TheCable

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says Nigerian troops have killed 42 terrorists and bandits, arrested 41 while 93 kidnapped victims have been rescued in the last two weeks.

Bernard Onyeuko, the acting director, defence media operations, on Thursday, said the operations were conducted in the north-east, northwest and north-central.

He said the troops of operation Hadin Kai killed 16 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, arrested 29 and rescued 40 civilians in the north-east.

Onyeuko said the successes were achieved through land and air operations.

“Cumulatively, the operations led to the neutralisation of 16 BHT/ISWAPs as well as arrest of 29 of them, while 40 civilians were rescued,” he said.

“BHT and their families, five female adults and 12 children were arrested at FOB Mayanti and Darajamel on July 15.

“Troops also recovered one General Purpose Machine Gun, four AK-47 rifles, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and one belt containing 296 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO ammunition, accessories for making IED among other items.”

Onyeuko said the troops of operation Hadarin Daji in the north-west killed no fewer than 14 bandits, arrested 24 and rescued 36 victims in different locations.

He said the troops also assisted one of the victims to deliver a baby safely during one of the encounters.

The DHQ spokesman said seven AK-47 rifles, six motorcycles, assorted military and police uniforms, six vehicles and four machetes among other items were recovered within the period.

“Also, a total of 24 criminal elements were intercepted and arrested, including 16 bandits’ informants/collaborators and an impostor by name Faisal Saidu who paraded himself as Lance Corporal Saidu Abubakar,” he said.

“Furthermore, a total of 223 rustled livestock were recovered during the period.”

The defence spokesperson said troops of operation Safe Haven conducted several operations in various locations in Plateau, Bauchi and Kaduna state within the period.

He said that the troops eliminated seven bandits and five armed robbers with several others escaping with gunshot wounds, while 12 were arrested.

He added that a total of 12 assorted rifles, a truckload of stolen railway tracks and sleepers were also recovered and 17 kidnap victims were rescued in the course of the operations.

According to him, all arrested criminals and recovered items have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for necessary action, while rescued victims have been reunited with their families.

“Peace and security meetings were also held in various parts of the state with community heads, youth leaders and relevant stakeholders,’’ he said.

“Troops have continued to dominate the theatre of operations with aggressive fighting and air patrols to deny criminal elements freedom of action within the theatre of operations.”

Onyeuko said troops had on July 18 arrested a criminal named Simon Unande, who allegedly supplied military uniforms and equipment to militia groups in Benue and Taraba.