Troops neutralize 144 terrorists, arrest 115 in 2 weeks – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday said its troops deployed to various parts of the country have neutralized 114 Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) between 12th and 26th January 2023.

The military high command also said troops rescued 101 kidnapped civilians, recovered 51 AK47 rifles and arrested 115 terrorists, logistics suppliers, suspected vandals.

Director, Directorate of Defence Media Operations, DDDI, Maj.- Gen. Musa Danmadami who stated this while briefing journalists in Abuja, added that within the period, a total of 267 terrorists and their family members surrendered.

He said troops have sustained and continue to dominate their general areas of operations.

According to him, the air component also conducted series of air interdiction operation at terrorists’ hideout, enclaves and camps.

Giving a breakdown of items recovered by the troops in the North-east, the defence spokesperson said: “Cumulatively, within the last 2 weeks, troops in the North East Region recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, 1 FN rifle, 1 G3 rifle, 3 QJC gun, 2 x 60mm mortar bombs, 36 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO, 7 x 60mm mortar chargers.

“ 4 RPG 7 bombs, 1 phantom MRAP, 2 PKGM, 1 gun truck, 332 rounds of 12.7mm AP ammunition, 56 rounds of 7.62 rimmed ammunition, 21 rounds of 7.62mm special refilled ammunition, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special, 14 AK47 magazines, 2 vehicles, 9 bicycles, 4 motorcycles, 1 mobile, phones and the sum of N15,000.00 only and other sundry items.”

He said all recovered items, apprehended criminals, rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authority for further action while captured and surrendered terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action.