By Halima Sule, Abuja
Military bolstered its winning image as gallant troops crushed 1,166 terrorists and nabbed 1, 096 others in August while also rescuing 721 persons from the vice grip of depleting gangs of kidnappers and criminal elements, according to Defence Headquarters (DHQ) which assured that major progress was being made in the nation’s counter-insurgency and other security operations across the country.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said this at the regular bi-weekly defence briefing on Thursday.
He said that the courageous troops recovered 391 weapons, 15,234 ammunition comprising 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump action guns, 10, 452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms and 2,498 assorted ammunition.
A breakdown of recoveries in the period under review included 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump action guns, 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms and 2,498 assorted ammunition.
Others were 5,047,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 320 litres of DPK and 28,500 litres of PMS amongst other items.
“The motivation of the terrorists is getting lower and lower in the NE, which is leading to the mass surrendering recorded. Troops aim at replicating same in other theatres of Operation to bring peace and safety to citizens.”
Major General Edward Buba highlighted the successful neutralization of prominent terrorist commanders in both the North-East and North-West regions, disclosing that troops dislodged and killed some terrorism kingpins and commanders such as Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda and Abu Rajab.
In the North-West were Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.
The DDMO helmsman further noted that the ongoing war on terror was progressing well with amazing results, maintaining that the top echelon of the armed forces and their field commanders were pursuing the operations with grit and vigour and would not relent until the Nigerian people were free.
“The military is on high alert and we have increased our readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression. We urge citizens to understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation. It is certain that in the end, these terrorists will be destroyed, and our nation will be safe and peaceful again”.
Major General Edward Buba who thanked the defence correspondents for exhibiting focus and faith in their reportage emphasized that the military’s objective was to diminish the capabilities of terror groups, make conditions unfavourable for their activities and eliminate their leaders, foot soldiers, and collaborators.
Additionally, he specifically noted a decrease in terrorist motivation in the Northeast, leading to a significant number of surrenders, and stressed the military’s commitment to safeguarding the nation from further terrorists’ aggression.
He also reviewed the extent of military operations and successes in the South East, disclosing that troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terror groups in several South East states killing terrorists, making arrests and recovering weapons.
Specifically, IPOB /ESN incidents were recorded in Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo and Enugu States as troops within August intercepted and arrested IPOB/ESN terrorists on several encounters in Ohafia and Aguata LGAs of Abia and Anambra States respectively.
Similarly, troops intercepted and arrested IPOB/ESN terrorist collaborators in Orlu LGA of Imo State, as well as other states in the South East.
Troops of Op UDO KA equally conducted operations to curb crude oil theft within the theatre of operation resulting in several arrests and recoveries. Overall, troops of Op UDO KA in August 2024 neutralized 34 terrorists, arrested 82 suspects and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages.
Additionally, troops recovered 12 pump action guns, 11 assorted arms, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 193 live cartridges and 69 assorted ammunition.
