Troops Kill 481 Terrorists, Rescue 492 Hostages in October

Defence Headquarters Reports 481 Terrorist Killings, 492 Hostage Rescues

“Also, troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 30 terrorists, arrested 111...”

Nigerian troops eliminated 481 terrorists and rescued 492 hostages in October. Get the latest updates on the military's counter-terrorism operations.

According to the Defence Headquarters, Nigerian troops conducted successful operations across the country in October. The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, shared the achievements during a briefing in Abuja.

The military's accomplishments included neutralizing 481 terrorists, apprehending 741 suspects, and rescuing 492 kidnapping victims. Additionally, troops seized 480 weapons and 9,026 rounds of ammunition, including AK47 rifles, locally fabricated guns, dane guns, and pump action guns.

Major General Buba also reported the recovery of various ammunition, including 5,683 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,944 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 642 cartridges, 160 assorted arms, and 1,526 assorted ammunitions.

“Our strategy remains to undermine the ability of these terror groups and their cohorts,” he said.

“Troops conducted simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts across the country.

“The Air Force carried out bombardments and air interdiction on these terrorist hideouts and enclaves with precision, thereby diminishing the fighting capabilities of these terrorists.

“On the whole, even as the armed forces mourn the tragic passing away of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. T.A. Lagbaja, we will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists.

“We are rather inspired by his actions on the battlefield as a war commander as well as his strong desire to defeat the terrorist to end the war.”

In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai saw significant success as troops launched synchronized offensives, combining air force and ground forces to strike and dislodge terrorists from their hideouts and strongholds. This pressure resulted in 198 terrorists killed, 166 suspects arrested, and 156 hostages rescued. Notably, 257 BH/ISWAP terrorists, along with their families, surrendered to the troops, who also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition.

In the North-Central, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke achieved impressive results, neutralizing 50 violent extremists, apprehending 202 suspects, and rescuing 165 hostages during the month. These operations demonstrate the military's commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring security across Nigeria.

Military Operations Highlights:

North-East:

   

 198 terrorists killed

 166 suspects arrested

 156 hostages rescued

 257 BH/ISWAP terrorists surrendered

North-Central:

    

50 violent extremists neutralized

202 suspects apprehended

165 hostages rescued.

“Additionally, troops recovered 121 AK47 rifles, 32 fabricated guns, 53 assorted arms, 2,134 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1,015 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 75 assorted ammunition,” he stated.

“Also, troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralised 30 terrorists, arrested 111 suspects and rescued 52 kidnapped hostages. They recovered nine AK47 rifles, 16 assorted arms, 160 rounds of 7.62mm special, 43 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 36 assorted ammunition.”

In the North-West region, Operation Hadarin Daji troops maintained their focus on establishing a secure environment conducive to agricultural activities and socio-economic growth. Their mission was clear: to create stability and safeguard the community.

Through a series of ground and air operations, the troops successfully dismantled terrorist hideouts and enclaves, dealing a significant blow to their operations. The outcome was impressive, with 163 terrorists neutralized, 82 suspects apprehended, and 80 kidnapped hostages rescued.

The success of Operation Hadarin Daji demonstrates the military's commitment to combating terrorism and ensuring security across Nigeria. By targeting terrorist strongholds and disrupting their activities, the troops are paving the way for economic growth and stability in the region.