The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reported that Nigeria troops have successfully neutralised 121 terrorists, apprehended 253 individuals involved in illegal activities, and rescued 244 kidnapped victims across various operations throughout the country within a span of one week.

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided an update on these military operations during a press briefing held in Abuja on Thursday.

In addition to these accomplishments, the troops also recovered an impressive arsenal of weapons, including 223 assorted firearms and 2,756 rounds of ammunition. The seized weapons include three M56 rifles, 115 AK47 rifles, three PKT guns, 24 locally fabricated guns, and 36 Dane guns. Furthermore, seven locally fabricated pistols, 1,716 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 494 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, and 60 rounds of 7.62 x 25mm ammunition, among other items, were confiscated.

In the North East region, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai were responsible for neutralizing 52 terrorists, apprehending 137 individuals, and rescuing 78 kidnapped hostages during the reviewed week. They also recovered three M56 rifles, 40 AK47 rifles, three PKT guns, 13 fabricated rifles, two hand grenades, and 889 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, among other items.

Moving to the North Central region, troops from Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke played a crucial role in neutralizing 47 terrorists, apprehending 17 individuals, and rescuing four kidnap victims. They also successfully recovered a cache of arms.

In the North West region, the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 62 terrorists, arrested 12 others, and rescued 162 kidnapped hostages. They recovered 46 AK47 rifles, 26 locally made Dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, 352 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 101 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, among other items.

The air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdictions on the enclaves of terrorist commanders Maudi Maudi and Mallam Aibo in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State. Based on Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) reports, the rocky hideouts and forward bases used by the terrorists were targeted with bombs and rockets, resulting in the neutralization of several terrorists and the destruction of their structures and logistical bases.

Furthermore, the air component conducted another air interdiction on a location of interest in Batsari Local Government Area of Katsina State, where terrorists were reportedly gathering. Rockets were deployed in the attack, resulting in the neutralisation of several terrorists and the destruction of their logistics.

In the Niger Delta region, the troops of Operation Delta Safe made significant recoveries, including 944,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 171,060 litres of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), and 1,500 litres of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene). They also discovered and destroyed 61 illegal refining sites, along with 102 dugout pits, 41 boats, 36 storage tanks, 49 cooking ovens, six pumping machines, and eight vehicles. Additionally, 29 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists were apprehended, and 12 weapons and 113 assorted ammunitions were recovered.

In the South East region, the troops of Operation UDO KA successfully apprehended suspected violent extremists, kidnappers, and gun runners. They conducted raids on camps belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Eastern Security Network (ESN) in Anambra and Ebonyi States. During these operations, 11 terrorists were neutralised, 14 violent extremists were apprehended, and various items were seized, including 10 AK47 rifles, 254 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, two magazines, and three vehicles.

All recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action.