By Milcah Tanimu
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja reports significant successes in the fight against terrorism during the third quarter. Troops eliminated 1,937 terrorists, apprehended 2,782 suspects, and rescued 1,854 kidnapped individuals.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these details during a briefing in Abuja. He noted that the military recovered 1,304 weapons and 43,347 rounds of ammunition, including 688 AK-47 rifles and various types of special ammunition.
The military also targeted and killed several terrorist kingpins and commanders in various operations. Notable names included Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla, and Ameer Modu, among others.
In the North-East, Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 792 terrorists, apprehended 606 suspects, and rescued 476 victims. The operation saw 7,283 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and their families surrender, alongside the recovery of significant arms caches.
The air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted strategic airstrikes on terrorist hideouts, destroying logistics and killing key leaders. Troops recovered 339 AK-47 rifles and other ammunition during these operations.
In the North-Central region, Operation Safe Haven reported the elimination of 122 violent extremists. Troops arrested 513 suspects and rescued 305 hostages, along with seizing various arms.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops killed 109 terrorists, apprehended 203 suspects, and rescued 210 hostages. In the North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji was particularly effective, neutralizing 598 terrorists, arresting 325 suspects, and rescuing 523 victims.
The air component of Operation Whirl Punch targeted terrorist enclaves in Niger and Kaduna states, further degrading their capabilities. Suspected gunrunner kingpins, including Musa Abdullahi and Mallam Hassan Iliyasu, were also apprehended.
Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized that these operations have significantly weakened terrorist fighting capabilities across the country.
