The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed the names of terrorist kingpins who were neutralized during various operations in the northern region of Nigeria. According to the DHQ, these commanders were eliminated in separate military operations conducted between January and March 2024.
Among the prominent terrorist leaders mentioned by the DHQ are Abu Bilal Minuki, also known as Abubakar Mainok, who served as the Head of Is-Al Furqan Province (ISGS and ISWAP), and Haruna Isiya Boderi. Boderi, notorious for his activities in the Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State and along the Abuja-Kaduna Highway, was eliminated by troops on February 21, 2024.
Additionally, the DHQ revealed the elimination of other terrorist figures, including Kachallah Damina, Kachallah Alhaji Dayi, Kachallah Idi (Namaidaro), Kachallah Kabiru (Doka), Kachallah Azarailu (Farin-Ruwa), Kachallah Balejo, Ubangida, and Alhaji Baldu, among others. Notably, Kachallah Damina was neutralized on March 24, along with over 50 combatants.
During a briefing in Abuja, the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, provided these details to journalists. Maj. Gen. Buba further disclosed that a total of 2,351 terrorists were killed, 2,308 were arrested, and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued during the period under review.
The DHQ’s announcement highlights the ongoing efforts of the Nigerian military to combat terrorism and insurgency in the northern region. These operations underscore the commitment of security forces to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens and restoring peace and stability to affected areas. Further details regarding the military’s operations and successes in countering terrorism are expected to emerge in due course.