152 terrorists killed, 219 surrendered in August — Army

Troops of Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) neutralised 152 terrorists, arrested 142 suspects and recorded the surrender of 219 terrorists during operations across the North-East in August.

The Acting Information Officer of the North-East Theatre Command, Capt. Goni Isa, disclosed this in an operational update on the activities of the command during the month.

Isa said the operations, which involved ground offensives, intelligence-led actions and air operations, targeted Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram elements across the theatre.

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He explained that the troops conducted 10 air interdictions and neutralised nine improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during the period.

According to him, 58 weapons and explosive items were recovered, including AK-47 and AK-49 rifles, locally fabricated firearms, a hand grenade and an RPG bomb.

Isa said the troops also recovered 1,184 rounds of ammunition, 16 mobility assets, 44 mobile phones, a Sony video camcorder and N1,794,910 in cash.

He said the operations disrupted the movement and logistics of terrorist elements across the theatre.

Isa added that the surrender of 219 terrorists provided security agencies with information on the activities, movements and logistics of the insurgent groups.

He said the recovery of weapons, ammunition and other items would support efforts to disrupt terrorist supply networks and identify collaborators.

According to him, the neutralisation of nine IEDs also reduced the threat posed to troops and civilians using major routes and rural pathways.

The operations are part of the military’s ongoing campaign against ISWAP and Boko Haram in the North-East.