The Defence Headquarters noted that with the development, it is either the criminal elements surrender or get killed.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

It partly read, “The uncommon cooperation,  collaboration, and support received from citizens across the country are greatly assisting our operations to yield expected results. Nigerians are speaking up, and the military is doing something about it.

“Given the active participation of citizens in exposing the activities of these evil elements. Their days are surely numbered to either surrender now or exit this world. The military would sustain the momentum.  Therefore if you know something, say something and the military will do something.”

He added that in the last few weeks, troops killed 38 terrorists and arrested 175 gunmen.

“During the week leading to August 11, 2023, the military neutralized 38 terrorists, arrested 175 gunmen/ criminals, 20 kidnappers, 30 collaborators, and 17 pipeline vandals.

“The military also rescued 89 kidnapped hostages. Troops denied the oil theft saboteurs the sum of N607,346,750.00 being the value of seizures.”

Buba also said between July 31 and August 3, troops arrested 18 suspected members of a criminal group in Borno known as ‘Malians’.

“Between July 31 and August 3, 2023, troops responded to intelligence of a notorious criminal gang known as Malians hibernating at Bolori 2 general area, Jajeri Bayan Quarters, and Tudu general in Maiduguri Municipal City of Borno State.

“The operation yielded results as troops arrested 18 suspected gang members. Troops recovered substances suspected to be cannabis, cough syrup, and five mobile phones.”