INSECURITY: ARMY ELIMINATED 624 TERRORISTS, ARRESTED 1,051 OTHERS IN MAY

“Following INTREP and confirmatory ISR on relocation and hibernating of suspected terrorists including enclaves of terrorist’s kingpins Kachalla Ruga, Haiyu and Sani Muhindinge in Safana and Anka LGAs of Katsina and Zamfara States respectively.

“The air component in multiple passes conducted air interdiction on 20 and 22 May 2024. The locations were observed to be active with terrorist’s activities, subsequently, it was acquired and attacked with bombs and rockets.

“Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures destroyed.

“In the Niger Delta, troops of Operation Delta Safe neutralized 4 violent extremists and apprehended 16 suspects for oil thefts and other violent extremists. Troops recovered 15 weapons and 5,989 assorted ammunitions.

“Troops recovered 746,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 137,650 litres of illegally refined AGO.

“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 65 illegal refinery sites, 21 dugout pits, 28 boats, 70 drums, 11 receivers, 10 reservoirs and 146 storage tanks.

“Other items recovered include 181 cooking ovens, 2 barges, 17 vehicles, 6 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones, 15 wheelbarrows and 65 illegal refining sites.

“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 7 terrorists, arrested 24 violent extremists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 3 Dane guns, 4 pump action guns, 87 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 33 live cartridges, 2 HH radios, 5 vehicles and 4 mobile phones amongst other.

“On 21 May 2024, troops responded to a distress call on a kidnapping incident in Nsukka LGA of Enugu State. During the operation, troops 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered 2 vehicles.

“On 22 May 2024, troops raided a suspected illegal mining site and arrested 12 illegal miners in Abakaliki LGA of Ebonyi State. Arrested suspects comprise 2 NP personnel, 7 civilians and 3 Chinese Nationals.

Troops also recovered 2 sacks containing 241 water gel explosives from the suspected illegal miners.

“On 21 and 23 May 2024, troops in separate counter/anti Kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Nsukka and Urban Effium Ohaukwu LGAs of Enugu and Ebonyi States respectively.

“During the operations, troops rescued 3 kidnapped hostages and recovered empty case of 7.62mm special as well as 2 vehicles

“Between 22 and 28 May 2024, troops in separate arrested 6 suspected violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members in Ivo And Udenu LGAs of Ebonyi and Enugu States, as well as Idemili North and Onitsha LGAs of Anambra State.

“During the operations, 2 AK47 rifles, 3 Dane guns, 11 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 33 cartridges, one vehicle and 3 mobile phones, amongst others.

“In the South West, troops of Operation Awatse arrested 54 violent extremists and recovered one locally made pistol, 2 locally fabricated guns, 76 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 33 cartridges and 6 mobile phones, amongst other.

All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.

“On 24 and 27 May 2024, troops in separate operations conducted offensive operations  in Irepo LGA of Oyo State as well as Ifelodun and Edu LGA of Kwara State.

“During the operations, troops arrested 20 suspects and recovered 2 locally made guns, 33 live cartridges, 2 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones.

“On 22 and 25 May 2024, troops in separate operations arrested 34 suspected violent extremists and kidnappers in in Edu and Ifelodun LGAs of Kwara State as well as Olorunsogo and Owo LGAs of Oyo and Ondo States.

“During the operations, troops recovered one locally made pistol, 3 mobile phones and the sum of N400,000.00 only amongst others.

Continuing, Gen. Buba said, “The unprovoked killings of 17 personnel in Okuama in Delta State, coupled with the recent assault of unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza in Abuja is worrisome and leaves much to be desired.

“These occurrences are unhealthy for our national security, counter productive and amount to self sabotage.

“Surely, it is no way to treat any human, certainly not a military personnel that places self in harms way to protect citizens or to safeguard the nation.

“The military has demonstrated high sense of discipline and professionalism in the face of the untoward attacks. Our professionalism must not be mistaken for weakness.

“Indeed, we know that to win this war, we needs the support of people. We also hope that the people would equally realize that, they need the military to win the war to guarantee their safety.

“Accordingly, It goes is without saying that this must not repeat itself as it jeopardizes our common interest. If troops err, report them and the military justice system will address the matter.

“We are at war, and  citizens must realize that they also have a responsibility by their actions and utterances  to support troops to keep the morale and fighting spirit of troops at optimal at all times.

“During otherwise is unpatriotic and amounts to self sabotage. Overall, we would continue to fight until the terrorists is defeated on the battlefield and help our nation flourish again.”