Last week marked a notable advancement in the ongoing efforts to combat terrorism across the northern regions of Nigeria, with security forces achieving significant success.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, released a statement detailing the outcomes of the recent military operations.
According to Maj. Gen. Buba, the operations resulted in the elimination of 188 terrorists and the arrest of 330 individuals suspected of terrorist activities. Additionally, 133 kidnapped victims were successfully rescued during these operations, providing immense relief to affected communities.
Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized that these achievements have significantly bolstered the military’s position in the ongoing battle against terrorist groups. He stated, “The armed forces are working decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens. We are making the terrorists pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.”
The military’s operations also extended to tackling oil theft, a rampant issue that has plagued the country’s economy. The director reported the arrest of 36 individuals involved in oil theft, and the recovery of stolen crude oil valued at approximately N637 million. The operations in the Niger Delta region led to the destruction of 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks, 4 vehicles, and 21 illegal refining sites, further crippling the illegal oil trade.
The forces also seized a substantial cache of weapons and ammunition during their operations. This included 270 weapons comprising 122 AK47 rifles, 47 locally fabricated guns, and various other firearms. Additionally, over 5,083 rounds of ammunition were recovered, underscoring the scale of the challenge faced by the military.
These results build on the success of the first quarter of 2024, during which the troops killed 2,351 terrorists, arrested 2,308, rescued 1,241 kidnapped individuals, and recovered stolen crude oil worth an estimated N20 billion.
The continued pressure from military operations aims to dismantle the capabilities of terrorist groups and restore peace and security across the country. The military remains committed to maintaining these efforts and providing safety for all citizens, as reinforced by Maj. Gen. Buba’s assurance of relentless pursuit and neutralization of terrorist threats.
