The battle against terrorism and insurgency is a collective endeavor that extends beyond the confines of the military.
History has shown us that a purely military approach cannot fully quell these threats. It demands a unified commitment from every facet of our society, a symphony of efforts against those who disrupt peace.
These adversaries, far from being phantom entities, have roots and connections within our communities. By embracing a holistic societal approach, we can stifle the aspirations of these groups for senseless violence and chaos. While not all of us can be on the frontlines, we can still play pivotal roles in supporting the larger mission to eradicate terrorism and insurgency. It’s a commitment that must echo the will of the people, a pledge to stand together against those who threaten our peace and security.
This was made known in a statement signed by the Director of Defence Media operations Major General EDWARD BUBA While giving progress report on various military operations across the country
Troops, as part of Operation HADIN KAI, conducted targeted operations in Borno State. In Monguno LGA, suspected terrorists’ collaborators were apprehended, and their operations led to the surrender of BH/ISWAP fighters. Additionally, troops neutralized terrorists and recovered a substantial cache of arms and ammunition in Gwoza LGA.
The overall results of Operation HADIN KAI include the recovery of 40 AK47 rifles, ten G3 rifles, one single barrel gun, one 36 hand grenade, and various rounds of ammunition. Troops neutralized 17 terrorists, arrested 12 suspects, and successfully rescued 17 kidnapped hostages.
In subsequent operations, troops conducted ambushes and raids on terrorists in Hamul and Jalingo LGAs of Borno and Taraba States. These fighting patrols led to the neutralization of terrorists and the recovery of additional weapons and ammunitions in Bama, Gazamala, and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State.
Under Operation SAFE HAVEN in Kaduna State, troops conducted successful operations in Sanga and Jema’a LGAs, resulting in the arrest of terrorists and the recovery of a significant arsenal of weapons. These operations also included neutralizing terrorists, arresting suspects, rescuing kidnapped hostages, and recovering arms.
The overall results of Operation SAFE HAVEN encompass the neutralization of 5 terrorists, arrest of 24 suspects, and the successful rescue of 9 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 7 locally made pistols, 2 locally made AK47 rifles, and a substantial quantity of ammunition and weaponry.
Troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE conducted successful operations in Benue, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory. These operations involved arresting suspected terrorists, conducting raids on hideouts, and neutralizing threats in various LGAs, leading to significant recoveries of arms and ammunition.
In Ukum LGA of Benue State, troops conducted fighting patrols, resulting in the arrest of suspected terrorists. Additionally, raids were conducted on terrorists’ hideouts in Nasarawa LGA of Nasarawa State and AMAC of FCT.
Troops neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 62 terrorists, and successfully rescued 9 kidnapped hostages. The operations also led to the recovery of weapons, including one SMG, one G3 rifle, one unserviceable FN rifle, one locally made pistol, and a substantial amount of ammunition.
Operation HADARIN DAJI was carried out in Kebbi, Sokoto, and Katsina States, focusing on countering armed banditry and fostering peace in the Northwestern region. Troops engaged in fighting patrols, targeting bandit hideouts and conducting rescue missions. These operations resulted in neutralizing 18 terrorists, arresting 8 individuals involved in terrorism, and rescuing 38 kidnapped hostages. The troops also recovered a substantial cache of weapons, including one PKT gun, 5 AK47 rifles, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 23 rounds of 7.62mm ammo, one fabricated rifle, one locally made pistol, 7 magazines, 215 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 22 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo. Additionally, 11 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones were recovered.
Operation WHIRL PUNCH targeted Kaduna and Niger States, with troops conducting extensive operations to tackle criminal activities and enhance security. The operations resulted in the elimination of 3 terrorists and the arrest of 7 suspected terrorists. Troops also successfully rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered one AK47 rifle, 3 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 2 mobile phones, and a substantial sum of N5,480,000.00, along with other valuable items.
Operation DELTA SAFE was executed to combat crude oil theft and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta region, specifically in Delta and Cross River States. Troops conducted targeted raids and destroyed numerous illegal refining sites, tackling oil theft. They apprehended 59 suspected oil thieves and other criminals, and seized a range of equipment, including boats, vehicles, and pumping machines. In total, 38 dugout pits, 21 boats, 57 storage tanks, and 34 illegal refining sites were destroyed. Troops also recovered stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO and PMS, weapons, ammunition, and valuable assets.
Operation UDO KA was implemented to counter criminal elements in Abia, Enugu, Imo, and Ebonyi States. Troops conducted raid operations targeting terrorists’ hideouts, resulting in the neutralization of 11 terrorists and the arrest of 20 suspected criminals. The operations also led to the successful rescue of 15 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered an array of weapons, including 6 locally made rifles, 3 pump-action guns, a dane gun, and 4 improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Other recovered items included locally made IED launchers, ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and a significant sum of N266,455.00. These efforts showcased the military’s commitment to restoring peace and security in the region.
In conclusion Major General Edward Buba reiterated that the armed forces remains unperturbed by the evil machinations of these extremist groups. Noting that their nefarious tactics have been exposed for what it truly is, which is a mere ploy to self-enrichment through killings.
He also added that the armed forces , have clocked their game and are laser-focused on pursuing peace, by the pursuit of those that threaten the peace in the country.
