Soldiers kill 188 terrorists and arrest 330

During operations carried out last week in the country’s northern regions, no fewer than 188 terrorists were slain and 330 were taken into custody.

Moreover, during the review period, troops stationed throughout the nation managed to free 133 hostages.

This was revealed in a statement released on Friday by Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations.

He said that the forces were in a strong position to win the current war against terrorism because of their recent accomplishments.

The statement read, “The armed forces are working decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens. Accordingly, we are making the terrorists pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.

“The troops will continue to operate with tremendous force against terrorists across the country. During the week under review, the troops neutralised 188, arrested 330 persons, and rescued 133 kidnapped hostages.

‘’The military is in a good and strong position in the war against terrorists with many terrorist leaders killed. We will continue to provide security for citizens with the tools at our disposal.”

Buba reported that 36 individuals had been apprehended as part of the continuing operations against oil theft in the nation, and N637 million worth of stolen crude oil had been found.

“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N637,710,310.00 only. Troops also arrested 36 perpetrators of oil theft.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered included 28 cooking ovens and 21 illegal refining sites. They also recovered 672,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,530 litres of illegally refined AGO,” he stated.

He did, however, report that the soldiers found 270 weapons and 5,083 rounds of ammunition, breaking them down into 24 automatic pump action guns, 24 AK-47 rifles, 47 locally made guns, 47 Dane guns, 8 locally made pistols, 2 locally made single barrel guns, a double barrel gun, a hand grenade, and an IED.

“Others are 2,129 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,686 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 116 rounds of 9mm ammo, 133 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ball ammo, 151 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 619 live cartridges, 34 magazines, eight HH radios, eight vehicles, 40 motorcycles, six bicycles, 50 mobile phones and N610,210.00 among other items,” Buba added.

Remember that in the first quarter of 2024, the forces recovered stolen crude oil valued at N20 billion, detained 2,308 people, freed 1,241 hostages who had been kidnapped, and killed 2,351 terrorists between January and March.