Emmanuel Daudu
In a major breakthrough, the Nigerian Armed Forces have continued to ramp up their offensive against insurgents and violent extremists across various regions of the country, leading to the surrender of dozens of Boko Haram (BH) and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters, the neutralization of multiple terrorist elements, and the rescue of 172 hostages.
The details, released in an official report dated September 19, 2024, highlight the progress made across four key operations in the North East, North West, and North Central regions.
The statement disclosed that troops under Operation HADIN KAI, operating in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States, have seen a surge in surrenders from BH/ISWAP fighters.
“Between September 9 and 17, 94 fighters and their families comprising 18 adult males, 32 adult females, and 44 children turned themselves in to Nigerian forces in areas including Bama, Dikwa, and Gwoza Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno State.”
In a series of decisive raids and ambushes, the military also arrested 27 suspected terrorists and collaborators while neutralizing 46 insurgents, including a notorious terrorist commander, IBN Kasir.
The operations resulted in the recovery of a significant cache of arms, including 24 AK-47 rifles, hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and fabricated hand grenades.
In addition, 48 hostages, who had been held by the insurgents, were rescued.
The report details a successful airstrike on September 9, targeting an ISWAP enclave in Southern Tumbun, Borno State. The air raid, part of the air component of Operation HADIN KAI, destroyed the terrorists’ logistics base and neutralized several insurgents, further weakening their stronghold in the region.
According to the statement,Troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN in Plateau, Nasarawa, and Bauchi States also made significant headway, arresting 12 violent extremists and rescuing 28 hostages.
Among the most notable arrests was Husseini Usman, a notorious kidnapper and insurgent, captured during operations in Akwanga LGA, Nasarawa State.
Additionally, a raid on a suspected extremist hideout in Jos North LGA, Plateau State, led to the discovery of a large stockpile of ammunition, including over 5,300 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition and multiple AK-47 rifles.
The extremists’ plan to escalate violence in the region was disrupted, saving lives and restoring some degree of peace to affected communities.
The Director Defence Media Operations, EDWARD BUBA expressed that in the North Central, under Operation WHIRL STROKE, troops conducted successful offensive and anti-kidnapping operations in Benue, Kaduna, and Taraba States.
A total of 9 extremists were neutralized, 6 arrested, and 36 hostages were freed from captivity.
Edward Buba disclosed that a high-value target, a suspected insurgent disguised as a cattle dealer, was apprehended in Zing LGA, Taraba State, as he attempted to infiltrate local communities.
The operations also resulted in the recovery of one AK-47 rifle, a fabricated rifle, and N192,220 in cash, believed to be ransom money extorted from victims’ families.
He further expressed that Operation HADARIN DAJI focused on the North West, recorded the most significant victory during the review period.
“On September 12, a notorious terrorist kingpin, Hililu Buzu, and 44 of his fighters were neutralized in Maru LGA, Zamfara State, following an ambush by Nigerian troops.”
In addition, a combined air and ground assault led to the neutralization of several terrorists, including elements linked to the infamous terrorist leader, Bello Turji, whose hideout was bombarded by the Nigerian Air Force.
In total, 73 terrorists were neutralized across Zamfara, Katsina, and Kaduna States.
The military also rescued 54 kidnapped victims and arrested 23 suspected collaborators, disrupting terrorist networks that had been terrorizing local communities. Ok
The latest operations represent a considerable step forward for the Nigerian Armed Forces in their ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism and banditry from the country.
The rescue of 172 hostages across multiple theaters, coupled with the capture or neutralization of hundreds of extremists, demonstrates the military’s resolve in restoring peace and security to conflict-ridden areas.
Military officials have vowed to maintain the pressure on insurgents, with further operations planned in the coming weeks.



