The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday that the armed forces neutralized 159 terrorists and arrested 174 others over the past week.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided the update during a briefing in Abuja, highlighting the military’s ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and maintain security across the country.
According to Buba, troops successfully rescued 188 kidnapped victims, apprehended 45 individuals involved in oil theft, and seized 151 assorted weapons alongside 12,401 rounds of various ammunition.
Buba emphasized that the military’s operations have made significant strides in dismantling terrorist networks, neutralizing leaders and combatants, and disrupting their operations. “Several terrorist commanders have been eliminated from the battlefield,” he noted.
He also outlined the military’s commitment to ensuring peaceful elections. “Troops are strategically deployed to guarantee a violence-free, fair, and credible off-cycle governorship election scheduled for Sept. 21 in Edo State,” Buba said. He stressed that the military would support the police in safeguarding voters and deterring potential disruptions.
“Our operations against terrorists and violent extremists are focused on providing security and stability for the nation and its citizens. Troops will remain relentless in pursuing an end to all forms of insecurity across the country,” he assured.
Regional Breakdown of Operations
North-East:
In the North-East, troops from Operation Hadin Kai eliminated 46 terrorists, arrested 41 suspects, and freed 48 kidnapped victims. During this period, 76 terrorists—comprising nine adult males, 28 adult females, and 39 children—surrendered to military forces. Additionally, airstrikes targeted suspected ISWAP and JAS terrorist enclaves in Southern Tumbun, Borno, neutralizing numerous insurgents and destroying their logistical bases.
North-Central:
Troops from Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized 15 violent extremists, arrested 18 suspects, and rescued 64 hostages. A significant cache of arms and ammunition was also recovered.
North-West:
Operation Hadarin Daji forces in the North-West killed 73 terrorists, arrested 23, and rescued 54 hostages. Air interdictions targeted key terrorist hideouts in Zamfara State, including the enclaves of notorious kingpins Gambo and Bello Turji. Multiple insurgents were killed, and their logistics and infrastructure were destroyed.
Niger Delta:
In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe troops discovered and dismantled 71 illegal refining sites. They recovered nearly 800,000 liters of stolen crude oil and thousands of liters of illegally refined petroleum products. The operations also led to the recovery of vehicles, boats, weapons, and other equipment used in the illegal refining of oil. Additionally, two extremists were neutralized, 41 individuals were arrested for oil theft and related crimes, and a significant number of arms and ammunition were recovered.
South-East:
Troops from Operation UDO KA in the South-East neutralized eight violent extremists, arrested 12, and rescued 14 hostages. Several arms, ammunition, and vehicles were recovered in the process.
Buba concluded by stating that all recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and action.
These operations reflect the military’s ongoing efforts to combat insecurity and terrorism in Nigeria, with significant achievements recorded across multiple regions within just one week.
