Military eliminates terrorist leader Mai Hijabi, 164 accomplices in Jigawa

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the elimination of the notorious terrorist leader, Mai Hijabi, in an operation targeting terror networks in Jigawa State.

The Defence Media Operations Director, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba revealed this success at a recent press briefing, noting that 165 terrorists were neutralised and 238 suspects were detained over the week.

“Our operations have destroyed a substantial part of the combat capacity of these terror groups and their leadership,” Maj. Gen. Buba said.

“For instance, one of the notorious terrorist commanders in Jigawa State known as Mai Hijabi was eliminated from the battlefield.” He added that troops are making significant strides across all theatres of operation, rescuing 188 kidnapped victims alongside these arrests and eliminations.

Beyond Jigawa, the operation extended to the Niger Delta, where 35 suspected oil thieves were arrested, preventing the theft of oil worth over ₦688 million.

Troops dismantled illegal operations by destroying 2 dugout pits, 58 boats, and 39 storage tanks. Recovered items included over 789,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 65 illegal refining sites, and several vehicles.

The operation yielded 153 assorted weapons and 2,182 rounds of ammunition, including 81 AK47 rifles, 23 fabricated rifles, and five locally made pistols.

Additionally, Maj. Gen. Buba disclosed that troops confiscated over 19 vehicles, 21 motorcycles, and 45 mobile phones.

This intensified military operation underscores the DHQ’s commitment to reducing terrorist influence and restoring peace across affected regions.