Victory Against Terror: Troops Eliminate 152 Terrorists, Rescue 91 Hostages in Nationwide Crackdown

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced on Friday that troops had successfully neutralized 152 terrorists, arrested 109 suspects, and rescued 91 kidnapped hostages during operations conducted across the country in the past week.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided the update during a briefing in Abuja, noting that significant blows were dealt to terrorist strongholds in Katsina and Kaduna states. Key operations targeted two notorious terrorist commanders, Sadiku and Alhaji Yusuf, leading to the decimation of their enclaves.

“Sadiku’s base was located at Tsora Hill in Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State, while Alhaji Yusuf’s stronghold was at Yadi Forest in Giwa Local Government Area of Kaduna State,” Buba revealed.

In addition, two female terrorist collaborators, responsible for negotiating ransoms with the families of kidnapped victims, were apprehended. Troops also recovered an impressive cache of 183 weapons and over 4,000 rounds of ammunition, including 95 AK-47 rifles, locally made guns, and other heavy arms.

“On the whole, the gallant men and women of the armed forces continue to take pride in putting themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety and security of citizens,” Buba stated, calling for continued support from the public in the fight against terrorism.

In the North East, under Operation Hadin Kai, 63 terrorists were eliminated, 38 suspects were arrested, and 35 hostages were rescued. Buba added that between August 28 and September 4, a total of 196 terrorists surrendered, including 19 adult males, 70 adult females, and 107 children. A successful airstrike on August 31 also killed an ISWAP spiritual leader, Goni Sanda, along with several other terrorists in Borno State.

Meanwhile, in the North Central, troops under Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke neutralized three extremists, arrested 40 suspects, and rescued 28 hostages. In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji forces killed 105 terrorists, arrested 21, and freed 36 hostages.

In the Niger Delta, under Operation Delta Safe, troops destroyed 58 illegal refining sites and recovered over 1.2 million liters of stolen crude oil and illegally refined diesel. Additionally, 36 suspected oil thieves were arrested.

In the South East, under Operation UDO KA, two violent extremists were apprehended, and two hostages were rescued.

All arrested suspects, recovered items, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action, Buba confirmed.

The Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) has announced a temporary road closure and traffic diversion in the vicinity of the Rigachikun – Kawo – Mando – Afaka between 07:00 am and 11:00 am on Aug. 30.

The Academy’s Public Relations Officer, Maj. Mohammed Maidawa made the announcement in a statement issued in Kaduna on Thursday.

He explained that the temporary road closure and diversion was necessary to ensure the safe conduct of the “Endurance Run“ exercise of NDA’s Army, Navy and Airforce cadets.

“The affected areas will be from the Nigerian Army Command Engineering Depot, at the Nigerian-Turkish International School Junction in Rigachikun – Kawo Fly Over – Mando – Afaka.

“This temporary road closure and diversion is necessary to ensure the safe conduct of the “Endurance Run,” a key training exercise for all first-term Army, Navy, and Air Force cadets of the NDA, as part of the annual “Exercise Camp Initial ” programme.

“Motorists are advised to plan their journeys accordingly and use alternative routes during the affected hours.

“The NDA apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and seeks the understanding and cooperation of the general public,” Maidawa said.

The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar on Thursday celebrated the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) pilots, who have logged 10,000 flight hours on the A-29 Super Tucano aircraft fleet.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Director, Public Relations and Information, NAF, AVM Edward Gabkwet in Abuja.

Speaking at the event in Kainji, Niger State, Abubakar said the milestone represented the culmination of years of dedication, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment to NAF’s mission.

According to him, the mission is ‘ensuring the integrity of the airspace by gaining and maintaining control of the air while retaining a credible capacity to fulfil other airpower tasks demanded by National defence and security imperatives.

He said that reaching 10,000 flight hours was no small feat, saying it symbolised countless hours of training, meticulous planning, and flawless execution that had gone into every mission undertaken.

According to him, the feat represented the exceptional skills, professionalism, and resilience of NAF’s brave men and women who have served and are currently serving.

The CAS also expressed delight that the milestone was achieved without any major incident on the aircraft, which he attributed to the high premium the NAF placed on safety.

While paying tribute to NAF’s fallen heroes, he said the milestone was a reminder of their sacrifices, courage and commitment.

(NAN)