Maryam Aminu
The Nigerian Armed Forces have sustained their relentless efforts to neutralize insurgents, dismantle criminal networks, and curb illegal activities in several parts of the country, as detailed in the latest operational report from military authorities.
Covering operations from September 24 to October 4, 2024, the report reveals significant breakthroughs in the fight against Boko Haram (BH), Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), and other violent extremist groups.
The Director Defense Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba exposed that in the North-East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai made substantial gains against the insurgency, with a total of 77 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendering across Kukawa and Konduga Local Government Areas (LGAs) in Borno State between September 25 and October 1. These include 7 adult male fighters, 29 women, and 41 children, all of whom turned themselves over to Nigerian forces.
Major Buba expressed that 18 terrorists were neutralized in several confrontations, while troops rescued 42 kidnapped victims, including 24 children. A significant arsenal, comprising 14 AK-47 rifles, 349 rounds of ammunition, and a variety of other weapons, was seized.
In a coordinated air interdiction on September 29, military aircraft struck terrorist positions in the Sambisa Forest, leading to the destruction of key logistics hubs and the elimination of several insurgents. Troops also arrested a Nigerian police officer caught with illegal ammunition, highlighting ongoing efforts to root out collaboration between extremists and corrupt elements within the security forces.
In Plateau and Kaduna States, troops under Operation Safe Haven launched a series of offensive and anti-kidnapping operations, resulting in the arrest of 20 extremists and the neutralization of 3 others.
A high-profile operation in Jos South on September 25 led to the capture of a notorious drug dealer, alongside the recovery of large quantities of cannabis and ₦232,000 in cash.
In the same period, 14 hostages were rescued from kidnappers, and troops seized an auto pistol, a truck full of stolen rail tracks, and two motorcycles from the criminals.
He disclosed that roops under Operation Whirl Stroke achieved significant victories in Taraba and Benue States, including the arrest of a high-profile terrorist leader, Tukura Abdul-Kareem, and 9 of his associates.
The operation, which took place in Ardo Kola LGA on September 29, also led to the capture of 2 AK-47 rifles and 363 rounds of ammunition. Additional raids in Nasarawa State uncovered 303 rounds of illegal ammunition and large quantities of illicit drugs.
Also in the North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji made impressive headway, neutralizing 36 terrorists and arresting 3 in a series of high-stakes firefights. The joint operations spanned across Katsina, Zamfara, and Kebbi States, where troops dismantled several bandit camps and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages.
The military also intercepted large quantities of arms, including 14 AK-47 rifles and 567 rounds of ammunition.
Operation Whirl Punch reported successful air strikes on terrorist enclaves in Kaduna State, neutralizing dozens of fighters and destroying their infrastructure. Ground forces, meanwhile, carried out arrest operations in Kogi State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), leading to the apprehension of 18 suspects and the recovery of significant weaponry.
Major Buba expressed further that in the South-South, troops of Operation Delta Safe ramped up efforts against oil theft, destroying over 44 illegal refining sites and recovering 602,200 liters of stolen crude oil.
Several gunrunners and kidnappers were arrested in Delta and Bayelsa States, with troops confiscating a Beretta pistol, multiple rifles, and 51 cartridges.
The Director Defense Media emphasized that these ongoing operations demonstrate the commitment of the Nigerian Armed Forces to restore security across the nation, as they continue to degrade terrorist networks, dismantle criminal operations, and rescue hostages from the clutches of extremists.
Africa Security Investigation News 