From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said the Armed Forces of Nigeria in conjunction with hybrid forces and other security agencies have intensified offensive against terrorists, bandits and other criminals to ensure a safe environment for farming activities.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, who made this known at the weekend, said the operations being conducted in all theatres were to ensure that farmers go to their farms safely this rainy season to make their contribution toward the attainment of food security, as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
Kangye, in a statement, said the armed forces, under the leadership of Gen. Christopher Musa, were not negotiating issues of national security and welfare of troops who had remained resolute and ever determined to safeguard the nation’s territorial integrity, national interest and protect citizens from all forms of threats.
He said, “As part of its mandate, the military launched several key operations with renewed vigor aimed at combating insurgency, terrorism and other forms of criminal activities that threaten our communities.
“These operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of our people and the restoration of peace in affected regions.
“Accordingly, I am pleased to give an update on the significant progress in our operations conducted from May 8 to May 15.
“Within the period under review, troops successfully destroyed several terrorists’ camps as well as rescue of kidnapped victims and rehabilitation of civilians affected by the conflict.”
While noting that troops are demonstrating remarkable courage and professionalism in the face of adversity, Kangye said that the cooperation of communities had also been invaluable in intelligence-gathering efforts.
According to him, the gallant troops neutralised scores of terrorists and apprehended two wanted extremist informants and logistics suppliers, identified as Zakari Abubakar and Aliyu Musa, in Suleja and Borgu LGAs of Niger State.
He added that troops also apprehended an ammunition courier identified as Rufai Abdullahi in Gwagwalada Area Council of the FCT.
“Items recovered within the period under review include arms and ammunition, monies, locally fabricated guns as well as motorcycles.
“Other items recovered were pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, mobile phones and vehicles.”
In the North East, Major General Kangye said troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised scores of terrorists during fighting patrols, raids and clearance operations in Mafa, Dikwa, Gwoza and Damboa LGAs of Borno State.
He said the operations also led to the rescue of 17 victims as well as recovery of arms and some quantities of assorted ammunition as well as hand grenades and extra magazines.
In the North West, the troops of Operation Fansan Yamma killed scores of terrorists and rescued 129 victims across Kaduna, Katsina, Sokoto and Zamfara.
Meanwhile, in the Niger Delta where the fight is against crude oil thieves, the director said the troops of Operation Delta Safe foiled oil theft worth over N103 million, comprising 68,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 31,166 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil and 2,250 litres of dual purpose kerosene.
Troops also discovered and destroyed 16 crude oil ovens, 31 dugout pits, 19 boats, 34 storage tanks, 79 drums and 18 illegal refining sites.
“Other items recovered include pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and seven vehicles.”