DHQ Reveals Number Of Boko Haram Terrorists That Have Surrendered

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that over 5890 Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgents and their families have so far surrendered to the Nigerian troops in the North East.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Bernard Onyeuko, said the surrendered terrorists include their commanders and foot soldiers.

Onyeuko added that 565 of the recently surrendered terrorists have been handed over to the Borno State Government for further management after thorough profiling.

The DHQ stated that no fewer than 48 of Boko Haram terrorists, 20 arrested including fighters and commanders were neutralized and their logistic base and facilities including 3 gun trucks were destroyed in the process.

He said: “A cumulative total of 52 assorted arms and 1,977 rounds of 7.62mm assorted calibre ammunition including AK-47 and FN rifles with magazines, hand grenades, commando mortar guns, locally fabricated rifles, Dushka anti-aircraft guns, Dane guns and Nigerian Police rifles among other items were recovered from surrendered terrorists and operations within the period.

“Also, a total of 7 terrorists collaborators/informants and logistics suppliers were arrested and handed over to appropriate prosecuting agencies for necessary actions.

In the war against banditry, Onyeuko said, “Troop’s of Operation Hadarin Daji sustained their operations against the bandits’, kidnappers and other criminal elements in the North-West Geo-political zone.

“Cumulatively, a total of 15 armed bandits and 2 armed robbers were neutralized, 13 bandits informants arrested, 15 motorcycles were recovered, 2 AK 47 rifles recovered, 33 kidnap victims rescued, 66 criminal elements arrested and some vandalized railway sleepers/tracks were recovered within the period in focus.

“The operations that led to the significant results were carried out at Gidan Zuma village under Kwatarkwashi District and Bakinwa in Gusau LGA; Matuzgi and Gora Namaye village in Maradun LGA of Zamfara State; and along Gurbi – Shimfida Road in Jibia LGA of Katsina State.

“Other locations where significant results were recorded include; Magam village in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State, Faskari Town and Batsari/Ruma general area in Batsari LGA and Jibia Town in Jibia LGA of Katsina State.

‘In the North Central Zone, troop’s of Operation Safe Haven arrested 20 persons involved in the attack and killing of 26 travellers at Rukuba Town in Jos North LGA of Plateau State.

“The arrested persons have been handed over to appropriate prosecuting agency for further necessary action.“