Maryam Aminu
The Nigerian Military has highlighted their determination to restore peace and stability across the nation, ensuring a safer environment for all.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported significant successes in their ongoing military operations across the country, with particular emphasis on the recently intensified war against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta. This effort has already resulted in a noticeable uptick in the nation’s crude oil production, a critical boost for Nigeria’s economy.
The Director Defense Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba made this known on Thursday in Abuja during the biweekly press briefing.
Major Buba while acknowledging that the country has not yet reached its desired daily crude oil production levels emphasized that troops will maintain their renewed vigor until production targets are not only met but exceeded.
This operation is part of a broader effort by the Armed Forces to combat various forms of criminality and terrorism throughout Nigeria.
During the review period, Nigerian troops conducted operations across multiple regions, achieving substantial victories.
He noted that Troops discovered and destroyed 84 illegal refining sites, recovering 920,800 liters of stolen crude oil, 88,760 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 7,500 liters of petrol.
They also destroyed equipment used for illegal refining, including 17 boats and 62 drums, and arrested 23 suspects involved in oil theft.
Reacting to insecurity facing the Northeast, he said under Operation HADIN KAI, troops neutralized 81 terrorists and arrested 52 suspects across several states, including Borno and Yobe. In a separate operation, 135 Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their families, surrendered to the military.
Troops under Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 78 violent extremists and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages across Plateau and Kaduna States.
In the same region, Operation WHIRL STROKE led to the neutralization of 7 terrorists and the arrest of 23 suspects.
He noted that Operation HADARIN DAJI and Operation WHIRL PUNCH saw troops neutralize 30 terrorists, arrest 21 others, and rescue 44 kidnapped hostages across Katsina, Zamfara, and Kaduna States.
In addition, a significant gunrunning syndicate was disrupted with the arrest of several suspects and the recovery of a large cache of ammunition.
In furtherance, Operations UDO KA and AWATSE in the Southeast and Southwest regions respectively led to the neutralization of 12 violent extremists, the arrest of several suspected IPOB/ESN members, and the recovery of a range of arms and ammunition.
Major Buba reiterated its commitment to annihilating terrorist elements across the country and ensuring the safety of all Nigerian citizens.
He stressed that success in these operations is not solely dependent on military might but also requires the cooperation and support of the Nigerian people.
He urged all citizens to contribute to the ongoing fight against insecurity.
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