By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says that troops have eliminated 1,937 terrorists, apprehended 2,782 others and rescued 1,854 kidnapped hostages in different operations during the third quarter.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known while briefing newsmen on the operations of the armed forces, on Thursday in Abuja.

Buba said the military also recovered 1,304 weapons, 43,347 ammunitions comprising 688 AK47 rifles, 32,945 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 9,677 rounds of 7.62mm NATO among others during the quarter.

He said that several terrorist kingpins, commanders and combatants were also killed in several offensive operations across the theatres of operations.

Those killed according to him, include; Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla (Dan Hausawan Jubillaram), Ameer Modu, Matawal Bitrus, Thomas Benedict, Mohammed Sani, Rimamy (aka Omo), Terkimbi Injoko and Jacob Uzege, Ibn Kasir.

?Others are: Kachalla Dan Baleri, Kachallah Halilu (Buzu), Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Basiru Zakarriya and ofem Emmanuel Igwe among several others,? he said.

In the North East, Buba said that troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised a total of 792 terrorist, apprehended 606 suspects and rescued 476 kidnapped hostages.

He added that troops also recorded a total of 7,283 surrender of Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists combatants and their families as well as recovery of several cache of arms and ammunition.

According to him, the air component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted air interdictions to several terrorists enclaves which include Mandara Mountain, Maradun, Southern Tumbun Fulani among others.

?The air interdictions conducted killed several terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants as well as destroyed their logistics dumps.

?Troops diminished the terrorist military capabilities by recovering 339 AK47 rifles, 58 fabricated rifles 9,653 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 3,147 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, among others,? he said.

In the North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised 122 violent extremist, nabbed 513 suspects and rescued 305 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered cache of arms.

Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops eliminated 109 terrorist, apprehended 203 suspects and rescued 210 kidnapped hostages.

In the North West. Buba said the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, neutralised 598 terrorist, apprehended 325 suspects and rescued 523 kidnap hostages during the period.

He added that the troops recovered 162 AK47 rifles, 72 fabricated guns, 39 assorted arms, 4,984 rounds of 7.62mm special, 2,491 rounds of 7.62mm NATO and 1,852 assorted ammunitions.

Under Operation Whirl Punch, Buba said the troops neutralised 217 terrorist, nabbed 448 suspects and rescued 217 kidnap hostages as well as recovered cache of arms.

According to him, the air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air strikes on terrorists several terrorist enclave at Mariga, Kabago, Alawa Forest, Kwaki forest, East Getamiya, Katarma, Chikun, Kuduru and Giwa among others in Niger and Kaduna States.

?Furthermore, troops intercepted and apprehended suspected gunrunner kingpins namely: Alhaji Musa Abdullahi, Mallam Hassan Iliyasu and Hashimu Ahmad among others,? he added.

Buba said that the military had succeeded in weakening the fighting capabilities of the terrorists across the theatres of operation. (NAN)

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