In a major breakthrough, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced the successful arrest of a key leader of the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) by joint operations conducted by the Nigerian military and the Department of State Service (DSS) in Bauchi State.
The ISWAP leader, who remains unnamed by the DHQ, was apprehended during a well-coordinated sting operation on November 29 at Tarum Village, situated on the outskirts of Bauchi Metropolis. The individual in custody was reportedly in charge of the North Central and North West zones.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, made the revelation in a statement on Friday, December 1. The operation forms part of the ongoing efforts by the troops to target the leadership of terrorist groups, ensuring the safety and security of citizens.
Highlighting the success of recent military operations, Buba stated, “The armed forces remain determined to destroy the terrorists, insurgents, and violent extremist groups in the country, degrading their military capability.”
The DHQ spokesperson detailed significant achievements in the past week, including the neutralization of 52 terrorists, the arrest of 204 individuals involved in terrorism, and the rescue of 234 kidnapped hostages. In the South South zone, troops recovered substantial amounts of stolen crude oil and illegally refined diesel and arrested 58 oil theft perpetrators.
The DHQ reported airstrikes by Nigerian Air Force (NAF) aircraft destroying several enclaves of terrorist leaders in the North West and North Central zones. The operations also led to the recovery of 46 assorted weapons, 148 assorted ammunition, and the dismantling of illegal refining sites and criminal infrastructure.
Among the seized items were 34 vehicles, 64 mobile phones, 47 motorcycles, and a sum of N1,582,690.00. The military’s relentless efforts continue to yield positive results in dismantling the operational capabilities of terrorist groups and criminal elements across the country.
