The Defence Headquarters has disclosed that soldiers have killed scores of terrorists across the country in the renewed quest to stamp out terrorism.
Those killed include some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, responsible for some killings and arson in the southeast, and boko haram fighters operating in the country’s North east.
According to a statement by Defence spokesperson, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, close to 60 terrorists have been neutralized in the past few days by troops who also freed over 80 kidnapped victims during various operations.
The defence spokesman also stated that the troops arrested 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thieves within the period.
Giving the breakdown, Buba said troops killed 13 terrorists and arrested nine others while a total of 764 terrorists comprising two adult males, 336 adult females and 426 children surrendered at different frontlines in the North East zone.
In the North Central Zone, the Defence spokesperson said troops arrested 17 suspects and rescued one hostage.
Buba said: “Between 22 and 23 July 2023, troops arrested a suspected bandit identified as Terhemen Aduwe a.k.a. Kulu at Sankera Village, along Gbagir Road in Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
“In another operation, troops arrested three suspected bandits at Ukulo Village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State.
“On 22 July, 2023, troops conducted fighting patrol to suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Nasarawa Eggon in Nasarawa Eggon Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and arrested five suspects.”
He said troops of Operation Whirl Punch on operations in the North West zone neutralised 13 terrorists, arrested three terrorist collaborators and rescued 75 kidnapped civilians.
On troops operations in the South-South zone, Buba said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 498,650 litres of crude oil, 168,145 litres of automotive gas oil, and 4,400 litres of dual purpose Kerosene.
“Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speedboats and 5 outboard engines.
“Meanwhile, a total of 41 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period,” he said.
The Defence spokesperson also said that troops killed three Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) fighters and apprehended 23 suspects during raid operations in the South East.
“In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one AKMS rifle, 4 pump action guns, 2 Dane guns, one locally made pistol, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 86 live cartridges and one locally made hand grenade,” Buba said.
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