- The defence headquarters assures of peaceful Ondo governorship election.
The Defence Headquarters has deployed troops to support the police in ensuring a smooth Ondo Governorship Election on November 16.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced this in a statement in Abuja on Thursday.
Buba explained that the troops’ presence is to safeguard citizens and prevent harassment or intimidation while voting.
He added that the Nigerian Air Force is transporting sensitive election materials to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)
According to Buba, troops are working to eliminate terrorists in the Northwest and other parts of the country.
“Accordingly, operations are being modified to box in these terrorists, while also increasing operational intensity to ensure total destruction of all terror groups and dismantling of their terror networks.”
Buba reported that troops neutralized 88 terrorists and apprehended 228 persons during the week.
Additionally, troops caught 40 oil thieves and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 84 assorted weapons and 2,393 assorted ammunition.”
The breakdown includes 34 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, and other weapons.
Buba stated that troops in the Niger Delta discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens and other illegal refining sites.
Troops also recovered 942,420 litres of stolen crude oil and other petroleum products.
“Overall, troop offensives have severely depleted ISWAP terrorist rank and file in the North East forcing a desperate recruitment drive.”
Buba added that troops are working with other security agencies to thwart terrorist plans.