…promises to be motivated in the fight against terrorists through inspiration of late COAS.
By Victor Akaa.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has declared nine terrorists wanted and opened a surrender corridor for those willing to lay down their arms.
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations, disclosed this on Thursday whilst briefing newsmen on the heels of a successful month-long operation in October 2024, which saw the elimination of 481 terrorists, arrest of 741 terrorist suspects, and rescue of 492 kidnapped hostages.
General Buba noted that the Nigerian military has made substantial progress in dismantling terrorist groups across the country, with troops conducting simultaneous strikes on several terrorist enclaves and hideouts.
According to him, the Air Force carried out precision bombardments and air interdictions, significantly diminishing the fighting capabilities of these terrorists.
He said troops’ efforts have yielded significant recoveries, including; 263 AK47 rifles, 81 locally fabricated guns, 91 Dane Guns, 76 pump action guns, 5,683 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,944 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 642 cartridges, 160 assorted arms, 1,526 assorted ammunitions, 3,226,645 litres of stolen crude oil, 763,860 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 12,690 litres of PMS.
The Director issued a clear warning to terrorists to surrender or face the consequences.
He said the surrender corridor is open for terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants to take advantage of this opportunity to lay down their arms and seek amnesty.
“Truly, the terrorist knows that they cannot match our military strength. The options open to them is (are) to surrender or be killed in (on) the battlefield.
“Accordingly, some terrorist leaders, commanders, and combatants have indicated (interest) to surrender. We are opening a surrendering corridor for that purpose,” General Buba explained.
In a related development, the DHQ has also declared nine terrorists wanted for suspected involvement in terrorism, insurgency, kidnapping, and other violent crimes. Notable among them are Abu Khadijah, Abdurraman, Dadi Gumba (Abu Muhammed), Usman Kanin Shehu, Abu Yusuf, Musa Wa’a, Ibrahim Suyeka, Na Sulhu and Idris Taklakse. He urged the public to inform authorities through the following numbers, 0800002021 and 08000020201, should anyone see the above-mentioned terrorists.
Speaking further, General Buba acknowledged the emerging terrorist sect in the North West called Lakurawas. Their origin is traceable to ISIS in the Sahelian Region, who capitalized on the collapsed joint border operations with Nigerian security forces at the Niger/Chad borders, which checkmated the terrorists.
He revealed that the Lakurawas are affiliates of terrorists from the Republics of Mali and Niger who infiltrated northern parts of Sokoto and Kebbi states from the Niger and Mali areas as a result of the coup in the Niger Republic.
The military vowed to continue the fight against terrorism, inspired by the actions and legacy of the late Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General TA Lagbaja.
He averred that his passing would not derail the military’s focus on destroying terrorist groups and ensuring the safety of Nigerian citizens.
