In the past two weeks, the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have made significant strides in the fight against terrorism. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the military has neutralized 28 terrorists, arrested 113 suspects, and rescued 82 victims in various operations across the country. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these developments during a news briefing held on Thursday in Abuja.
Out of the 113 apprehended suspects, 92 are identified as terrorists, with the remaining belonging to different criminal groups. The arrested individuals include six gunrunners, three kidnappers, six collaborators, and seven perpetrators of oil theft. Major General Buba disclosed that the troops successfully recovered a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition, including 22 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, six pump-action guns, four dane guns, and various other firearms.
Furthermore, the military seized a considerable amount of ammunition, consisting of 322 rounds of 7.62mm special, 63 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, and 12 rounds of 5.6mm ammo. Additionally, they confiscated 33 AK47 magazines, alongside one empty case of 7.62mm special and three empty magazines. The recovered items also include explosives, such as one RGP bomb, one RPG tube, and 44 hand grenades.
The operations conducted in the Niger Delta area resulted in the discovery and destruction of 36 dugout pits, 62 wooden boats, 73 storage tanks, and 75 cooking ovens. The troops also impounded four pumping machines, five outboard engines, and shut down 33 illegal refining sites. Remarkably, they recovered an impressive amount of stolen crude oil, totaling 1,166,900 liters, as well as 1,491,250 liters of illegally refined AGO, 54,750 liters of DPK, and 800 liters of PMS.
Moreover, in the North East, Operation Hadin Kai successfully eliminated seven terrorists, arrested five, and rescued 31 hostages. Notably, 28 family members of the Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were also rescued. Among those rescued were nine adult females and 19 children. As part of these operations, the troops seized multiple weapons, including 20 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, one galileo rifle, three dane guns, and a significant amount of ammunition.
In the North Central region, soldiers involved in Operation Safe Haven eliminated two gunmen, rescued two hostages, and apprehended six kidnappers. During these operations, numerous arms and ammunitions were also recovered.
In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji has continued its relentless efforts against terrorism in Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, and Zamfara states. In this region, the troops have neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested seven, and rescued 16 hostages. They have also recovered a substantial number of firearms, ammunition, and other items.
The South East operations carried out by troops involved in Operation UDO KA resulted in the elimination of three IPOB/ESN terrorists. The military also confiscated four pump-action guns, one single-barrel loaded with 100 live cartridges, one locally fabricated rifle, and three live cartridges. Additionally, 18 terrorists were apprehended, and two kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.
Major General Buba expressed his admiration for the professionalism, courage, and bravery demonstrated by the men and women of the armed forces. He reassured Nigerians that the military will continue to employ superior military force to eliminate any group or individuals posing a threat to the safety of citizens and the armed forces alike.
The Defence Headquarters’ recent accomplishments are commendable, and their operations highlight the significant progress made in the fight against terrorism across various regions of Nigeria.
NAN
