Crime & SecurityNewsNigeriaTroops Kill Terrorist Commander, Arrest 224 Suspects Nationwide – DHQ

…22 Soldiers Killed as Troops Target Timbuktu Triangle

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the killing of a notorious terrorist commander and gunrunner, Abu Mosaje, in Plateau State, alongside 96 other terrorists, during operations conducted across the country in the past week.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.

According to Maj.-Gen. Troops killed Buba, Mosaje in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State. At the same time, the same troops also apprehended a wanted kidnapping kingpin, Babangida Usman, in Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

“Babangida Usman had been on the security watch list,” Buba revealed.

He further disclosed that troops arrested another notorious gunrunner, Timothy Yusuf, and his son, Timothy Obadiah, during the operations.

In the South-East, the military apprehended seven members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network (ESN), including a notorious kidnapper and informants, in Enugu North and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas of Enugu and Imo States.

“During the week under review, troops killed 97 terrorists and arrested 224 suspects. Troops also rescued 67 kidnapped hostages and apprehended 28 perpetrators of oil theft,” Buba stated.

In the South-South, troops disrupted illegal oil theft operations valued at an estimated ₦747 million. They destroyed 215 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 29 boats, 62 storage tanks, 20 drums, and 42 illegal refining sites.

Troops also recovered 842,685 litres of stolen crude oil, 12,340 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 200 litres of kerosene.

“Additionally, troops recovered one barge, one tugboat, two pumping machines, two speedboats, nine outboard engines, two vehicles, 21 motorcycles, and 11 mobile phones,” Buba said.

He added that 104 assorted weapons and 1,953 rounds of ammunition were also recovered, including 53 AK47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, one FN rifle, 11 dane guns, and two pump-action guns.

Buba concluded, “Troops remain steadfast in the destruction of terrorists across the country and are committed to creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens are guaranteed.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Armed Forces have lost 22 soldiers in an ongoing military operation targeting the Timbuktu Triangle, a notorious terrorist stronghold in Borno State.

According to Major General Edward Buba, the operation, conducted by troops of Operation Hadin Kai, commenced on January 16 and has led to the killing of over 70 insurgents, including three high-ranking commanders: Talha, a terrorist special forces commander; Mallam Umar, a terrorist operations commander; and Abu Yazeed, a terrorist brigade commander.

“Troops of Operation Hadin Kai in the North-East of the country conducted a clearance operation to a renowned terrorist stronghold and enclave known as the Timbuktu Triangle,” Buba stated.

He noted that the terrorists deployed improvised explosive devices (IEDs), suicide bombers, and explosive-laden vehicles to repel the advancing troops. However, the troops thwarted these tactics, including shooting down amateur drones used by the terrorists.

“Overall, during the course of the operations, troops sadly recorded 22 killed in action casualties with several others wounded in action. On this account, the media is enjoined to resist publishing names of troop casualties to allow the formal notification of their next of kin,” Buba added.

Earlier reports had put the number of slain soldiers at 27.

By Ezinwanne Onwuka (Senior Reporter)
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