From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru, yesterday, said the counter insurgency operations in the North East by the armed forces in the past one year led to the killing of 20 top terrorists and bandits’ commanders in the country.
Badaru, who made the disclosure, while giving an update on the deliverables of the defence ministry, hinted that the military, like ratings, led to the rescue of 4,641 kidnap victims and recovery of 83,900 assorted ammunition.
In the Niger Delta, the minister said 245 captives were released, 351 illegal oil production sites destroyed and 408 vehicles recovered from criminals who engaged in illegal bunkering.
The minister said the army was working closely with regional security agencies to improve the security situation with the nation’s borders, adding that the president has also supported troops to enhance their capacity through procurement and upgrade of equipment.
He highlighted the collaboration with over 50 companies in Nigeria in the production of weapons and other armoury. He pledged the unwavering commitment of the armed forces in the fight against insurgency, and the protection of Nigerians from enemy invasion.