Nigerian Military Achieves Significant Gains in Counter-Terrorism Operations

Maryam Aminu

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reported substantial progress in their ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the nation, with significant achievements recorded in the North-East (NE), North-West (NW), and North-Central (NC) regions.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba expressed that in the latest operations, the military has successfully neutralized numerous terrorist leaders and commanders.

Major Buba noted that troops in the North-Central region apprehended several notorious kidnappers and arms traffickers, further weakening criminal networks in the area.

During the week under review, military operations led to the neutralization of 171 individuals involved in terrorist activities and the arrest of 302 suspects. Troops also apprehended 25 individuals involved in oil theft and rescued 134 kidnapped hostages.

He added that in the South-South (SS) region, military efforts prevented the theft of oil valued at approximately ₦846.48 million.

The Armed Forces recovered a significant cache of weapons and ammunition, including one PKT gun, one G3 rifle, three AK-49 rifles, 44 AK-47 rifles, ten fabricated rifles, 18 dane guns, ten pump-action shotguns, four locally-made pistols, 18 AK-47 magazines, two FN magazines, a smoke grenade, and a bandolier.

Major Buba further expressed that troops recovered 843 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 506 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 60 rounds of 7.62x54mm ball-rimmed ammunition, 90 live cartridges, five Baofeng radios, 11 vehicles, 46 motorcycles, four bicycles, 52 mobile phones, cutlasses, and the sum of ₦126,285.

He disclosed that in the Niger Delta region, troops discovered and destroyed 26 dugout pits, 13 boats, 90 drums, 45 storage tanks, 155 cooking ovens, four speedboats, one pumping machine, seven vehicles, and 98 illegal refining sites.

The military also recovered 799,400 litres of stolen crude oil and 151,150 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).

Major Buba reiterated the Armed Forces commitment to sustaining these operations across the country, ensuring the enduring defeat of terrorist groups and the safety of all citizens.

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