Soldiers during operations conducted over the week have arrested three notorious terrorist kingpins operating in the North-West and North Central zones of the country.

The kingpins are Hamisu Sale (aka Master), Abubakar Muhammad and Bako Wurgi; a staunch ally of wanted Bello Turji and who is allegedly linked to the murder of a Sokoto monarch.

According to a statement on Friday by the Director of Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Maj-Gen. Buba Edward, Wurgi died from gunshot wounds after his arrest.

?Significantly, a high profile terrorist identified as Hamisu Sale (aka Master) and Abubakar Muhammad were arrested during separate operations conducted in the NC theatre of operation. The duo is cooperating and providing valuable intelligence on the terror network.

?Similarly, troops in the NW theatre of operation arrested another high-profile and notorious terrorist identified as Bako Wurgi. The arrested terror leader is linked to the murder of the Sokoto monarch and a staunch ally of wanted high-profile terrorist Bello Turji

?The arrested terrorist leader, Bako Wurgi, eventually succumbed to gunshot injuries sustained during the firefight. He, nevertheless provided valuable intelligence to support troops? operations before he died,? Buba said.

He also said troops have been alerted to protect the citizens during the festive season.

Buba said to achieve this, massive operations against terrorist leaders across the threats of operations have commenced.

He said, ?Troops are on high alert and have increased readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression, particularly during the yuletide. Accordingly, robust operations targeted at terrorist leadership are being conducted across the various theatres of operations.?

He disclosed that during the week under review, troops neutralised 212 and arrested 272 persons.

?Troops also arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 152 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N1,193,817,760.00 only,? he added.

Buba furthermore said troops recovered 247 assorted weapons and 6,174 assorted ammunition, including ?two RPG UXO4, 110 AK47 rifles, 56 fabricated rifles, 36 Dane guns, two FN rifles, two Baretta pistols, 15 locally-made pistols, two revolver pistols, 12 pump action guns, two double barrel guns,? among others. (The PUNCH)

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