Troops on operations in North East and North West Nigeria have killed 45 Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) fighters/Boko Haram terrorists between 9 March and March 23, 2023.
The troops also rescued 119 kidnapped victims during several operations across the country within the period.
Director Defence Media Operations Maj.-Gen. Musa Danmadamai who stated this on Thursday during the bi-weekly briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, added that troops also arrested 34 terrorists and kidnappers within the period.
According to the defence spokesperson, troops arrested two suspected kidnappers while attempting to collect ransom for a kidnapped victim at Gegu-Beki village in Kogi Local Government Area of Kogi state.
Danmadamai said 1,506 terrorists and members of their families comprising 154 males, 514 females and 838 children, have also surrendered to troops at different fronlines.
He said,
“On 12 March 2023, troops while on fighting patrol intercepted a vehicle and arrested six Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorist logistics suppliers at Kalari Abdul village in Konduga Local Government Area of Borno State.
“Troops recovered 1 vehicle, 8 mobile phones, the sum of N2,226,450.00 only amongst other items.
“Cumulatively, troops in the North East zone recovered 16 AK47 rifles, 1 x 60mm mortar bomb, 10 dane guns, 12 dummy rifles, 1 pump action gun, 1 PKT gun, 280 rounds of 7.62mm special, 118 rounds of 7.62 x 50mm NATO and 13 rounds of 5.56mm ammo.
“Others include 10 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm NATO ammo, 1 round of 12.7mm NATO, 17 AK47 magazines, 1 firing pin, 1 mechanic tools box, 2 knives, 6 motorcycles, 24 mobile phones, 41 live stocks, assorted food items, 1 vehicle, 4 sim and other sundry items as well as the cash sum of N2,234,820.00 only.”
Danmadamai said all recovered items, rescued civilians, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the appropriate authority for further action, while surrendered terrorists and members of their families are being profiled for further action.