The Nigerian Army has again reassured the Citizens of its commitment, willingness and readiness to decisively neutralize the terrorists posing threats to national security, dismantle their Networks and create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens.
The Nigerian Military through the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba made these known during a Press Conference on the ongoing Military Operations of the Armed Forces of Nigeria across the Nation at the Defence Headquarters Abuja today 18th April, 2024.
He disclosed that it has necessitated the Armed Forces to continue to hunt the leadership of these terrorist groups everywhere across the theatres of operations.
He maintained with utmost seriousness that the prerequisite of ongoing counter insurgency and counter terrorism operations by the military across the country is defeating the terrorists and dismantling their military, administrative and political capabilities. “Accordingly, through our operations we are continually boxing in the terrorists and dismantling their resupply routes.
“Being a professional force, due diligence by way of Intelligence, Surveillance and Recognizance are painstakingly taken to distinguish the terrorist before air strikes are conducted. These air strikes have resulted in the death of several of these terrorist leaders and the cohorts hibernating in enclaves across the theatres of operation.
“It therefore should not be surprising, that these terrorist and their sympathisers plot on blackmailing the military as a result of these air strikes. The plot is to depict some casualties as innocent citizens rather than cohorts of these terrorist. It is therefore important for the media to be wary of the antics of these terrorist groups and their sympathisers. Our operations have prevented these evil elements from accomplishing their strategic objectives” he hinted.
He averred that during the period under review, troops neutralized 192 terrorists and arrested 341 persons, while rescuing 62 kidnapped hostages. A total of 122 ISWAP/JAS combatant terrorist surrendered with their family members. Troops also arrested 37 perpetrators of oil theft. In the South South region of the Country, troops denied oil theft of the estimated sum of Eight Hundred and Twenty One Million Two Hundred and Forty Eight Thousand Seven Hundred and Forty Naira (N821,248,740.00) only.
He further stated that troops recovered 211 assorted weapons and 6,288 assorted ammunition. The breakdown as follows: 128 AK47 rifles, 26 dane guns among other items. Others are: 1,301 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3,260 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,325 live cartridges, 140 round of 9mm ammo among other items.
In his words “Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 99 dugout pits, 36 storage tanks and 192 cooking ovens. During the process the troops recovered 349,970 litres of stolen crude oil, 112,135 litres of illegally refined AGO, 7,560 litres of DPK and 13,000 litres of PMS.
“The military recognises that there is still a challenging and tough war campaign still ahead . Overall, our objective is to defeat the terrorist and their cohorts by denying them the ability to continue to fight.
“The lifeline of these terrorist groups is the people. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. It is for this reason, we encourage the civil populace and civil societies to galvanize support in a whole of society approach to facilitate the total defeat of these terrorist. The time is now for citizens to know that they have a responsible to the nation.
“For instance, a cursory look at our security situation shows that it is unique, in the sense of being self inflicted. Beginning with the Boko Haram Terrorist in the NE. The illegal mining and kidnapping enterprise in the NW and NC, these are perpetrated under the guise of terrorism. The agitation of IPOB in the South East have proven to be for self-aggrandizement. Then, the call for a Yoruba Nation which is laughable. All these buttress how our security situation is self inflicted in the country.
“These acts are against the constitution and therefore unacceptable for persons or groups to take up arms against a constituted government. Anyone or group that contravenes this provision of the constitution is inviting severe military action and would be dealt with decisively.
“Above all, the fighting spirit of our men and women in uniform is strong, resilient, focused, proud and committed. We understand that we have no choice but to continue to fight to defeat the enemy and create a safer environment for citizens”.
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