Troops arrest ‘terrorist kingpin’, rescue 157 kidnap victims in one week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested Usman Maisaje, a “notorious terrorist commander”, and rescued 157 hostages across the country in one week.

In a statement on Thursday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said Maisaje is an associate of Kachalla Boka, a high-profile terrorist leader still at large.

He added that Maisaje is cooperating with authorities and providing intelligence.

Buba said troops also killed 97 terrorists, including five IPOB/ESN militants, arrested 227 individuals, and apprehended 45 suspects involved in oil theft.

According to him, troops recovered 71 assorted weapons and 1,463 rounds of ammunition, including 50 AK47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, five Dane guns, five pump-action shotguns, five locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, and 16 AK47 magazines.

“Other items recovered include: 784 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 164 rounds of 7.62x39mm ammunition, 53 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 67 live cartridges, a baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones, and the sum of N4,087,630.00 and 46,000 cfa only, among other items,” he said.

Buba further reported that troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 54 terrorists, arrested 71 suspects, rescued 39 kidnapped hostages, and recovered a cache of arms in the north-east.

He added that between October 7 and 13, 27 BH/ISWAP terrorists, including one adult male, six females, and 14 children, surrendered to the troops in Bama, Gwoza, Mobbar, and Damboa LGAs of Borno state.

Additionally, 47 terrorists, including six adult males, 11 adult females, and 30 children, surrendered to the troops between October 9 and 11 within the theatre of operations.

The air component of Operation Hadin Kai also carried out air-strikes on suspected ISWAP/JAS enclaves in southern Tumbun, Borno, killing several terrorists and destroying their logistics.

Buba said troops of Operation Safe Haven killed five violent extremists, arrested 36 others, and rescued 46 kidnapped hostages in the north-central region.

According to him, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji killed 25 terrorists, arrested 29 others, rescued 32 kidnapped hostages, and recovered additional arms in the north-west.

Buba added that troops of Operation Whirl Punch killed three terrorists, arrested 28 suspects, and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages in the north-west.

In the south-south, troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO.

The troops also discovered and destroyed four dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums, and 38 storage tanks.

“Other items recovered include 55 cooking ovens, two speedboats, one tricycle, six mobile phones, six vehicles, and 60 illegal refining sites,” Buba added.

“The troops also apprehended 45 suspects involved in oil theft and other violent activities, recovering three weapons and eight rounds of ammunition.”

Buba also said that troops of Operation Udo Ka conducted search and rescue operations, arrested violent extremists and IPOB/ESN militants, and rescued kidnapped hostages in the south-east region.

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