The Nigerian Armed Forces have made significant gains in the fight against terrorism and criminality, killing no fewer than 8,034 terrorists and arresting 11,623 suspects so far in 2024.
This was disclosed by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
“Troops’ aggression across the various theatres of operation since the beginning of the year culminated in 8,034 neutralised terrorists, 11,623 arrests, and 6,376 rescued hostages,” Buba stated.
He further highlighted achievements under specific operations.
In the North East, troops under ‘Operation Hadin Kai’ killed 2,918 terrorists, arrested 2,285 suspects, and rescued 1,496 hostages. Meanwhile, ‘Operation Hadarin Daji’ in the North West accounted for 2,646 terrorists killed, 1,654 arrests, and 2,339 rescues.
In the North-Central, ‘Operation Safe Haven’ recorded 411 terrorists killed, 1,859 arrests, and 927 rescues, while ‘Operation Whirl Stroke’ killed 583 terrorists, arrested 916 suspects, and rescued 649 kidnapped victims.
The fight against crude oil theft was also intensified.
“Troops recovered 53,101,430 litres of stolen crude oil, 9,179,181 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 156,095 litres of PMS,” Buba revealed.
Additionally, 8,216 assorted weapons and 211,459 rounds of ammunition were recovered during the operations. These include 120,247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 41,515 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 5,373 live cartridges, and 25,664 assorted rounds of ammunition.
Troops also recovered 4,053 AK-47 rifles, 1,123 locally-fabricated guns, 731 Dane guns, 240 pump-action guns, and 1,940 other assorted arms.
Buba assured Nigerians that military operations remain on an upward trajectory.
“The military is increasingly creating conditions in which terrorists cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens,” he added.
He reaffirmed the armed forces’ commitment to ensuring national security and promised sustained efforts in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
He is a Technical Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano’s Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, whoonce was a Special Adviser to a former Deputy Speaker of Anambra State House of Assembly. Ebuka is a second class upper division graduate of Political Science from University of Calabar, Calabar Nigeria and holds a Masters Degree in Political Science with specialization in Government and Development Studies, from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka Nigeria