- Maj.-Gen. Buba highlighted that the operations had not only targeted the border region
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reported a significant victory against terrorism with the elimination of more than 100 terrorists in air interdictions carried out on the border between Niger and Zamfara states. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, made this announcement during a press briefing in Abuja. This success marks a crucial milestone in the ongoing military operations across the country in the last week.
Accompanied by battle damage assessment pictures of the Nigerian Air Force’s air interdictions, Maj.-Gen. Buba highlighted that the operations had not only targeted the border region but had also significantly weakened insurgent activities in other parts of the country.
One of the most notable operations involved a surgical strike on the residence of an ISWAP (Islamic State West Africa Province) terrorist commander in Niger. This operation led to several arrests and the discovery of valuable intelligence.
In addition to this, other operations conducted in the past week across various theatres resulted in the neutralization of 73 terrorists and the arrest of 182 others. These operations demonstrate the Nigerian military’s determination to combat terrorism and insurgency effectively.
The operations extended to the South-South region, where troops arrested 14 suspected oil thieves and rescued 68 hostages. Notably, they also prevented oil thieves from benefiting to the tune of an estimated N1.212 billion from their illicit activities.
Furthermore, the military recovered an impressive cache of weapons and ammunition. These items included one General-Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), three PKT guns, 39 AK47 rifles, five locally fabricated rifles, one locally made double-barrel gun, one Barretta pistol, four locally made pistols, five RPG bombs, and five pump-action guns. Among the ammunition recovered were 586 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and various other types of rounds, including 9mm and 7.62mm NATO. Additionally, a significant number of vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and radio equipment were seized. The operation also resulted in the recovery of N3.3 million in cash, among other items.
In different regions of the country, the Nigerian military continued to make substantial progress against terrorist groups. In the North East, Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 39 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists, arrested 22, and rescued 18 hostages while recovering a large cache of arms.
In the North Central, Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke resulted in the neutralization of 12 terrorists, the arrest of 109, the rescue of 22 kidnapped hostages, and the recovery of several arms and ammunition.
In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji neutralized 10 terrorists, arrested 11, and rescued 11 hostages. Operation Whirl Punch also made significant gains by neutralizing three terrorists, arresting 38, and rescuing 12 hostages.
In the Niger Delta region, Operation Delta Safe succeeded in destroying 63 illegal refining sites and recovering stolen products. Troops also discovered and dismantled 15 dugout pits, 45 boats, 87 storage tanks, and various equipment used in illegal oil refining. The recovered stolen crude oil and other products were substantial, further denting the illegal oil trade.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA achieved the neutralization of three terrorists, arrested nine suspected criminals, and rescued three hostages. They also confiscated weapons, ammunition, and other contraband items.
All items recovered during these operations, along with the arrested suspects and rescued hostages, have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further action. The Nigerian military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and insurgency remains unwavering as they continue to make progress in securing the nation.