From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Head Quarters has confirmed that within this month of May, 2024, the military troops in their ongoing operational activities across the country have neutralized over 624 terrorists, arrested 1,051 of them with their logistic suppliers and informants.
The troops also rescued over 563 hostages that were kidnapped by the terrorists, recovered 707 assorted weapons and 16,487 assorted ammunitions as well as they denied the oil theft of an estimated sum of over Seven Hundred Million Naira (N705,836,086) only.
Briefing newsmen men in Abuja on Thursday (yesterday) on the ongoing operational activities by the Armed Forces of Nigeria, the Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba further breaking down some of the items recovered by the troops within the month he said include 44AK47rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns,231dame guns, 10,782 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1,023 rounds of 511rounds of 9mm and 2,100 live cartridges.
Other items he said are 4,871,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 931,416 litres of illegal refine AGO and 4,480 litres of PMS among other items.
Major General Edward noted that troops are admirably making progress in the ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations across the country and they will continue until the terrorists are completely decimated.
He said progress made through the cumulative effort of killing the terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants,as well as, taking away their most important assets such as logistics, administrative and fighting capabilities. These all combine to destroy the will to fight of the terrorist and their cohorts.
According to him, “troops have continued to receive tremendous institutional support and are receiving increasing popular support in the conduct of operations. Indeed, The level of troops stamina and commitment to completely destroying the terrorist remains unwavering.
“During the month of May the potency of the terrorists was largely degraded with 624 Terrorist neutralized, 1,051 terrorists including their logistic suppliers and informants arrested, while 563 hostages were rescued.
“Additionally, troops recovered troops recovered 707 assorted weapons, 16,487 assorted ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over #700 Mill (N705,836,036.00) only.
“Breakdown for the month of May 24 includes and is not limited to the following: 411 AK47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns, 43 pump action guns, 231 dane guns, 10,782 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4,310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1,623 rounds 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 1,023 rounds of 511 rounds of 9mm and 2,100 live cartridges.
“Others are 4,871,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 931,416 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,480 litres of PMS amongst other items,” he stated.
The Defence Media Operations explained that the joint operational environment coupled the synergy with other security and intelligence agencies greatly assisted in the optimal performance of troops in the conduct of oIerations.
He also observed that the unprovoked killings of 17 personnel in Okuama in Delta State, coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja is worrisome and leaves much to be desired.
These occurrences he said,are unhealthy for our national security, counter productive and amount to self sabotage.
“Surely, it is no way to treat any human, certainly not a military personnel that places self in harms way to protect citizens or to safeguard the nation.
“The military has demonstrated high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of the untoward attacks. Our professionalism must not be mistaken for weakness.
“Indeed, we know that to win this war, we needs the support of people. We also hope that the people would equally realize that, they need the military to win the war to guarantee their safety.
“Accordingly, It goes is without saying that this must not repeat itself as it jeopardizes our common interest. If troops err, report them and the military justice system will address the matter. We are at war, and citizens must realize that they also have a responsibility by their actions and utterances to support troops to keep the morale and fighting spirit of troops at optimal at all times.
