By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
Troops of the Armed forces of Nigeria in the second quarter of 2024 killed 2,245 terrorists, arrested 3,682 suspects, and rescued 1,993 kidnapped hostages.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, during a bi-weekly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
Major General Buba said the operations, conducted across various regions, have significantly degraded the terrorists’ military capabilities, demonstrating the military’s unwavering resolve to destroy terrorist enclaves and dismantle their military capabilities.
He said the troops recovered 2,783 weapons and 64,547 ammunition.
He noted that the operation also prevented oil thieves from destroying oil and national assets worth an estimated sum of over N10 billion.
He explained that troops of Operation HADIN KAI in the North East neutralized 857 terrorists, arrested 913 suspects, and rescued 594 hostages.
In the North Central, he said troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 130 terrorists, arrested 544 suspects, and rescued 277 hostages while that of Operation WHIRL STROKE in the same zone neutralized 138 terrorists, arrested 377 suspects, and rescued 204 hostages.
Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West, neutralized 764 terrorists, arrested 673 suspects, and rescued 592 hostages. In the North West, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 170 terrorists, arrested 366 suspects, and rescued 178 hostages. Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South, troops neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 455 suspects, and prevented the oil thieves from destroying oil and other national facilities worth an estimated sum of over N10 billion within the period.
In the South East, General Buba said, troops in Operation UDO KA neutralized 180 terrorists, arrested 354 suspects, and rescued 148 hostages during their ongoing campaign against secessionist agitations.
He emphasised that the military remains committed to ensuring the safety of citizens and upholding international laws governing armed conflict. The troops will continue to risk their lives to secure the country and make it safe for all.
The Joint Task Force Operations’ success in the second quarter of 2024 is a testament to the military’s operational effectiveness and its commitment to ending terrorism in Nigeria, Enugu Reporters noted.
The troops’ bravery and sacrifices have significantly degraded the terrorists’ potency, and the military will continue to build on these successes to ensure a safer Nigeria for all.
