Army kills over 189 bandits, terrorists in two weeks

Over 189 bandits and terrorists were killed by troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the various states in the North between October 15 and 28, 2021.

A breakdown of the figure shows that more than 118 terrorists were killed while over 71 bandits were neutralised by the military at different operations during the said period.

Also, within this period, no fewer than 50 bandits were arrested, while 27 kidnapped victims were rescued.

Addressing journalists during a briefing on military operations in the last two weeks on Thursday in Abuja, the acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Benard Onyeuko, also disclosed that a total of 1,199 terrorists and their families, comprising 114 adult males, 312 adult females and 773 children surrendered to troops.

He had at the last briefing said a total of 13243 terrorists had surrendered, this brings the total number of surrendered terrorists to 14,442.

Onyeuko said, “In the course of the operations within the period, a total of 38 terrorist elements were neutralized, including the ISWAP’s new leader, Bako. Also, a total of 11 criminal elements including terrorists and their informants and their logistics suppliers were arrested in the course of these operations.

“Significantly, on 20 October 2021, the Air Component scored another devastating hit on BHT/ISWAP terrorist elements at Malam Fatori on the fringes of Lake Chad.

READ ALSO:

• FG begins review of power sector licences amid poor supply
• Plateau lawmakers fight over mace, impeach speaker
• Nnamdi Kanu: I lectured Abaribe on how to live in prison – Shehu Sani

“This feat was achieved on the heels of credible intelligence reports and after a series of aerial surveillance, which confirmed the convergence of terrorist elements in 20 boats at the location.

“Consequently, airstrikes were executed on the target with various NAF platforms, which led to the destruction of the boats and neutralization of scores of the terrorists, while few of them fled in disarray with varying degrees of wounds.

“Similarly, on 21 October 2021, following a report of ISWAP elements’ attack on troops at Katarko area in Yobe State, the Air Component engaged the terrorists in successive airstrikes and neutralized scores of them.

“Additionally, a total of 29 assorted weapons, 166 rounds of assorted ammunition, among other items were recovered. Others are; 2 gun trucks and 622 bags of fertilizer, used for the production of IEDs; while 5 kidnapped civilians were rescued.

“Some of these feats were recorded at; Dar, Kumshe, Wulgo, Chabbol and Kijmatari villages in Borno State as well as locations along Ngala – Wulgo and Nguru – Kano roads. Other locations were; Dikwa and Mafa villages as well as Ngama village in Yobe State.

“Furthermore, between 15 and 28 October 2021, a total of 1,199 terrorists and their families, comprising 114 adult males, 312 adult females, and 773 children, surrendered to troops at different locations in the North East.

“Also, no fewer than 12 armed bandits were neutralized, 11 AK-47 rifles, 64 rounds of ammunition, 24 livestock among other items were recovered in the course of these operations.

“Additionally, Nigerian Air Force helicopter gunships neutralized no fewer than 50 armed bandits at Saulawa – Farin Ruwa axis in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

Punch