Emmanuel Daudu
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, today provided a detailed account of the operational activities of the Joint Task Forces across Nigeria during a media briefing.
The report outlined significant achievements recorded in the fight against terrorism and violent crimes for December 2024.
Major General Buba declared emphatically that 2025 will mark the end of terrorism in Nigeria, stating that “terrorist leaders are walking corpses as the Armed Forces will not spare them.”
He disclosed that Troops in the North East under Operation Hadin Kai sustained relentless pressure on terrorist enclaves, employing coordinated air and ground offensives.
Key achievements for December include 233 terrorists neutralized, 218 suspects arrested, and 109 hostages rescued. Additionally, 221 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters and their families surrendered to Nigerian forces. Recovered items included 120 AK-47 rifles, 2,827 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other weapons.
In the North Central region, troops under Operation Safe Haven targeted violent extremists and kidnappers, achieving significant results.
“The month saw 36 extremists neutralized, 136 suspects arrested, and 167 hostages rescued. Recovered items included 16 AK-47 rifles, 1,253 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, and other arms.”
According to Major Buba, Operation Whirl Stroke, active in Benue, Taraba, and Nasarawa States, continued to deliver decisive blows against terrorist elements. Highlights of their December activities include 17 terrorists neutralized, 90 suspects arrested, and 39 hostages rescued. Troops also recovered 4 AK-47 rifles, 573 rounds of ammunition, and other equipment.
He noted that in the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji recorded the highest number of neutralized terrorists during December, with 260 terrorists neutralized, 172 suspects arrested, and 277 hostages rescued. Troops recovered 109 AK-47 rifles, 6,364 rounds of ammunition, and other arms.
Operation Whirl Punch continued to disrupt terrorist activities in its area of operation, achieving 10 terrorists neutralized, 35 suspects arrested, and 26 hostages rescued. Recovered items included 7 AK-47 rifles and 454 rounds of ammunition.
He further disclosed that Troops under Operation Delta Safe in the South South focused on curbing oil theft and securing critical national assets. December saw the arrest of 181 individuals involved in crude oil theft, the rescue of 20 kidnapped hostages, and the recovery of 3,121,572 litres of stolen crude oil. Troops also destroyed 216 illegal refining sites and 195 wooden boats used for illegal activities.
“In the South East, troops continued offensive operations against IPOB/ESN terrorists, with significant results including 68 terrorists neutralized, 81 suspects arrested, and 49 hostages rescued. Troops recovered 23 AK-47 rifles, 2,802 rounds of ammunition, and other items.” He said
Major General Edward Buba assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces are resolute in their mission to eradicate terrorism in 2025.
He emphasized that “terrorist leaders are walking corpses as the Armed Forces will not spare them. 2025 is the end of terrorism in Nigeria.”
With these remarkable achievements across the country, the military continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring peace.
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