The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, released the names of terrorist kingpins killed during different operations in the northern part of the country.
The DHQ noted that the terrorist commanders were killed in operations between January and March 2024.
The names of the terrorist kingpins are Abu Bilal Minuki (aka Abubakar Mainok) – Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP) and Haruna Isiya Boderi. He was a notorious terrorist who operated along Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State as well as the Abuja Kaduna Highway. He was killed by troops on 21 Feb 24.
Others are Kachallah Damina (neutralised on March 24 by troops. He was neutralised alongside over 50 combatants), Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, Alhaji Baldu among several others.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, revealed the names to journalists during a briefing in Abuja.
“The above was achieved through synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves. For instance, immediately upon acquisition of vital targets, fighter jets are scrambled to carry out major bombarding raids on significant terrorist enclaves,” Buba added.
He said a total of 2,351 terrorists were killed while 2,308 were arrested and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued during the period under review.
Buba said, “Troops equally conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and offensive against the terrorists. The attacks and offensive actions by troops during the period resulted in 2,351 terrorists neutralised, 2,308 terrorists arrested, and 1,241 kidnapped hostages rescued. Furthermore, troops recovered 2,847 weapons and 58,492 ammunition.”
On the operations against crude oil theft, Buba said stolen products worth N20bn were recovered by troops between January and March.
He said, “Troops denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N20,331,713,910.00 only. 21,573,310 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,723,430 litres of illegally refined AGO, 53,300 litres of DPK, and 52,730 litres of PMS amongst other items were recovered.”
