- Troops neutralised 49 terrorists
The Nigerian military said Thursday that no Nigeria territory is under the control of terrorists, bandits or criminals that would undermine security during the general elections in the country.
Director of Military Operations , DMO, Major General Musa Danmadami stated this while fielding questions during the biweekly press conference on the activities of military against the insurgents between the period January 11 to 25, 2023.
He said that military operations are being intensified against pockets of terrorists, bandits and criminals elements across the country and that “none of them is holding any territory”.
He said that the military will remain at alert, stand bye and apolitical adding that “any unwanted act would be dealt with seriously.”
But “let us be positive in our thoughts because we have held elections in the past in this country and nothing happened. This election will not be different”.
Earlier during the briefing the director had said that a total of 49 terrorists were neutralised while 26 terrorists were arrested by the military cross the several theatres in the country.
Major General Musa Danmadami said that not less than 22 AK-47 rifles were recovered from terrorists and bandits in the two weeks under review. Also recovered are 13 locally fabricated guns, nine pump action and two RPG guns.
He said that in the North East Region troops recovered 12 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated guns, 1 FN rifle, 1 G3 rifle, 3 QJC gun, 2 x 60mm mortar bombs, 36 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO, 7 x 60mm mortar chargers, 4 RPG 7 bombs, 1 phantom MRAP, 2 PKGM.
The troops also recovered 1 gun truck, 332 rounds of 12.7mm AP ammunition, 56 rounds of 7.62 rimmed ammunition, 21 rounds of 7.62mm special refilled ammunition, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special, 14 AK47 magazines, 2 vehicles, 9 bicycles, 4 motorcycles, 1 mobile, phones and the sum of N15,000.00 only and some other sundry items.
Troops equally neutralized 42 terrorists, arrested 5 terrorists, 9 terrorists logistics suppliers, 2 suspected vandals, 5 bandits as well as 5 armed herders. Troops also rescued 6 adopted civilians while a total of 267 terrorists and families members, comprising 22 adult male, 128 adult females and 117 children surrendered to troops at different locations of the North East theater of operation, the director said.
Similar efforts by the troops in the North West Region during the weeks under review resulted in neutralising seven terrorists arrested 2 suspected gunrunners and the terrorist of 19 of them as well as the rescued of 36 kidnapped victims.
Troops also recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 2 RPG tube, 4 RPG 7 bombs, 4 RPG 7 chargers and 2 pistol, 8 dane guns, 3 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special and 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
In the North Central Region troops neutralized seven terrorists and arrested two suspected gunrunners and 19 terrorists. Troops rescued 36 kidnapped victims and recovered 8 AK47 rifles, 2 RPG tube, 4 RPG 7 bombs, 4 RPG 7 chargers and 2 pistol, 8 dane guns, 3 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 112 rounds of 7.62mm special and 20 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
Two AK47 rifles, 9 pump action rifles, 1 double barrel gun, 33 rounds of 7.62mm special, 4 locally made hand grenade, 17 live cartridges, 4 IEDs, 4 locally made explosive pipes, 8 cartridges, 1 locally made grenade, 1 barrel gun, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo, 4 cutlasses, 1 axe, 1 vehicle, 5 mobile phones and the sum of N16,000.00 only.
Troops equally neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 24 and rescued 16 civilians. Major General Danmadami said that all recovered items, apprehended suspects and rescued civilians have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action meaning the military is doing it’s part.