DHQ confirms troops rescue 320 hostages in joint operations with hybrid forces
By Jeph Ajobaju, Chief Copy Editor
Military onslaught against terrorists in February alone saw the rescue of 320 kidnap victims, the killing of 217 terrorists, arrest of 574 suspects, as well as the apprehension of 122 alleged perpetrators of oil theft.
The figures were reeled out in Abuja by Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Media Operations Director Major General Markus Kangye in a statement he issued on operations against insurgency across the country.
Kangye said a total 252 terrorists along with their family members surrendered to troops who conducted joint operations with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security agencies, and hybrid forces.
His words: “These operations include fighting and confidence building patrols, raids, ambushes and clearance as well as search and rescue operations.
“In the course of the operations, they neutralized several terrorists, apprehended their collaborators, rescued kidnapped victims and received surrendered terrorists.
“Gunrunners, oil theft collaborators and other violent extremists were also apprehended. They also conducted several close air supports, armed reconnaissance patrols, and air interdiction missions.
“In the South South region, troops foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about N2,199,914,942.00 only.
“The breakdown includes: 1,790,934 litres of stolen crude oil, 402,936 litres of illegally refined AGO and 600 litres of DPK.
“In a related development, troops recovered 296 and 7,245 assorted weapons and ammunition respectively. These include 159 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 36 dane guns, 19 pump action guns, 4,836 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,506 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 235 cartridges as well as other 28 assorted arms and 668 assorted ammunitions.”
North East
Kangye disclosed that Joint Task Force operation Hadin Kai (North East) conducted offensives between February 18 and 24 February that also led to successes.
“In separate offensive operations, troops conducted raids/ambushes operations and made contact with terrorists in Ngala, Biu, Bama, Damboa, Konduga and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State.
“During the operations, they neutralized 16 and arrested 9 terrorists while 4 kidnapped hostages were rescued, 11 AK 47 rifles, one dane gun, 4 locally fabricated rifles, 308 rounds of 7.62 mm special, 52 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo and 4 magazines were recovered.
“Arrest of ISWAP terrorists collaborators. From 20-24 February 2025, in separate offensive patrols, troops in conjunction with Hybrid Forces intercepted 19 BH/ISWAP terrorist collaborators in Bama, Konduga, Gwoza, Jere, Dikwa and Askira Uba LGAs of Borno State as well as Damaturu and Fikka LGAs of Yobe State.
“They recovered 11 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 2 vehicles and 7 mobile phones, as well as the sum of N1,37,070.00 only.
North West
“Troops of Joint Task Force operation Fansan Yamma (North West) conducted offensive operations between 20 and 22 February 2025.
“In separate offensive operations, troops with ONSA Team conducted fighting and ambush operations and made contact with terrorists in Kachia and Kauru LGAs of Kaduna State.
“Following a fire fight, 11 terrorists were neutralized, 2 were arrested while 5 kidnapped hostages were rescued; 7 AK47 rifles, 1 locally fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, 188 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 5 motorcycles were recovered.
“Between 20-23 February 2025, in separate offensive operations, troops made contact with terrorists in Zurmi, Shinkafi, Maru, Gusau and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Rabah and Wurno LGAs of Sokoto State.
“Following a fire fight, 14 terrorists were neutralized, 5 were arrested while 16 kidnapped hostages were rescued. 13 AK47 rifles, 6 locally fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, one pistol, 221 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 21 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 2 QJC mounts, one PKT barrel, 5 empty boxes of 12,7mm x 108 ammo, 2 boefeng, 7 AK47 magazine, and 13 motorcycles were recovered.
“On 18-23 February 2025, troops responded to information about terrorists activities in Isa, Sabon Birni and Rabah LGAs of Sokoto State, as well as Maradun, Munya, Wushishi and Faskari LGAs of Zamfara, Niger and Katsina States respectively.
“On arrival, 4 terrorists were neutralized while 27 victims were rescued. 3 AK47 rifles, 4 dane guns, 132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14 live cartridges, 16 motorcycles and 2 vehicles were recovered.
“Troops of joint task force operation Whirl Punch (North West) also conducted offensive operations.
“Between 19-25 February 2025, troops conducted offensive operations in Hong, Mubi South and Girei LGAs of Adamawa State as well as Toro and Patigi LGAs of Bauchi and Kwara States respectively. A raid operation was also conducted in the Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT, Abuja.
“During the operations, 4 terrorists were neutralised, 54 were arrested, while 3 kidnapped victims were rescued. They recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 113 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 live cartridges, 3 motorcycles and 6 mobile phones, among others.
South South
“Troops of Joint Task Force operation Delta Safe (South South) maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil thieves as troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products. Details as follows:
“Troops destroyed illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 673,922 litres of stolen crude oil and 201 and 616 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 57 crude oil cooking ovens, 31 dugout pits, 49 boats, 4 speedboats, 53 storage tanks, 45 drums and 58 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include 2 pumping machines, 4 tricycles, 4 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 8 vehicles, among others. Troops arrested 31 oil thieves and recovered 6 and 84 assorted arms and ammunition as well as 3 magazines.
“Offensive operations. On 18 and 20 February 2025, in separate offensive operations, troops made contact with criminals in Uvwie and Sapele LGAs of Delta State as well as Ikwerre LGA of Rivers State.
´During the operations, 11 criminals were arrested while 4 locally made guns, 2 pump actions guns, 59 live cartridges and illicit drugs were recovered.
South East
“Troops of Joint Task Force operation Udo Ka (South East) also conducted offensive operations.
“On 23 and 24 February 2025, troops made contact with IPOB/ESN terrorists in Enugu LGA of Enugu State as well as Ihiala and Njaba LGAs of Anambra and Imo States, respectively.
“Following a fire fight, one extremist was arrested, and a locally fabricated rifle was recovered. On 20 and 25 February 2025, troops arrested 3 extremists in Edda LGA of Ebonyi State and Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.”
Kangye said all recovered exhibits have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.
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