Nigerian Military Neutralizes 2,245 Terrorists in Major Operations Against Boko Haram and ISWAP

The Nigerian military has successfully neutralized 2,245 terrorists in operations targeting Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), the West African branch of ISIS/Daesh, over the past three months, an official reported on Friday. Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, director of defense media operations, announced that these operations were carried out in various states across Nigeria from April to June.

In addition to the significant reduction in terrorist numbers, the military also rescued 1,993 individuals who had been kidnapped for ransom during these operations. The efforts have led to the seizure of 2,783 weapons and a considerable amount of ammunition from the terrorist groups.

Why This Matters: Nigeria has been grappling with attacks from armed gangs, including Boko Haram and ISWAP, in different regions of the country. These groups have been notorious for targeting villages, schools, and travelers, often demanding ransom for the release of kidnapped victims.

Despite the imposition of the death penalty for kidnapping in Nigeria, ransom kidnappings remain a prevalent issue. The armed groups operate primarily in the northern parts of the country, creating a climate of fear and instability among the local populations.

Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized the military’s ongoing commitment to combating terrorism and protecting citizens from these armed groups. The recent operations are part of a broader strategy to restore peace and security in affected regions and to dismantle the operational capabilities of Boko Haram and ISWAP.

The Nigerian military's efforts have been met with cautious optimism from the international community and local stakeholders, who recognize the challenges posed by the persistent threat of terrorism in the region. The success of these operations marks a significant step towards stabilizing the affected areas and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens.

Key Takeaways:

• Nigerian military neutralized 2,245 terrorists in recent operations against Boko Haram and ISWAP.
• Operations conducted from April to June resulted in the rescue of 1,993 kidnapped individuals.
• Military seized 2,783 weapons and significant ammunition from terrorist groups.
• Armed groups target villages, schools, and travelers, demanding ransom for kidnappings.
• Despite death penalty for kidnapping, ransom kidnappings remain frequent in Nigeria.