The Nigerian Military has achieved significant milestones in its ongoing efforts to eradicate terrorism and other criminal activities across the country. In May 2024, troops successfully eliminated 624 terrorists and kidnappers, while arresting 1,051 individuals, including informants and logistics suppliers.
This achievement was highlighted during a briefing by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, who credited the success to the joint operational environment and synergy with other security and intelligence agencies. This collaboration significantly enhanced the performance of troops in various operations.
Key Achievements in May 2024:
Rescue Operations:
- Troops rescued 563 kidnapped hostages through multiple raids on bandit and kidnapper hideouts, involving intense firefights.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered:
- A total of 707 assorted weapons and 16,487 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
- Specific arms recovered include 411 AK-47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns, 43 pump-action guns, and 231 Dane guns.
- Ammunition recovered included 10,782 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4,310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 1,623 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo.
- The troops also prevented oil theft amounting to over ₦700 million (₦705,836,036.00).
Detailed Regional Operations:
North East (Operation Hadin Kai):
- Neutralized 69 terrorists, arrested 87 suspects, and rescued 28 hostages.
- Recovered significant weaponry including 45 AK-47 rifles and other assorted firearms.
- Conducted successful air interdictions targeting Boko Haram/ISWAP/JAS terrorists, resulting in significant enemy casualties and destruction of their logistics.
North Central (Operation Safe Haven):
- Neutralized 13 insurgents, arrested 63 violent extremists, and rescued 20 hostages.
- Recovered various weapons, including 6 AK-47 rifles and 502 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
- Conducted multiple anti-kidnapping operations leading to numerous arrests and recovery of arms.
North West (Operation Hadarin Daji):
- Neutralized 63 terrorists, arrested 157, and rescued 25 hostages.
- Recovered a variety of weapons, including 2 G3 rifles and 18 AK-47 rifles.
- Conducted air interdictions against terrorist enclaves, resulting in substantial enemy casualties and logistical disruptions.
Niger Delta (Operation Delta Safe):
- Neutralized 4 violent extremists and apprehended 16 suspects for oil theft and other crimes.
- Recovered 746,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 137,650 litres of illegally refined AGO.
- Discovered and destroyed numerous illegal refinery sites and associated equipment.
South East (Operation Udoka):
- Neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 24 violent extremists, and rescued 11 hostages.
- Recovered 2 AK-47 rifles and other firearms.
- Conducted successful rescue operations and counter-kidnapping efforts, leading to the arrest of illegal miners and recovery of explosives.
South West (Operation Awatse):
- Arrested 54 violent extremists and recovered various firearms and ammunition.
- Conducted offensive operations in multiple states, leading to significant arrests and recovery of weapons.
Statement by Major General Edward Buba: Major General Buba expressed concern over recent attacks on military personnel, emphasizing the need for public support in combating terrorism. He noted that the military’s professionalism should not be mistaken for weakness, and underscored the importance of public cooperation in maintaining troop morale.
“The unprovoked killings of our personnel and assaults on unarmed troops are counterproductive and amount to self-sabotage,” said Buba. “The military has shown high discipline and professionalism, and we need public support to sustain this fight.”
He concluded by reaffirming the military’s commitment to defeating terrorism and ensuring the safety and security of all Nigerians. “We will continue to fight until terrorism is defeated and our nation flourishes again,” Buba vowed.