By Victor Akaa
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Thursday said troops are making significant progress in the ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations across the country.
The Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed this in a routine media briefing in Abuja said, as of 30 May 2024, troops have successfully degraded the potency of terrorist groups, neutralizing 624 terrorists, arresting 1,051 others, and rescuing 563 hostages.
General Buba noted that despite this progress, there are consistent unprovoked attacks on military personnel by the civilian the military sacrificed so much to protect which has usually dampen the morale of troops. He averred that the unwarranted killing of 17 personnel in Delta State and the recent assault on unarmed personnel in Abuja are “worrisome and counterproductive.”
According to him, these attacks not only harm “our soldiers but also undermine our national security and hinder our efforts to defeat terrorism.”
He urged citizens to remember that “our soldiers are sacrificing their lives to protect us, and we must support them in this fight.”
He explained that “unprovoked attacks on soldiers are unpatriotic and amount to self-sabotage. Instead, let us work together to defeat terrorism and ensure our nation’s prosperity.”
General Buba said the military has demonstrated professionalism in the face of these attacks, but it is crucial for citizens to realize that their support is essential to winning this war.
“We urge the public to report any erring troops and trust in the military justice system to address such matters.
“Together, we can defeat terrorism and ensure our nation’s prosperity. The Armed Forces of Nigeria remain committed to this cause and will continue to fight until victory is achieved.”
He averred that jungle justice does not have a place in any sane society, maintaining that any civilian who encountered any wrong doing with a security personnel should seek redress in the constituted authority,adding that an attack on security Operatives is a shade of wrongs .
On the ongoing operations in the country, the Director said the during the month of May, troops recovered a substantial amount of weapons and ammunition, including 707 assorted weapons and 16,487 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, they prevented oil theft worth an estimated N705,836,036.00.
He explained that a joint operational environment and synergy with other security and intelligence agencies have greatly contributed to the success of the troops.
