The Defence Headquarters has reported that, in May 2024, troops neutralized at least 640 terrorists, apprehended 1,051 suspects, and rescued 563 kidnapped hostages.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja.
Maj.-Gen. Buba highlighted that the sustained pressure from the troops has weakened the terrorists, including some senior commanders and fighters.
The troops also arrested several suspects, including their logistic suppliers and informants, and recovered 707 assorted weapons and 16,487 rounds of ammunition.
The weapons included 411 AK47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns, and 43 pump action guns.
“In the North East, Operation Hadin Kai achieved significant successes, including the neutralization of Malam Mohammed, an IED cell leader in Sambisa Forest.”Â
Troops rescued 386 hostages, some of whom had been in captivity for over 10 years, and handed them over to the Borno State Government.
“Over the month, the troops neutralized 306 terrorists, arrested 199 suspects, and rescued 219 additional hostages.
“Additionally, 1,099 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and their families surrendered, and the troops recovered 200 AK47 rifles and 53 fabricated rifles.”
In the North Central region, Operation Safe Haven troops killed 39 terrorists, apprehended 140 suspects, and rescued 77 hostages.
They also recovered nine AK47 rifles. Meanwhile, Operation Whirl Stroke led to the neutralization of 41 terrorists, the arrest of 184 suspects, and the rescue of 48 hostages, along with the recovery of 18 AK47 rifles, 27 assorted arms, and 2,237 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition.
“In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji prompted clashes among rival terrorist groups, leading to the death of notorious commander Usman Modi Modi. Overall, the troops killed 262 terrorists, arrested 204 suspects, and rescued 243 hostages.”
The air component of this operation conducted significant strikes on terrorist camps in Zamfara State and Rugu Forest in Katsina State, targeting leaders like Jammo Smally and Kachalla Halilu.
Operation Whirl Punch troops neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 150 suspects, and rescued 80 hostages, recovering 23 AK47 rifles. Air strikes destroyed terrorist camps and enclaves in Kaduna and Niger States.
“In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe troops prevented the theft of 4.12 million liters of crude oil, 793,796 liters of diesel, and 4,480 liters of petrol.”
They recovered 73 assorted weapons, destroyed 129 wooden boats, 686 rounds of ammunition, and 223 illegal refining sites, neutralized five extremists, and arrested 81 suspected oil thieves. The air component also targeted illegal refining sites in Rivers State.
“In the South East, Operation UDO KA has disrupted terrorist activities and restored peace. In May, troops neutralized 69 terrorists, arrested 115 suspects, rescued 32 hostages, and recovered eight AK47 rifles and 13 pump action guns.”
Maj.-Gen. Buba concluded that these operations have significantly weakened the terrorists’ capabilities, preventing them from launching major offensives.
