The Defence Headquarters has confirmed a significant victory in the ongoing battle against terrorism, as four notorious terrorist commanders were neutralized in recent air strikes. The strikes, carried out within the week, targeted high-profile leaders, marking a crucial milestone in the fight against insurgency and security threats.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that the air strikes resulted in the elimination of Machika, Haro, Dan Muhammadu, and Ali Alhaji Alheri, commonly known as Kachalla Ali Kawaje. Machika, described as a top terrorist bomb expert, was the younger brother of the notorious terrorist Dogo Gide. Meanwhile, Haro and Dan Muhammadu were specialists in kidnapping and assault operations, respectively.
One of the most significant successes of the operation was the neutralization of Kachalla Kawaje, a notorious terrorist leader responsible for the abduction of the students of Federal University Gusau in Zamfara. The military’s synchronized air and ground offensive targeted Kachalla in Munya Local Government Area of Niger, resulting in the elimination of the terrorist leader and a significant number of his operatives.
The impact of the successful operations extended beyond the neutralization of the four notorious commanders. The Defence Headquarters disclosed that over 38 terrorist commanders and their foot soldiers were killed, with 159 others arrested in the course of the aggressive air flights and ground offensives. This decisive blow sends a clear message that the military is unwavering in its commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace and security in the region.
Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized that the armed forces are relentlessly pursuing prominent terrorist leaders, engaging them wherever they may be hiding. This unwavering determination to confront and defeat terrorism underscores the military’s dedication to ensuring the safety and well-being of citizens. The message is clear: the military will continue the fight until the terrorists are either vanquished or brought to justice.
The operations extended beyond the fight against terrorism, reaching into other regions of the country. In the South East, the collaboration between the military and other security agencies led to the arrest of a prominent commander of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). The arrest of Mr Uchechukwu Akpa, along with three other sub-commanders, signifies the comprehensive nature of the operations, aiming to dismantle various insurgent and separatist groups posing threats to national security.
During the operations, 66 perpetrators of oil theft were apprehended, and 89 kidnapped hostages were rescued. The thoroughness of the military operations is evident in the comprehensive impact on various criminal activities, from terrorism to oil theft, demonstrating the military’s multi-faceted approach to ensuring peace and security.
The troops’ activities in the Niger Delta area resulted in the demolition of numerous illegal refining sites and the recovery of significant amounts of stolen crude oil and other illegal substances. The destruction of illegal infrastructure and the recovery of stolen resources underscore the military’s commitment to combating all forms of criminal activities that threaten the nation’s stability and prosperity.
The successful operations serve as a testament to the unwavering dedication and determination of the Nigerian military in upholding security and combating criminal activities. The impact is not only local but reverberates on a global scale, sending a resounding message to terrorist elements and criminal networks. The Defence Headquarters’ confirmation of these victories marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing fight against insurgency, instilling hope and confidence in the populace while reaffirming the military’s steadfast resolve in safeguarding the nation.
