Nigeria’s defense spokesman claimed his troops killed more than 40 suspected terrorists in seven days

The Defense Headquarters claimed on Friday that troops deployed to the operation site killed more than 40 suspected terrorists in the last seven days.

They also rescued 72 kidnapped people and recovered a large number of weapons and prohibited items in a nationwide operation between April 3 and April 9.

Director of Defense Media Operations Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed this at his weekly operational briefing on Friday in Abuja.

Onoja said troops also dismantled illegal refinery sites, thwarted several attacks, and disrupted terrorist logistics networks across operational locations.

He said: “In the North East, Operation Hadin Kai troops successfully repelled coordinated terrorist attacks in Borno, particularly around Dikwa and Benisheikh, using sustained artillery and mortar fire.

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“The ambush operation in Gwoza led to the neutralization of terrorists and recovery of ammunition material and logistical supplies.”

However, the spokesperson confirmed that troops came under heavy fire in Benisheikh, resulting in the death of four personnel, including a Brigade Commander, Brig. OO Braimah.

” In the Northwest, Operation Fansan Yamma troops rescued 49 kidnapping victims, including babies, and arrested suspected collaborators linked to notorious kingpin Ado Aleiro.

“They also recovered weapons and repelled attacks in Zamfara, Katsina and Kaduna States, while responding quickly to emergency calls and preventing an escalation of violence,” Onoja said.