The Defence Headquarters revealed on Friday that in the first week of the year, the troops successfully killed 43 terrorists and apprehended 115. This comes as the DHQ pledged to vanquish the terrorists and bandits instigating turmoil in the nation.
From January to December 2023, troops have effectively neutralized a total of 6,886 terrorists and other suspected criminals, with 6,970 arrests made during the same period.
Furthermore, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, stated in a release on Friday that the troops also seized 87 assorted weapons and 666 ammunition. Additionally, 17 oil thieves were apprehended, and stolen crude oil valued at N159 million was recovered.
During the focused week, the troops carried out ambushes, raids, fighting patrols, and other offensive operations against the terrorists, resulting in 43 neutralized terrorists and 115 arrests. The seized items included a variety of weapons, ammunition, arrested oil thieves, and rescued kidnapped hostages. In the South South region, the troops prevented an estimated sum of N159,652,620.00 from oil theft.
The recovered items consist of various weapons, ammunition, vehicles, communication devices, and other illegal refining equipment, reinforcing the commitment to combat oil theft and other criminal activities in the region.
Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized the military’s determination to triumph over the terrorists and bandits, urging the citizens to extend their support to the troops.
He affirmed, “We pledge to overcome the terrorists in their strongholds and on the battlefield to restore the prosperity of our nation. We are left with no option but to emerge victorious in this conflict for the advancement of our country. We urge the public to act responsibly and contribute to the progress of our nation, serving as the extended arm of the military in this battle and creating conditions that accelerate our triumph.”
