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47,975 terrorists surrendered to troops in six months –DHQ

Published

4 years ago

March 24, 2022

Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko

The Defence Headquarters says 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.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, said this while giving an update on military operations between March 10 and March 24, on Thursday in Abuja.

Onyeuko said the achievement of the military within the period included the killing of 17 terrorists, arrest of 35, recovery of 34 AK47, five dane guns and nine locally made guns.

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 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.

In Operation Hadarin Daji, Onyeuko said the Air Component carried out air interdiction on March 14 at Unguwar Adam village in Danmusa Local Government Area of Katsina State, killing more than 27 bandits.

He said the air raid was a sequel to an intelligence report about the gathering of more than 50 terrorists for meeting their key commanders and leaders.

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He added that one Malam Sule, a brother to the notorious bandit, Lalbi Ginshima, was among those killed in the air raid, which according to him is a major setback for the group.

The Defence spokesman said scores of terrorists were also killed in another air interdiction carried out at a terrorist enclave at Magaba in Kaduna State, adding that those fleeing were trailed and mopped up by ground troops.

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.

(NAN)/PUNCH

Related Topics:DHQ Featured surrendered Terrorists Troops

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Updated: Plateau Under Siege: 10 Killed in Coordinated Bandit Raids

Published

6 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Plateau State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Olugbemiga Adesina

Updated: Plateau Under Siege: 10 Killed in Coordinated Bandit Raids

Fresh violence rocked Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on Sunday night, leaving at least 10 people dead in coordinated attacks on Jol and Dorowa Babuje (Rob District) communities. Local leaders confirmed the assaults occurred between 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, sparking fear and outrage among residents.

The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association (BYMA), Barrister Solomon Dalyop, told reporters that nine people were killed in Dorowa Babuje, while one person died in Jol. He said the attackers arrived on motorcycles from the Manga axis in Jol, despite prior warnings to security agencies about suspicious movements.

Operation Rainbow, Plateau State’s specialized security outfit, was already deployed in Jol and successfully repelled the attackers, helping to limit casualties. In Dorowa Babuje, the assailants were reported to have emerged from the Jong-Wereh area, where they had allegedly been camping for some time. Dalyop praised the swift intervention of the military, which prevented the death toll from rising further.

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Efforts to obtain an official statement from the Plateau State Police Command were unsuccessful, as the Public Relations Officer, Alfred Alabo, did not respond to calls. The Nigeria Police is yet to issue a formal comment on the attacks.

The attacks come amid a disturbing pattern of insecurity in Riyom and surrounding areas, which have recently experienced repeated night raids, ambushes, and community displacement. Residents are now demanding a sustained security presence and long-term peacebuilding measures to prevent further bloodshed.

In the aftermath, youths and community leaders blocked major highways leading to Jos on Monday, protesting the killings and urging authorities to apprehend the perpetrators. Demonstrators warned that they would not clear the roads until action is taken to secure their communities.

The latest violence underscores the urgent need for enhanced security strategies, intelligence-driven policing, and federal-state collaboration to protect residents in Plateau State’s most vulnerable communities.

Updated: Plateau Under Siege: 10 Killed in Coordinated Bandit Raids

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Police Dislodge Bandit Camps, Arrest Gunrunners in Kaduna

Published

7 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Police Dislodge Bandit Camps, Arrest Gunrunners in Kaduna

The Kaduna State Police Command has achieved major operational successes in the last two weeks, including the dislodgement of bandit camps, the arrest of suspected gunrunners, and the seizure of illegal firearms and narcotics, officials confirmed at a press briefing on Monday.

State Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, said the operations were intelligence‑led and conducted across Kajuru, Tafa, Igabi, and Kauru Local Government Areas. Several bandit camps were destroyed, with some suspects neutralised during firefights and others escaping with injuries.

He also revealed that the police recovered a range of illegal weapons, including:

Three AK‑47 rifles
21 fabricated firearms
One sub‑machine gun (SMG)
Two English pistols and four fabricated pistols
Large quantities of hard drugs

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Muhammad highlighted the arrest of five suspected notorious gunrunners. On February 20, the Anti‑Kidnapping Unit apprehended a suspect from Jaji, Igabi LGA, who had six fabricated AK‑47 rifles, three revolvers, two pistols, seven AK‑47 magazines, and a pair of black Wellco boots. A second suspect from Unguwar Rogo, Jos North, was also taken into custody. Preliminary investigations show the suspects are involved in illegal arms fabrication and supply, fueling criminal activities within and beyond the state.

Earlier, on February 17, police intercepted three suspects at Kasuwan Magani in connection with an illegal arms transaction. Recovered items included one fabricated AK‑47 rifle and a pump-action gun.

The commissioner emphasized that the successes reflect the command’s commitment to proactive, intelligence-driven policing aimed at cutting the supply chain of illegal arms and dismantling criminal networks linked to banditry and violent crimes.

Muhammad further appreciated the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for leadership support, the Kaduna State Government for logistics assistance, and members of the public for providing credible intelligence, saying:

“Together, we shall ensure that Kaduna State remains secure for all law-abiding citizens.”

Police Dislodge Bandit Camps, Arrest Gunrunners in Kaduna

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BREAKING: Panic at MMIA as Fire Breaks Out at Old Terminal

Published

7 hours ago

February 23, 2026

Trends Admin

Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA)

BREAKING: Panic at MMIA as Fire Breaks Out at Old Terminal

A fire outbreak on Monday rocked the old terminal of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA), Lagos, triggering panic among passengers and airport workers.

The incident, which occurred during peak operational hours, saw thick smoke billowing from a section of the terminal building, forcing travellers and staff to evacuate parts of the facility.

Eyewitnesses said the situation created confusion as passengers hurriedly moved away from the affected area while airport officials directed them to safer locations within the premises.

Officials of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) confirmed that emergency response teams, including the airport fire service unit, were immediately deployed to the scene.

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According to sources at the airport, firefighters were able to contain the blaze before it spread to other sections of the terminal. There were no immediate reports of casualties as of press time.

Although the exact cause of the fire had not been officially disclosed, preliminary information suggested it may have originated from one of the service or administrative sections of the old terminal.

The incident reportedly caused temporary disruption to passenger processing and flight operations, with some activities briefly suspended as safety checks were carried out.

FAAN assured passengers and members of the public that the situation had been brought under control and that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the fire and assess the extent of damage.

Further updates are expected from airport authorities as operations gradually return to normal.