Troops kill 1,910 bandits, terrorists, others in seven months

The Defence Headquarters has said troops in various operations across the country have killed no fewer than 1,910 bandits, terrorists, kidnappers, among others, between May 20, 2021, and January 6, 2022.

Speaking during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Major Gen. Bernard Onyeuko, also said a total of 912 criminal elements were arrested, and a large cache of arms and ammunition among others were recovered by the troops during the period.

Onyeuko said, “In summary, the Armed Forces of Nigeria from 20th May 2021 to 6th January 2022 neutralized 1,910 criminal elements including terrorists, armed bandits, and robbers as well as kidnappers across the country.

“This is in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during airstrikes within the period. Troops also rescued a total of 729 kidnapped victims across the Country. Furthermore, within the period in focus.

“Additionally, a total of 912 criminal elements were arrested, while large cache of arms and ammunition as well as livestock among other items of economic and security concerns were recovered by the troops during the period.”

Onyeuko added that troops made a cumulative total recovery of 13,201,300 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and 3,969,000 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene.

He also said about 38,582 barrels and 6,491,000 litres of stolen crude oil as 11,659,500 litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit were recovered and handed over to appropriate authorities.