The Nigerian Armed Forces have recorded notable achievements in their ongoing efforts to combat terrorism and insurgency across the country. In a bi-weekly press briefing held at Defence Headquarters Abuja on December 16, 2024, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, outlined the remarkable progress made by troops during recent operations.
He said Troops successfully neutralized 156 terrorists and apprehended 464 suspects, including 29 individuals involved in oil theft. In addition, 181 kidnapped hostages were rescued from captivity. A major victory was also recorded in the South-South region, where troops prevented the theft of crude oil valued at over N623 million.
In a series of coordinated operations, troops recovered 219 assorted weapons and 2,871 rounds of ammunition. The cache of recovered weapons includes 68 AK-47 rifles, one GPMG, four FN rifles, and several improvised explosive devices (IEDs). Other recovered items include 10 vehicles, 42 motorcycles, 29 mobile phones, and various materials used in illegal activities.
The military’s efforts in the Niger Delta region led to the discovery and destruction of 48 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 56 storage tanks, and 46 illegal refining sites. Troops seized a total of 705,294 litres of stolen crude oil and other refined products, along with 28 boats, eight pumping machines, and six speedboats.
In the North-West and North-East regions, troops have successfully disrupted the influx of foreign fighters from the Sahelian region, significantly curbing resurgent terrorist activities. Despite occasional tactical setbacks, the military remains resolute in its strategic objective to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace and security.
Major General Buba emphasized the importance of collective security, urged citizens to view security as a shared responsibility. He reiterated that compromising security measures puts everyone at risk and called for public cooperation in the fight against terrorism.
The recent successes underscored the Nigerian Armed Forces’ unwavering commitment to ensuring national security and protecting the lives
