PeakNews Online
ABUJA, June 27, 2024 – The Defence Headquarters announced on Thursday that the military has achieved substantial strides in the ongoing counter-insurgency operations and efforts to combat oil theft across the nation.
In the past three months, troops have successfully intercepted and recovered stolen crude oil valued at N10 billion in the Niger Delta region. Concurrently, at least 2,245 terrorists have been neutralized in the northern part of the country.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, shared these figures during the bi-weekly briefing held at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. He detailed the military’s achievements, stating, “During the second quarter of this year, troops neutralized 2,245 terrorists, arrested 3,682 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, rescued 1,993 kidnapped hostages, and prevented oil theft valued at over N10 billion. Recovered items included 9,225,149 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,874,916 litres of illegally refined AGO, 29,900 litres of DPK, and 31,380 litres of PMS, among others.”
Furthermore, troops recovered 2,783 weapons and 64,547 rounds of ammunition. The breakdown of these recoveries includes 1,169 AK47 rifles, 36,273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 14,764 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 713 assorted arms, and 9,850 assorted ammunition rounds.
Despite these successes, Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized that the counter-insurgency efforts are ongoing and likened them to a marathon rather than a sprint. He noted, “The military has significantly degraded the terrorists, although they remain present in operational theatres. Completely eliminating these terrorists will take time and sustained effort.”
He highlighted that terrorist groups have prioritized bolstering their military capabilities, as evidenced by the continuous recovery of weapons, explosives, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) by advancing troops.
“Our forces persist in eradicating these terrorists through coordinated ground and air operations,” Buba stated. “We regularly assess and adjust our operations to minimize civilian casualties, adhering to international laws governing armed conflict.”
Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to securing the nation, saying, “We will continue to do everything within the bounds of the law to ensure the safety of our citizens. Our pride lies in risking our lives to save others. This is our mission as we strive to secure our country.”
The military’s ongoing operations aim to restore peace and stability to regions plagued by terrorism and criminal activities, reinforcing the nation’s security and protecting its resources.
