We Killed Over 10,000 Terrorists, Rescued 7,063 Hostages In 2024 – DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops deployed across the country killed 10,937 terrorists, arrested 12,538 suspects, and rescued 7,063 hostages in 2024.

Speaking with journalists on Tuesday in Abuja, Edward Buba, director of Defence Media Operations, said the military also recorded 16,171 surrendered combatants and their families during the year.

He said the troops recovered 8,815 weapons and 228,004 rounds of ammunition while denying oil thieves an estimated N68.4 billion.

He added that the breakdown of the recovered arms includes 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, 838 dane guns, and 259 pump-action guns, among others.

In the north-east, he said troops of Operation Hadin Kai killed 3,151 terrorists, arrested 2,503 suspects, and rescued 1,605 kidnap victims.

“Troops also recovered 1,802 AK47 rifles, 446 fabricated rifles, 438 dane guns, and 42,439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo in the Northeast,” he said.

In the north-central, he said troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke killed 1,047 violent extremists, arrested 3,001 suspects, and rescued 1,782 hostages.

In the north-west, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji reportedly killed 2,906 terrorists, arrested 1,826 suspects, and rescued 2,616 hostages, recovering 1,450 AK47 rifles, 477 fabricated guns, and 31,999 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.

In the south-south, he said troops of Operation Delta Safe killed 78 terrorists, arrested 2,357 people involved in crude oil theft, and rescued 93 hostages.

He added that the troops prevented the theft of 56.2 million litres of crude oil and destroyed 2,612 illegal refining sites.

In the south-east, he said troops of Operation Udo Ka killed 734 terrorists, arrested 974 suspects, and rescued 372 kidnap victims.

“Troops seek to continue collaborating with neighbouring countries and regional bodies to tackle terrorism,” he said.

He noted that the military encourages citizens to support the war against terrorism and insurgency, “as the battle is for everyone, not just the armed forces”.

“Troops in the battlefield are in high spirits and fully committed to the cause,” Buba added.