*Defence Headquarters say no fewer than 1,937 terrorists were killed in third quarter of 2024
*That no fewer than 2,782 suspects were also arrested during the period under review
*Reveals that ammunition comprising 688 AK 47 rifles, 32,945 bullets were recovered
*While 1,854 kidnapped hostages in different operations were rescued
By Augustine Aminu with agency report
The Defence Headquarters has said troops eliminated 1,937 terrorists, apprehended 2,782 others and rescued 1,854 kidnapped hostages in different operations during the third quarter.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing journalists on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday in Abuja.
Mr Buba said the military also recovered 1,304 weapons, 43,347 ammunitions co*While mprising 688 AK47 rifles, 32,945 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 9,677 rounds of 7.62mm NATO among others during the quarter.
He said that several terrorist kingpins, commanders and combatants were also killed in several offensive operations across the theatres of operations.
Those killed according to him, included Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Matawal Bitrus, Thomas Benedict, Mohammed Sani, Rimamy (aka Omo), Terkimbi Injoko and Jacob Uzege, Ibn Kasir.
Others were Kachalla Dan Baleri, Kachallah Halilu (Buzu), Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Basiru Zakarriya and Emmanuel Igwe among several others.
In the North-East, Mr Buba said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised a total of 792 terrorists, apprehended 606 suspects and rescued 476 kidnap victims. .
He added that troops also recorded a total of 7,283 surrender of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorist combatants and their families as well as recovery of several cache of arms and ammunition.
According to him, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdictions to several terrorists’ enclaves which included Mandara Mountain, Maradun, Southern Tumbun Fulani among others.
He said. “The air interdictions conducted killed several terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants as well as destroyed their logistics dumps. Troops diminished the terrorist military capabilities by recovering 339 AK47 rifles, 58 fabricated rifles 9,653 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3,147 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, among others.’’
In the North-Central, Mr Buba said that the troops of Operation Safe Haven killed 122 violent extremists, nabbed 513 suspects and rescued 305 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops eliminated 109 terrorists, apprehended 203 suspects and rescued 210 kidnapped hostages.
In the North-West, Mr Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, killed 598 terrorists, apprehended 325 suspects and rescued 523 kidnap victims during the period.
He added that the troops recovered 162 AK47 rifles, 72 fabricated guns, 39 assorted arms, 4,984 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2,491 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 1,852 assorted ammunition.
Under Operation Whirl Punch, Mr Buba said the troops neutralised 217 terrorists, nabbed 448 suspects and rescued 217 kidnap hostages as well as recovered a cache of arms.
According to him, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air strikes on several terrorist enclaves at Mariga, Kabago, Alawa Forest, Kwaki forest, East Getamiya, Katarma, Chikun, Kuduru and Giwa among others in Niger and Kaduna states.
“Furthermore, troops intercepted and apprehended suspected gunrunner kingpins namely: Musa Abdullahi, Mallam Hassan Iliyasu and Hashimu Ahmad among others,” he added.
Mr Buba said that the military succeeded in weakening the fighting capabilities of the terrorists across the theatres of operation.