By Victor Akaa.
In a significant escalation of its counter-terrorism efforts, the Nigerian Military has announced the neutralization of 65 top terrorist leaders and commanders in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024. This achievement marks a substantial milestone in the country’s ongoing fight against terrorism.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba disclosed Thursday during a media briefing in Abuja.
According to Major General Edward Buba, the military’s proactive strategy has effectively dismantled terrorist networks and disrupted their operations across the country.
He announced the notable figures of the top leaders neutralized include Munzir Arika, Sani Dilla, Ameer Modu, and Matawal Bitrus, among others.
Major General Buba enumerated some key highlights of the military’s counter-terrorism efforts within the period, including the neutralization of 1,937 terrorists, the arrest of 2,782 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, the rescue of 1,854 kidnapped hostages, recovery of 1,304 weapons and 43,347 ammunition as well as the denial of oil theft worth over N13 billion.
“Troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted operations deep in terrorists enclaves in Sambisa Forest and the Tumbuns of the Lake Chad region. The Operations targeted terrorist commanders and leaders strongholds.”
“Overall during the third quarter of the year, troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralised 792 terrorists, arrested 606 suspects and rescued 476 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops recorded a total of 7,283 surrendered BH/I SWAP terrorists combatants and their families.” he stated.
He said the military’s synchronized bombardments by air and ground forces have significantly diminished terrorist military capabilities and cohesion.
According to him, the nation’s daily crude oil production output has also reached an all-time high, with the daily target in sight.
Major General Buba emphasized that the military remains committed to dismantling terrorist infrastructure, destroying their will to fight, and eroding their ability to launch terror attacks on citizens.
“We are attacking any threat we identify and removing it. The war objective is to destroy these groups, decapitate them, and erode their ability to rage terror attacks against citizens,” he stated.
This development underscores the Nigerian Military’s renewed resolve to combat terrorism and ensure national security.
As the military continues to keep the pressure on terrorist groups, the country moves closer to achieving its goal of a terror-free society, Enugu Reporters reported.
