From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday, said it has deployed Special Forces to some of the hotspots in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and across the country to conduct targeted operations and wipe out bandits, terrorists and other criminal groups terrorising the peace in the nations capital and the country at large.
The DHQ also said it has deployed several battlefield enablers to enhance intelligence and strike capability to tackle the menace of insurgency, kidnapping, and other security threats bedevilling the nation.
Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Edward Buba, made this known at a media briefing in Abuja.
He listed some of the hotspots in the FCT where soldiers are being deployed to include Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro and Tukuba in Kuje Area Council. Other are Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry and Nukuchi villages all in Bwari Area Council of FCT.
Buba, while saying the military was conscious of the apprehension occasioned by kidnappings, particularly with recent developments recorded in the FCT and other states of the federation, said troops across the country were working round the clock to address the situation both in the immediate and long term to ensure safety of lives and property of all.
The DMO director, who said the military has continued to rejig its operational strategies to adopt the best course of action that would guarantee success, said the military has deployed special forces to some of the hotspots to conduct targeted operations.
He said: “We are redoubling our efforts to ensure citizens live in a peaceful environment and have a prosperous life. This is achievable, and we are focused on achieving it.
“The armed forces would destroy the cancer of terrorism that is ravaging our country, thereby creating situations such as is ongoing in Plateau State.
“The situation of insecurity that we are confronted with is self-inflicted by our own citizens upon one another. “Nevertheless, it is our duty to protect citizens and create a safe environment for them to have a prosperous future.”
Speaking on measures taken to guarantee safety in the FCT, where kidnapping became rife recently, Buba, said: “As for the FCT and environs, offensive operations are ongoing. In neighbouring states to the FCT such as Niger State, troops are conducting operations in Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wusa and Garam in Tafa council of Niger State. Additionally, troops covered Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa councils of Nasarawa State respectively.
“The military is conscious of the fact that, the ongoing insurgency has contributed to make life worse for many citizens in several of geo-political zones across the country such as the North East, North West, North Central and South East. We also recognise the apprehension occasioned by kidnappings, particularly with recent events recorded in the FCT and other areas.
“Indeed, we may not have all the answers now. However, we assure citizens that we are working assiduously to address the situation both in the immediate and long term to ensure safety of lives and property. We are redoubling our efforts to ensure citizens live in a peaceful environment and have prosperous life. This is achievable and we are focussed on achieving it.”