The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, alongside other security agencies, have killed 27 terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 44 hostages within the last week.
The newly appointed Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Markus Kangye, revealed this in a press release detailing military operations against insurgency across the country.
He indicated that this success occurred between January 30 and February 7, 2025.
Kangye said that during this period, the troops carried out a range of offensive operations, including raids, ambushes, and fighting patrols.
He said: “They neutralised several terrorists, apprehended their collaborators, rescued kidnapped victims, and received surrendered terrorists. Additionally, gunrunners, oil theft collaborators, and other violent extremists were apprehended.
“In the South-south region, the troops foiled an oil theft operation valued at N292,644,100.00.
“The recovered items included 253,330 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 5,100 litres of PMS.
“Furthermore, troops destroyed 220 crude oil cooking ovens, 23 dugout pits, 2 boats, 17 storage tanks, 7 drums, and 24 illegal refining sites.
“Other recovered items included one pumping machine, 3 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, and 2 vehicles.
“The operation also led to the seizure of 61 weapons and 1,584 rounds of ammunition, including 26 AK-47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, 9 dane guns, 8 pump-action guns, and 920 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammunition, among others.”
According to him, in the North-west, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 13 violent extremists and criminals, recovering 2 locally made revolver pistols, one pistol with 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, 46 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 2 mobile phones, and N725,400.
He said: “Meanwhile, troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East neutralized 18 terrorists, arrested 11, and rescued 31 kidnapped hostages. They recovered 9 AK-47 rifles, 8 Dane guns, 1 RPG propeller, 4 wooden miniature guns, 2 prototype guns intended for training children, 4 RPG bombs, and 920 rounds of 12.7x108mm belted ammo.
“Additionally, 6 terrorist flags, 1 baofeng HH radio, 3 mobile phones, 9 bicycles, and 3 IED/IED-making materials were also seized. The sum of N49,600 was recovered.
“In the North-west, Operation Fansan Yamma troops neutralised 8 terrorists, arrested 6, and rescued 55 hostages. Recovered items included 5 AK47 rifles, 53 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 7 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, and N290,000.
“Additionally, troops of Operation Udo Ka arrested 5 IPOB/ESN terrorists and rescued 4 hostages.
“They recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 8 pump-action guns, 4 locally made pistols, 1 dane gun, 101 cartridges, 6 empty AK47 magazines, 1 baofeng radio, 2 motorcycles, and IED-making materials, with several IEDs being detonated.”
The director assured that the Armed Forces of Nigeria would continue their constitutional duties of safeguarding is the lives and properties of Nigerians, adhering to global best practices.
