Nigeria’s defense spokesman claimed his troops killed many suspected terrorists in a nationwide operation

The Defense Headquarters claimed on Friday that troops deployed to various operational locations killed a number of suspected terrorists in nationwide operations in the last seven days.

Director of Defense Media Operations Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, while providing an update on the military operations carried out between February 28 and March 6.

He said soldiers rescued several people kidnapped in the operation.

Onoja said the army also intercepted about 51,000 liters of stolen crude oil in the past week.

He added that the operations, which were carried out across the theater, targeted terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements who threatened national security.

According to him, troops of the North East Joint Task Force, Operation HADIN KAI, are intensifying offensive operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in the region.

The spokesperson said: “Troops succeeded in neutralizing several terrorists, arrested 20 suspects, facilitated the surrender of 11 insurgents and their families, and rescued 24 kidnapping victims.

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“In particular, the air component carried out precision strikes against terrorist enclaves in Sambisa Forest which succeeded in neutralizing the main leaders of the terrorist group identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, as well as Hussaini Ubaida fighters.

“Further human intelligence indicates that more than 18 terrorist commanders and 42 fighters were eliminated in the attack.

“Troops also thwarted terrorist attacks in Bama and Nganzai Local Government Areas of Borno, recovering weapons, ammunition, armed drones, anti-tank bombs and materials for making improvised explosive devices.

” In the North West theater, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops neutralized several terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages during coordinated operations in Zamfara and Kaduna states.

“They also intercepted weapons and 542 rounds of ammunition hidden in a bag of rice during a stop and search operation.”