DHQ: 38 terrorists killed, 242 suspects arrested in one week

The defence headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Nigerian army have killed 38 suspected terrorists in one week across the six geo-political zones of the country.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, told journalists on Friday, that the soldiers also apprehended 242 suspects and rescued 89 hostages during different operations across the country.

Giving a breakdown of the arrest, Buba said the suspects include 175 gunmen, 20 kidnappers, 30 collaborators and 17 pipeline vandals.

He added that the troops also seized stolen crude oil valued at N607 million.

According to Buba, troops of operation hadin kai in the north-east killed 16 terrorists, arrested 53 suspects and rescued 34 hostages as well as recovered a large stash of arms during the operation.

In the north-central, he said men of the operation safe haven neutralised three terrorists, arrested 13 others, including, five kidnappers and rescued three abducted persons.

He said men of operation whirl stroke also took out seven terrorists, arrested three suspects and rescued three persons.

In the north-west, Buba said troops of operation hadarin daji killed five terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued nine kidnapped victims while several terrorists’ camps were destroyed.

He said the troops of operation whirl punch neutralised five terrorists, arrested 44 collaborators and rescued 15 kidnapped civilians while several weapons with four trucks and four motorcycles amongst other items were recovered.

In the south-south, the defence spokesperson said troops of operation Delta safe, destroyed 39 illegal refining sites, 72 dugout pits, 65 wooden boats, 70 storage tanks and 119 cooking ovens.

He said two speedboats, five outboard engines, and four pumping machines were also recovered.

He added that the troops recovered 1, 247, 700 litres of stolen crude oil, 132,500 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO), 57,450 litres of dual-purpose kerosine and 800 litres of premium motor spirit.

In the south-east, he said troops of operation Udoka eliminated two members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (ESN), arrested two, seized two trucks loaded with illegally refined AGO and rescued four persons who were kidnapped.

“Miscellaneous items recovered include 33 motorcycles, 30 mobile phones, four tricycles, four Motorola HH radios, four vehicles, 10 bags of fertilizers and 73 livestock,” he added.

“Also recovered are seven cutlasses, one magazine pouch, two solar panels, 10 litres of PMS, a Nigerian police uniform, two gas cylinders, one power bank, and one pair of woodland and desert camouflages each. Troops also recovered the sum of N2.59 million.

“The armed forces of Nigeria will not back down in its offensive operations aimed at tackling insecurity across the six geopolitical zones of the country. Rather, the military will brutally hunt down the orchestrators and take appropriate actions to hold them accountable for their actions.

“The military, while conducting these operations, will continue to take great measures to prevent civilian casualties as protecting civilians remains a vital part of our objective to promote greater security for all Nigerians.

“The uncommon cooperation, collaboration and support received from citizens across the country are greatly assisting own operations to yield expected results.”