The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, said no fewer than 1,627 terrorists surrendered to troops in the last three weeks, adding that a total of 53,262 have surrendered so far.
It also said troops rescued 63 civilians held captive by the terrorists and killed 98 terrorists, bandits and other economic saboteurs during operations across the country.
The director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Bernard Onyeuko, disclosed this during a biweekly update on the Armed Forces of Nigeria between April 28 – May 19, 2022.
He also said 17 illegal refining sites were discovered and deactivated.
He said, “Between 1 – 14 May 2022 a total of 1,627 Boko Haram terrorists and their families surrendered to our troops at different locations. They comprised 331 men, 441 women and 855 children.
“As at 16 May 2022, a total of 53,262 have so far surrendered.
“Also, troops of Operation Hadin Kai, on 13 May 2022, acting on intelligent report, arrested Mallam Modu Goni, a terrorist and logistics supplier at Bunin Yadi Market.
“Also on 17 May 2022, troops arrested Mallam Modu Pantami at the outskirt of Benishied village in the Kaga local government area while attempting to transport large quantity of logistics items he purchased for onward supply to terrorists at Gomari village in the Fere local government area of Borno State.
“Items recovered from him included: two mobile phones, cartons of assorted drugs and injections of different types, five gallons of PMS, 20 turban scarfs, 50kg bags of sugar, three bags of 50kg flour, five cartons of Maltina drinks, 290 sets of female hijabs, 20 female rubber shoes, 325 litres of red oil, 15 sets of Kaftan cloth.
“Troops, during the ambush at a terrorists’ crossing point at Kaidieri village, killed five terrorists and captured assorted weapons and different calibres of ammunitions. Consequently, during these operations, troops rescued 63 civilians, neutralised 42 terrorists, arrest 20 terrorists. Items recovered included: two LMGS, 21 AK47 rifles, 11 AK 56 rifles, 22 MGs, 419 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunitions, one gun turret, 31 AK 47 magazines, three motorcycles, six bicycles, one pumping machine, two bandolier belts containing 377 rounds of 7.62mm and 54mm ammunitions, and one Isuzu vehicle.”
Relatedly, troops of Operation Delta Safe in the period under review, discovered and destroyed 17 illegal refineries, five wooden boats, 89 storage tanks, 59 ovens and 12 dugout pits.
The troops also recovered six pumping machines, five trucks, two outboard engines, two weapons, 778,500 litres of crude oil, 840,300 litres of AGO, 625 litres of DPK, and arrested 18 criminals.
Furthermore, troops deployed for operation Dakatar da Barawo in the period under review discovered and destroyed 150 illegal refineries, 59 ovens, 67 metal storage tanks, four wooden Cotonou boats.
“Cumulatively, the operations led to the recovery of one Yamaha engine, one generator, three pumping machines, 20,000 litres of kerosene, 1,625,000 litres of AGO, 2,050,000 litres of crude oil.”
In a similar vein, troops in Operation Whirl Stroke neutralised 13 bandits and recovered 27 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, one motorcycle and 8 phones.