Nigeria’s defence spokesman claims 481 suspected terrorists killed in October

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) claimed on Thursday troops deployed to various theatres of operation killed 481 suspected terrorists last month.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the operations of the military in Abuja.

He said the troops arrested 741 suspected terrorists and rescued 492 hostages in different during the period.

Buba said the troops also recovered 480 weapons and 9,026 assorted ammunition, comprising 263 AK47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated guns, 91 Dane guns and 76 pump action guns in the operations.

He added that troops also recovered 5,683 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,944 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 642 cartridges, 160 assorted arms and 1,526 assorted ammunition during the month.

The spokesman said: “Our strategy remains to undermine the ability of these terror groups and their cohorts.

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“Troops conducted simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts across the country.

“The Nigerian Air Force carried out bombardments and air interdiction on these terrorist hideouts and enclaves with precision, thereby diminishing the fighting capabilities of these terrorists.

“On the whole, even as the armed forces mourn the tragic passing away of the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. T.A. Lagbaja, we will not allow his passing to derail our focus to destroy the terrorists.

“We are rather inspired by his actions on the battlefield as a war commander as well as his strong desire to defeat the terrorists to end the war.

“In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai conducted synchronised offensives between the air and ground forces striking and dislodging terrorists from their hideouts and strongholds.

“They exerted pressure on the terrorists in the North-East and killed 198 terrorists. The troops also apprehended 166 suspects and rescued 156 kidnapped hostages.

“The troops recorded 257 surrendered BH/ISWAP terrorists’ combatants and their families as well as recovery of a large cache of arms and ammunition.”

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