The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ), states its troops have annihilated 481 terrorists, arrested 741 suspects and rescued 492 kidnapped hostages in different procedures across the country in October. The troops also recovered 480 weapons and 9,026 mixed ammunition, comprising 263 AK47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated firearms, 91 Dane guns and 76 pump action guns.

Army also recovered 5,683 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,944 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 642 cartridges, 160 assorted arms and 1,526 assorted ammunition during the month. The Defence Ministry said:

“Our strategy remains to undermine the ability of these terror groups and their cohorts. Troops conducted simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts across the country. The Air Force carried out bombardments and air interdiction on these terrorist hideouts and enclaves with precision, thereby diminishing the fighting capabilities of these terrorists.

“On the whole, even as the armed forces mourn the tragic passing away of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. T.A. Lagbaja, we will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists. We are rather inspired by his actions on the battlefield as a war commander as well as his strong desire to defeat the terrorists to end the war,”

he said.

In the North-East, the troops of Operation Hadin Kai worked synchronised offensives between the air force and ground forces striking and dislodging terrorists from their shelters and strongholds. Moreover, the exercised military pressure on the terrorists in the North East resulted in the killing of 198 terrorists, the apprehending of 166 suspects and recovering 156 kidnapped hostages.

The defence spokesman said that the troops recorded 257 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists’ soldiers and their families as well as recovery of a big cache of arms and ammunition. In the North Central. In the northwest, the defence spokesman expressed the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had remained concentrated on their mission to create a facilitative and stable security environment for agricultural movements and other forms of socio-economic activities in the zone.

According to him, troops launched several offensive operations, canalising and eliminating these terrorists in their hideouts and enclaves through ground and air procedures. He said that the troops offset 163 terrorists, apprehended 82 suspects and rescued 80 kidnapped hostages.