DHQ: 47,975 Terrorists Surrender to Troops
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DHQ: 47,975 Terrorists Surrender to Troops
By Alabidun Shuaib Abdulrahman
The Defence Headquarters has Thursday said a total of 47,975 terrorists and their families have so far surrendered to troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North East from September 2021 to date.
Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, Director, Defence Media Operations, said this in Abuja on Thursday while giving an update on military operations between March 10 and March 24.
According to Onyeuko, the military’s achievements at that time included the killing of 17 terrorists, the arrest of 35, and the recovery of 34 AK47s, five Dane guns, and nine locally produced firearms.
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He said the troops also recovered 270 rustled cows, three motorcycles and 13 bicycles used by the terrorists for movement.
According to him, while 7,000 Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram terrorists from different locations surrendered, troops also rescued 27 civilians in the last two weeks.
“The surrendered terrorists have been profiled, while rescued civilians and recovered items were handed over to appropriate authorities for further action,” he said.
On March 14, the Air Component of Operation Hadarin Daji carried out an air interdiction in Unguwar Adam village in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing more than 27 bandits, according to Onyeuko.
He claimed the air raid was in response to an intelligence assessment indicating that more than 50 terrorists had gathered to meet with their top commanders and leaders.
He went on to say that one Malam Sule, a brother of notorious bandit Lalbi Ginshima, was killed in the air raid, which he described as a big setback for the group.
Scores of terrorists were also killed, according to the Defence spokesman, in another air interdiction carried out at a terrorist stronghold in Magaba, Kaduna State, adding that those fleeing were pursued and killed.
He said troops also neutralised eight bandits, arrested seven, rescued 56 victims and recovered arms and other equipment in other operations during the period.
In Operation Safe Haven, Onyeuko said the troops recovered several stolen railway sleepers, three trucks, one J5 bus, two AK47 rifles with extra magazines during operations within their area of responsibility.
He said the troops also rescued three civilian victims, neutralised two bandits and apprehended 19 others, who he said were handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.
In Operation Whirl Stroke, Onyeuko said that troops eliminated no fewer than 10 bandits, arrested five, recovered vehicles and different types of weapons during the period.
According to him, troops have continued to carry out operations against terrorists, bandits and other enemies of the state and have remained committed to all operational engagements.
“While the security situation in some locations remained peaceful and calm, some other areas recorded some incidents within the period,” he said.
