Gift Wada
The Nigerian military has announced significant progress in its fight against terrorism, killing over 1,900 terrorists and breaking down key terrorist networks between July and September 2024.
During a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, announced that from July to September 2024, the military successfully neutralized 1,937 terrorists, arrested 2,782 suspects, and rescued 1,854 kidnapped hostages.
The military’s focus on disrupting terrorist leadership structures has led to the elimination of 65 high-ranking terrorist commanders, including Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla, and Kachalla Ɗan Baleri, among others.
The military’s operations, supported by synchronized air and ground assaults, significantly weakened terrorist groups’ combat capabilities. In addition to the human toll, the Armed Forces seized 1,304 weapons, 43,347 rounds of ammunition, and other military-grade supplies.
Oil theft prevention efforts also resulted in the recovery of 12.1 million liters of stolen crude oil, contributing to a boost in Nigeria’s daily oil production.
“Troops are maintaining relentless pressure on these terrorist groups to ensure their total defeat. We are dismantling their infrastructure and eroding their capacity to carry out attacks against civilians,” said Maj. Gen. Buba.
Across different regions, the military recorded notable achievements. In the North East, Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 792 terrorists, arrested 606 suspects, and rescued 476 kidnapped hostages, recovering 339 AK-47 rifles and over 9,600 rounds of ammunition.
In the North Central, Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized 122 violent extremists, arrested 513 suspects, and rescued 305 hostages. Troops also recovered 48 AK-47 rifles, 41 fabricated guns, and 9,457 rounds of ammunition.
Meanwhile, Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 109 terrorists, arrested 203 suspects, and recovered 27 AK-47 rifles, contributing to improved security in the region.
Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West also recorded significant success, neutralizing 598 terrorists, arresting 325 suspects, and rescuing 523 kidnapped hostages. The operation saw the recovery of 162 AK-47 rifles and 72 fabricated guns.
Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and maintaining pressure on armed groups.
“Our war objective is to destroy these groups, decapitate their leadership, and erode their ability to wage terror attacks against citizens,” he added.