The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday revealed the names of terrorist leaders who were neutralized during various military operations in the northern region of Nigeria between January and March 2024.
Among the prominent terrorist kingpins killed were Abu Bilal Minuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, who served as the Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP). Minuki was described as a notorious terrorist operating in the Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State and along the Abuja-Kaduna highway.
He was eliminated by troops on February 24.
Other significant terrorist leaders eliminated during this period include Kachallah Damina, who was neutralized on March 24 along with over 50 combatants, as well as Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu, among several others.
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Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed these names to journalists during a briefing in Abuja.
He emphasized that these achievements were made possible through coordinated strikes between ground and air forces on terrorist hideouts. Fighter jets were promptly deployed to carry out significant bombing raids on identified terrorist enclaves.
Additionally, Buba highlighted the overall success of military operations during the period, revealing that a total of 2,351 terrorists were neutralized, 2,308 were arrested, and 1,241 kidnap hostages were rescued.
Troops also recovered 2,847 weapons and 58,492 caches of ammunition.
Regarding efforts against crude oil theft, Buba stated that troops recovered stolen petroleum products worth over N20 billion between January and March.
These recoveries included millions of liters of stolen crude oil, illegally refined diesel, kerosene, and petrol, among other items.
These developments underscore the ongoing efforts by the Nigerian military to combat terrorism and criminal activities in the country, as well as their commitment to safeguarding national security and territorial integrity.
