By Joy Yesufu
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces have killed several terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 66 kidnap victims in various operations across the country in August.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on recent counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts.
In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated scores of Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, arrested 15 suspects including 13 collaborators, a gunrunner, and a drug peddler and freed eight kidnap victims.
In the North-West, troops neutralised terrorists in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Katsina States, arrested 23 suspects, and rescued 24 abducted persons.
“Troops of Operation Enduring Peace in the North Central zone killed terrorists, arrested seven criminals, and rescued two kidnap victims. Another suspect was caught with N3 million ransom cash in Bassa LGA,” Kangye added.
He said troops of Operation Whirl Stroke in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, Kogi, and the FCT also apprehended nine extremists and freed 13 hostages.
Overall, large caches of arms, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and explosives were recovered during the month-long operations.
“Troops have continued to intensify joint operations aimed at neutralising threats to national security, restoring stability, and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens,” Kangye said.
Earlier, the Defence Headquarters revealed that 6,260 terrorists had been killed and 14,138 others arrested in joint operations across the country over the past two years.
Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, disclosed this at a media parley in Abuja to mark two years in office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, and other service chiefs.
