Nigeria troops kill 59 terrorists, rescue kidnap victims

59 terrorists have been killed by Nigerian Army soldiers in separate military operations around the nation.

88 victims of kidnapping who were held as hostages by alleged criminals were also freed, the Defence Headquarters reported on Friday.

88 suspected criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen, and 19 suspected oil thieves were all apprehended throughout the process, according to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, who briefed journalists in Abuja. However, the duration of the operations was not disclosed.

“As of 28 July 23, the military has neutralized 59 terrorists and arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts. Troops have also rescued 88 kidnapped hostages,” Buba said.

According to Channels Television, the military were able to find a total of 68 guns and 1,364 rounds of ammunition.

“Troops recovered 26 AK47 rifle, one GPMG, one AKMS rifle, one FN rifle, four pump action, five pistols and 19 Dane guns,” the statement said.

“Also, recovered are 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, 9 rounds of 9mm ammo and sum of N41,915 only and CFA 49,000.

“Others include 323,650 litres of stolen crude oil, 128,700 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 litres of DPK. While an estimated sum of N388,441,660 was denied for the oil thefts,” the defence spokesman said.

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