The Defence Headquarters has said troops of the Nigerian military eliminated some key wanted terrorists, including one Nkwachi Eze, otherwise known as ‘Onowu’ in April.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, made this known while briefing journalists on the activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

Mr Kangye said the late Eze was responsible for coordinating a series of attacks and kidnapping across the South-East and had been on the wanted list of the military.

He added that 430 perpetrators of oil theft, terrorists and other criminal elements were also apprehended during the month.

According to him, troops rescued 173 kidnap victims, while over 204 terrorists and members of their families surrendered.

He said, “We have also taken into custody, one Buhari Umar, a wanted suspected gunrunner who also doubles as leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorising Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna states. Furthermore, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke successfully arrested a five-man kidnapping syndicate in the Lafia Local Government Area of Nasarawa State. They include Hassan Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Idi Yusuf, Adamu Danmai and Hassan Bello. Additionally, troops recovered a large quantity of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns and Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs). Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.”

In the North-East, Mr Kangye said troops of Operation Hadin Κai, had between May 1 and May 4, apprehended 29 terrorists’ logistics suppliers in well-coordinated operations in Borno and Yobe states.

He said the suspects confessed during investigation to have received money from terrorists to purchase items such as inverter batteries, battery acid, PMS, beverages and foodstuff for them.

According to him, troops recovered vehicles, motorcycles and N739,000 from the suspects.

He added that in the North-West, troops of Operation Fasan Yamma neutralised some terrorists and rescued nine kidnap victims during fighting patrols in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara states.

He explained that troops on April 30, intercepted a truck driver conveying three motorcycles and N3.3 million concealed between bags of fruits and onions in the Anka Local Government Area of Zamfara.

In the North-Central, he said, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralised an extremist and arrested 17 suspected violent extremists in parts of Plateau and Kaduna states.

He said the Armed Forces of Nigeria was focused and committed to ensuring national security and welfare of its personnel as troops continued efforts to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity and protect citizens from all threats.

He noted, ‘‘As part of our mandate, we have launched several key operations aimed at combating insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminal activities that threaten our communities. These operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of our people and restoration of peace in affected regions. Accordingly, I am pleased to report significant progress in our operations, which include neutralisation of key insurgent leaders, destruction of several terrorists’ camps, as well as rescue of kidnap victims and rehabilitation of civilians affected by conflict.’’

(NAN)