The Defence Headquarters has delivered a significant blow to terrorist activities in Nigeria, eliminating more than 100 terrorists through air interdictions on the border between Niger and Zamfara states. This successful operation was disclosed by the director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, on Thursday in Abuja while providing an update on the military’s recent operations across the country.
Accompanied by compelling visuals of the Nigerian Air Force’s (NAF) air interdictions, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba reported that these operations also effectively decimated many insurgents in other parts of the nation. The surgical operation targeted the residence of a notorious ISWAP terrorist commander in Niger, leading to multiple arrests and important discoveries.
Throughout the past week, Nigerian troops bravely conducted various operations in different theatres, neutralising 73 terrorists and apprehending 182 others. In an impressive display of their commitment to national security, the troops also apprehended 14 suspected oil thieves and rescued 68 hostages in the South-South region. By doing so, the military successfully prevented oil thieves from profiting an estimated sum of N1.212 billion from their illicit activities.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba further revealed the retrieval of 119 assorted weapons and 1,537 ammunition. The assortment of weapons include one GPMG, three PKT guns, 39 AK-47 rifles, five locally fabricated rifles, one locally made double-barrel gun, one Bereta pistol, four locally made pistols, five RPG bombs, and five pump-action guns.
Additionally, the troops successfully seized one short gun, one hand grenade, two Dane guns, one AK-47 rifle loaded with 14 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and one locally made pistol loaded with live cartridges. Further ammunition recoveries include 586 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, a bag containing 287 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 389 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 141 rounds of 7.62mm special (belted) ammo, and 12 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
The list of retrieved items also comprises 113 rounds of live cartridges, 25 empty magazines, 13 vehicles, three motorcycles, 10 mobile phones, two HH radios, one Boafeng radio, and a sum of N3.3 million, among other valuable materials. These recoveries serve as tangible evidence of the military’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of the Nigerian people.
Highlighting the admirable efforts of the troops in various regions, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba described the achievements in the North East, where Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 39 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, apprehended 22 individuals, rescued 18 hostages, and successfully retrieved a large cache of arms. In the North Central region, the combined efforts of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke resulted in the neutralisation of 12 terrorists, the arrest of 109 individuals, the rescue of 22 kidnapped hostages, and the recovery of several arms and ammunition.
The success of these operations is a testament to the bravery and commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces in their ongoing battle against terrorism. These achievements not only diminish the capabilities of terrorist organizations but also provide the Nigerian people with a renewed sense of security and hope for a safer future.
