By Victor Akaa, Abuja.
The Nigerian military has recorded an unprecedented milestones achievements in all its operations going on throughot the country under the period from 18th March to 5th May, 2020
The Co-ordinator Defence Media Operations (DMO), Defence Headquarters, Maj. Gen. John Enenche gave the breakdown of the military operations across the country with success recorded within the period under review.
According to him, given by the achievements recorded in those operations within the period, it was obvious to state that the Armed Forces of Nigeria are winning the war against the enemies of Nigeria.
He said, the Nigerian troops under operations Lafiya Dole, Hadarin Daji, Whirl Punch amongst other operations across the country have recorded greater successes in its operations.
Some of the successes recorded according to the Defence Media Operations’ Coordinator were include, over 496 terrorist and including their leaders were decimated, this included the top terrorist leaders and fighters including Abu Usamah.
“The Armed Forces of Nigeria from 18 March to 5 May 2020 neutralized 343 BHT/TSWAP criminals in the North East, deleted 153 bandits in the North West and North Central parts of the Country amongst successes recorded.
“Furthermore, human and technical intelligence confirmed that between January and March 2020, 18 BHT/ISWAP leaders were killed due to our ground and air offensives against their settlements and hideouts. Adding to the most recent one killed between 18 March – 5 May 2020, 19 BHT/ISWAP leaders are confirmed killed by our gallant troops”. He stated
Enenche said, thousands of rustled cattle and sheep were recovered as well as the massive destruction of several BHT logistic facilities and houses through Air interdictions.
Other major strides recorded under the period include, about 16 terrorists’ informants and fishing trawlers arrested, many kidnapped victims rescued, 11 crew onboard also were rescued, millions of litres of PMS, DPK, AGO products recovered as refining ovens were also deactivated and immobilised.
“Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria operating within the Maritime environment covering Operations AWATSE and DELTA SAFE recorded tremendous successes in their operations.
“Cumulatively, a total of Sixty One (61) illegal refining sites were discovered during Anti-Crude Oil/Anti-Illegal Bunkering Operations in the Niger delta Region.
“In all, a total of Four thousand Four Hundred and Sixty-Five barrels (4,464.8) and One Million, Seven Hundred and Eighty-One (1,781,000) Litres of Crude Oil were recovered. Also recovered were One Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand, Nine Hundred (1,756,900) Litres of AGO; One Hundred and Sixteen Thousand, Five Hundred (116,000) Litres of DPK; and Eleven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty (11,750) Litres of PMS.
“During the Swamp Boogie operations, several refining ovens, receivers, surface metal storage tanks/drums, coolers and dugout pits were deactivated and immobilized. Fishing Trawlers were also arrested and handed over to NIMASA.
“In all, 15 hostages were rescued, a barge and some weapons were recovered and 3 pipeline vandals arrested.
“Also, within the period, the Nigerian Navy rescued 3 Beninoise whose fishing trawler caught fire at Lagos anchorage. In addition, the Nigerian Navy responded to a distress call by Beninoise Navy for assistance, when 11 crew men onboard a Portuguese flagged container ship, MV TOMMI RITSCHER in Benin territorial waters came under attack by pirates. Among those rescued were Ukrainians, Bulgarians and Filipinos.
“The Nigerian Navy received commendation from the Benin Chief of the Naval Staff, Captain Albert Ezien Badou. Additionally, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Four (894) bags 50kg of parboiled smuggled foreign rice were impounded by the Nigerian Navy at Agbami platform in Akwa-Ibom State”. He explained.
Regrettably, Gen. Enenche however regretted the demise of some soldiers that paid their supreme price during the operations within the period under review.
The DMO boss further reiterated that, these operations with the numerous successes recorded was jointly carried out by the Nigerian Army, Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies in Nigeria.
Gen. Enenche however pledged the resolve and total commitment of the military in launching offensives against the Nigerian enemies, as he has promised never to relent on its efforts to protecting both the citizens and properties including the economic assets of Nigeria.
He conveyed the commendations of the High Command of the Nigerian Military to the general public for their support and further solicited their cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements in military operations.
