with other security agencies and community stakeholders.

Onoja said Operation Hadin Kai sustained offensive actions against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other terrorist groups across Adamawa, Borno, Gombe, Taraba and Yobe states.

According to him, troops neutralised 136 terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, rescued 18 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of nine insurgents and their families in North East.

He highlighted key operations, including successful ambushes, clearance of terrorist camps, and repelling coordinated attacks, particularly in Borno and Yobe states.

Under Operation Fansan Yamma, troops conducted operations across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto and Zamfara states.

Onoja said 20 terrorists were neutralised, 32 suspects arrested, and 70 kidnapped victims rescued in North West operations.

He cited the rescue of abducted worshippers in Kaduna and several successful raids on terrorist camps as major achievements.

In the North Central, Operation Savannah Shield recorded the neutralisation of 21 terrorists, arrest of 17 suspects, and rescue of 10 victims across Kwara and Niger states.

Similarly, Operation Enduring Peace led to the killing of 18 terrorists, arrest of 48 suspects, and rescue of 53 kidnapped victims across Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna states.

Operation Whirl Stroke also recorded 14 terrorists killed, 40 suspects arrested, and 35 victims rescued in Benue, Kogi and Nasarawa states.

Under Operation Delta Safe, troops arrested 17 suspects, destroyed illegal refining sites, and recovered large quantities of petroleum products in South-South operations.

Several kidnapped victims were also rescued in Edo and Delta states during the period.

Onoja said Operation Udo Ka recorded the neutralisation of three terrorists, arrest of 16 suspects, and rescue of two victims in the South-East.

He added that troops also dismantled camps linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).