- 1,157 terrorists, family members surrenders
From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Media Operations(DMO), has said that soldiers fighting the counter insurgency war in the North East, killed 974 terrorists and rescued 466, kidnapped victim.
Also, the DMO revealed that 1,157 terrorists and their family members surrendered to troops at various theatre of operations.
The DMO, Major General Edward Buba, who made this known, said troops also arrested 621 terrorists, recovered 1,573 assorted weapons, 23,345 assorted ammunitions and denied the oil theft estimated at over N8 billion.
Buba, at a media briefing on update on military operations conducted across the country in the month of February, said that the armed forces is taking concrete steps to end terrorism and insecurity across the country. “For us , creating a safer environment for citizens translates to eliminating all threat hindering the safety and security of citizens”.
He, therefore, called on Nigerians to endure the current economic challenges in the county for today’s pain for our tomorrow’s gain.
He also called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of making Nigeria great again .
Giving a breakdown on some of the successes recorded within the month under review, Gen Buba, said:“The focus of the armed forces is to conduct its operations in support of national security interest. Consequently, in February troops recorded significant successes in theatres across the six geopolitical zone of the country.
“It is important to state that, in February 2024, troops neutralized 974 terrorists, arrested 621 of them and rescued 466 kidnapped hostages. “Furthermore, troops recovered 1,573 assorted weapons, 23,345 assorted ammunition and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum N8,006,996,894.00.
Breakdown for the month of February included and not limited to the following: 640 AK47 rifles, 248 locally fabricated guns, 93 pump action guns, 168 dane guns, 15,120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6,102 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 512 rounds of 9mm and 2,132 live cartridges.
“Others are 8,993,245 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,062,635 litres of illegally refined AGO, 18,950 litres of DPK and 45,950 litres of PMS amongst other items.
“Certainly, if these terrorist groups don’t come to the table in peace. The armed forces will continue to punish them with overwhelming military force. It would be recalled that we recently took delivery of additional air platform to further enhance our lethal capabilities.
“Contrary to the opinion of some, troops are making significant strides and recording notable successes in operations across the country. Though it might not seem so to some, the fact remains remarkable progress is being made.
Overall, I urge citizens to endure today’s pain for our tomorrow’s gain. We should take solace in knowing that, It is all in the process of making Nigeria great again”.