The Nigerian military and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) have announced notable progress in their recent counter-terrorism and anti-banditry operations. Over the past 29 days, the forces have eliminated 1,166 terrorists and apprehended 1,096 suspects. Additionally, they have seized a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition and rescued 721 hostages.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed these figures during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He highlighted that the troops had recovered 391 weapons and over 15,000 rounds of ammunition in a series of coordinated operations. The arsenal included 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump-action guns, and 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
The military's intensified efforts have led to the removal of numerous high-profile terrorist leaders and commanders. In the North East, notable figures such as Munir Arika and Ameer Modu were reported neutralized, while the North West saw the elimination of Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama and several others. These operations have notably diminished the capabilities of terrorist groups, resulting in more localized skirmishes and attacks on less fortified targets.
In detail, the various military operations have shown the following outcomes:
Operation Hadin Kai (North East): 292 terrorists neutralized, 254 suspects arrested, 213 hostages rescued, and a large number of Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and families surrendered.
Operation Safe Haven (North Central): 50 extremists neutralized, 290 suspects apprehended, 121 hostages rescued, and substantial arms recovered.
Operation Whirl Stroke (North Central): 37 terrorists neutralized, 94 suspects arrested, and 68 hostages rescued.
Operation Hadarin Daji (North West): 153 terrorists neutralized, 97 suspects arrested, 186 hostages rescued.
Operation Whirl Punch (North West): 63 terrorists neutralized, 291 suspects apprehended, and 62 hostages rescued.
Operation Delta Safe (South-South): Achieved a daily crude oil production of over 1.5 million barrels, arrested 71 individuals for oil theft, and seized large quantities of stolen oil and illegal refining equipment.
Operation UDO KA (South East): 34 IPOB/ESN members neutralized, 82 suspects arrested, and 26 hostages rescued.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) also reported a successful airstrike against terrorists in the Jubillaram area, near Lake Chad. According to AVM Edward Gabkwet, Director of Public Relations and Information for the NAF, the strikes targeted militants who had been forced into higher ground due to heavy rainfall. The operation effectively dismantled terrorist structures and diminished their operational capabilities.
Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, had earlier instructed intensified operations against terrorist and criminal elements. The recent airstrike in Jubillaram is seen as a direct response to these directives and is part of the broader strategy to curb terrorism in the region.