Nigerian Troops Neutralise 974 Terrorists, Nab 621 Criminals In one Month

• Rescue 466 kidnapped victims

BY EDMOND ODOK – With the Nigerian Military declaring that there is no hiding place for unrepentant criminals, it has been confirmed that troops operations in February 2024 neutralized about 974 terrorists across the country.

Additionally, the troops arrested over 621 suspected criminals while 466 kidnapped victims were rescued from their abductors during the period under review.

Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Baba, delivered the cheering news in Abuja on Thursday while briefing the media on current nationwide military operations

According to him, coordinated air and ground strikes on terrorist enclaves have lead to the neutralization of a substantial number of insurgents, even as he urged terrorists to repent and embrace peace if they must the punishment that awaits all unrepentant criminals going forward.

General Baba, who declared that Armed Forces will continue to punish criminal elements with overwhelming military force, also disclosed that troops of operation HADIN KAI neutralized 57 terrorists and arrested 13 BH/ISWAP terrorists during their numerous engagements

He told journalists that the Troops recovered one GPMG, 55 AK47 rifles, 18 fabricated guns, 3 dane guns, one RPG tube, 2 RPG bombs, 6 hand grenades, 1,095 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 666 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 194 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 24 magazines, 25 motorcycles, 34 mobile phones and the sum of N310,500.00 among other items from the different gangs.

Similarly, the Army General said; “Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 15 violent extremists/terrorists, arrested 10 violent extremists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 G3 rifles, 2 pump action guns, 5 fabricated guns, 3 fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver gun, 254 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 215 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 56 rounds of 9mm ammo, 136 live cartridges, 141 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, one G3 magazine, 7 magazines, one rifle butt, one vehicle, and 5 mobile phones amongst others.

“Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 43 insurgents, arrested 34 violent extremists/terrorists and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, 12 dane guns, 2 fabricated pistos, 477 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 275 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 76 rounds of 9mm ammo and, 64 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 6 magazines, 10 motorcycles, one baofeng radio and 7 mobile phones amongst other items.”

Further highlighting the Military activities in the fight against criminals, the DDMO stated thus; “Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,289,945 litres of stolen crude oil, 399,360 litres of illegally refined AGO, 4,100 litres of DPK and 39,150 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 81 boats, 520 drums and 82 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 63 cooking ovens, one outboard engine, 2 pumping machines, 5 vehicles, 3 tricycles, 13 mobile phones and 85 illegal refining site”.

He said contrary to views being expressed in some circles, the troops are constantly making significant strides and recording notable successes in operations across the country, adding that remarkable progress is being made on all fronts to check criminal activities while securing the lives and property of all citizens.

In urging Nigerians to persevere through current challenges for a brighter future ahead, General Baba solicited the citizens’ support and partnership to make the country safe and secured for every Nigerian, assuring that the Military would not relent in effective service delivery in line with their constitutional mandate.