Nigerian Forces Kill 52 Terrorists, Capture ISWAP Leader in Bauchi Operation

In a significant counter-terrorism operation, troops from the Nigerian military, in collaboration with the Department of State Services (DSS), have successfully eliminated 52 terrorists and apprehended a key leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Bauchi State. The operation, which took place in the village of Tarum just outside Bauchi Metropolis, resulted in the arrest of the ISWAP leader responsible for the North Central and North West zones.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the success of the mission in a statement released on Friday. The operation underscores the military’s commitment to targeting the leadership of terrorist groups and ensuring the safety and security of citizens.

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) did not disclose the name of the arrested ISWAP leader but emphasized that ongoing military efforts are focused on neutralizing the leadership of various terrorist groups to diminish their threat to national security.

Gen. Buba highlighted the broader impact of recent military operations across the country, stating that these efforts have significantly weakened the fighting capacity of terrorists and criminal elements. The armed forces remain resolute in their determination to eradicate terrorists, insurgents, and violent extremist groups while degrading their military capabilities.

Furthermore, airstrikes conducted by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft successfully destroyed multiple terrorist leader enclaves in the North West and North Central zones in the past week. The week’s operations resulted in the neutralization of 52 terrorists and the arrest of 204 individuals involved in terrorist activities.

Additionally, the troops made substantial strides in addressing other security challenges. In the South-South zone, they recovered 267,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 567,700 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 5,000 litres of kerosene. The operation led to the destruction of illegal refining sites, boats, storage tanks, vehicles, and other equipment used by criminals.

Gen. Buba listed the recovered items, including 46 assorted weapons, 148 assorted ammunition, 34 vehicles, 64 mobile phones, 47 motorcycles, and a sum of N1,582,690.00. The success of these operations demonstrates the Nigerian military’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the nation and dismantling criminal networks.