Boko Haram/ISWAP: Nigerian troops kill 500 terrorists, bandits 

The Defence Headquarters said the Nigerian Armed Forces have neutralised over 500 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and bandits.

The operations were carried out between March 18 and May 5.

The Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. John Enenche, stated this in an update on Wednesday.

Enenche said that several other terrorists suffered various degrees of gunshot wounds with narrow chances of survival.

He said Boko Haram’s logistics installations and networks were being destroyed, while 16 of their informants and logistics suppliers were arrested.

Enenche confirmed that some troops paid the supreme prize and others were wounded in action.

“Some villages attacked during the period were rescued by our gallant troops and normalcy was returned to the affected areas. A number of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions conducted revealed criminal hideouts and their activities.

“Consequently, air interdictions were conducted, which led to the destruction of several BHT logistics facilities and compounds, housing some of their leaders including Abu Usamah and a number of their fighters who were eliminated,” he said.

Under Operation Hadarin Daji, combined troops comprising Land and Air Components, as well as other security operatives, recorded successes in Katsina and Zamfara States.

A total of 17 kidnapped victims were rescued and united with their families while several arms and ammunition among other equipment were recovered.

The military spokesman said troops also rescued 922 rustled cattle and 446 sheep.

The coordinator noted that there was a clampdown on armed militia and bandits in Benue and Taraba States.

Troops successfully rescued seven kidnapped victims and recovered large caches of ammunition and other items.

Also, seven bandits were killed by troops from contacts made at Toto in Nasarawa State and Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.

In Maritime operations, 61 illegal refining sites were discovered during Anti-Crude Oil/Anti-Illegal Bunkering Operations in the Niger Delta region.

“In all, a total of 4,464.8 and 1,781,000 litres of crude oil were recovered as well as 1,756,900 litres of AGO; 116,000 litres of DPK; and 11,750 litres of PMS.

“During the Swamp Boogie Operations, several refining ovens, receivers, surface metal storage tanks/drums, coolers and dugout pits were deactivated and immobilised. Fishing trawlers were also arrested and handed over to NIMASA.”

Enenche added that 15 hostages were rescued, a barge and some weapons were recovered and 3 pipeline vandals arrested.