Military Neutralises 151 Terrorists, Apprehends 456 in 2 weeks –DHQ

The Defence Headquarters says troops of Armed Forces of Nigeria, have in the last two weeks eliminated a total of 151 terrorists and apprehended 456 others in different operations across the country. The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, stated this while giving update of military operations across the country on Thursday in Abuja. Buba said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 44 terrorists, arrested 21 and rescued four kidnapped hostages during the period. He said the troops recovered 17 AK47 rifles, three locally fabricated rifles, three locally made guns, one berretta pistol, three Dane guns and 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Also recovered according to him, are five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, 42 empty and cases of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo. Others are 12 magazines, 50 jerry cans of PMS, three vehicles, five mobile phone, six motorcycles, three cutlasses and the sum of N3.18 million. Buba said the troops arrested some suspected terrorists’ collaborators in Jere and  Biu in Borno, as well as Gujba Local Government Area in Yobe. He said that troops also ambushed and raided suspected terrorists’ hideouts in Konduga and Gwoza Local Government Areas of Borno. The director said that the offensive resulted in elimination of terrorists and recovery of arms and ammunitions. In North Central, Buba said the troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised 16 terrorists, arrested 16 and rescued one kidnapped hostage within the period. He said they also recovered 12 AK47 rifles, two pistols, five locally fabricated rifles, six dane guns, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 15 magazines and three motorcycles. Under Operation Whirl Stroke, he said the troops neutralised 15 terrorists, arrested six and rescued one kidnapped hostage as well as recovery of arms and ammunition. In North West, the defence spokesman said the troops of Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch, neutralised 35 terrorists, arrested eight and rescued 17 kidnapped hostages within the period. He added that the air components of the various operations had continued to annihilate the terrorists from their various hideouts with series of air interactions.

Police neutralise kidnappers, rescue victim in Imo

The Police Command in Imo on Friday, said it had neutralised two suspected kidnappers and rescued a victim at Avu near Owerri. The command’s spokesman, ASP Henry Okoye, who disclosed this in a statement, said one locally made cut-to-size gun, two cutlasses, and charms were recovered from the suspects. He said the Police swung into action following a distress call made by a “Good Samaritan” on Aug. 29, at about 12:30p.m. along Umuezorokam- Avu in Owerri West Local Government Area in an attempt to kidnap a man (name withheld). “The DPO in-charge of Nekede Divisional headquarters swiftly mobilised his men and stormed the scene with the assistance of some local vigilance group. “The hoodlums on sighting the Police immediately opened fire but were overwhelmed by the professionalism and stiff resistance showcased by the ever-gallant operatives, who maneuvered into vintage position and returned fire. “In the ensuing gun duel, two of the criminal syndicates were neutralised while others escaped to the adjoining bushes with various degrees of gunshot injuries. “Efforts are on top gear to arrest other fleeing members of the criminal syndicate,” Okoye said. The command’s spokesman said the victim was rescued with a deep machete cut on his hand and other parts of his body and was immediately rushed to Federal Medical Centre Owerri, where he is currently receiving medical attention. He said the lifeless bodies of the neutralised hoodlums have been deposited at the morgue for preservation. He commended the DPO Nekede, his men, and the local vigilantes for a job well done. Okoye reiterated the commitment of the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Mohammed Barde, to ensuring that the life and properties of all and sundry in the state are adequately protected. “The Commissioner of Police stated in strong terms that there will be no hiding place for criminally minded elements across the length and breadth of Imo. “He has beckoned on residents to continue to support the Police and other sister security agencies in the onslaught against all forms of crime and criminality in the state. “In case of emergencies, the command can be reached via 08034773600 or 08098880197,” Okoye added.