Nigerian military eliminates over 100 terrorists, captures key commander, 182 others

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced that troops neutralized 101 terrorists and captured Usman Maisaje, a key terrorist commander, along with 182 others in multiple operations conducted across the country within the past week.

Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided these updates in a statement released on Friday in Abuja, detailing the activities of the Nigerian military.

Buba disclosed that Maisaje, identified as a close associate of Kachalla Boka, a wanted high-profile terrorist, is currently cooperating with security forces, offering valuable intelligence to aid future operations.

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During the operations, troops recovered 71 assorted weapons and 1,463 rounds of ammunition, including 50 AK-47 rifles, 16 locally fabricated rifles, five dane guns, five pump-action guns, and 16 AK-47 magazines.

The ammunition seized included 784 rounds of 7.62mm special, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 164 rounds of 7.62x39mm, and 53 rounds of 9mm ammunition, along with 67 live cartridges. Additional items recovered were a Baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones, and other equipment.

In the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 54 terrorists, arrested 71 suspects, and freed 39 hostages. A total of 74 terrorists—comprising seven adult males, 17 females, and 44 children—also surrendered.

Buba confirmed that airstrikes targeted terrorist hideouts in Bukar Meram near the Tumbuns, destroying enemy infrastructure and killing several combatants.

In the North-Central, troops from Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke eliminated 12 violent extremists, detained 42 suspects, and rescued 56 kidnapped victims.

Similarly, in the North-West, troops under Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch killed 28 terrorists, apprehended 57, and secured the release of 44 hostages. Weapons were also seized, and airstrikes targeted enclaves of notorious terrorist leader Malam Yaddi and other hideouts in Jan Birnin, Birnin Gwari, Kaduna State.

In the Niger Delta, Operation Delta Safe forces dismantled 60 illegal refining sites and confiscated items such as 48 boats, 52 drums, 38 storage tanks, and 55 cooking ovens. Additional equipment, including two speedboats, one tricycle, six mobile phones, and several vehicles, were also seized. Troops recovered 712,535 liters of stolen crude oil and 76,800 liters of illegally refined diesel, arresting 45 individuals linked to oil theft.

In the South-East, under Operation UDO KA, seven terrorists were killed, 12 extremists were arrested, and 18 hostages were freed.

Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism, stating:
“The military will not relent on its plan to kill terrorists and destroy the infrastructure that support them. We will increasingly degrade the terrorist military capability and effectiveness through our operations.”