DHQ: Troops Neutralize 1,937 Terrorists, Eliminate 65 Kingpins, Rescue 1,854 Hostages in Q3 2024
In a significant victory for Nigeria’s ongoing counterterrorism operations, military forces neutralized 1,937 terrorists and arrested 2,782 suspects in the third quarter of 2024.
Additionally, 1,854 kidnapped hostages were rescued, while 65 high-ranking terrorist leaders were eliminated in operations across the country.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, during the quarterly media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
General Buba emphasized the success of the troops’ offensive actions between July and September, which saw the elimination of several notorious terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants in various theaters of operations.
Among the terrorist leaders killed were Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla, Ameer Modu, Matawal Bitrus, and Thomas Benedict, alongside others such as Ibn Kasir, Kachalla Dan Baleri, and Kachalla Halilu (Buzu).
In total, troops recovered 1,304 weapons, 43,347 rounds of ammunition, and disrupted oil theft worth over N13 billion.
General Buba said that operation HADIN KAI neutralized 792 terrorists, arrested 606 suspects, and rescued 476 hostages. This operation also saw 7,283 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and their families surrender.
“Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 122 extremists, arrested 513 suspects, and rescued 305 hostages. Troops recovered a significant amount of arms, including 48 AK47 rifles and 41 fabricated guns.
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“Operation WHIRL STROKE accounted for the neutralization of 109 terrorists, the arrest of 203 suspects, and the rescue of 210 hostages.
“Operation HADARIN DAJI resulted in 598 terrorists being killed, 325 suspects arrested, and 523 hostages freed.
“Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 217 terrorists, arrested 448 suspects, and rescued 217 hostages”, he added.
Throughout these operations, Nigerian air components carried out several air interdictions, targeting terrorist enclaves such as Mandara Mountain, Maradun, and Kabago.
These strikes resulted in the deaths of numerous terrorist leaders and the destruction of key logistics hubs.
Meanwhile, in the southeastern part of Nigeria, Operation UDO KA recorded the neutralization of 180 combatants and the arrest of 354 criminals linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN). High-profile suspects such as Mr. Onwuha Onyebuchi were apprehended, aiding ongoing investigations.
General Buba reiterated the military’s focus on dismantling terrorist leadership and infrastructure, stating that synchronized air and ground operations have significantly weakened terrorist networks.
“We are focused on destroying both their military capability and their will to fight,” he said, emphasizing that Nigerian troops will continue to apply pressure until terrorism is eradicated.
The third quarter has seen a concerted effort by Nigerian forces to neutralize terrorist threats, and General Buba assured that military operations will continue with the same intensity to ensure peace and security across the nation.
