Troops neutralize 36 terrorists, rescue 140 hostages nationwide

The Military High Command announced that in the past week, troops engaged in battles against criminal elements have successfully neutralized 36 terrorists and saved 140 kidnapped hostages in various operations across the country.

In addition to these achievements, the troops apprehended 163 terrorists’ collaborators, gunmen, gun-runners, kidnappers, and oil theft perpetrators. They also recovered over N3.177 million in cash from kidnappers.

One significant arrest was that of a dismissed soldier, Bashir Abass, in Rugan Basiru village, Plateau State. He was found in possession of two AK-47 rifles, one of which belonged to him during his time of service. Bashir was operating with two wanted terrorists.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-Gen. Edward Buba, provided these details during a briefing. He further mentioned that troops recovered a total of 37 weapons and 370 ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, pump action guns, Dane guns, fabricated rifles, and locally made pistols. Additionally, they confiscated several magazines, vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, machetes, and machete sharpeners.

In the North East, troops of Hadin Kai killed nine terrorists, arrested 25, and rescued 12 hostages. Notably, an ISWAP fighter, Yahaya Umaru, surrendered with an AK-47 rifle and ammunition. During the period from July 26 to August 1, 2023, 313 terrorists, including men, women, and children, surrendered at different locations within the theatre of operation.