Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the operations of armed forces between October 29 and November 11 in Abuja.
The Defence Headquarters says troops of Operation Hadin Kai eliminated 31 terrorists and arrested 71 others in two weeks in the North-East.
Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists on the operations of armed forces between October 29 and November 11 in Abuja.
Onyeuko said a total of 1,186 Boko Haram elements and their families comprising 226 adult males, 406 adult females and 555 children surrendered to troops at different locations in Borno State.
He added that two of the arrested terrorists were women logistics suppliers namely, Mrs Aisha Umar (19) with a two-year-old child and Mrs Kaltumi Bakura (20) who were residents at internally displaced persons' camp in Bama.
The Brigadier General disclosed that a total of 97 kidnapped civilians were rescued while a total of 122 assorted weapons were recovered during the period.
The statement read, “The sustained synergy in the land and air operational efforts of Hadin Kai has continued to degrade the operational capabilities of the terrorist elements, limit their freedom of action and drive scores of them into surrendering.
“In the course of these operations, 31 terrorists were neutralized and 71 of them arrested including 2 women logistics suppliers namely Mrs Aisha Umar, 19 years with a child of (2 years) and Mrs Kaltumi Bakura, 20 years all resident at IDP Camp in Bama. Also, a total of 122 assorted weapons were recovered.
“Additionally, a total of 97 kidnapped civilians were rescued, while a total of 1,186 of BHT elements and their families comprising 226 adult males, 406 adult females and 555 children surrendered to own troops at different locations in Borno State.
“All recovered items have been handled appropriately and rescued victims reunited with their families, while arrested and surrendered terrorists have been profiled and handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.
“Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out extensive land and air operations across different locations including; Maidabino Town in Danmusa LGA as well as Gidan Diya village and Faskari town in Faskari LGA of Katsina State.
“Other locations were; Gusau – Magami road in Maru LGA; Dauran village in Zurmi LGA and Munhaya forest, all in Zamfara State as well as Zodi Hills along Zuru Road in Kebbi State.
“Cumulatively, a total of 16 criminal elements were arrested; 13 armed bandits were neutralized and 6 kidnapped civilians were rescued; while 12 assorted arms and 77 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were recovered within the period of 2 weeks.
“Additionally, troops held peace and security meeting with community and youth leaders and other critical Stakeholders, as a non-kinetic approach to addressing the security challenges in the North-West Zone of the Country.
“Troops of Operation Safe Haven maintained continuous vigilance and dominated the entire theatre with constant land and air patrols to deny criminal elements freedom of action.
“However, some locations recorded pockets of incidents. They are Boi village in Mangu LGA; Rikko, Gangere and Dutse Uku areas of Jos North LGA; Heipang village in Barkin Ladi LGA and Gumsher village in Kanam LGA of Plateau State.
“Other locations were; Gurawa village under Kundum District in Tafawa Balewa LGA of Bauchi State as well as Jankasa village in Zangon Kataf LGA, Wasa Station in Sanga LGA and Agban village in Jama’a LGA of Kaduna State.
“These operations led to the recovery of 7 assorted arms, 19 rounds of 7.62mm and 104 livestock among other items.
“Troops’ response to distress calls helped to repel and forestall criminal elements and their activities, thereby leading to the rescue of 33 victims of armed bandits’ attacks and kidnap incidents and the arrest of 23 criminal elements within the period.
“Operation Safe Haven also carried out non-kinetic operations by engaging youths in sporting activities. Operation Safe Haven conducted Peace and Unity Marathon Competition organized by troops in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.”