The Defence Headquarters has said its troops killed 974 terrorists and arrested 621 during operations conducted between February 1 and 28.

Among the 974 terrorists eliminated during the period under review, 10 were identified as kingpins.

The terrorist kingpins are Ashiru; Kachambi, Dogon Rakumi, Sulen Nagala; Laushi; Bangis; Alhaji Kabiru; Alhaji Baldu, and Baban Yara.

Addressing journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Edward Buba, also said a total of 1,157 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to troops.

Buba said, “Notable terrorist warlords killed during February in Operation Hadarin Daji are Ashiru and Kachambi. They were neutralised on February 24 by troops in conjunction with vigilantes around Faru, Maradun Local Government Area of Zamfara State. Dogon Rakumi was also neutralised by troops on February 3, during an operation in the Ƙungurki area of Ƙaura Namoda LGA.

“Others are Sulen Nagala, Laushi, and Bangsis neutralised on February 11 during an encounter at Gandaya area of Bingi District of Maru, Malam was eliminated on February 18 along Koluwai Road in Zurmi LGA.

“It is important to state that, in February 2024, troops recorded the following: neutralised 974 terrorists, arrested 621 of them, and rescued 466 kidnapped hostages.”

On troops’ successes in the North Central zone, he said troops of Operation Safe Haven and Operation Whirl Stroke killed 131 terrorists, arrested 254 suspects, and rescued 72 kidnap victims.

He said the troops also recovered 113 rifles, 205 fabricated and assorted weapons, and 5, 619 ammunition.

Speaking on troops’ successes in North West in February, the military high command said troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation While Punch killed 495 terrorists, arrested 241 others, and rescued 333 kidnap victims.

On operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South, Buba said troops killed 10 terrorists and neutralized and arrested 359 oil thieves and other suspected violent extremists.

He said troops in the South East Operation UDO KA in February killed 106 terrorists, arrested 69 suspects, and recused 19 kidnap victims.

He said troops also recovered 19 AK47 rifles, 46 pump action guns, 1,717 rounds of 7.62mm special, 586 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 864 live cartridges, 263 assorted ammunition, and 60 other equipment.

Lately, terrorists have been causing disruptions across various parts of the nation, engaging in the abduction and extortion of innocent citizens through ransom payments.

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