The Defence Headquarters on Thursday disclosed that no fewer than 848 kidnapped Nigerians were rescued by troops during various operations in the last three weeks.
During a briefing in Abuja, the Director, Defence Media Operations, General Benard Onyeuko, also said troops killed a prominent Islamic State of West Africa Province Commander, Abubakar Dan-Buduma, adding that terrorist informants and logistics suppliers were also arrested in different theatres of operations between April 7 and 28.
He said, “Troops neutralised 23 terrorists, rescued 619 civilians, and arrested 19 terrorists. Troops responded to a distress call of a terrorist attack at Wanzamai in Tsafe Local Government Area of Zamfara State and mobilised to the village and engaged the terrorists, where scores of the terrorists were killed. In the course of the operation, troops rescued 32 women and 18 children.
“Also, within the period under review, troops recovered 592 rustled cattle. Troops also rescued 179 civilians, neutralised 62, and apprehended 100 terrorists.
“The land component of Operation Hadin Kai, with support of the air components, conducted an offensive operation in Arina Woje in Marte Local Government Area of Borno State and neutralised a prominent ISWAP Commander, Abubakar Dan-Buduma, and scores of terrorists.
“Also, a notorious informant and logistic supplier to the Islamic State of West Africa, Abba Sidi Lawan, was arrested at Auno town in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno state.
“Similarly, troops arrested Abdurrazaq Hudu, a logistics supplier of Islamic State of West Africa Province at Mutum Biyu village in Gassol Local Government Area of Taraba state.”
Onyeuko also said 1,158 terrorists and their families comprising 164 men, 367 women, and 627 children, surrendered to troops in the last three weeks.
He said all recovered items, rescued and apprehended terrorists were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
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