The Defence Headquarters has officially announced the successful elimination of four notorious terrorist commanders in recent air strikes.
The commanders identified are Machika, Haro, Dan Muhammadu, and Ali Alhaji Alheri, known as Kachalla Ali Kawaje.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, provided details in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.
He disclosed that Machika was a prominent bomb expert, Haro and Dan Muhammadu specialized in kidnapping and assault operations, respectively.
A renowned terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of students from Federal University Gusau, Zamfara, Kachalla Ali Kawaje, was neutralized in a synchronized strike on December 11 in the Munya Local Government Area of Niger.
Buba emphasized the military’s commitment to pursuing other terrorist leaders, stating, “The military will continue to take the fight to the terrorists and their cohorts until they are destroyed or surrendered.”
In a separate operation in the South East, Buba reported the arrest of a prominent commander of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network.
The apprehended commander, Uchechukwu Akpa, was captured along with three sub-commanders—Udoka Anthony Ude, Ikechukwu Ulanta, and Ezennaya Udeigewere—during a raid in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu State.
During the operation, the troops recovered weapons, including one AK 47 rifle, two AK 47 magazines, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO special ammunition, and one pump-action rifle.
The arrested individuals were reportedly planning to take over the leadership of IPOB/ESN Auto Pilot Command, Enugu State Chapter, and had intentions to attack troop locations.
The week’s operations also resulted in the arrest of 66 individuals involved in oil theft, along with the rescue of 89 kidnapped hostages in various locations.
In the Niger Delta region, the troops destroyed illegal refining sites and confiscated stolen crude oil and refined products.
Buba affirmed the military’s determination to maintain pressure on criminal elements, ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
