By SUMAILA OGBAJE

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops in September neutralised several terrorists, apprehended 450 suspects, and rescued 180 kidnapped victims in ongoing counter-insurgency and anti-banditry operations nationwide.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, stated this in a statement on Saturday in Abuja.

Kangye said that within the month, 39 terrorists voluntarily surrendered, while troops recovered 63 assorted arms, and 4,475 rounds of ammunition.

He added that other items recovered include grenades, IED-making materials, communication gadgets, vehicles, motorcycles, and logistics supplies used in perpetrating crimes.

In the North East, Kangye said the troops of Joint Task Force (JTF) North East, Operation HADIN KAI, had sustained momentum against Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists in Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.

He said the troops operations led to the elimination of several terrorists and the arrest of 21 collaborators, informants, and sympathisers, with a large cache of arms and ammunition in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Kukawa.

Kangye said the troops also dismantled terrorist camps, intercepted logistics networks, and supported the safe return of displaced persons to their ancestral homes.

In the North West, Kangye said the troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA carried out clearance and rescue operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Katsina, and Kaduna States.

He added that troops killed several bandits and apprehended 46 suspects, including a wanted terrorist kingpin, Ali Saidu.

According to him, a total of 13 kidnapped victims were rescued during these operations, which also disrupted key bandit supply routes in Maradun, Isa, and Sabon Birni Local Government Areas.

“Under Operation ENDURING PEACE, troops responded to distress calls and conducted clearance operations in Plateau and Kaduna States, where several extremists were neutralised, 12 suspects arrested, and 4 kidnapped victims rescued.

“Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralised criminals and arrested six suspects in Benue, Taraba, Kogi, Nasarawa States, and parts of the FCT, rescuing two kidnapped victims,” he said.

In the South East, Kangye said the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralised terrorists and apprehended four others, with weapons, ammunition, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices recovered in Anambra and Imo States.

Kangye reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ commitment to restoring peace and stability across all parts of the country, working closely with other security agencies and Hybrid Forces.

“Our gallant troops will continue to sustain offensive operations and intelligence-driven missions until lasting peace is achieved in all troubled parts of Nigeria,” he said. (NAN)

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