Nigerian Military Neutralizes 147 Terrorists, Rescues 113 Hostages in One Week

The Nigerian military has reported significant achievements in its ongoing operations against terrorism and other forms of violence across the country. Over the past week, troops neutralized 147 terrorists, apprehended 381 suspects, and rescued 113 kidnapped hostages, according to Defense Headquarters (DHQ) spokesman Edward Buba. He shared these updates during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr. Buba detailed that the military recovered an array of weapons, including 74 assorted firearms and 3,498 rounds of ammunition. The arsenal seized includes one Dushka heavy machine gun, an RPG bomb and charger, 42 AK-47 rifles, 10 fabricated rifles, 13 Dane guns, and other weapons. Additionally, troops recovered six vehicles, 32 motorcycles, and eight mobile phones, among other items.

“During the week under review, troops neutralized 147 terrorists and arrested 381 individuals. We also detained 23 perpetrators of oil theft and successfully rescued 113 kidnapped hostages,” Buba stated.

In the North-East, under Operation Hadin Kai, the military killed 81 terrorists, arrested 52 suspects, and freed 34 hostages. Additionally, 94 terrorists, including 19 adult males, 26 adult females, and 49 children, surrendered to the military within the region.

In the North-Central region, troops under Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 17 insurgents, arrested 101 violent extremists, and rescued 23 hostages.

In the North-West, troops involved in Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch neutralized 39 terrorists, apprehended 192 suspects, and rescued 50 hostages. A cache of arms was also recovered during these operations.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe troops confiscated 920,800 liters of stolen crude oil, 88,760 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 7,500 liters of petrol. The operation also led to the destruction of 15 dugout pits, 17 boats, 62 drums, one receiver, 27 storage tanks, and 84 illegal refining sites. Furthermore, one terrorist was killed, 23 suspected oil thieves were detained, and various weapons were seized.

In the South-East, troops under Operation UDO KA killed nine terrorists, arrested eight violent extremists, and rescued six hostages. Meanwhile, in the South-West, Operation AWATSE troops apprehended five violent extremists and recovered four AK-47 rifles, a locally fabricated pistol, and 110 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.

Mr. Buba emphasized that the recently intensified operations against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta are beginning to yield positive results, with a noticeable increase in the nation’s crude oil production.

“Although we have not yet reached our target for daily crude oil production, the renewed efforts will continue until our goals are achieved and surpassed. We are constantly assessing and adjusting our strategies to eradicate terrorism and ensure the safety of all citizens,” he added.

Mr. Buba urged citizens to recognize that winning the war on terrorism and insecurity requires not only military efforts but also collective action from all sectors of society.