TheCable

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops have neutralised 50 terrorists and apprehended 114 others within a week in various operations across the northern region.

Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Thursday, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said the troops also rescued 49 kidnapped hostages.

He said troops of operation hadin kai in the north-east sustained onslaught against Boko Haram and Islamic States of West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, leading to the surrender of some of their fighters in Borno and Yobe states.

Buba said the troops also recovered 17 AK-47 rifles, one AK-47 rifle loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one hand grenade, 137 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and four mobile phones.

He said the troops also neutralised 12 terrorists and arrested 26.

He added that the air component of the troops conducted air interdiction around Damboa-Maiduguri and Gwoza-Madagali areas where some terrorists were sighted and neutralised with rockets.

Buba said in the north-central, troops of operation safe haven arrested suspected kidnappers in Kanam and Sanga LGA of Plateau and Kaduna states

He said one AK-47 rifle, four pistols, a dane gun, 15 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and two mobile phones were recovered while two terrorists were eliminated.

He said 12 terrorists were apprehended and three kidnapped hostages rescued.

The defence spokesperson added that troops of operation whirl stroke also conducted raids and arrested suspected terrorists in Takum LGA of Benue and the federal capital territory.

Buba said the troops apprehended 26 suspected criminals and illegal oil bunkerers in Gwagwalada and Abuja municipal councils of the FCT within the week under review.

He said in the northwest, troops of operation hadarin daji conducted fighting patrol and neutralised terrorists in Katsina, Kaduna and Zamfara states.

He added that nine terrorists were neutralised, 12 arrested, and 25 kidnap victims rescued.

Buba said 10 AK-47 rifles, one locally fabricated gun, 155 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one magazine and one vehicle were recovered from the criminals.