Nigerian troops involved in counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations across the country had in the past one week killed 23 terrorists and rescued 41 hostages from kidnappers.

Major General Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations announced this in a statement on Friday while giving update on the activities of the troops for the week ending August 25.

He added that the troops also arrested 109 criminals, five kidnappers, one informant and 22 suspected oil thefts during the operations.

The Defence spokesperson further informed that 231 members of terrorist and their families comprising 25 adult males, 63 adult females and 143 children surrendered to the troops during the period while 41 weapons and 300 assorted kinds of ammunition were recovered.

He gave the breakdown of arms and ammunition recovered to include 14 AK47 rifle, one AK49 rifle, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 7.62mm special ammo, one PKT gun, one LMG, 2 pump action guns, 2 locally fabricated pistols, 3 locally fabricated rifle, 2 dane guns, one pistol, and 2 locally made long barrel guns.

General Buba listed the weapons recovered by the troops to include one AK47 rifle loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 1 AK47 magazines, one magazine loaded with 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, 239 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62 NATO, 44 rounds of PKT, 5 rounds of 9mm ammo and 6 cartridges.

“Furthermore, troops recovered 13 motorcycle, 22 mobile phones, one bicycle, 10 machete, a pair of camouflage,” he said.

Buba added that the operations in South South geopolitical zone resulted in the arrest of the following; 682,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 70,950 litres of illegally refined AGO, 23,250 litres of DPK, all amounting to an estimated sum of N414,396.250 denied to the oil thieves.

“The military will continue the momentum of its operations by mounting pressure on groups seeking to undermine the security of citizens and the nation.

“The military will relentlessly pursue groups contributing to insecurity and instability in the country. Troops will through its operations continue to make improvements towards ensuring safety of citizens and restoring security across the country,” the Defence spokesperson added.