From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced significant successes in its ongoing operations across Nigeria over the past week, with military troops neutralizing 156 terrorists, arresting 464 criminal suspects, and rescuing 181 kidnapped hostages.
Briefing journalists over the weekend, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, highlighted the military’s unwavering commitment to eradicating terrorism, insurgency, and other security threats in the country.
In the South-South region, troops thwarted oil theft operations valued at ₦623,447,390 and arrested 29 individuals involved in the illicit activity. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 48 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 56 storage tanks, and 46 illegal refining sites. Recovered items include:
- 705,294 litres of stolen crude oil
- 6,865 litres of illegally refined AGO
- 1,500 litres of DPK
- 800 litres of PMS
Other recovered materials include 28 boats, 8 pumping machines, 6 speedboats, 3 outboard engines, 8 motorcycles, 8 vehicles, and one mobile phone.
Across all operations, the troops confiscated 219 assorted weapons and 2,871 rounds of ammunition. Recovered arms included:
- 68 AK-47 rifles
- 12 fabricated rifles
- 4 FN rifles
- 7 pump-action guns
- 1 GPMG
- 9 fabricated IEDs
- 18 FN grenades
Recovered ammunition included 1,618 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 676 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, and 73 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, among others. Additional recovered items included 10 vehicles, 42 motorcycles, and 29 mobile phones.
Major General Buba emphasized the Armed Forces’ dedication to ensuring national security. “This year’s Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day serves as a solemn reminder that our fallen heroes did not die in vain. Every life lost in battle contributes to making our nation safer,” he said.
The General acknowledged occasional tactical setbacks but assured that the military remains resolute in achieving its strategic objective of breaking the terrorists’ will to fight, particularly in the North-East and North-West regions where foreign fighters from the Sahel continue to pose challenges.
He urged citizens to view security as a collective responsibility, stating, “Security is everyone’s business, not just the military’s. When citizens compromise on security, the safety of all is jeopardized.”
The successes recorded over the week, he concluded, underscore the determination of the Armed Forces to safeguard the nation and eliminate threats to peace and stability.