..says victory against terrorists in 2025 is non-negotiable
By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian military has announced a significant achievement in its fight against terrorism, with the killing of 10,937 terrorists, 12,538 arrested, and 7,063 hostages rescued in 2024.
This milestone was disclosed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a press briefing on Tuesday, in Abuja.
According to General Buba, the military’s war effort was designed to defeat and destroy terrorist enclaves, hideouts, and strongholds, and it is clear that they have made tremendous progress.
He enumerated some notable terrorist leaders who met their demise in 2024 included Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, Chinemerem (aka Bam Bam), Jeremiah Uzuoma (aka Escoba), Tochukwu Awo (aka Ojoto), and Egwuatu, amongst others.
General Buba stated that the military also recovered a significant amount of weapons and ammunition, including 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, and 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. Additionally, they denied the oil theft of an estimated sum of over N68 billion (N68,453,376,040.00) and recovered 56,223,002 litres of stolen crude oil.
According to him, the breakdown of the recoveries is as follows: 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, 838 dane guns, 259 pump action guns, 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45,445 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5,103 cartridges, 2,131 assorted arms, and 29,176 assorted ammunitions.
Others include: 56,223,002 litres of stolen crude oil, 9,735,836 litres of illegally refined AGO, 95,595 litres of DPK, and 156,527 litres of PMS amongst other items.
He noted that the year 2024 has been a remarkable one for the various military operations across different theatres.
In the North East, the Director said troops of Operation HADIN KAI had been highly successful, with troops neutralizing 3,151 terrorists, arresting 2,503 suspects, and rescuing 1,605 kidnapped hostages.
The operation also saw the surrender of 16,171 terrorists and their families. Additionally, troops recovered a significant amount of arms and ammunition, including 1,802 AK47 rifles and 42,439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
In the North Central, General Buba said troops of Operation SAFE HEAVEN had restored peace in the Plateau, neutralizing several terrorist and violent extremist leaders, commanders, and combatants.
According to him, the operation resulted in the neutralization of 447 violent extremists, the arrest of 1,995 suspects, and the rescue of 1,094 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered 254 AK47 rifles, 321 fabricated guns, and 19,577 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
He said Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North Central has also delivered significant damages to the terrorist fighting capabilities, with troops eliminating 600 terrorists, arresting 1,006 suspects, and rescuing 688 kidnapped hostages. The operation also saw the recovery of 295 AK47 rifles, 315 assorted arms, and 13,055 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
In the North West, General Buba stated that troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI had created a conducive and stable security environment for agricultural activities and other forms of socio-economic activities.
This ,he said has resulted in the neutralization of 2,906 terrorists, arrested 1,826 suspects, and rescued 2,616 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 1,450 AK47 rifles, 477 fabricated guns, and 31,999 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
Operation WHIRL PUNCH in the North West has also been successful, with troops delivering significant damage to the terrorist military capabilities. General Buba said troops had killed over 742 terrorists, arrested 1,877 suspects, and rescued 595 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 364 AK47 rifles, 302 assorted arms, and 12,422 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE has maintained the momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. The operation resulted in the neutralization of 78 terrorists, the arrest of 2,357 persons involved in crude oil theft, and the rescue of 93 kidnapped hostages. Troops also denied the oil theft of 56,223,002 litres of crude oil and recovered 538 assorted weapons.
According to him, troops of Operation UDO KA in the South East has sustained the momentum in fighting and destroying IPOB/ESN terrorists. He noted that the operation resulted in the killing if 734 terrorists, arrested 974 suspects and rescued over 372 kidnapped hostages within the year.
According to him, troops also recovered 167 AK47 rifles , 259 pump action guns and 9,004 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
He explained that the military’s focus on delivering tangible benefits to citizens has been a key aspect of their operations, noting that they’ve been working to heighten collaboration with neighbouring countries and regional bodies to tackle the menace of terrorism.
He further noted that the military is confident that with the support of citizens, they can win the war.
Major General Buba said, “The war is not for the armed forces alone, but for all citizens,“ and urged citizens to lend their support to the war effort, and with the progress made in 2024, it’s clear that together, they can achieve great things. He reiterated that “victory against terrorists in 2025 is non-negotiable.“
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