Military Neutralised 1,166 Terrorists, Rescued 721 Hostages in August — DHQ
By ‘Sola Akingboye, 29 August 2024
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported significant progress in the nation’s security operations in August, as the military’s counter-insurgency war and other security activities across the country achieved notable results.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, made this known at the bi-weekly press briefing on Thursday, said troops killed 1,166 terrorists, arrested 1,096 others and rescued 721 kidnapped persons in August.
He noted that troops recovered 391 weapons, 15,234 ammunition comprising 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump action guns, 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms and 2,498 assorted ammunition.
“The breakdown of recoveries in August includes and is not limited to the following: 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump action guns, 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms and 2,498 assorted ammunition.
Others are 5,047,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 320 litres of DPK and 28,500 litres of PMS amongst other item.
“The motivation of the terrorist is getting lower and lower in the NE, which is leading to the mass surrending recorded. Troops aim at replicating same in other theatres of Operation to bring peace and safety to citizens.”
He listed the terrorist commanders killed within the period to include Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda and Abu Rajab.
Others in the North-West include Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.
Gen. Buba, while noting that the terrorists’ motivation “is getting lower and lower in the North-East”, thus leading to the mass surrendering among fighters, said troops aim at replicating the same in other theatres of operation to bring peace and safety to the citizens.
According to him, “The military is on high alert and we have increased our readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression.
“We urge citizens to understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation. It is certain that in the end, these terrorists will be destroyed, and our nation will be safe and peaceful again,”.
Gen. Buba emphasized that the military’s objective is to diminish the capabilities of terror groups, make conditions unfavourable for their activities, and eliminate their leaders, foot soldiers, and collaborators. He highlighted the successful neutralization of prominent terrorist commanders in both the North-East and North-West regions.
Additionally, he noted a decrease in terrorist motivation in the Northeast, leading to a significant number of surrenders, and stressed the military’s commitment to safeguarding the nation from further terrorist aggression.
He added that the military is on high alert and “we have increased our readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression.
“We urge citizens to understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation. It is certain that in the end, these terrorists will be destroyed, and our nation will be safe and peaceful again.”
He urged the public to recognize that this is a protracted military endeavour with the ultimate goal of eliminating terrorism and restoring peace within the nation.
Meanwhile, Troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror groups in several SE states, killing terrorists, making arrests and recovering weapons.
Accordingly, IPOB /ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu States.
Troops, in the month, intercepted and arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists on several encounters,s, such as in Ohafia and Aguata LGAs of Abia and AnambraStatete, es, respectively.
Similarly, troops intercepted and arrested IPOB/ESN terrorist collaborators in Orlu LGA of Imo State, as well as other states in the South East.
Troops of Op UDO KA equally conducted operations to curb crude oil theft with the theatre of operation. Several arrests and recoveries were made as a result of the operations.
Overall, troops of Op UDO KA in August 2024 neutralized 34 terrorists, arrested 82 suspects and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages.
Additionally, troops recovered 12 pump action guns, 11 assorted arms, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 193 live cartridges and 69 assorted ammunition.
