Summary of Military Operations
In a recent surge against Boko Haram and Lakurawa militants, the Nigerian military has reported significant success, neutralizing 88 suspected terrorists and arresting over 200 individuals within the last week. This was announced by Major General Edward Buba, spokesperson for Defence Media Operations (DMO), during a press briefing on Thursday.
Key Achievements
The latest military campaign saw:
- 88 Suspected Terrorists Killed.
- 228 Individuals Arrested, including 40 involved in illegal oil theft.
- 181 Hostages Rescued from terrorist strongholds.
Enhanced Security Ahead of Elections
In addition to these operations, troops have been deployed in significant numbers to ensure the safety of citizens during the upcoming Ondo State governorship election on November 16, 2024. The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is already actively involved, transporting sensitive electoral materials to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Offensive Details
General Buba highlighted the military’s adaptability in combating these groups, emphasizing a strategy aimed at fully dismantling terrorist networks. The operations also resulted in the recovery of a large cache of weapons and ammunition, including:
- 84 Weapons Seized: 34 AK-47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, 5 fabricated revolver pistols, and other firearms.
- 2,393 Rounds of Ammunition recovered, consisting of various calibers.
- Additional items confiscated include vehicles, motorcycles, radios, and over N1.8 million in cash.
In the Niger Delta, troops uncovered and dismantled several illegal oil refining operations, seizing:
- 942,420 Litres of Stolen Crude Oil.
- 175,075 Litres of Illegally Refined Diesel.
- 4,980 Litres of Petrol.
Challenges and Ongoing Efforts
The military reports that recent offensives have severely impacted the operational capabilities of terrorist factions, particularly ISWAP (Islamic State’s West Africa Province) in the Northeast. This pressure has forced a desperate recruitment drive among these groups, including efforts on social media.
The military, in cooperation with other security agencies, is actively countering these recruitment strategies while continuing to target illegal operations and criminal networks across the country.
The offensive is part of an ongoing campaign to stabilize regions affected by insurgency and ensure the security of Nigerian citizens.
Hyelsinta Hassan