Military Warns of Terrorists’ Social Media Recruitment as Offensive Operations Intensify

• The Nigerian military warns of ISWAP’s aggressive recruitment via social media, while committing to ongoing operations against terrorism and insurgency
• Recent military actions have resulted in the neutralization of 169 insurgents and the recovery of significant weapons and stolen oil

The Nigerian military has raised an alert regarding an aggressive recruitment effort by terrorists, specifically the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), who are now using social media to attract new members.

In a statement released on Saturday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, pledged that the military will continue its offensive actions to counter these threats.

Buba reported that recent coordinated airstrikes by the Nigerian Air Force, combined with ground operations, have significantly disrupted terrorist strongholds, resulting in substantial losses among their ranks.

On November 6, as part of Operation HADIN KAI, the military launched targeted air raids on terrorist bases at Kwallaram and Arainna Ciki islands in Borno State. These operations led to the elimination of over 70 extremists at Kwallaram and more at Arainna Ciki.

In the ongoing nationwide offensive, troops have reportedly neutralized 169 insurgents, arrested 641 suspects, and intensified their campaign against terrorism and insurgency.

Additionally, 40 individuals involved in oil theft were detained, and 181 kidnapped hostages were rescued. In the Southern region, the military blocked attempts to steal an estimated N1.4 billion worth of oil.

“Troops recovered 192 assorted weapons and 2,970 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 106 AK47 rifles, 38 fabricated rifles, 26 dane guns, one FN rifle, 3 fabricated revolver pistol, 11 locally made pistols, 5 pump action guns, ome dummy AK47 rifle and one unexploded RPG bomb”, the spokesman added.

“Others are 1,410 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,074 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 67 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 130 rounds of 108mm, 101 rounds of 9mm ammo, 146 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 7 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones and the sum of N729,000.00 only amongst other items.

“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 20 crude oil cooking ovens, 2 dugout pits, 42 boats, 7 reservoirs, 5 drums, 50 storage tanks and 83 illegal refining sites.

“Other items recovered include 3 pumping machines, 3 outboard engines, one generator set, one speedboat, 8 motorcycles, 3 mobile phones and 3 vehicles among others. Troops recovered 914,445 litres of stolen crude oil, 537,325 litres of illegally refined AGO and 1,285 litres of PMS.”