Troops successfully killed 715 terrorists and rescued 465 kidnapped hostages in April, according to Nigerian Defence Headquarters.
Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operation, said during a media briefing in Abuja that the achievement was made possible through coordinated ground and air operations.
Buba emphasized the importance of completely defeating terrorist groups to protect citizens from harm.
He mentioned that operations in April involved ambushes, raids, and fighting patrols, with aerial assets locating and attacking terrorist leaders and their bases.
“The synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces during the period under review resulted in over 715 terrorists neutralised,” he said.
“During the process, troops arrested 146 persons and rescued 465 kidnapped hostages.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 937 assorted weapons, 23,034 assorted ammunition, and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N2 billion (N2,572,397,190),” he added.
He detailed the troops’ activities and the achievements they accomplished In the fourth month of the year.
“On April 13, 2024, during the airstrikes, three senior terrorist commanders (Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari) were neutralised at Kolleram Village along Lake Chad.
“Additionally, on April 15, 2024, the enclave of terrorist commander, Babaru, in Kankara LGA of Katsina State was destroyed. On April 19, 2024, the terrorist hideout belonging to a senior terrorist commander, Kamilu Buzaru, in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was decimated.
“Similarly, on April 20, 2024, a gathering of senior terrorist commanders, Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was disrupted by airstrikes. Battle Damage Assessment of all these strikes revealed that several terrorist combatants and their commanders were neutralised,” he added.
In the North-East, the military spokesperson announced that Operation Hadin Kai troops carried out missions in the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and the Tumbus around Lake Chad. As a result, 248 terrorists were eliminated, 422 were arrested, and 163 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
Furthermore, 714 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, along with their families, surrendered. The troops recovered 208 AK-47 rifles, 34 homemade guns, 45 Dane guns, and various ammunition caches.
In the North-Central region, Operation Safe Haven took down 32 terrorists, arrested 148 individuals, and rescued 35 kidnap victims. They also confiscated weapons and ammunition.
Maj-General Buba reported that Operation Whirl Stroke aimed to target criminal strongholds. The operation resulted in the killing of 60 terrorists, the arrest of 99 individuals, and the rescue of 57 hostages. Additionally, arms and ammunition were recovered during the operation.
In the North-East, Operation Hadarin Daji continued its efforts against terrorists. The operation led to the killing of 297 terrorists, the apprehension of 141 individuals, and the rescue of 143 hostages. Significant weapon and ammunition recoveries were also made during the operation.
In the South-South region, Operation Delta Safe focused on combating violent extremists, crude oil theft, and illegal refining activities. This operation resulted in various killings, arrests, and significant recoveries. Operation UDO KA in the South-East also achieved success during this time.
