Over 100 terrorists have been killed in airstrikes carried out by the Nigerian Armed Forces along the border between Niger and Zamfara states.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Edward Buba, made this known in a statement on Thursday while giving an update on the military operations during the past week, highlighting the success of the airstrikes in eliminating terrorists.
He also shared photos showing the damage caused by the NAF airstrikes.
According to Buba, the military operation focused on targeting the residence of a commander affiliated with the Islamic State West Africa Province.
During the operation, several arrests were made, and valuable discoveries were revealed. In addition to the interdictions in Niger and Zamfara, the military conducted various operations across the country, resulting in the neutralization of 73 terrorists and the arrest of 182 others.
The military’s efforts were not limited to counter-terrorism operations. They also successfully apprehended 14 suspected oil thieves and rescued 68 hostages in the South South region. These actions prevented illegal oil business worth an estimated N1.212 billion.
Additionally, the troops recovered a significant amount of weapons and ammunition, including rifles, pistols, grenades, and bombs.
In the North East, Operation HADIN KAI resulted in the neutralization of 39 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, the arrest of 22 individuals, and the rescue of 18 hostages.
Similarly, in the North Central, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke led to the neutralization of 12 terrorists, the arrest of 109 suspects, and the rescue of 22 kidnapped victims.
The troops of Operation Hadarin Daji and Operation Whirl Punch in the North West also made significant progress by neutralizing terrorists, arresting individuals, and rescuing hostages.
Buba also explained that in the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation Delta Safe uncovered and destroyed 63 illegal refining sites, recovering stolen products such as crude oil, AGO, and DPK in the Niger Delta region.
“Troops discovered and destroyed 15 dugout pits, 45 boats, 87 storage tanks, 13 vehicles, 127 cooking ovens, one pumping machine, four outboard engine and 63 illegal refining sites.
“Troops recovered 962,500 litres of stolen crude oil; 35,420 litres of illegally refined AGO and 38,450 litres of DPK.
“Troops also neutralised one criminal, apprehended 14 suspected oil thieves and recovered one locally made double barrel, one Barretta pistol loaded with cartridges, one locally made pistol, five rounds of 9mm ammo, three live cartridges, and two mobile amongst others,” he stated.
They also apprehended oil thieves and seized weapons and ammunition. In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized three terrorists, arrested nine suspected criminals, and rescued three hostages.
Various weapons, including locally made pistols and ammunition, were recovered during these operations.
All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.
The Defense Media Operations assures the public that the military will continue its efforts to maintain peace and security across the country.
