By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria intensified it’s battle against criminals in the country with 1,910 of them killed, while 912 others were arrested within the last eight months.
The Director Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Benard Onyeuko disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja while briefing journalists on the review of the achievements of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies between 20th of May, 2021 to 6th of January, 2022.
The Director said the criminal elements include, armed bandits, cattle rustlers, armed herdsmen, crude oil thieves, Boko Haram/Islamic State for West Africa Province terrorists, among others.
Troops have equally rescued 729 kidnapped victims across the country, while 24,059 terrorists have surrendered, among other laudable achievements within the period stated.
Maj-Gen Onyeuko disclosed that the Armed Forces of Nigeria with support from other security agencies have achieved this through its various operations across the country, which include, Operation Hadin Kai, Operation Hadarin Daji, Operation Safe Haven, Operation Whirl Stroke, Operation Thunder Strike/Whirl Punch, Operation Delta Safe, and Operation Awase, among others. He equally revealed that these operations took place in the troubled zones of the country, which include, North-East, North Central, North West, South-West, South-South, and South – East.
He said,”The Armed Forces of Nigeria from 20 May 2021 to 6 January 2022 neutralized 1,910 criminal elements including terrorists, armed bandits and robbers as well as kidnappers across the Country.
“This is in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during air strikes within the period. Troops also rescued a total of 729 kidnapped victims across the Country.
“Furthermore, within the period in focus, troops made a cumulative total recoveries of thirteen million, two hundred and one thousand, three hundred (13,201,300) litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil and three million, nine hundred and sixty-nine thousand (3,969,000) litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene. Also, 38,582 barrels and six million, four hundred and ninety-one thousand (6,491,000) litres of stolen crude oil as well as eleven million, six hundred and fifty-nine thousand, five hundred (11,659,500) litres of illegally refined Premium Motor Spirit were recovered and handed appropriately. “Additionally, a total of 912 criminal elements were arrested, while large cache of arms and ammunition as well as livestock among other items of economic and security concerns were recovered by the troops during the period.”
Maj-Gen Onyeuko noted that Armed Forces and other security agencies are succeeding in tackling the security challenges facing the Country.
He assured that the Armed Forces will continue to sustain the offensive and will not relent until peace is restored to the troubled zones of Nigeria.
“Gleaning from the available information as I have just presented, there is no gain saying that our operational performance for the year 2021 shows our commitment to ensure peace is restored in the Country.
“It shows the synergy between the Nigerian military and other Security Agencies is succeeding in tackling the security challenges facing the Country. “We will continue to sustain the offensive and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled zone in Nigeria.
“The general public is also assured of our commitment to protect lives and properties as well as our economic assets anywhere, with renewed vigour this year,” he said.
He thanked the general public and members of the press for their support and further solicit everyone’s cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements in “our operations.
He extended the commendation of the Military High Command to all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the Country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment”.
Maj-Gen Onyeuko further encouraged troops to remain resolute and decisive in securing the Country.
