Soldiers involved in operations over the past week have apprehended three notorious terrorist kingpins operating in the North-West and North Central regions of the country. The individuals arrested include Hamisu Sale (also known as “Master”), Abubakar Muhammad, and Bako Wurgi, a close associate of the wanted Bello Turji, who is also allegedly connected to the murder of a Sokoto monarch.
In a statement on Friday, the Director of Media Operations at Defence Headquarters, Maj-Gen. Buba Edward, confirmed that Wurgi succumbed to gunshot wounds following his arrest. He also noted that Hamisu Sale and Abubakar Muhammad were arrested in separate operations in the North-Central region, and both are cooperating with authorities, providing valuable intelligence on the terrorist network.
Maj-Gen. Buba further stated that troops have been placed on high alert to ensure the safety of citizens during the festive season. He explained that extensive operations targeting terrorist leaders have been launched across various operational zones. “Troops are on high alert and have increased their readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression, particularly during the yuletide period. Robust operations against terrorist leadership are ongoing across all theatres of operations,” he said.
During the week, troops successfully neutralized 212 terrorists and arrested 272 individuals. They also apprehended 45 suspects involved in oil theft and rescued 152 kidnapped victims. In the South-South region, troops thwarted an oil theft operation valued at approximately N1,193,817,760.00.
Additionally, Buba reported that troops recovered 247 weapons of various types and 6,174 rounds of ammunition. The recovered weapons included two RPG UXO4s, 110 AK47 rifles, 56 fabricated rifles, 36 Dane guns, two FN rifles, two Beretta pistols, 15 locally made pistols, two revolver pistols, and 12 pump-action shotguns, among others.
