The Defence Headquarters have said troops in various theatres of operations across the country cracked down on the nefarious activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the last two weeks.
Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami said over 77 terrorists were killed while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to the military between January 26 and February 9.
He said, “Cumulatively, within the period under review, troops in the North East region recovered 2 GPMG, 1 AK47, 13 Dane guns, 3 AK47 Magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade, 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 jack knives, 11 bicycles, 1 vehicle,1 motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260 as well as a vehicle loaded with food items and other sundry items.
“Troops equally neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists and 9 Boko terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 59 civilians while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females, and 195 children surrendered to troops at different locations of the North East theatre of operation. ”
In the North Central, Danmadami said the troops neutralized five terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and one gunrunner, and also recovered 36 cows, 10 motorcycles, three mobile phones, two knives, and eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition.
He stated that in the North West region, troops neutralised 16 terrorists and arrested 7 suspected terrorists, adding that a total of 12 AK47 rifles, 16 locally made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 AK 47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, 1 vehicle, 3 MTN sim cards, one NIN card, and one driver’s license were recovered.
In South East, he said troops and Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist terrorists engaged in a gun duel at Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, adding that troops recovered one AK47 rifle, and destroyed their shrines including posters with the inscription of ‘No ELECTION’.
Danmadami noted that all recovered items, apprehended criminals and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while captured terrorists and surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province and members of their families are being profiled for further action.
He also said troops with the Defence Intelligence Agency team raided Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and arrested a suspected gun runner. A mobile phone and a Benue State Livestock Guard ID card were recovered from the suspect.
