By Victor Akaa.
The Nigerian Armed Forces have achieved monumental successes in their ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, delivering significant setbacks to terrorist capabilities across various theatres of operation.
Major General Edward Buba,t Defence Media Operations revealed this on Thursday whilst briefing newsmen in Abuja on the milestone successes recorded by the troops during its operational engagement within the past week.
General Buba gave a pivotal highlight of the military’s efforts with the arrest of Pius Iguh, a founding father of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) group, in the Orsu general area of Imo State during a meticulously executed sting operation conducted by troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Orsu.
He said troops also accomplished another milestone success with the arrest of another Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) terrorist commander, Emmanuel Onwugu, in Mbano Local Government Area of Abia State, by troops at FOB Amaruku.
He further noted that a combined sting operation led to the capture of notorious cult leader Ifeanyi Rock, along with 10 of his combatants, in Arochukwu, Abia State.
The Director described the military’s accomplishments during the week under review as nothing but remarkable.
He averred that troops eliminated 140 terrorists and arrested 135 persons, significantly crippling terrorist networks, 18ing that about18 perpetrators of oil theft were also apprehended while 76 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
General Buba emphasized that these milestone successes recorded within the week underscore the military’s unwavering commitment to protecting Nigerian citizens.
According to him, an estimated value of N1,751,886,550.00 was denied to oil thieves, dealing a substantial financial blow to illicit activities.
The military also recovered an impressive array of weaponry, including 241 assorted weapons and 3,254 assorted ammunition. Specifically, troops seized 141 AK47 rifles, one PKT gun, two FN rifles, and 17 fabricated rifles, severely limiting terrorist firepower within the period under review.
Other recovered items include 2,016 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 970 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 33 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition, further crippling terrorist capabilities.
In the Niger Delta area, troops discovered and destroyed 33 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, and 47 illegal refining sites, effectively dismantling illicit oil operations.
He said within the period, troops also recovered 1,122,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 557,210 litres of illegally refined AGO, significantly disrupting the illicit oil trade.
Enugu Reporters noted that these accomplishments by the military demonstrate its unyielding resolve to ensure Nigeria’s security and stability.
General Buba reaffirmed the Nigerian Armed Force’s commitment to defeating terrorism and called on citizens to support these efforts by denying terrorism any opportunity to thrive.
