The Defence Headquarters has announced that troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security agencies have achieved significant success in counter-insurgency operations across the country in the third quarter of 2024. According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the military neutralized 1,937 terrorists, arrested 2,782 suspects, and rescued 1,854 kidnapped hostages between July and September.
Speaking at a biweekly briefing in Abuja, Major General Buba highlighted the military’s focus on targeting terrorist leadership and disrupting their networks. He revealed that the synchronized air and ground assaults significantly weakened the terrorists’ military capabilities, resulting in the elimination of over 65 high-profile terrorist leaders and commanders, such as Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla, and Kachalla Dan Baleri.
The military also seized a substantial cache of weapons, including 688 AK-47 rifles, 43,347 rounds of ammunition, and other arms, which played a key role in diminishing the operational strength of terrorist groups. In addition, security forces prevented oil theft valued at over ₦13 billion and recovered millions of liters of illegally refined fuel.
Specific Operations and Achievements
- Operation Hadin Kai: Troops neutralized 792 terrorists, arrested 606 suspects, and rescued 476 hostages. A total of 7,283 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and their families surrendered. Weapons seized included 339 AK-47 rifles, 9,653 rounds of ammunition, and fabricated rifles.
- Operation SAFE HAVEN: Troops neutralized 122 extremists, arrested 513 suspects, and rescued 305 kidnapped hostages. Recovered items included 48 AK-47 rifles, 9,457 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and other weapons.
- Operation WHIRL STONE: The military neutralized 109 terrorists, arrested 203 suspects, and rescued 210 hostages. Key terrorists eliminated include Kachalla Dan Baleri, Kachalla Dogo Kwaddi, and Lawalli Dodo.
- Operation UDO KA: 93 terrorists were neutralized, 240 suspects were arrested, and 75 hostages were rescued. The operation recovered 20 AK-47 rifles and several rounds of ammunition.
Major General Buba reiterated that the military will continue to maintain pressure on terrorist groups until they are completely defeated. He urged the public to support the fight against terrorism, noting that the security forces are making strides toward eliminating insurgency in Nigeria.
