Gift Wada
The Defence Headquarters has expressed concern over recent civilian attacks on its personnel, highlighting the negative impact on national security and troops morale.
The military condemned the unprovoked killing of 17 personnel in Okuama, Delta State, and the assault on unarmed personnel in Banex Plaza, Abuja, warning that professionalism should not be mistaken for weakness and that jungle justice is not an acceptable response, regardless of the situation.
The Armed Forces reported that during operations in May, troops neutralized 624 terrorists, arrested 1,051 terrorists along with their logistics suppliers and informants, and rescued 563 hostages.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure during a biweekly media briefing on Thursday.He detailed the recovery of 707 assorted weapons, 16,487 rounds of ammunition, and the prevention of oil theft worth over N700 million (N705,836,036.00).
He said “Troops have continued to receive significant institutional and popular support, boosting their stamina and commitment to eradicating terrorism.”
He said for the month of May, recovery made include 411 AK-47 rifles, 234 locally fabricated guns, 43 pump action guns, 231 dane guns, 10,782 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4,310 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 1,623 rounds 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 1,023 rounds of 511 rounds of 9mm and 2,100 live cartridges.
Others are 4,871,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 931,416 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,480 litres of PMS amongst other item.
He said the joint operational environment coupled the synergy with other security and intelligence agencies greatly assisted in the optimal performance of troops in the conduct of operations”.