DHQ: 38 Terrorists Killed, 242 Suspects Arrested In One Week

The defence headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Nigerian army have killed 38 suspected terrorists in one week across the six geo-political zones of the country.

Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, told journalists on Friday, that the soldiers also apprehended 242 suspects and rescued 89 hostages during different operations across the country.

Giving a breakdown of the arrest, Buba said the suspects include 175 gunmen, 20 kidnappers, 30 collaborators and 17 pipeline vandals.

He added that the troops also seized stolen crude oil valued at N607 million.

According to Buba, troops of operation hadin kai in the north-east killed 16 terrorists, arrested 53 suspects and rescued 34 hostages as well as recovered a large stash of arms during the operation.

In the north-central, he said men of the operation safe haven neutralised three terrorists, arrested 13 others, including, five kidnappers and rescued three abducted persons.

He said men of operation whirl stroke also took out seven terrorists, arrested three suspects and rescued three persons.

In the north-west, Buba said troops of operation hadarin daji killed five terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued nine kidnapped victims while several terrorists’ camps were destroyed.

He said the troops of operation whirl punch neutralised five terrorists, arrested 44 collaborators and rescued 15 kidnapped civilians while several weapons with four trucks and four motorcycles amongst other items were recovered.

In the south-south, the defence spokesperson said troops of operation Delta safe, destroyed 39 illegal refining sites, 72 dugout pits, 65 wooden boats, 70 storage tanks and 119 cooking ovens.

He said two speedboats, five outboard engines, and four pumping machines were also recovered.