During these operations, the troops made contact with terrorists and neutralised 25 Boko Haram terrorists and the ISWAP terrorists.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja, has claimed to have killed about 91 Islamic State of the West African Province (ISWAP) terrorist members within the last two weeks across Nigeria.
This was stated in a press release by Musa Danmadami, the Director, Defence Media Operations, detailing the operations of the troops in all the six political zones between the period of 18 May and 1 June, 2023.
He stated that in the North-East region, the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai has conducted various offensive operations against the Boko Haram terrorists and their counterparts, the ISWAP and other criminal elements in the North-East zone of the country.
During these operations, the troops made contact with terrorists and neutralised 25 Boko Haram terrorists and the ISWAP terrorists.
“Troops recovered seven AK-47 rifles, three training rifles, 1 AK-56 rifle, 2 K2 assault rifles, 1 MC rifle, 1 pump action gun, 2 double barrel gun, 12 dane guns, 1 locally made grenade, 12 AK47 magazines, 100 rounds of 7.56mm ammo, 5 rounds of 12.7mm NATO, 172 rounds of 7.62mm special, 31 rounds of 7.62mm refilled and 28 rounds of 7.62mm NATO. Other items recovered include 26 bicycles, two Hilux vehicles, 14 motorcycles, 130 motorcycle bearings, 60 throttle cables, 1 chain, 1 sprocket, 30 packs of herbicides, 3 solar panels, 3 sewing machines, 2 pairs of Boko Haram terrorist uniforms, 4 boafeng radios, large quantities of the Improvised Explosive Device materials, 3 axes, 10 mobile phones, 2 borehole heads, 18 rustled cattle and assorted grains.
“Troops conducted cordon-and-search operations at suspected criminal hideouts in Borno State and arrested 52 suspects. They also intercepted and arrested 12 terrorists and logistics suppliers, resulting in the recovery of various items including drugs and food. In response to robbery activities, troops mobilised and arrested three suspects, resulting in the recovery of various items.
“Troops recovered a variety of items, neutralised 26 Boko Haram terrorists and ISWAP terrorists, arrested 22 terrorist logistics supplier, captured one Boko Haram terrorists fighters, rescued 16 abducted civilians, and profiled 876 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and members of their families.
“The Air Component of Operation HADIN KAI also conducted air interdiction at the terrorist hideout. Troops in the North Central zone of the country have maintained the aggressive posture towards the activities of terrorists and other criminalities in the general area of operation. In furtherance to this, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted operational activities within Jos North, Barkin Ladi, Riyom, Mangu and Bassa Local Government Areas of Plateau State. Notably, on 27 May 2023, based on tip off, troops raided a suspected criminal hideout at Tefi Gana in Bassa Local Government Area of same state and arrested 5 suspected motorcycles thieves with 3 stolen motorcycles.
“Also on 29 May 2023, troops responded to information on the activities of suspected criminals at Mai Adiko Rayfield in Jos South Local Government Area of Plateau State. Troops mobilized to the area and arrested 5 suspects. Troops equally, recovered 4 fabricated rifles, 5 rounds of 7.62mm special, 11 empty cases of 7.62mm, 3 cartridges, 2 jack knives, 2 walkie talkie radio, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N6,990 only amongst other items.
“Relatedly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE equally conducted operational activities at different locations within in Joint Area of Operation. On 18 May 2023, troops on fighting patrol at Katakpa in Toto Local Government Area of Nasarawa State made contact with terrorist, following a fire fight, troops neutralized 1 terrorist while other fled in the nearby bushes. Troops further exploited the general area and recovered 1 pump action gun, 2 locally made guns, 28 cartridges, 1 motorcycle and 1 mobile phone. In the same vein, on 27 May 2023, following a tip off troops raided a suspected kidnappers’ hideout at Igumale village in Ado Local Government Area of Benue State. During the operation, troops arrested 3 suspected kidnappers and recovered the sum of N284,820 only, 5 mobile phones, 1 motorcycle, 1 MP player and other sundry items.”