DHQ: Troops killed 105 terrorists, arrested 140 criminals in one week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the armed forces have killed 105 terrorists during raids on their hideouts across the country.

Speaking on Thursday during a bi-weekly press conference in Abuja, Edward Buba, director of defence media operation, said the feat was recorded in one week.

Buba said the troops apprehended 104 terrorists, including 26 suspected oil criminals.

He said the troops rescued 86 kidnap victims in the south-south, while 208 weapons and 5,332 ammunition with 95 AK47 rifles were recovered.

He added that one assault rifle, 39 locally fabricated guns, 34 dane guns, and 14 pump action guns were also recovered during the raids.

In the north-east, Buba said troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed seven terrorists and arrested four others.

He said 20 AK47 rifles, two fabricated guns, 12 dane guns, and 353 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo were recovered.

Buba said 224 ISWAP/JAS fighters and their families comprising 23 adult males, 126  female adults and 87 children surrendered to troops in the Bama and Konduga areas of Borno within the week.

He said the raid in the north-central conducted by troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 35 insurgents, led to the  arrest of 65 violent extremists and  rescue of 15 kidnap victims were.

In the north-central, he said troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 57 insurgents and arrested five terrorists.

He said 66 kidnapped persons were reacued from their abductors during the week.

In the south-south, Buba said the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 18 illegal refining sites and recovered 657,300 litres of stolen crude oil.

“During the operation, the troops destroyed nine dugout pits, 19 boats and 21 storage tanks, 35 cooking ovens, nine vehicles, nine mobile phones, and three pump machines,” NAN quoted Buba as saying.

The director of defence media said troops rescued three kidnapped persons and apprehended 50 people suspected of oil thieves.

He said 20 weapons and 243 ammunition, among other items were discovered.

In the south-east, troops of Operation UDO KA killed six insurgents and arrested others.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authorities for further action,” he added.