… As 9,562 Boko Haram/ISWAP surrendered to security forces in 1 year
From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Between the month of May in 2023 and June this year in 2024, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) has neutralized over 9,303 terrorists, arrested over 6,988 of them with their logistic suppliers and informants while over 4,641 hostages were rescued.
Within the period about 9,562 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatant fighters and their families were surrendered to security forces.
In the fight against oil theft, about 1,437 perpetrators were apprehended with 363 neutralized.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja at a joint press conference under the auspices of the Strategic Communications Interagency Advisory Policy Committee and coordinated by the Office National Security Adviser said coupled the synergy with other security and intelligence agencies greatly assisted in the optimal performance of troops in conduct of operations.
He explained that the joint press conference was under the auspices of the Strategic Communications Interagency Advisory Committee, coordinated by ONSA.
The Committee he said serves as the umbrella body for the spokespersons of all Nigerian security and response agencies to facilitating unified and strategic communications as well as to highlight collective activities of their agencies over the past year.
Major General Edward while giving an update to some of the achievements recorded in the last one year of this administration he said the office of the National Security Adviser has been pivotal in coordinating national security strategies and ensuring synergy among various security agencies.
During the period under review he noted that the Office of the National Security Adviser successfully hosted the high level of Africa Counter-Terrorism meeting and brought together African Head of Government including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu who served the host president.
Furthermore, he said in collaboration with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the ONSA initiated series of economic security measures against currency manipulators and speculators.
Major General Buba further explained that the DSS and other intelligence agencies have also played a critical role in safeguarding national security through intelligence gathering and covert operations.
He said looking ahead, security agencies will focus on sarengthening intelligence-sharing mechanisms to pre-errupt and counter security threats more effectively as well as to invest in advanced technologies and equipment to enhance the capabilities of security forces among other things.
The Defence Media Operations while calling on citizens, the private sector, NGOs, religious communities and other stakeholders to support the efforts of the security forces, he also believed that winning the war or to address insecurity and ensure the safety of citizens need the support of the citizen.
“Accordingly, winning the war without the support of the people as close to impossible.
“Overall, together, we can achieve even greater security and prosperity for our country. We would continue to strive for a safer and more secure nation,” he further stated.