The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has said the military is prioritizing targets on the terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers as well as their collaborators, adding that several terrorist leaders and commanders were taken off the battlefield during August.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this during a press briefing with journalists on Thursday, August 29, 2024, in Abuja.
According to General Buba, “Troops’ strategy is to undermine the abilities of these terror groups and create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens. Accordingly, the military has prioritised targeting the terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers as well as their collaborators.
“Several terrorist leaders and commanders were taken off the battlefield as a result of during the month. Those in the North East include Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (aka Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda and Abu Rijab. Others in the North West include; Kachalla Dan Ali Garin Fadama, Kachalla Dan Mani Na Inna, Kachalla Basiru Zakariyya, Sani Baka Tsine, Inusa Zangon Kuzi, Ibrahim, Tukur and Kamilu Buzaru, among others.”
Explaining the successes recorded so far, General Buba said, “The ongoing operations across the country have significantly diminished the military capabilities of terror groups and denied the terrorists the ability to carry out major offensive. The situation experienced mostly these days, are low-level skirmishes and attacks on soft targets.
“We are aware that we are dealing with a shrewd, ruthless, and brutal enemy, that must be stopped from their acts of terror. Accordingly, the armed forces are prepared to act with the relevant level of force that would be needed to dismantle these terror groups.
“Troops have significantly dismantled these terror groups in the North East, where they are diminishing but active threats. Troops are also intensifying operations in the North West, North Central, South East, and South-South to defeat and dismantle the threats in these areas.
“During August 2024, troops neutralized 1,166 terrorists, arrested 1,096 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements as well as rescued 721 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops recovered 391 weapons, and 15,234 ammunitions and denied oil theft of an estimated sum of over N5bn (N5,045,160,010.00) only.”
Analysing the breakdown of recoveries in August, he said no fewer than 208 AK47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump action guns, 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 293 cartridges, 42 assorted arms, and 2,498 assorted ammunitions were recovered from criminal elements. Others are 5,047,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 320 litres of DPK, and 28,500 litres of PMS amongst other items.”
General Buba stated “The motivation of the terrorists is getting lower and lower in the North East, which is leading to the mass surrounding recorded. The Troops aim to replicate the same in other theatres of Operation, to bring peace, and safety to citizens.
“The military is on high alert and we have increased our readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression. We urge citizens to understand that this war is not a quick fix, but a long and enduring military operation. It is certain that in the end, these terrorists will be destroyed and our nation will be safe and peaceful again.”
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