On Thursday, the Defence Headquarters announced the identities of terrorist kingpins slain in various operations across the country’s north.
The DHQ stated that the terrorist commanders were killed in operations between January and March 2024.
The terrorist kingpins’ identities are Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok), the head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP), and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a known terrorist who operated along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway and Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State. He was slain by forces on February 21, 24.
Others include Kachallah Damina (who was neutralised by troops on March 24). He was killed alongside approximately 50 combatants, including Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, and Alhaji Baldu, among others.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, revealed the names to journalists during a briefing in Abuja.
“The above was achieved through synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, immediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves,” Buba added.
He said a total of 2,351 terrorists were killed while 2,308 were arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued during the period under review.
Buba said, “Troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against the terrorists. The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralised, 2,308 terrorists arrested, and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued. Furthermore, troops recovered 2,847 weapons and 58,492 ammunition.”
On the operations against crude oil theft, Buba said stolen products worth N20bn were recovered by troops between January and March.
He said, “Troops denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20,331,713,910.00 only. 21,573,310 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 litres of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 litres of DPK, and 52,730 litres of PMS amongst other items were recovered.”