Esther Oseyiomon
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) neutralised 102 terrorists and other criminal elements, arrested 345 suspects and rescued 393 kidnapped victims in coordinated operations across the country in July.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday during the monthly briefing on military operations at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja. He said sustained offensives across the seven theatres of operation had significantly weakened the operational capabilities of terrorists, bandits and other criminal groups.
According to him, 57 insurgents also surrendered to troops during the period, while troops recovered 59 weapons and 1,811 rounds of ammunition. He added that the Armed Forces remained committed to protecting lives, safeguarding Nigeria’s territorial integrity and dismantling criminal networks nationwide.
Onoja also highlighted progress in the fight against crude oil theft, revealing that troops recovered more than 250,500 litres of stolen petroleum products and dismantled 18 illegal refining sites. He added that security forces also denied sea pirates freedom of operation on the nation’s waterways through sustained maritime operations.
Beyond kinetic operations, the military intensified its Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives to strengthen peace and community relations. Onoja said troops of Operation Delta Safe facilitated mediation between SEEPCO and its host communities of Aseomuku and Umusadege-Ogbe in Delta State, while Operation Whirl Stroke convened peace and security meetings involving traditional rulers, community leaders and security agencies in parts of Benue and Nasarawa states to address communal tensions.
He further disclosed that troops of Operation Hadin Kai supported health authorities in responding to a cholera outbreak in Cross Kauwa, Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State by establishing temporary treatment and quarantine facilities. Troops also partnered with the Nigerian Bar Association and General Hospital, Baga, to sensitise residents in schools and markets on cholera prevention and hygiene practices.
The Defence spokesman said the Armed Forces also executed several community development projects nationwide, including the construction of town halls in Cross River and Imo states, installation of industrial solar-powered boreholes in Katsina, Niger and Kwara states, restoration of electricity in Akwa Ibom State, and renovation of a primary school in Kogi State.
Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Oluyede, commended troops for their professionalism and sacrifices, reaffirming the military’s commitment to eliminating terrorism, kidnapping, crude oil theft and other security threats while sustaining initiatives that promote peace and development across communities.