Army eliminates 358 terrorists, nabs 431 – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters has reported that troops eliminated at least 358 terrorists, arrested 431 suspects, and rescued 249 kidnapped hostages during operations conducted between January 1 and 31.

In a statement on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, confirmed that the military has maintained its momentum in counter-terrorism efforts across the country.

During these operations, troops recovered 370 weapons and 4,972 rounds of ammunition, including 105 AK-47 rifles, 25 locally fabricated guns, 32 Dane guns, 23 pump-action guns, and various other arms and ammunition.

Regional Breakdown of Military Operations

• North-East (Operation Hadin Kai):
  Troops killed 193 terrorists, arrested 89 suspects, and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, 95 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families surrendered.
• North-Central (Operations Safe Haven & Whirl Stroke):
  Security forces neutralized 22 extremists, detained 149 suspects, and freed 73 hostages, seizing a large cache of arms.
• North-West (Operation Fasan Yamma):
  Troops eliminated 102 terrorists, arrested 134 individuals, and rescued 100 hostages while recovering significant arms and ammunition.
• South-South (Operation Delta Safe):
  The military arrested 59 individuals involved in oil theft, preventing losses estimated at over ₦2 billion. Recovered items included 2.7 million liters of stolen crude oil and various refined petroleum products.
• South-East (Operation UDO KA):
  Troops killed 41 terrorists, arrested 57 suspects, and rescued 37 kidnapped hostages.

Maj.-Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to ensuring national security, stating, “Troops remain focused on creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens is assured.”