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The Nigerian military has scored major victories in its anti-terrorism operations, eliminating wanted terrorist leader Nkwachi Eze (alias "Onowu") and arresting 430 criminal elements in April 2024. Defense Headquarters spokesperson Major-General Markus Kangye revealed these achievements during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
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Onowu, who coordinated deadly attacks and kidnappings across Southeast Nigeria, had been on the military's most-wanted list before being neutralized by troops. The operations also led to the arrest of Buhari Umar, a notorious gunrunner and kidnapping kingpin operating across Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States.
According to Kangye, security forces achieved significant milestones across all regions:
- 173 kidnapped victims rescued
- 204 terrorists and family members surrendered
- 29 terrorist logistics suppliers arrested in Northeast
- N739,000 cash and vehicles recovered
- N3.3 million intercepted being smuggled to terrorists
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In the Northwest, Operation Hadin Kai troops conducted successful raids in Sokoto, Katsina and Zamfara, neutralizing terrorists and rescuing nine hostages. A truck transporting N3.3 million hidden among food items was intercepted in Zamfara's Anka LGA.
The military also destroyed several terrorist camps and recovered substantial arms caches including:
RPG tubes
Machine guns
IEDs
Locally fabricated weapons
Large quantities of ammunition
"These operations demonstrate our commitment to national security," Kangye stated. "We remain focused on protecting citizens and restoring peace across all troubled regions."
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The Defense Headquarters assured Nigerians of continued intensified operations against all criminal elements threatening the country's stability.
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