The Defense Headquarters announced on Friday that, in the first week of the year, 43 individuals were killed, and 115 were apprehended during military operations. The DHQ reiterated its commitment to defeating terrorists and bandits wreaking havoc in the country.
According to The PUNCH, throughout 2023, troops eliminated a total of 6,886 terrorists and suspected criminals. Additionally, 6,970 individuals, including terrorists and other suspects, were apprehended during the same period.
Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, stated in a Friday release that troops also seized 87 assorted weapons and 666 rounds of ammunition. Furthermore, 17 individuals involved in oil theft were detained, and stolen crude oil valued at N159 million was recovered.
The statement read, “During the week in focus, troops conducted ambushes, raids, fighting patrols and other forms of offensives against terrorists. These offensive actions resulted in 43 neutralised terrorists and 115 arrests. Troops recovered 87 assorted weapons and 666 assorted ammunition.
“Furthermore, troops arrested 17 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 39 kidnapped hostages. In the South South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N159,652,620.00 only.
“The breakdown of weapons and other items recovered are as follows: 11 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, two pump action guns, eight locally fabricated guns, 11 dane guns, two locally fabricated pistols, one Macarroll pistol, one berretta pistol, one fabricated SMG, one locally made mortar with one empty bomb, 4 IEDs, 17 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 592 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 rounds of 7.5mm ammo, one round of 9mm ammo and 36 live cartridges.
“Others are 18 empty cases of 7.62mm special, two bandoliers, 13 magazines, six vehicles, 21 mobile phones, nine motorcycles, 15 bicycles, two tricycles, 5loafingg HH radios and the sum of N1,601,370.00 amongst other items.”
Buba highlighted the discovery and destruction of 25 illegal refining sites within the week. Despite this, he reassured Nigerians about the military’s determination to emerge victorious in the battle against terrorists and bandits.
Emphasizing the military’s commitment to fostering the nation’s prosperity, Buba urged citizens to extend their crucial support to the troops.
He said, “We assure that we will defeat the terrorists on the battlefield and in their hiding places in order that our country can flourish again. We have no choice but win this war for the betterment of our nation.
“We call on the public to continue to act responsibly and be forthcoming for the progress of our nation. Citizens are urged to see themselves as the outstretched arm of the military in this war and to create conditions that would hasten victory.”
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