Emmanuel Daudu
The Nigerian Armed Forces have continued their relentless assault against terrorists and criminal elements across the country, achieving significant victories over the past week in multiple operations across the North East, North Central, and North West regions.
Troops under Operation HADIN KAI made substantial progress in the fight against Boko Haram (BH), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) terrorists.
In a statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, he disclosed that between August 26 and September 4, a total of 233 terrorists, including 26 adult males, 82 adult females, and 129 children, surrendered in Borno State’s Gwoza, Damboa, and Bama LGAs, among other locations.
Major Buba exposed that Troops, alongside hybrid forces, launched multiple ambushes and offensive strikes across Borno, Yobe, and Katsina States, neutralizing 23 terrorists and recovering an arsenal of weapons, including 12 AK-47 rifles, four dane guns, and over 230 rounds of ammunition.
He added that the week saw the arrest of 38 suspects and the rescue of 35 hostages.
“Anti-kidnapping operations in Mafa LGA of Borno State resulted in nine kidnappers neutralized, four arrested, and nine victims rescued.”
“The air component conducted a decisive airstrike on August 31, 2024, targeting a terrorist enclave in Southern Tumbus, resulting in the neutralization of ISWAP spiritual leader Goni Sanda and the destruction of key enemy assets.” He said
He further revealed that Troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN in the North Central zone focused on counter-kidnapping, arrest operations, and the dismantling of drug networks
Major Buba further expressed that in Plateau State, troops arrested 13 extremists and rescued six victims during operations in Bokkos, Barkin Ladi, Wase, Riyom, and Jos South LGAs.
“The operations led to the rescue of 14 hostages and the arrest of 18 suspects across multiple LGAs in Plateau and Kaduna States.”
“On August 30, troops raided a notorious drug peddler’s hideout in Jos South, Plateau State, apprehending a high-profile dealer and seizing weapons, including fabricated rifles and large quantities of ammunition.”
He stated that the troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE continued their offensive against violent extremists and kidnappers in the North Central region:
The troops neutralized three extremists, arrested 22 suspects, and rescued 14 kidnapped hostages in Benue, Taraba, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to him, a joint operation with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) resulted in the capture of six extremists, including female collaborators involved in ransom negotiations.
Major Buba noted that Operation HADARIN DAJI focused on neutralizing terrorist networks across the North West:
“Troops engaged in ambushes and fighting patrols in Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Zamfara States, neutralizing 105 terrorists, arresting 21, and rescuing 36 hostages.”
“Troops captured six imposters and several terrorist collaborators, seizing military uniforms, vehicles, and a significant cache of weapons and ammunition.”
“On August 26, an air strike on a terrorist hideout in Safana LGA, Katsina State, resulted in the destruction of enemy structures and the death of several terrorists.
Troops under Operation WHIRL PUNCH intensified their counter-terrorism efforts in Kaduna State:
“Multiple operations resulted in the neutralization of 16 terrorists and the arrest of nine suspects. Troops also recovered various weapons, including a PKT gun, AK-47 rifles, and fabricated firearms.” He said
An airstrike on August 29 targeted a terrorist enclave in Giwa LGA, Kaduna State, leading to the destruction of the enemy’s hideout.
Major Buba expressed that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain resolute in their mission to dismantle terrorist networks and protect citizens. With over 200 suspects arrested, 104 hostages rescued, and numerous terrorists neutralized, the ongoing operations underscore the military’s commitment to restoring peace and stability across Nigeria.
Africa Security Investigation News 