The Defense Department’s Headquarters said troops in various theaters of operations across the country have cracked down on the nefarious activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the last two weeks.
Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Defense Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, said over 77 terrorists were killed while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to the military between January 26 and February 9.
He said, “Cumulatively, within the period under review, troops in the North East region recovered 2 GPMG, 1 AK47, 13 Dane guns, 3 AK47 magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36-hand grenade, 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x 51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2 jack knives, 11 bicycles, 1 vehicle, 1 motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260, as well as a vehicle loaded with food and other items, he said, as well as a
“Troops equally neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists, and seized nine Boko Haram terrorist logistics suppliers.”
Troops also rescued 59 civilians, while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females, and 195 children, surrendered to troops at different locations in the North East theater of operation.
In the North Central, Danmadami said the troops neutralized five terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and one gunrunner, and also recovered 36 cows, 10 motorcycles, three mobile phones, two knives, and eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition.
He stated that in the North West region, troops neutralized 16 terrorists and arrested 7 suspected terrorists, adding that a total of 12 AK-47 rifles, 16 locally made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition, 27 AK-47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, 1 vehicle, 3 MTN sim cards, one NIN card, and one driver’s license were recovered.
In the south-east, he said troops and Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorists engaged in a gun duel at Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, adding that troops recovered one AK-47 rifle and destroyed their shrines, including posters with the inscription “No Election.”
Danmadami noted that all recovered items, apprehended criminals, and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, while captured terrorists, surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province members, and members of their families are being profiled for further action.
He also said troops with the Defense Intelligence Agency team raided Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and arrested a suspected gun runner.
A mobile phone and a Benue State Livestock Guard ID card were recovered from the suspect.
