The ongoing military operations led by the Armed Forces of Nigeria have made significant strides in combating terrorism and insurgency across the nation.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, as of March 14, 2024, the military’s primary objective remains the defeat of terrorist organizations and the dismantling of their military, administrative, and political structures.
Continuous efforts are focused on disrupting terrorist activities and eliminating their capabilities to inflict harm on citizens.
In the pursuit of these objectives, the military has conducted targeted operations to neutralize terrorist leaders and their networks while safeguarding civilian lives.
Stringent measures, including Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, are employed to distinguish between terrorists and innocent civilians before conducting airstrikes.
These operations have resulted in the elimination of several terrorist leaders and their associates across various theaters of operation.
Despite attempts by terrorists and their sympathizers to portray civilian casualties as innocent victims of military action, the armed forces remain resolute in their commitment to protecting citizens and thwarting terrorist agendas.
During the reporting period, significant achievements include the neutralization of 192 terrorists, the arrest of 341 individuals, and the rescue of 62 kidnapped hostages.
Additionally, 122 ISWAP/JAS combatants surrendered along with their families, contributing to the degradation of terrorist capabilities.
Furthermore, troops have been successful in intercepting perpetrators of oil theft, denying them access to valuable resources and disrupting illegal activities.
Substantial recoveries of weapons, ammunition, and stolen goods have been made, including the confiscation of assorted firearms, ammunition, and illicitly refined petroleum products.
In the Niger Delta region, military operations have targeted illegal oil bunkering activities, resulting in the destruction of infrastructure used for oil theft and the recovery of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products.
These efforts aim to cripple the financial lifelines of criminal elements and prevent the exploitation of natural resources for illicit gains.
Major General Edward Buba emphasized the importance of community support in the fight against terrorism, highlighting the role of civil society in galvanizing efforts for national security.
He called for a united front in combating terrorism, emphasizing the need for collective responsibility and cooperation to achieve lasting peace and stability.
Addressing various security challenges across different regions of the country, Major General Buba underscored the unconstitutional nature of armed insurgency and separatist movements, affirming the military’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and defending the sovereignty of the Nigerian state.
In conclusion, the Nigerian Armed Forces remain steadfast in their determination to defeat terrorism and safeguard the nation’s security, relying on the resilience and dedication of its personnel to confront and overcome emerging threats.
LV.