96 terrorists killed, commander arrested by soldiers in the North

The Defence Headquarters announced that troops have eliminated at least 96 terrorists during operations in northern Nigeria.

Among those apprehended was a notorious terrorist commander, Usman Maisaje, along with 227 other suspects.

In a statement released on Friday, October 18, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, revealed that Maisaje was a close associate of Kachalla Boka, a high-profile terrorist leader still at large.

Maj. Gen. Edward added that Maisaje is cooperating with authorities and providing valuable intelligence to support ongoing military operations.

“During the week, troops neutralised 96, arrested 227 persons, and rescued 157 kidnapped hostages,” Buba said

“Troops in the NC operational theatre arrested a notorious terrorist commander identified as Usman Maisaje.

“The arrested terrorist commander is a close associate of a wanted high-profile terrorist leader known as Kachalla Boka. The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much-needed intelligence for further operations.”

Buba reported that troops operating in the South-South region seized crude oil valued at N712m and apprehended 45 suspected oil thieves.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed four dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums and 38 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 55 cooking ovens, two speedboats, one tricycle, six mobile phones, six vehicles and 60 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO,” he said.

Buba added that troops also seized 71 advanced weapons and 1,463 rounds of ammunition.