Troops Go Tough on Bandits and Boko Haram; Kills Many.

According to the Defence Headquarters, around 394 armed bandits and 85 Boko Haram and Islamic terrorists were slain by forces in various theaters of operations over the last three weeks.

While the terrorists were defeated in Borno villages, the bandits were murdered in Zamfara, Kaduna, Kano, and Taraba states, according to the statement.Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, acting Director, Defence Media Organisation, announced these during a media briefing on military activities between September 2 and 30 at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.

He said that 105 terrorists and bandits, as well as their collaborators and suspected kidnappers, had been apprehended.

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He went on to say that 2,783 terrorists and their families surrendered within the time period under consideration.Several weapons were recovered from terrorists and bandits during the period, according to Onyeuko.

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.

See also Army Begins Offensive Against bandits in Zamfara.

“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.”