*Pledges to end Plateau killings
By Chuks Aziken
The Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) said a total of 94 terrorists were killed soldiers in the last one week.
Also, another 171 terrorists were arrested in the military offensives against the hoodlums while crude oil worth over N485m was saved for the country.
These were disclosed by Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations.
He briefed journalists on Thursday on activities of the Nigerian soldiers in the last one week.
According to the Spokesman, “during the week under review. Troops neutralised 94 and arrested 171 of them. Troops also arrested 43 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 29 kidnapped hostages.
“In the SS (South-South), troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Four Hundred and Eighty Five Million Nine Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (N485,983,150.00) only.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 168 assorted weapons and 2,757 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: one GPMG, 85 AK47 rifles, one Vektor R4 rifle, one G3 rifle, 10 pump action guns, 12 locally fabricated guns, 6 locally made pistols, 21 dane gun, one double barrel gun, one fabricated revolver rifle, 2 x 36 hand grenades and one fabricated dane gun.
“Others are: 290 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 2,132 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 115 rounds of 5.66mm ammo, 29 rounds of PKT ammo, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 297 cartridges, 21 magazines, 14 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, 27 mobile phones, 2 baofeng radios and the sum of N2,594,000.00 amongst other items.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 16 dugout pits, 51 boats, 49 storage tanks and 3 vehicles. Other items recovered include 38 cooking ovens, 3 pump machines and 31 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 363,875 litres of stolen crude oil, 198,315 litres of illegally refined AGO and 5,200 litres of PMS”, General Buba stated.
The Director also spoke about the deteriorating security situation in Abuja, Plateau State and the North Central Zone and what the AFN was doing to bring the situation under control.
According to him, “As for the FCT and environs, offensive operations are ongoing at the following locations; Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro and Tukuba all in Kuje Area Council. Other areas covered were Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry and Nukuchi Villages all in Bwari Area Council of FCT.
“In neighboring states to the FCT such as Niger State. Troops are conducting operations in ; Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wusa and Garam in Tafa LGA of Niger State. Additionally, troops covered Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa LGAs of Nasarawa State respectively.
“As for the situation in the NC, tension broke out in MANGU in the early hours of 23 Jan 24. The situation escalated and resulted in break down of law and order in MANGU Town and adjoining communities. The crisis which started from GANGARAN KWATA escalated to other parts of MANGU LGA despite concerted efforts by troops deployed to the general area to restore normalcy. Details to follow.
“Overall, we would like citizens to clearly understand why we are fighting this war. They should understand that the terrorist will not stop, until they are stopped.
“Everyone should understand that the terrorist and their cohorts exist for the sake of war. Therefore for the sake of peace they must be eliminated.
“All hands must be on deck, in our villages, communities and environments to ensure that the security forces are supported with necessary information to win this war.
“We also urge trusted voices by the people to use their voice for good and not for evil. There is need to stop the bleeding and commence the healing”, he advised.
