The Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced significant achievements in the fight against terrorism, revealing that troops across various operational theatres in the country eliminated 974 terrorists, while 1,157 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists willingly surrendered to the military in February.

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these figures during a briefing on the military’s activities. He emphasized the success in rescuing 466 hostages from terrorists’ captivity during the same period.

The DHQ disclosed the recovery of 8.9 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.06 million litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, 18,950 litres of dual-purpose kerosene, and 45,950 litres of Premium Motor Spirits. Additionally, 1,573 assorted weapons and 23,345 arms and ammunition were recovered within the month.

The detailed breakdown of the recovered weapons includes 640 AK-47 rifles, 248 locally-fabricated guns, 93 pump-action guns, 168 Dane guns, 15,120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6,102 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 512 rounds of 9mm, and 2,132 live cartridges.

In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 242 terrorists, arrested 57 suspected terrorists, and rescued 42 hostages. The month also saw 1,157 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families surrendering to the troops.

In the North-Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven eliminated 31 terrorists, apprehended 187 suspects, and rescued 19 hostages. Operation Whirl Stroke recorded the elimination of 100 terrorists, 67 suspects apprehended, and 53 hostages rescued.

In the North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 345 terrorists, arrested 80 suspects, and rescued 289 hostages. Operation Whirl Punch achieved 150 neutralizations, 161 suspect apprehensions, and the rescue of 44 hostages, along with the recovery of a substantial cache of arms and ammunition.

In the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe apprehended 359 suspected oil thieves, impounded millions of litres of crude oil and petroleum products, and recovered 79 assorted weapons. The operation also destroyed numerous wooden boats, 3,859 rounds of ammunition, and 246 illegal refining sites.

In the South-East, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 106 terrorists, apprehended 69 suspects, and rescued 19 hostages, demonstrating the military’s continued commitment to addressing security challenges across the nation.