The Defence Headquarters has said troops in various theatres of operations across the country have cracked down on the nefarious activities of terrorists and other criminal elements in the last two weeks.
Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Musa Danmadami, said over 77 terrorists were killed while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to the military between January 26 and February 9.
During the period, he said troops busted an enclave of the Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network in the Ordu Local Government Area of Imo State.
According to him, after a gun duel, the military destroyed IPOB shrines as well as posters with the inscription “No Election.”
One AK-47 rifle was recovered in the operation, he said.
Danmadami said, “On January 28, 2023, troops responded to credible information on Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist activities at County Primary School Amaruru in the Ordu Local Government Area of Imo State and made contact with the terrorists. Following the fire fight, troops neutralised one terrorist and destroyed 10 motorcycles.
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“Troops also recovered one AK-47 rifle and destroyed the terrorists’ shrines, including posters with inscription of ‘No Election’.”
He added that, “Cumulatively, during the period under review, troops in the North-East region recovered two GPMG, one AK-47, 13 Dane guns, three AK-47 magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammo, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36-hand grenade, 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x 51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, two jack knives, 11 bicycles, one vehicle, one motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260, as well as a vehicle loaded with food and other items.
“Troops equally neutralised 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists, and seized nine Boko Haram terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 59 civilians, while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females and 195 children, surrendered to troops at different locations in the North East theatre of operation.”
In the North Central, Danmadami said the troops neutralised five terrorists and arrested 10 terrorists and one gunrunner, adding that they also recovered 36 cows, 10 motorcycles, three mobile phones, two knives, and eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition.
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He stated that in the North-West region, troops neutralised 16 terrorists and arrested seven suspected terrorists, adding that a total of 12 AK-47 rifles, 16 locally-made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition, 27 AK-47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, one vehicle, three MTN SIM cards, one National Identification Number card, and one driver’s licence were recovered.
Danmadami noted that all recovered items, apprehended criminals, and rescued civilians were handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action, while captured terrorists, surrendered Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province members, and members of their families are being profiled for further action.
He also said troops with the Defence Intelligence Agency team raided Yelwata village in Guma Local Government Area of Benue State and arrested a suspected gun runner. A mobile phone and a Benue State Livestock Guard identity card were recovered from the suspect.