Gift Wada
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the military has intensified its focus on eliminating terrorist leaders, commanders, foot soldiers, and their collaborators. This effort led to the neutralization of several key terrorist figures during August 2024.
Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted the military’s strategic approach to weakening terror groups.
“Our strategy is designed to undermine the capabilities of these groups, making it impossible for them to conduct acts of terror or harm citizens,” General Buba stated.
He said several high-profile terrorists were eliminated in the North East, including Munir Arika, Sani Dilla (also known as Dan Hausawan Jibilarram), Ameer Modu, Dan Fulani Fari Fari, Bakoura Araina Chikin, Dungusu, Abu Darda, and Abu Rijab. In the North West, the military neutralized 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.
General Buba emphasized the success of ongoing military operations across the country, noting that these efforts have significantly diminished the operational capabilities of terrorist groups. “What we are seeing now are low-level skirmishes and attacks on soft targets,” he explained.
“We know we are facing a shrewd and brutal enemy, and we are prepared to use the necessary force to dismantle these groups.”
He added that the military has made considerable progress in the North East, where terror threats are diminishing. Operations are also being intensified in the North West, North Central, South East, and South-South regions to eradicate remaining threats.
In August 2024 alone, the military neutralized 1,166 terrorists, arrested 1,096 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, and rescued 721 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops recovered 391 weapons, over 15,000 rounds of ammunition, and prevented oil theft amounting to more than N5 billion.
The breakdown of recoveries includes 208 AK-47 rifles, 54 locally fabricated guns, 53 Dane guns, 36 pump-action guns, 10,452 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 1,991 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. The military also seized 5,047,150 liters of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 liters of illegally refined diesel, 320 liters of kerosene, and 28,500 liters of petrol, among other items.
General Buba concluded by noting that terrorist morale in the North East is steadily declining, leading to an increase in mass surrenders. He stressed that the military’s objective is to replicate this success in other regions, ultimately bringing peace and security to the entire country.
He urged citizens to remain patient and supportive, acknowledging that the fight against terrorism is a long-term commitment.