Military strikes kill 715 terrorists, 465 hostages rescued in April

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reported that coordinated ground and air operations resulted in the neutralisation of over 715 terrorists, along with the arrest of 146 individuals and the rescue of 465 kidnapped hostages in April 2024.

The Director of Defence Media Operation, Major General Edward Buba, revealed these figures during a biweekly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday on troop activities across the country’s six geopolitical zones.

Buba emphasized the non-negotiable defeat of terrorist groups to prevent further harm to citizens.

Operations in April included ambushes, raids, and fighting patrols, with aerial assets identifying and targeting terrorist leaders and their bases.

“The synchronized strikes between the ground and air forces during the period under review resulted in over 715 terrorists neutralized.”

“During the process, troops arrested 146 persons and rescued 465 kidnapped hostages.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 937 assorted weapons, 23,034 assorted ammunitions, and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over #2 billion (N2,572,397,190.00) only,” he said.

Notable engagements included the elimination of terrorist commanders.

“On 13 April 2024, during the airstrikes, three senior terrorist commanders (Ali Dawud, Bakura Fallujah, and Mallam Ari) were neutralized at Kolleram Village along Lake Chad.

“Additionally, on 15 April 2024, the enclave of terrorist commander Babaru in Kankara LGA of Katsina State was destroyed. While, on 19 April 2024, the terrorist hideout belonging to a senior terrorist commander Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was decimated.

“Similarly, on 20 April 2024, a gathering of senior terrorist commanders Ado Ailero and Kamilu Buzaru in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State was disrupted by airstrikes. Battle Damage Assessment of all these strikes revealed that several terrorist combatants and their commanders were neutralized,” he added.

In the North-Eastern region, the military spokesperson reported that Operation Hadin Kai troops conducted missions in the Sambisa Forest, Timbuktu Triangle, and the Tumbus around Lake Chad, resulting in the elimination of 248 terrorists, the arrest of 422, and the rescue of 163 kidnapped hostages.

Additionally, 714 Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists, along with their families, surrendered. Recovered items include 208 AK47 rifles, 34 fabricated guns, 45 Dane guns, and various ammunition.

In the North-Central area, Operation Safe Haven operations neutralized 32 terrorists, arrested 148, and rescued 35 kidnap victims, seizing weapons and ammunition.

Operation Whirl Stroke targeted criminal strongholds, neutralizing 60 terrorists, arresting 99, and rescuing 57 hostages, while also recovering arms and ammunition.

In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji continued efforts against terrorists, neutralizing 297, apprehending 141, and rescuing 143 hostages, with significant weapon and ammunition recoveries.

Operation Whirl Punch targeted terrorists, resulting in neutralisations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.

In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe operations targeted violent extremists, crude oil theft, and illegal refining, resulting in neutralisations, arrests, and significant recoveries.

In the South-East, Operation UDO KA operations targeted terrorists, resulting in neutralisations, arrests, hostage rescues, and weapon recoveries.