Troops neutralise dozens of terrorists, nab 62 suspects, rescue 30 victims — DHQ

Troops neutralise dozens of terrorists, nab 62 suspects, rescue 30 victims — DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces have neutralised dozens of insurgents, apprehended 62 suspects and rescued 30 kidnapped victims within the past two weeks across theatres.

The Director of  Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, said this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on ongoing military operations across all theatres.

Kangye said the troops had sustained tempo of operation against terrorists, bandits and other criminal elements across the country.

In the North East, he said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI recorded major successes between Oct. 8 and 16 through coordinated land and air offensives in Borno, Adamawa and Yobe States.

“During the encounters, several terrorists were neutralised, 16 collaborators and informants arrested, and seven kidnapped victims rescued.

“Troops also recovered assorted arms and ammunition, vehicles, fuel, and ₦5.14 million cash, while terrorists’ hideouts were destroyed,” he said.

In the North West, Kangye said the troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI killed several bandits, apprehended 14 suspects, and rescued six kidnapped victims.

He added that troops also apprehended a suspected gunrunner and two members of a drug cartel in Kaduna and Zamfara States, recovering 1,307 rounds of ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, cannabis, and ₦227,000 cash.

In the North Central zone, Kangye said the troops of Operations Enduring Peace and Whirl Stroke foiled terror attacks and intensified patrols in Plateau, Kaduna, Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States.

“Troops arrested 11 suspects and recovered weapons and motorcycles, while four others earlier apprehended were convicted and sentenced to one-year imprisonment each for conspiracy and theft,” he said.

Kangye added that troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised several armed criminals, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued 17 kidnapped victims during offensive patrols in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and Kogi States.

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“In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested a notorious IPOB/ESN commander identified as Gentle and eight of his associates in Imo and Ebonyi States.

“Troops also apprehended a female logistics supplier in Abia and three minors linked to a wanted IPOB leader, Maduabuchi Uwankwo, alias Emergency.

“Recovered items include arms, ammunition and vehicles, while investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Kangye commended the troops for their professionalism and courage, assuring that the Armed Forces remain committed to eliminating terrorism, banditry and other security threats across the country.