Nigerian Military Kills 343 Terrorists, 153 Bandits
By Lazarus Zakaa, Abuja
The High Command of the Nigerian Military has says over 343 members of the Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and Islamic State of West African Province (ISWAP) and 19 of the Sect leaders were killed in separate operations in the last three weeks in the north east.
The command disclosed this while keeping the general public appraised on the major operations conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the nation at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja.
Major General John Enenche, Coordinator Defence Media Operations, while giving the update said the Force has within the period of 19 days killed an overwhelming number of three hundred and fourty-three (343) fighters of both Boko Haram Terrorists (BHTs) and those of the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) in the North East region.
According to him, troops of Operation LAFIYA DOLE has exhibited a high professional effort with glaring success which led to the rescue and returned of normalcy in some villages that were under attack by the Terrorists
“A number of Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions were conducted, which revealed criminal hideouts and their activities.
Consequently, a number of 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.
“Similarly, a total of 343 BHT/ISWAP fighters were killed and several others suffered various degrees of gunshot wounds with narrow chances of survival.
” This is in addition to several others, including their key leaders, killed by Air bombardments. Furthermore, most of the Boko Haram’s logistics installations and networks have been destroyed, while 16 of their informants and logistics suppliers were arrested.” He said.
Speaking further, Enenche said with the aid of close Air support for the ground troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI carried out various clearance operations during the period under review were several bandits locations and hideouts were cleared.
Adding that in the North western region a total number of 153 Bandits were eliminated, and a number of 17 kidnapped victims rescued and united with their families while great successes were also recorded by the troops in the North Central parts of the country.
During the operation which the troops were able to recovered cache of arms and ammunition among other equipment, 4 soldiers were reported to have lost their lives during the operations.
He also said during the period also, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH clamped down on Armed Militia and other bandits in Benue and Taraba States were 7 kidnapped victims were rescued and large caches of ammunition among other items recovered.
A total of 7 bandits were killed by troops from contacts made at Toto Nasarawa State and Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State. Non of our Troops was wounded or killed in action. He said
Enenche, who described the achievements recorded by the operations so far and within a short period of time as an indications that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is winning the war against the enemies of the country, said the feat is a joint efforts of the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in the country.
