Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops deployed for internal operations in the North East, North West and North Central rescued 56 kidnapped civilians, arrested 100 terrorists/ informants and killed 51 terrorists in two weeks.
The director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami who confirmed this during the biweekly update on the Armed Forces of Nigeria operations between 19 May to 1st June ,2023 in Abuja said 876 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families comprising of 89 adult males, 249 adult females and 538 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations.
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In the North East, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 26 Boko Haram terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, including one suicide bomber and arrested 22 terrorist logistics suppliers, two terrorist spy/informants.
He added that the troops also captured one Boko Haram terrorist fighter and apprehended three armed robbers and 52 other suspected criminals.
The director said the troops also rescued 16 abducted civilians while 876 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families of 89 adult males, 249 adult females and 538 children surrendered to troops.
The troops recovered seven AK47 rifles, three training rifles, one AK56 rifle, two K2 assault rifles, one MC rifle, one pump action gun, two double barrel gun, two locally made pistols, 12 dane guns, one locally made grenade, 12 AK47 magazines, 100 rounds of 7.56mm ammo, 5 rounds of 12.7mm NATO, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special, 31 rounds of 7.62mm refilled, 25 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and large quantities of Improvised Explosive Device making materials.
“Troops also neutralised 26 Boko Haram terrorist/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists, including one suicide bomber, arrested 22 terrorist logistics supplier, two terrorist spy/informants, and captured one Boko Haram terrorist fighter as well as apprehended three armed robbers and 52 suspected criminals. Troops equally rescued 16 abducted civilians while a total of 876 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of the families of 89 adult males, 249 adult females and 538 children surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operations,” he said.
He said the Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI conducted an air interdiction at a location 4 kilometres South of Tumbun Fulani, a relatively new terrorists’ hideout on the western outskirts of the Lake Chad Basin.
He said, “Recent ISR of the area observed two motorcycles and terrorists’ activities within the location. On arrival, the crew engaged the target with rockets and cannons resulting in neutralisation of several terrorists and destruction of their logistics.”
In the North West, he said troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralised 25 terrorists, arrested 41 suspected criminals and rescued 36 kidnapped civilians.
The troops also recovered 16 AK47 rifles, one AA gun mounted, four locally made guns, six locally made pistols, 11 dane guns, 174 rounds of 7.62mm special, eight live cartridges, eight AK47 magazines, one AK47 magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, one drum magazine and 39 support rounds.
In the North Central, he said troops neutralised seven bandits, apprehended 35 suspected criminals while 14 kidnapped civilians were rescued.
The troops recovered four AK47 rifles, two dane guns, one pump action gun, two locally made guns, 95 rounds of 7.62mm special, 39 cartridges and five AK47 magazines.
He said all recovered items, arrested suspected criminals and rescued kidnapped civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action, while the surrendered Boko Haram /Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families, were profiled and documented for further action.