THE Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant gains in the ongoing fight against terrorism, banditry, and other security threats across Nigeria, revealing that troops killed several terrorists, arrested 85 suspects, and rescued 66 kidnapped victims during August.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the monthly operational review of the armed forces.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified counter-terrorism offensives against Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters. According to Kangye, the troops eliminated scores of insurgents, arrested 15 suspects, including 13 collaborators, a gunrunner, and a drug peddler and freed eight kidnapped victims.
In Zamfara, Sokoto, Kaduna, Kebbi, and Katsina States, troops neutralised multiple terrorists in firefights, arrested 23 suspects, and rescued 24 victims held in captivity.
Troops of Operation Enduring Peace killed terrorists, arrested seven criminals, and rescued two kidnap victims. Notably, one suspect was caught in Bassa Local Government Area with ₦3 million ransom cash meant for terrorists.
Under Operation Whirl Stroke, troops arrested nine extremists and rescued 13 hostages during targeted clearance operations.
Kangye said the joint forces also recovered large caches of arms, ammunition, explosives, motorcycles, and vehicles from terrorists across multiple theatres of operation.
“During the month under review, troops have continued to intensify joint operations aimed at neutralising threats to national security, restoring stability, and safeguarding the lives and property of citizens,” he stated.
The latest update comes shortly after DHQ revealed that 6,260 terrorists have been killed and 14,138 criminals apprehended in joint military operations nationwide over the past two years.
Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, made this disclosure earlier in the week while presenting an overview of achievements at an expanded media parley in Abuja.
The event marked two years in office of the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, alongside the current service chiefs.
The DHQ has vowed to maintain momentum, pledging that no effort will be spared in dismantling terrorist networks and restoring lasting peace across troubled regions.
