The Defence Headquarters on Friday said Nigerian troops have killed at least 762 suspected terrorists and bandits in the North-east and North-west region.

John Enenche, defence spokesman, said 312 suspected bandits and 450 Boko Haram insurgents were killed; 391 were arrested in several military operations across the north-west region between July 1 and September 30.

He said that 91 kidnapped victims were rescued by the troops.

“Additionally, 10 gun trucks as well as 38 grenades were recovered,” Mr. Enenche, a major-general, said. 

At least 53 arrests were made, some of whom included “high value targets,” he said.

Nigeria has ramped up its chase of terrorists and bandits operating between the country’s northwest and northeast, as it seeks to restore peace and other in the troubled regions. 

But despite the increased intensity of the campaigns, progress has remained slow on the frontlines. Troops continue to run into ambush of insurgents and terrorists, leaving many soldiers, including high-level officials, killed or wounded in action.

Last month alone, the Nigerian Army lost a colonel and a lieutenant-colonel, alongside scores of soldiers.

A vast swathe of land also remained inaccessible by soldiers, leaving millions of Nigerians trapped on the fringes of the country’s bother with Cameroon and Niger. Between July and September, Babagana Zulum, governor of Boko Haram stronghold Borno, was ambushed on three occasions by suspected Boko Haram terrorists.

More than 30 people, including security agents attached to the governor, were killed in the last attack last week. Authorities have yet to identify the attackers. 

In Katsina, Mr. Buhari’s home state, has come under regular attacks by bandits across communities, leaving hundreds of people killed.