Troops neutralise 481 terrorists, arrest 741 in one month

Nigerian troops on the frontline have neutralized 481 terrorists and arrested 741 others in October.

The troops have also rescued 492 kidnapped hostages while recovering 480 weapons and 9,026 assorted ammunitions in the same month.

Spokesman of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, who made the disclosure during a briefing in Abuja, noted that troops have done a tremendous job of dismantling the terror groups across the country, in various theatres of operations.

He noted that their strategy remains to undermine the ability of the terror groups and their cohorts.

According to him, troops conducted simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts across the country.

He said the Airforce carried out bombardments and air interdiction on the terrorist hideouts and enclaves with precision, thereby diminishing the fighting capabilities of the terrorists.

“Truly, the terrorist knows that they cannot match our military strength. The options open to them is to surrender or be killed on the battlefield,” he said.

“Accordingly, some terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants have indicated to surrender. We are opening a surrendering corridor for that purpose.

“It is noteworthy, to state that, in October 2024, troops neutralized 481 terrorists. Other details are that troops arrested 741 persons including terrorists. Troops also rescued 492 kidnapped hostages.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 480 weapons and 9,026 assorted ammunitions. Whilst they denied the oil theft of an estimated sum of close to N4bn (N3,896,400.960.00) only.

“Breakdown for the month of October includes and is not limited to the following: 263 AK47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated guns, 91 Dane guns, 76 pump action guns, 5,683 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,944 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 642 cartridges, 160 assorted arms and 1,526 assorted ammunitions. Others are 3,226,645 litres of stolen crude oil, 763,860 litres of illegally refined AGO and 12,690 litres of PMS amongst other item.

“On the whole, even as the armed forces mourn the tragic passing away of the COAS, Lt Gen TA Lagbaja. We will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists. We are rather inspired by his actions on the battlefield as a war commander as well as his strong desire to defeat the terrorist to end the war.

“Accordingly, the military will continue to work decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity in the nation, and ensure the safety of citizens. The armed forces remain in a good and strong position in this war, and will win this war.”