The Nigerian Armed Forces conducted a series of successful operations across the country over the past week, resulting in the elimination of 135 terrorists, the arrest of 185 suspects, and the rescue of 129 kidnapped individuals.
This was disclosed during a briefing by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Saturday in Abuja.
Highlighting the achievements, Maj. Gen. Buba stated that intensified military offensives have led to a wave of surrenders among terrorists in the North Central region.
“These surrenders are driven by the sustained onslaught from our troops and overtures from the leadership of these terrorist groups,” Buba said.
He revealed that the military has deployed non-kinetic measures, including collaborations with stakeholders, to encourage more terrorists to surrender.
“Several commanders and fighters have already laid down their arms. Among those who have surrendered are notorious figures such as Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi, Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida,” he added.
Despite these successes, Buba emphasized that the military would maintain its operational momentum.
“We are determined to sustain the pressure to neutralize or compel more terrorists to surrender,” he said.
During the operations, troops seized 113 weapons, including 72 AK-47 rifles, 11 fabricated guns, and four hand grenades.
Additionally, over 2,400 rounds of ammunition of various calibers were recovered, alongside 38 magazines, 46 motorcycles, 15 vehicles, and 28 mobile phones.
In the Niger Delta region, troops intensified efforts to combat oil theft and illegal refining activities.
Buba reported the destruction of 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 82 illegal refining sites, and large quantities of stolen petroleum products, including over 900,000 liters of crude oil.
“Troops in the Niger Delta also recovered 71,060 liters of illegally refined diesel, 13,580 liters of petrol, and destroyed equipment used for illicit refining,” he said.
Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges through innovative strategies and sustained operations.
“We are winning this war, and our troops remain resolute in safeguarding the nation,” he concluded.
