The Armed Forces of Nigeria recently executed synchronised strikes involving ground and air forces targeting terrorist enclaves and hideouts. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, shared this information during a briefing for journalists on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
The successful operations resulted in the neutralisation of over forty terrorists and the arrest of one hundred and ninety-one individuals from various geopolitical zones in the country. Gen. Buba reiterated the commitment of the Armed Forces to eradicate terrorism and insecurity nationwide.
Troops have been strategically deployed to conduct operations across the country, aiming to establish a secure environment for citizens to carry out their lawful duties. These operations include targeted attacks on terrorist enclaves and strongholds, with the objective of eliminating the leadership and foot soldiers of these terror groups.
“Troops will continue to go after these terrorists and apply military pressure to destroy them and their cohorts across the country,” emphasised Major General Buba. Additionally, the troops executed ambushes, raids, fighting patrols, and other offensive measures against the terrorists, resulting in the recovery of 72 assorted weapons and 338 assorted ammunitions.
The breakdown of the recovered weapons and ammunition includes 20 AK47 rifles, 6 FN rifles, 8 pump-action guns, 4 locally fabricated rifles, 19 Dane guns, 2 hand grenades, and various rounds of different ammunition. The troops also arrested 68 individuals involved in oil theft, rescuing 80 kidnapped hostages in the process.
Other items recovered during the operations include one PKM barrel, a locally made bomb, RPG chargers, bandoliers, magazines, vehicles, mobile phones, motorcycles, bicycles, Boafeng HH radios, and a sum of eight hundred and ninety-five thousand, nine hundred naira (N895,900.00), among other items.
In the Niger Delta region, troops destroyed 23 dug-out pits, 30 boats, 99 storage tanks, 2 motorcycles, and 13 vehicles. Additionally, they recovered items such as cooking ovens, a speedboat, pump machines, and dismantled 68 illegal refining sites. The troops also recovered stolen crude oil and various quantities of illegally refined AGO, DPK, and PMS (petrol).
“The goal of ongoing operations is to destroy the terrorists and their cohorts across the country. And, the first priority is the protection of the citizens of this country,” emphasised Major General Buba.