Nigerian military’s courageous troops within the just-ended February decisively cracked down on criminality in the just-ended February neutralizing 974 terrorists, arresting 621 persons and rescued 466 kidnap persons.
In the oil-rich South South zone that is of special interest to Fedeal authorities, the troops also recovered stolen crude oil worth N8billion within the just-ended February, in what is interpreted as another credible evidence of the resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to keep winning the war on terror across the country.
Director Defence Media Operations at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Major General Edward Buba who made the disclosures on Thursday in Abuja during the regular bi-weekly media briefing on military activities and successes in the various theaters of operations in all the six geo-political zones of the country restated that the troops were sustaining the winning ways.
According to him, troops neutralized 974 terrorists, arrested 621 of them and rescued 466 kidnapped hostages within the month of February, 2024 across the country with an iron-cast assurance that the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) is irrevocably determined to eliminate all threats, real and imagined, hindering the safety and security of citizens and the stability of the nation.
Major General Edward Buba further revealed that troops conducted synchronised strikes by the special combined ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves thereby killing a significant number of them.
According to him, in the month under review, the gallant troops in their resilience and combat readiness left nothing to chance in dealing fatal blows to the terrorists and other criminals thereby routing them out of possible ungoverned spaces across the various areas of action especially in the insurgency-prone North East and other parts of the country.
”The Armed Forces of Nigeria is determined to end terrorism and insecurity across the country and therefore taking concrete steps in this direction. For us, creating a safer environment for citizens translates to eliminating all threats hindering the safety and security of citizens.
“Troops conducted synchronised strikes between ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves killing a significant number of them. It is possible to say with significant certainty that these strikes have had significant impact on the terrorists adversely.
“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 6 geopolitical zones of the country.
“It is important to state that in February 2024, troops recorded the following: neutralized 974 terrorists, arrested 621 of them and rescued 466 kidnapped hostages. Furthermore, troops recovered 1,573 assorted weapons, 23,345 assorted ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N8 billion (N8, 006,996,894.00) only.
“A breakdown for the month of February includes and is 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 item.
“Certainly if these terrorist groups don’t come to the table in peace the armed forces will continue to pound and punish them with direct and overwhelming military force. It would be recalled that we recently took delivery of additional air platforms to further enhance our lethal capabilities.
“Contrary to some opinions, troops are making significant strides and recording notable successes in operations across the country. Though it may not seem so to some, the fact remains remarkable progress is being made.”
Major General Edward Buba urged the Nigerian people to be patient with the military and the Nigerian government just as he gave the firm assurance that the menace of insurgency and other security challenges bedeviling the country will be defeated in no time.
“Overall, I urge citizens to endure today’s pain for our tomorrow’s gain. We should take solace in knowing that is all in a bit to make Nigeria great again.
“We can all begin the process of making Nigeria great again, by taking on the Celebrate Nigeria Challenge. I therefore throw open the Celebrate Nigeria Challenge,” he said.
