Nigerian defense spokesman claims 159 suspected terrorists killed in one week

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) claimed on Friday that troops deployed to the operational area had killed 159 suspected terrorists in the last one week.

Director of Defense Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operations of the armed forces in Abuja.

He said troops arrested 174 others and rescued 188 hostages during the period.

He added that in the operation, troops also arrested 45 suspected oil thieves and confiscated 151 firearms of any type and 12,401 ammunition of any type.

The spokesman stressed that the armed forces have taken decisive steps to end terrorism and insecurity in the country through ongoing operations.

Buba noted that the operation yielded the desired results as the troops managed to dismantle the terrorist network and massacre their leaders and fighters, with several terrorist leaders and commanders killed on the battlefield.

He said: “In addition, troops are being strategically deployed to ensure that the gubernatorial election scheduled for September 21 in Edo is violence-free, fair and credible.

“The role of the troops is to support the police in ensuring the safety and security of voters and thwarting the activities of elements who intend to incite a crisis during the election.

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“Our operations against terrorists and violent extremists remain aimed at providing security and stability for the nation and its citizens.

“Therefore, the troops will continue to be resolute in their efforts to end all forms of insecurity across the country.

“In the North-East region, Operation Hadin Kai troops managed to neutralize 46 terrorists, arrest 41 suspects, and rescue 48 kidnapped hostages, as well as seizing a large quantity of arms and ammunition.

“A total of 76 terrorists consisting of nine adult males, 28 adult females and 39 children surrendered to troops in the region between September 11 and September 17.

“The air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdiction against suspected ISWAP/JAS terrorist pockets in Tumbun South Borno, neutralizing several terrorists and destroying their logistics.

“In North-Central, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke troops neutralized 15 violent extremists, arrested 18 violent extremists, and rescued 64 kidnapped hostages and recovered several arms caches.

“In the Northwest region, Operation Hadarin Daji troops managed to neutralize 73 terrorists, capture 23 terrorists, rescue 54 kidnapped hostages, and secure a large number of firearms.

“The air component conducted air interdiction against terrorist kingpin Gambo’s Enclave in Gusau Local Government Area and Bello Turji’s hideout in Shinkafi Local Government Area of ​​Zamfara within a week.”

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