By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has provided an update on the military's counterinsurgency efforts, revealing substantial progress made in October.
According to the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, the military neutralized at least 481 terrorists and made numerous arrests across various regions as part of ongoing nationwide operations.
During a media briefing in Abuja, Major General Buba highlighted the concerted efforts of the military under various operations aimed at dismantling insurgent networks and restoring security. The report noted key achievements, particularly in the North East and other affected regions.
Under Operation HADIN KAI, which focuses on the North East, military forces conducted a series of coordinated ground and air strikes, driving terrorists out of key hideouts.
In October alone, this operation led to the neutralization of 198 terrorists, the arrest of 166 suspects, and the rescue of 156 individuals held hostage.
Additionally, 257 former Boko Haram and ISWAP fighters, along with their families, surrendered. Troops recovered a range of weaponry, including 73 AK-47 rifles, 26 fabricated guns, 18 Dane guns, 12 assorted arms, 1,574 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 631 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
In the North Central states of Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba, troops under Operation WHIRL STROKE achieved significant results, neutralizing 20 terrorists, arresting 61 suspects, and rescuing 60 hostages. Recovered items included 18 AK-47 rifles, 7 assorted arms, and nearly 826 rounds of ammunition.
On another front, Operation SAFE HAVEN ensured a sustained presence across Plateau State, which has seen a reduction in violent incidents due to the troops’ steady operations.
In Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara, Operation HADARIN DAJI continued to secure the North West region, creating a safer environment for agricultural activities and socio-economic pursuits.
Operation WHIRL PUNCH, covering the Middle Belt, reported the neutralization of 30 terrorists, the arrest of 111 suspects, and the rescue of 52 hostages. Troops recovered 9 AK-47 rifles, 16 assorted arms, and approximately 239 rounds of ammunition during these operations.
Efforts to curb oil theft continued under Operation DELTA SAFE, which disrupted numerous illegal refining sites and apprehended suspects involved in oil theft. According to reports, troops seized 3,226,645 liters of crude oil, 763,860 liters of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 12,690 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS). Additionally, they destroyed 195 wooden boats and 216 illegal refineries, helping to boost Nigeria’s daily crude oil output to over 1.5 million barrels.
In the South East, Operation UDO KA conducted offensive actions targeting IPOB/ESN groups across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Imo, and Enugu States.
He said , throughout October, troops neutralized 40 terrorists, detained 55 suspects, and rescued 35 hostages. The operation yielded the recovery of 21 AK-47 rifles, 24 pump-action guns, 19 assorted firearms, and 368 rounds of ammunition.
These combined efforts underscore the Defence Headquarters’ commitment to a safer and more stable environment across Nigeria, General Babu revealed.
