The Defence Headquarters says over 394 armed bandits and 85 Boko Haram and Islamic terrorists were killed by troops in their various theatres of operations in the last three weeks.
It said while the terrorists were neutralised in Borno communities, the bandits were killed in Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano and Taraba states.
The acting Director, Defence Media Organisation, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed these at a media briefing today on the activities of troops between September 2 and 30 at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.
He said 105 terrorists and bandits, their collaborators and suspected kidnappers were arrested.
He added that no fewer than of 2,783 terrorists and their families surrendered within the period under review.
Onyeuko disclosed that several assorted weapons were recovered from the terrorists and bandits within the period.
He said, “Cumulatively, a total of 85 BHT/ISWAP terrorists were neutralized and 43 terrorists including their collaborators and logistics suppliers were arrested in the course of the various operations.
“Also, a total of 121 assorted weapons including SMG, HK21 guns, AK-47 and locally-made rifles with magazines, 3,372 rounds of 7.62mm NATO/Special ammunition, locally made pistols and smooth body grenades, RPG-7 bombs as well as 12,250 bags of fertilizers and 178 rustled livestock among several other items were recovered. Furthermore, a total of 2,783 terrorists and their families surrendered within the period under review.
“A total of 240 armed bandits were neutralised, 125 assorted arms including AK-47 and FN rifles and Dane guns as well as 1,166 rounds of 7.62mm special/NATO ammunition, 1,304 livestock and 54 motorcycles among other items were recovered within the period. Also, 47 armed bandits, informants and bandits’ collaborators were arrested within the period in Zamfara and Kano communities.
“Also, using a force pack of Nigerian Air Force platforms, on a bandits’ camp at Kuza Hills, which led to the destruction of some of the criminals’ hideouts and logistics facilities. No fewer than 43 armed bandits were neutralized in the process. In the same vein, over 40 armed bandits were neutralized at Fadaman Kanauta in Kidandan forest under Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.
“Troops of Operation Whirl stroke maintained their aggressive postures in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States. A total of 15 armed bandits were neutralized, while 23 AK-47 rifles with magazines as well as 66 rounds of 7.62mm special and 39mm ammunition were recovered.
“In addition, troops neutralized 3 armed bandits around Kasamari Bridge along Kaduna – Abuja Highway and recovered 3 AK-47 rifles with magazines and 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.”
