The Defence headquarters has revealed how its troops killed a terrorist leader, identified as Alhaji Shanono, in an airstrike during operations in the North Central of Nigeria.
Major General, Bernard Onyeuko, Director, Defence Media Operations, made this known on Thursday at Abuja.
Onyeuko said at a briefing with journalists: “On 8th of August 2022 based on credible intelligence on the massing up of terrorists loyal to a notorious terrorist Alhaji Shanono at Ukambo village possibly for a meeting.
“The air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH carried out an airstrike during their meeting.
“In the airstrike, a terrorist leader, Alhaji Shanono, and scores of terrorists were eliminated.
“A report from a local source disclosed that 30 AK47 rifles and 20 motorcycles were destroyed while 18 terrorists were neutralised.
“Source also revealed that 45 kidnapped civilians were released because of the airstrike.”
The Major General also said that between July 26 and 29, 2022, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted operational activities in Mararaba, Udege, Kukyo village, Tse-Ibor, Tse Igbakyor, Akwana, and Ayibe village in Logo Local Government Area and Nasarawa Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and Modern Market, near Mopol Barracks in Makurdi Local Government Area of Benue State.
Onyeuko added: “During the operations, troops arrested some notorious criminals who were on the wanted list of the Theatre Command.
“Notably is the arrest of Nathaniel Azege who has been terrorising Makurdi town.
“In the same vein troops also arrested Moses Aindigh, 27, and Mr Iluyasu Mohammed, 37.
“Items recovered during the operation include one AK47 rifle, one locally made pistol nine rounds of 7.62mm NATO, five mobile phones, one ax, and two machetes among others.”
Relatedly, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN between August 3 and 4, 2022 arrested four notorious kidnappers: Umar Zakari, Usman Hamina, Haruna Umaru and Umar Mohammed at Fuskar Mata village in Bassa Local Government Area of Kaduna State and Qua’anpan Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Onyeuko said: “The arrested kidnappers confessed to have been involved in several kidnapping incidents in Fuskar Mata village and Qua’anpan town.
“The items recovered from the suspects include one AK47 and 10 rounds of 7.62mm special.
“More so, troops on 2nd August 2022 while on patrol recovered 100 vandalised rail sleepers in an abandoned Peugeot boxer with registration number AGL 466 XM at Bak village in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area.
“Troops also rescued two kidnapped civilians named Mr. Ebuka Nnadi, 30, and Mr. Uchenna Edoga, 25th, on 4th August 2022 at Kasuwa Ali Gindiri in Mangu Local Government Area in Plateau.
