Troops neutralized over 10,000 terrorists, seized massive arms cache in 2024 – DHQ
By Abiodun Folarin, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that its troops successfully neutralized 10,937 terrorists and recovered 8,815 weapons, along with 228,004 rounds of ammunition during operations conducted between January and December 2024.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a briefing stated that this achievement underscores the military’s ongoing efforts to maintain peace and stability in the country.
Buba highlighted that during operations conducted within the year, troops neutralized over a thousand notable terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants.
He also reported that the troops arrested 12,538 suspects and rescued 7,063 hostages. Furthermore, the troops successfully prevented oil theft estimated at over ₦68 billion (₦68,453,376,040.00).
“During the course of the year, troops eliminated over a thousand notable terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants, among others.
“Some of those eliminated include Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, Chinemerem (aka Bam Bam), Jeremiah Uzuoma (aka Escoba), Tochukwu Awo (aka Ojoto), and Egwuatu, among others,” he stated.
He said, “The troops recovered 4,332 AK-47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, 838 dane guns, 259 pump-action guns, 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 45,445 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 5,103 cartridges, 2,131 assorted arms, and 29,176 assorted rounds of ammunition.
“Additionally, the troops seized 56,223,002 liters of stolen crude oil, 9,735,836 liters of illegally refined AGO, 95,595 liters of DPK, and 156,527 liters of PMS, among other items.”
He emphasized that the troops remain focused on delivering tangible benefits of their operations for the citizens.
He further stated that, “Troops aim to heighten collaboration with neighboring countries and regional bodies to tackle the menace of terrorism.”
He assured that the victories recorded in the outgoing year signify a major step toward defeating terrorism in 2025.
Meanwhile, he noted that troops on the battlefield are in high spirits, fully committed, and believe in the justness of their cause. He added that the military is determined to go the extra mile in the new year to achieve their objectives.
The military, therefore, urged citizens to offer more support to help secure victory in the fight against terrorism.
