The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba has revealed that the armed forces of Nigeria have achieved significant successes in the past three months, neutralizing 817 terrorists, apprehending 1,326 criminals, and rescuing 721 hostages in various operations across the country.
Major General Buba disclosed this information during a press briefing on military operations held in Abuja. The individuals arrested include 42 kidnappers, 231 terrorists’ collaborators, 33 armed robbers, 80 cattle rustlers, 325 militia members, 27 rail vandals, 73 gunrunners, and 191 suspected oil thieves.
During this period, a total of 4,560 terrorists and their families voluntarily surrendered to troops in the North East. The operations also led to the recovery of 501 weapons, 3,577 livestock, 3,269 assorted types of ammunition, and 674 other pieces of equipment.
In the North East, as part of Operation HADIN KAI, 240 terrorists were neutralized, 276 terrorists and collaborators were arrested, and 147 kidnapped hostages were rescued. Troops also recovered 169 assorted weapons, 1,195 assorted ammunition, and 199 other equipment.
In the North Central, Operation Safe Haven resulted in the neutralization of 94 terrorists, the arrest of 477 suspects, and the rescue of 76 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, 82 assorted weapons and 760 assorted ammunition were recovered.
Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 83 terrorists, arrested 104 suspects, and rescued 18 kidnapped hostages. The troops recovered 37 weapons, 68 assorted ammunition, and 127 other items.
In the North West, Operation Hadarin Daji led to the neutralization of 248 terrorists, the arrest of 116 suspected terrorists, and the rescue of 359 kidnapped hostages. A total of 67 assorted weapons, 926 assorted ammunition, and 160 other incriminating items were recovered.
In the South-South, Operation Delta Safe neutralized 69 combatants, arrested 191 oil theft collaborators, and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. The troops also intercepted significant quantities of stolen crude oil and other illicit substances and items.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA neutralized 80 combatants, arrested 162 IPOB/ESN criminals, and rescued 109 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, 63 assorted weapons, 320 assorted ammunition, and 166 other incriminating items were recovered.
Major General Buba emphasized that these operations have inflicted significant casualties on terrorists and criminals, and their resolve to maintain peace and security in Nigeria remains unwavering. He also warned that those who support these groups will face similar consequences as criminals and murderers if they do not seek a peaceful resolution.