By Emmanuel Obisue
Between January 3 and February 13 this year, the Nigerian military on Thursday announced that it killed a total of 75 terrorists, while 138 suspects were arrested.
Troops also apprehended 36 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 46 kidnapped hostages, in efforts which involved joint operations with security agencies, which also led to the seizure of large caches of weapons and criminal goods.
According to Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, “The gallant men and women of the Armed Forces continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities with diligence, ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians”.
Briefing journalists at the Defence Headquarters, DHQ Abuja, he listed the notable achievements to include Operation Hadin Kai in the North East, where 22 terrorists were killed, and 65 insurgents surrendered, including women and children. The operation also saw 34 hostages freed and several weapons recovered, Kangye said.
In the North West, he told newsmen that Operation Fasan Yamma was equally successful, with 58 terrorists neutralized. Troops also arrested 11 criminals and rescued 16 hostages in a series of targeted raids and patrols. Additionally, the operation led to the capture of a notorious terrorist kingpin and the recovery of substantial amounts of weaponry.
Likewise in the South South, Operation Delta Safe made significant strides in curbing illegal oil theft, seizing over 640 million Naira worth of stolen crude oil and illegal refined products. Troops also destroyed multiple illegal refining sites.
Meanwhile, in the South East, Operation Udo Ka focused on neutralizing IPOB/ESN terrorists, resulting in the deaths of 4 extremists and the rescue of 4 hostages, as several weapons and explosives were recovered from the terrorists during raids in Imo and Ebonyi States.
“Our troops will continue to fulfill their duty to protect the lives and properties of all Nigerians, ensuring no stone is left unturned in our fight against terrorism and criminality,” Major General Kangye affirmed.
