By Chuks Oyema-Aziken
The Nigerian military yesterday claimed it is winning the war against terrorism as its forces of Operation Lafiya Dole have allegedly killed atleast 343 Boko Haram and Islamic State in West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists.
Among those killed included the terrorists key leaders in several operations in the North-East.
They fell to superior fire power of the military in less than two months.
The military also said 153 bandits were killed in the North-West and the North-Central parts of the Country whithin the same period spanning from 18th March to the 5th of May.
The Coordinator Defence Media Operations (DMO), Maj-Gen. John Enenche, disclosed this Wednesday at a press briefing at the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), Abuja on the military scorecard within the last two months.
Enenche however, regretted that several soldiers were killed, while others sustained various degrees of injuries in the course of the operations.
Providing update on the operational activities of the troops, Enenche explained that some villages that were attacked during the period were rescued by gallant troops and normalcy restored to the affected areas.
He added the the troops destroyed most of the Boko Haram’s logistics installations and networks while 16 of their informants and logistics suppliers were arrested ND are being interrogated.
“At the call of this duty, some of our troops paid the supreme prize and others were wounded in action,” he said.
Enenche further explained that troops of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted various clearance operations during the period under review.
He added that the combined efforts of the Land and Air Components, as well as other security operatives of the Operation, provided security for lives and property.
Gen. Enenche said: “Several bandits locations and hideouts were cleared with Close Air Support provided for ground troops.
“In all, a total of 17 kidnapped victims were rescued and united with their families, and 146 bandits were neutralized in Katsina and Zamfara States.
“Within the same period, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji recovered several arms and ammunition among other equipment.
“Our agile troops also rescued 922 rustled cattles and 446 sheep. However, 4 soldiers paid the supreme prize.
“Equally, troops of Operation Whirl Punch during the period under review, clamped down on Armed Militia and other bandits in Benue and Taraba States.
“Within the period, troops rescued 7 kidnapped victims and recovered large caches of ammunition and other items.
“A total of 7 bandits were killed by troops from contacts made at Toto, Nasarawa State and Anku Mbagen in Atera-Jange Torov Council Ward of Ukum Local Government Area of Benue State.
“None of our Troops was wounded or killed in action”, he added.
On maritime operations, the Director disclosed that troops of Operations Awatse and Delta Safe uncovered a total of 61 llegal refining sites and a total of 4,464.8 liters and 1,781,000 litres of crude oil.
He added that 15 hostages were rescued, a barge and some weapons recovered and three pipeline vandals arrested.
“From our operations within the period reviewed, it is obvious that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is winning the war against the enemies of our great country.
“The High Command of the Nigerian Military wishes to thank the general public for their support and further solicit their cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements in our operations,” Enenche said.
