59 Terrorists Killed As Troops Rescue Kidnap Victims

The Defence Headquarters announced on Friday (today) that no fewer than fifty-nine terrorists were killed recently in different operations by troops of the Nigerian Army.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed this to journalists in Abuja today, noting that the troops rescued eighty-eight kidnap victims held hostage by criminals from across the country.

Buba further disclosed that 88 suspected criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts were apprehended during the process, though the time span of the operations was not specified.

“As of 28 July 23, the military has neutralized 59 terrorists and arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts. Troops have also rescued 88 kidnapped hostages,” Buba said.

He also disclosed that the troops recovered a total number of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition.

“Troops recovered 26 AK47 rifles, one GPMG, one AKMS rifle, one FN rifle, four pump action, five pistols and 19 Dane guns,” the statement said.

“Also recovered are 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, nine rounds of 9mm ammo and a sum of N41,915 only and CFA 49,000.

“Others include 323,650 litres of stolen crude oil, 128,700 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 litres of DPK. While an estimated sum of N388,441,660 was denied for the oil thefts,” the defence spokesman added.