The Nigerian military has reported significant progress in its ongoing battle against terrorism and violent extremism, with the recent week marking a particularly impactful period of operations.
According to a statement released on Friday by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Nigerian Armed Forces have successfully eliminated 108 terrorists and rescued 214 kidnapped hostages across various regions of the country.
Maj.-Gen. Buba’s statement detailed the outcomes of these extensive operations, which also saw the apprehension of 204 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements.
The military’s efforts included a substantial recovery of arms and ammunition, with 66 assorted weapons and 4,087 rounds of various types of ammunition seized.
Among the recovered weaponry were one dushka, one MG, two GPMGs, one RPG launcher, and 37 AK47 rifles, highlighting the scale and potency of the arms being confiscated.
The troops also recovered several vehicles and communication equipment, including four MRAPs, two GTs, three fabricated rifles, six Dane guns, and two HH radios.
The diverse range of weapons and equipment seized underscores the military’s commitment to disrupting the operational capabilities of terrorist groups.
In the North East, specifically within the Operation Hadin Kai theatre, the military neutralized 47 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects, and rescued 130 hostages.
This region has been a focal point of the military’s anti-terror operations, and the recovery of a significant cache of arms has bolstered the campaign against insurgents.
Additionally, 622 terrorists, including 90 adult males, 182 adult females, and 350 children, surrendered to the troops during the week, reflecting a notable shift in the dynamics of the conflict.
On August 2, the Air Component of Operation Hadin Kai conducted a targeted airstrike on a newly discovered Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province (BH/ISWAP) hideout and IED factory located in the Mandara Mountains.
The air interdiction, which involved the use of rockets and bombs, resulted in the elimination of several terrorists and the destruction of the IED factory and associated logistics.
In the North Central region, operations under Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke yielded significant results, with 13 insurgents neutralized, 57 violent extremists apprehended, and 36 hostages rescued.
These operations are part of the broader strategy to combat terrorism across the country and address the various challenges posed by insurgent activities.
The military’s success in recent operations highlights its ongoing commitment to addressing the security threats posed by terrorist groups and criminal elements.
The recovery of substantial weaponry and ammunition, along with the rescue of hostages, demonstrates the effectiveness of the current counter-terrorism strategies and the resilience of the Nigerian Armed Forces in the face of persistent challenges.
Maj.-Gen. Buba’s update underscores the critical role of continued military operations in ensuring national security and stability, with a clear focus on dismantling terrorist networks and securing the safety of Nigerian citizens.
