In a renewed effort to combat insurgency and criminal activities, the Nigerian Armed Forces have made significant progress in their operations across the country. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), troops neutralized 165 terrorists, arrested 273 individuals, and rescued 138 kidnapped hostages in the last week alone.
This development was revealed during a bi-weekly briefing held on October 10, 2024, by Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations. Speaking to defence correspondents in Abuja, Buba provided an overview of the ongoing military operations aimed at curbing insecurity in the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Successes Against Insurgents and Criminals
Major General Buba highlighted that the armed forces, along with other security agencies, have intensified their efforts in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, banditry, and oil theft.
During the briefing, he revealed that the military had also uncovered and destroyed numerous illegal refineries, preventing the theft of crude oil worth over ₦688 million.
“Troops denied the oil theft of an estimated sum of ₦688,125,150, recovered 153 assorted weapons, and confiscated over 2,000 rounds of ammunition,” Buba stated.
The military’s recovered weapons included 81 AK-47 rifles, 23 fabricated guns, 27 Dane guns, 13 pump-action shotguns, five locally made pistols, and three revolvers. Additionally, the troops seized 30 AK-47 magazines, 1,561 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 278 rounds of NATO ammunition, and other related items.
Breaking Down the Offensive Operations
The Nigerian Armed Forces say they have been conducting various operations across the northern, southern, and central regions of the country. Major General Buba provided a breakdown of their efforts during the past week.
In the Niger Delta region, troops launched several successful strikes against oil thieves, destroying illegal refineries and storage facilities. According to Buba, the military found and dismantled 65 illegal refining sites, which were being used to process stolen crude oil.
“Troops destroyed two dugout pits, 58 boats, and 39 storage tanks while recovering over 789,000 liters of stolen crude oil,” Buba explained.
These operations are part of the military’s ongoing campaign to curtail economic sabotage in the region and bring oil thieves to justice.
In addition to neutralizing terrorists and preventing oil theft, the troops recovered various items, including 19 vehicles, 21 motorcycles, and mobile phones believed to have been used for illicit activities.
Rescue of Hostages and Strategic Deployments
One of the most significant achievements of the military operations has been the rescue of 138 hostages, many of whom were abducted by bandits and terrorist groups.
Buba emphasized that the military is focused on ensuring the safety and protection of civilians, particularly in areas most affected by insurgency. He stated, “The armed forces have strategically deployed troops across the country to combat terrorists and their collaborators.”
These hostages were rescued during a series of operations targeting terrorist hideouts and bandit camps. The military reported significant success in areas like Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa States, where operations were conducted under Operation HADIN KAI, which focuses on combating Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
Troops in these regions also recorded the surrender of several Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters along with their families, adding to the pressure on terrorist groups in the North East.
High-Profile Terrorists Eliminated
Major General Buba disclosed that a notorious terrorist commander known as Mai Hijabi was killed during a military operation in Jigawa State. Hijabi had been on the military’s radar for his involvement in numerous attacks on civilian communities and military personnel.
“Eliminating terrorist commanders like Mai Hijabi is critical in dismantling the leadership of these terror groups,” Buba remarked.
The military is making strides in the North West as well, where they have conducted counter-terrorism operations in states like Katsina, Zamfara, and Sokoto. These operations have led to the arrest of several kidnappers, the rescue of hostages, and the destruction of terrorist infrastructure.
The Fight Against Oil Theft in the South
In addition to battling terrorists in the North, the Nigerian Armed Forces are also waging a war against economic sabotage in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
During the briefing, Major General Buba highlighted the troops’ efforts in stopping illegal oil activities. “Troops discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites and recovered 789,200 liters of stolen crude oil, along with 64,950 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO),” he said.
The military’s efforts have prevented the loss of significant amounts of oil revenue, which would have otherwise been stolen by criminal syndicates operating in the Niger Delta.
Addressing Security Challenges
Major General Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to addressing the various security challenges that Nigeria is currently facing. While the armed forces have made significant progress, they acknowledge that there are still challenges to be overcome in certain areas.
“The military is not oblivious to the security challenges faced by citizens in some quarters,” Buba stated. He assured Nigerians that the military is reassessing its operations in these regions to better protect and secure the lives of citizens.
Buba also noted that the military is focused on maintaining momentum in its fight against terrorism. “We understand the importance of momentum, and we are taking the fight directly to the terrorists,” he explained.
