According to the Defence Headquarters, in the past two weeks, troops have actively pursued terrorists and other criminal groups in a number of theaters of operations across the nation.

Major General Musa Danmadami, the Director of Defence Media Operations, stated during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday that between January 26 and February 9, 340 terrorists and members of their families turned themselves in to the military.

He said, “Cumulatively, within the period under review, troops in the North East region recovered 2 GPMG, 1 AK47, 13 Dane guns, 3 AK47 Magazines, one bandolier, 316 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm PKT ammunition, 37 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one 36 hand grenade, 77 rounds of belted 7.62mm NATO ammo, one belted 18 x 7.62mm x51mm ball ammo, 19 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 2 jack knives, 11 bicycles, 1 vehicle,1 motorcycle, 20 wraps of cannabis, the sum of N77,260 as well as a vehicle loaded with food items and other sundry items.

“Troops equally neutralized 56 terrorists, arrested 17 terrorists and 9 Boko terrorist logistics suppliers. Troops also rescued 59 civilians while a total of 340 terrorists and members of their families, comprising 12 adult males, 133 adult females, and 195 children surrendered to troops at different locations of the North East theatre of operation. ”

In the North Central, Danmadami said the troops neutralized five terrorists, arrested 10 terrorists and one gunrunner, and also recovered 36 cows, 10 motorcycles, three mobile phones, two knives, and eight empty cases of 7.62mm special ammunition.

He stated that in the North West region, troops neutralised 16 terrorists and arrested 7 suspected terrorists, adding that a total of 12 AK47 rifles, 16 locally made pistols, one FN rifle, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 12 rounds of 9mm ammo, 11 cartridges, 8 empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 27 AK 47 magazines, 10 motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, one Boafeng radio, 1 vehicle, 3 MTN sim cards, one NIN card, and one driver’s license were recovered.

In South East, he said troops and Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network terrorist terrorists engaged in a gun duel at Orsu Local Government Area of Imo State, adding that troops recovered one AK47 rifle, and destroyed their shrines including posters with the inscription of ‘No ELECTION’.

Danmadami noted that captured terrorists, surrendered members of Boko Haram/Islamic State of West Africa Province, and members of their families are being profiled for further action while all recovered items, apprehended criminals, and rescued civilians were given to the appropriate authority for further action.

He added that members of the Defense Intelligence Agency team invaded the village of Yelwata in the Benue State municipality of Guma and detained a person they believed to be a gun runner. The suspect was found to be in possession of a cellphone and an ID card for the Benue State Livestock Guard.