In a resolute display of their commitment to national security, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have successfully eliminated 99 terrorists and apprehended 198 others over the past week.
This significant achievement was disclosed by the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) through Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), during a press briefing in Abuja yesterday.
The operations, spanning the Northeast, North Central, and Northwest theaters, saw the troops rescue 139 hostages and seize an arsenal of 141 assorted weapons along with 1,463 pieces of ammunition.
The recovered items include a General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), a GT-3 gun, an assault rifle, 49 AK-47 rifles, a Josef Magnum Pump Action gun, a double barrel gun, and two single barrel guns.
Additionally, nine locally-made pistols, 13 dane guns, one hand grenade, seven locally-made rifles, and two locally-made hand grenades were among the seized weapons.
In the Northeast, troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) carried out a successful operation on November 17 in Gujba Local Council of Yobe, apprehending three suspected terrorists’ collaborators.
These individuals claimed to have been coerced by terrorists into undertaking their nefarious activities.
Moreover, 108 terrorists and their families, comprising 13 adult males, 32 adult females, and 63 children, voluntarily surrendered to troops between November 17 and 23 within the theatre of operations.
The week also witnessed the neutralization of 19 terrorists, the arrest of 21, and the rescue of eight hostages by OPHK forces.
Moving to the North Central, Buba revealed that troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) neutralized three terrorists, apprehended 32, and rescued eight hostages.
Operations by troops of Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS) in Takum and Katsina-Ala local councils of Taraba and Benue states resulted in the neutralization of two terrorists, the arrest of nine, and the rescue of three hostages. Additionally, one AK-47 rifle, one magazine, and 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo were recovered during these operations.
In the Northwest, the Defence spokesman highlighted the achievements of the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji (OPHD), who neutralized 20 terrorists, apprehended 20, and rescued 83 hostages across Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara states.
The air component of OPHD conducted air interdiction on a targeted terrorist leaders’ enclave named LalbiNagogo in Danmusa Local Council of Katsina State, effectively striking the location with rockets and cannons after confirming the presence of the terrorist leader and his foot soldiers.
These recent operations underscore the unwavering dedication of the Armed Forces of Nigeria in tackling insurgency and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
The successful outcomes represent a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to rid the country of terrorist threats and create an environment conducive to peace and development.
