Troops kill 59 suspected terrorists

• Arrest Dozens Of Alleged Criminals, Kidnappers, Oil Thieves Across Six Political Zones

The Nigerian Armed Forces High Command has confirmed it killed no fewer than 59 terrorists and arrested 88 of them, while 10 kidnappers and over a dozen oil thieves are in their net.

Defence Media Operations (DMO) Spokesman, Major General Edward Buba, who made the disclosure, reiterated that the Command had engaged in several operations across the six geopolitical zones to tackle insecurity confronting the nation.
 
He said: “As at July 28, 2023, the military had neutralised 59 terrorists, arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thieves. Troops also rescued 88 kidnapped victims.

 “In the course of operations across the country, troops recovered a total number of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition. Troops also recovered 26 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, one AKMS rifle, one FN rifle, four pump action, five pistols and 19 Dane guns.

‘’Also, recovered were 1,083 rounds of 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, nine rounds of 9mm ammo and sum of N41,915.00 only and CFA 49,000.
 
“Others included 323,650 litres of stolen crude oil, 128,700 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 litres of DPK. while an estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thieves.”
 
Giving details of the operation, the General noted that, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted offensive operations against the terrorists’ enclaves in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa local councils of Borno State.

“Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speedboats and 5 outboard engines. Meanwhile, a total of 41 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. An estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.”

General Buba said troops of Operation UDOKA raided camps/hideouts of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at Oroma, Umuemu and Umuewelum villages in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“Similarly, troops raided gunmen hideouts in Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. And,Garki and 9th Mile in Enugu East and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu State.

“During these operations troops neutralized some of the gunmen and recovered weapons. Several kidnapped hostages were rescued in the process.”
He added: “In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 3 AK47 rifle, one AKMS rifle, four pump action gun, two dane gun, one locally made pistol, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 86 live cartridges and one locally made hand grenade.

“Others are six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, three mobile phones, Nigerian Police uniform and boots, IPOB uniforms, one chain saw, rain coats and boots, one pumping machine. Troops also neutralized three gunmen and apprehended 23 suspects.

“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.”