In a significant update on national security, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that the Armed Forces of Nigeria have achieved considerable success in their operations against terrorism and other criminal activities across the country over the past week. Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed during a bi-weekly news briefing in Abuja that 105 terrorists were eliminated, and 140 others were apprehended in various theatres of operation.
Maj.-Gen. Buba further detailed that in the South-South region, the forces arrested 26 individuals involved in oil theft and rescued 86 hostages. The troops also seized a large cache of weapons, including 208 assorted firearms and 5,332 rounds of ammunition, highlighting the scale of the operations.
In the North East, the focus of Operation Hadin Kai led to the neutralization of seven terrorists, the arrest of four, and the recovery of 20 AK47 rifles among other weapons. Additionally, 224 fighters from ISWAP/JAS and their families surrendered to the forces in Borno, demonstrating a significant blow to terrorist operations in the area.
The operations in the North Central region saw 35 insurgents killed, 65 arrested, and 15 hostages rescued by troops of Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke. Operations Hadarin Daji and Whirl Punch in the same region resulted in 57 insurgents neutralized, five arrested, and 66 hostages freed.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe successfully destroyed 18 illegal refining sites and recovered over 657,300 litres of stolen crude oil. The operation also led to the rescue of three kidnapped individuals and the apprehension of 50 suspects linked to oil theft.
Lastly, in the South East, Operation UDO KA neutralized six insurgents, arrested five, and recovered various arms and ammunition.
Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized that all items recovered, suspects arrested, and hostages rescued have been handed over to relevant authorities for further action, marking a comprehensive effort by the Armed Forces of Nigeria to maintain peace and security across the nation.