February 8, 2024
– By reporter
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba
The Defence Headquarters has said Nigeria will win the war against terrorists and other adversaries, only when the citizens uphold patriotism for the peace and progress of their fatherland.
It said the fight against terrorism and insurgency requires all hands to be on deck.
The military high command spoke through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing on Thursday, February 8.
Buba said the military would continue to fulfill its mission of hunting and destroying terrorists and their cohorts across the country in the most professional manner.
He said: “Needless to mention, these terrorists are left with only two choices, which is to either be killed, die or surrender.
“Our goal is to restore peace and security for citizens to have an enjoyable life. We will continue to do that in spite of the current circumstances.
“Because our security challenges are mostly self-inflicted. It is pertinent to urge citizens to rise to the challenge. It is time to stop the bleeding in order for healing to commence.
“We urge all segments of society to take examples from our gallant troops in the frontlines fighting to achieve the goal of liquidating terrorists and insurgents across the country in order to restore peace and security.
“These men and women, are from all the nooks and crannies of our country, and act shoulder to shoulder as a united force to achieve a common cause of destroying camps of violence in the country.”
Reacting to a recent video of a soldier complaining of being paid N50,000 salary, and couldn’t visit his family after he obtained a pass, the Defence high command said: “The military is governed by its laws, regulations and guidelines, any personnel who contravene them will be sanctioned accordingly.”
Giving an update on successes recorded last month across the country, the military high command said troops neutralized 266 terrorists, arrested 463 violent extremists, and rescued 116 kidnap victims.
Buba said troops recovered 447 assorted weapons and 6,697 assorted ammunition. He said troops also denied oil thieves over N2 billion worth of crude oil.
The Defence spokesperson said from February 1 to date troops, neutralised 105 terrorists and arrested 140 of them.
He said troops also arrested 26 oil thieves and rescued 86 kidnapped hostages, saying that troops recovered 208 assorted weapons and 5,332 assorted ammunition.
Buba said: “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 9 dugout pits, 19 boats, 21 storage tanks and 8 vehicles. Other items recovered include 35 cooking ovens, three pump machines, and 18 illegal refining sites.
“Troops recovered 157,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 23,750 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 1,050 litres of kerosene.”
