DHQ: Over 8,000 terrorists killed,11,000 suspects arrested in 2024

The defence headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Nigerian Army in various theatres nationwide killed over 8,000 terrorists and arrested 11,000 others from January to December this year.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Wednesday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the troops rescued 6,376 kidnapped victims during the same period.

While highlighting the Nigerian Army’s achievements for the year, the DHQ spokesperson noted that troops were able to limit terrorist activities across the country.

“Troops in the course of operations denied terrorists the ability to carry out major offensives, and in doing so, the terrorists have been limited to low-level terrors and attacks, which are mostly on soft targets,” Buba said.

The DHQ spokesperson said troops of operation Hadin Kai in the north-west neutrailised 2,918 terrorists, arrested 2,285 suspects, and rescued 1,496 hostages.

“Additionally, troops recorded 257 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists, combatants, and their families,” he said.

Buba added that troops of operation safe haven in north-central killed 411 violent extremists, arrested 1,859 suspects and rescued 927 kidnapped victims.

“Troops of operation whirl stroke neutralized 583 terrorists, arrested 916 suspects, and rescued 649 kidnapped hostages,” he said.

“Troops also recovered 291 AK-47 rifles, 302 assorted arms, 12,925 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2,458 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 2,227 rounds of assorted ammunition.

“Overall, since the beginning of the year till date, troops of operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 2,646 terrorists, arrested 1,654 suspects, and rescued 2,339 kidnap hostages.

“Additionally, troops recovered 1,341 AK-47 rifles, 424 fabricated guns, 486 assorted arms, 29,068 rounds of 7.62mm special, 13,759 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 4,127 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops of operation whirl punch neutralized 732 terrorists, arrested 1,842 suspects, and rescued 569 kidnap hostages.

“Troops equally recovered 357 AK-47 rifles, 289 assorted arms, 12,312 rounds of 7.62mm special, 5,658 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 2,807 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops of operation Delta safe neutralized 78 terrorists, arrested 2,176 persons involved in crude oil theft, and rescued 73 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops also denied the oil theft of 53,101,430 litres of crude oil, 9,179,181 litres of AGO, 90,595 litres of DPK and 156,095 litres of PMS.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 524 assorted weapons and 12,974 assorted ammunition and destroyed 1,880 wooden boats as well as 2,413 illegal refining sites.

“Troops of operation udo ka neutralized 666 terrorists, arrested 893 suspects, and rescued 323 kidnap hostages.

“Additionally, troops recovered 144 AK-47 rifles, 240 pump-action guns, 8,000 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,677 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 5,373 live cartridges, 205 assorted arms, and 2,883 assorted ammunition.”