Troops kill terrorist kingpin Dan Fulani, over 1,000 others

Troops on the frontline have eliminated terrorist kingpin, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, and other top operatives fighting against the Nigerian state.

Defence Headquarters also confirmed the elimination of 1,116 terrorists in August. It also revealed that 1,096 terrorists were arrested while 721 kidnapped hostages were released.

Additionally, troops recovered 391 weapons, 15,234 rounds of ammunition, and prevented oil theft worth an estimated N5 billion (N5,045,160,010.00) in the same month.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who made the disclosure, noted that the ongoing operations across the country have significantly diminished the military capabilities of terror groups and denied them the ability to carry out major offensives.

He said the current situation mostly involves low-level skirmishes and attacks on soft targets.

“We are aware that we are dealing with a shrewd, ruthless, and brutal enemy that must be stopped from their acts of terror. Accordingly, the armed forces are prepared to act with the relevant level of force needed to dismantle these terror groups.

“The troops’ strategy is to undermine the abilities of these terror groups and create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens. Accordingly, the military has prioritised targeting terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers, as well as their collaborators.

“Several terrorist leaders and commanders were taken off the battlefield during the month. Those in the Northeast include Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda, and Abu Rijab. Others in the Northwest include; Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur, and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.

“Troops have significantly dismantled these terror groups in the Northeast, where they remain a diminishing but active threat. Troops are also intensifying operations in the Northwest, North Central, Southeast, and South to defeat and dismantle the threats in these areas.

“During the month of August 2024, troops neutralised 1,166 terrorists, arrested 1,096 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, and rescued 721 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops recovered 391 weapons, 15,234 rounds of ammunition, and prevented oil theft worth over N5 billion (N5,045,160,010.00).

“The breakdown of recoveries in the month of August includes, but is not limited to, the following: 208 AK-47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 dane guns, 36 pump-action guns, 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms, and 2,498 assorted ammunition. Others include 5,047,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 320 litres of DPK, and 28,500 litres of PMS among other items.

“The motivation of the terrorists is getting lower in the Northeast, leading to the mass surrenders recorded. Troops aim to replicate this in other theatres of operation to bring peace and safety to citizens.

“The military is on high alert, and we have increased our readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression. We urge citizens to understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation. It is certain that in the end, these terrorists will be destroyed, and our nation will be safe and peaceful again,” he said.