Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralized a notorious terrorist commander, Munzur Ya Audu, along with 114 other insurgents, during a series of well-coordinated operations across the country.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Buba explained that the military has intensified efforts to dismantle terrorist networks, targeting logistics bases and other infrastructure linked to terror groups. These efforts aim to weaken their capabilities and disrupt their operations.
In the past week, troops achieved significant results, neutralizing 115 terrorists, arresting 238 suspects, and rescuing 138 kidnapped hostages.
Recovered Weapons and Ammunition
Buba highlighted the recovery of a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including:
- 145 assorted weapons:
- 1 GPMG
- 2 PKT guns
- 68 AK47 rifles
- 24 fabricated rifles
- 28 Dane guns
- 8 pump-action guns
- 1 RPG bomb
- 3 explosives
- 3,825 rounds of ammunition:
- 2,093 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo
- 246 rounds of 7.62mm NATO
- 317 rounds of GPMG/PKM ammo
- 129 live cartridges
Regional Operations
- North-East:
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 61 terrorists, arrested 34 suspects, and rescued 32 hostages. - North-Central:
Troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 18 extremists, apprehended 48 individuals, and freed 48 hostages. - North-West:
Under Operation Hadarin Daji, 28 terrorists were killed, 77 suspects captured, and 57 hostages rescued.
Air Strikes on Terrorist Hideouts
The air component of the military conducted targeted airstrikes in Katsina State, focusing on hideouts belonging to notorious terrorist kingpins Sadiku and Sola in the Safana and Batsari areas. Rockets and bombs were deployed, resulting in the destruction of enemy structures and the elimination of several terrorists.
The military reiterated its commitment to securing the nation and called on citizens to support ongoing operations through cooperation and timely information sharing.