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From Molly Kilete, Abuja
Soldiers engaged in counter-insurgency and security operations across Nigeria have killed 187 terrorists and arrested 183 others in the past two weeks.
The soldiers also rescued 109 kidnapped hostages and recovered 128 assorted weapons and 3,300 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 832 terrorists, comprising 88 males, 256 females, and 488 children, surrendered to troops.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), revealed these figures during a media briefing on ongoing military operations. He stated that the military is maintaining pressure on terrorists through operations in five active theatres: North East, North West, North Central, South-South, and South East, with the highest intensity in the North East and North West.
He highlighted the complexity of these operations, with troops engaging adversaries across challenging terrains and diverse operational environments.
“Indeed, troops are fighting on ground, air, at sea, as well as in the cyber dimension in several parts of the country,” Buba explained. “The common denominator in all our operations are the terrorists. These terrorists are the enemy that must be fought and defeated. They are responsible for keeping the nation in an almost constant state of counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency.”
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In the Niger Delta region, troops discovered and destroyed 57 illegal refining sites, recovering 1,125,440 litres of stolen crude oil, 213,539 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 1,230 litres of petrol. They also destroyed 18 dugout pits, 30 boats, and 49 storage tanks used by oil thieves. Other recovered items include 66 cooking ovens, four drums, five speedboats, 15 vehicles, two tricycles, one generator, and 11 mobile phones.
Troops also disrupted oil theft operations, preventing an estimated loss of N1,127,229,890. Recovered weapons include one PKT gun, 80 AK-47 rifles, 15 locally fabricated guns, 15 Dane guns, two FN rifles, five pump-action guns, two single-barrel guns, four locally fabricated pistols, one fabricated Beretta pistol, one locally made double-barrel gun, two hand grenades, two primed IEDs, and bomb-making materials.
Acknowledging the threat posed by terrorists to critical infrastructure, Buba assured the public that security agencies are on high alert and measures are in place to prevent attacks. He stressed the importance of prioritising security to ensure the safety of all citizens.
“We force the terrorists to pay a price for every act of aggression against citizens of this country,” he affirmed. “We recognise and have included this as part of our strategy to win the war.”
Buba concluded by reiterating the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism and restoring peace and security to Nigeria. “Overall, we have no choice but to fight for the safety and security of our citizens. We also fight to safeguard our nation and preserve our way of life as a people,” he declared.
