DHQ: Troops killed 106 terrorists, rescued 103 abductees in one week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops killed 106 terrorists and rescued 103 abducted persons across the country in one week.

The DHQ said 104 suspects were apprehended during various operations in the country.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, gave the update on Thursday in Abuja.

He said troops of Operation Hadin Kai achieved significant successes, resulting in the surrender of 1,760 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families in Borno state.

In the north-central, Buba said troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralised 12 insurgents, arrested 39 extremists, and rescued 39 hostages.

He said the troops also recovered 21 AK-47 rifles, 14 fabricated pistols, 15 Dane guns, 285 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 200 rounds of 7.62mm NATO.

Buba said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji eliminated 22 terrorists, captured 23 others and freed 32 hostages in the north-west.

The troops of Operation Whirl Punch killed eight terrorists, detained 20 suspects, and liberated 12 kidnapped hostages, adding that arms and N2.9 million were recovered.

He said the troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed several illegal refining sites and reclaimed stolen products in the Niger Delta.

The defence spokesperson said 802,200 litres of stolen crude oil, 121,900 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 450 litres of DPK were also reclaimed.

Buba said the troops destroyed 20 dugout pits, 24 boats, and 34 storage tanks, and also recovered 56 cooking ovens, two speedboats, 14 pumping machines, 18 drums, and 22 vehicles and motorcycles.

He said 36 illegal refining sites were demolished and 32 suspected oil thieves and violent extremists were arrested in the region.

In the south-east, Buba said troops of Operation Udoka killed three terrorists, arrested 22 extremists, and rescued four abducted victims.

“Troops recovered one pump action gun, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 23 cartridges, one baofeng radio, six mobile phones amongst others,” Buba added.

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