Nigerian military forces have successfully killed 115 terrorists, including the notorious leader Munzur Ya Audu, as part of ongoing operations across the country.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the military has made significant strides in combating terrorism in the country.
In a briefing held in Abuja, Maj.-Gen. Buba revealed that, during the week under review, Nigerian troops carried out several operations that resulted in the death of 115 terrorists, the arrest of 238 individuals, and the rescue of 138 kidnapped victims.
“During the week under review, troops neutralised 115, arrested 238 and rescued 138 kidnapped hostages,” Buba stated.
The Nigerian military is actively targeting and dismantling terrorist networks, aiming to disrupt their operations and prevent further harm to citizens.
A Major Blow to Terrorist Networks
The most significant development from the week’s operations was the death of Munzur Ya Audu, a well-known terrorist commander in the North East region.
Audu, responsible for numerous terror attacks, was neutralized in a coordinated military effort. His death is expected to weaken the operational capacity of the terror group he led.
Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized that Nigerian forces are continuously focusing on destroying the capabilities of terror groups, targeting key structures, and ensuring the safety of civilians.
“Serious efforts have been emplaced to dismantle the capabilities as well as destroy the networks of the terror groups,” he said.
In addition to the killing of Audu, Nigerian troops recovered large amounts of weapons and ammunition during the operations.
Weapons Recovered in Massive Seizure
The Nigerian military reported a significant arms recovery, which included a variety of firearms and ammunition. Among the weapons seized were 68 AK47 rifles, two AK56 rifles, and 24 fabricated rifles.
Troops also recovered 145 assorted weapons and 3,825 rounds of ammunition, including grenades, handguns, and explosives. The confiscation of such a large arsenal of weaponry will severely limit the operational strength of terrorist groups in the region.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 145 assorted weapons and 3,825 ammunition,” Maj.-Gen. Buba reported.
The air component of the military also played a key role in these operations, conducting airstrikes against terrorist hideouts and eliminating several militants.
Military Operations Across Nigeria
In the North East, the military operations led to the neutralization of several terrorists, including Audu’s group. The forces apprehended 34 suspects and rescued 32 kidnapped hostages in the region.
In the North Central, troops from Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke targeted violent extremists, killing 18 and arresting 48. They also rescued 48 people from kidnappers.
The North West saw significant progress as well, with 28 terrorists killed, 77 arrested, and 57 hostages freed during Operation Hadarin Daji.
Airstrikes Target Terrorist Hideouts
The Nigerian Air Force also launched successful air interdictions against terrorists in various regions, including Katsina and Zamfara States.
The airstrikes targeted hideouts of notorious terrorists like Sadiku and Sola, who have been responsible for numerous attacks in the region.
“The air component acquired and engaged with rockets and bombs. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures were destroyed,” said Maj.-Gen. Buba.
These air operations have been crucial in dismantling the logistics and operational capabilities of terror groups.
South East Operations: Successes Against Extremists
In the South East, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized six terrorists and arrested 13 violent extremists. The operation also rescued one hostage.
The success of military forces in various regions of the country highlights the coordinated efforts of Nigerian troops in the ongoing battle against terrorism.
Ongoing Efforts to Ensure National Security
The Nigerian military has shown a determined effort to combat terrorism, targeting not just terrorists but also the networks that support them.
These operations, which include ground assaults and air strikes, are part of a broader strategy to restore peace to regions suffering from terrorist activities.
Maj.-Gen. Buba’s briefing illustrates the military’s commitment to neutralizing terrorist threats and rescuing hostages while ensuring the security of the Nigerian people.
“We will continue to target terrorist structures and logistics bases to ensure these terror groups are dismantled,” he said.
