By Ade Iyamoye
The Nigerian military has intensified its offensive against terrorism, insurgency, and oil theft, eliminating 156 terrorists and arresting 464 suspects across various theatres of operation within the past week.
Spokesman of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, who disclosed this during his final media briefing as DMO boss, emphasized the military’s resolve to combat insecurity and honor the sacrifices of fallen heroes.
“The recent Armed Forces Remembrance Day was a stark reminder that the sacrifices of our troops have not been in vain. Every life lost in battle contributes to making our nation safer,” Buba stated.
Providing an overview of the military’s operations, Buba revealed that troops also arrested 29 oil theft suspects and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.
In the South-South, security forces disrupted large-scale oil theft, preventing losses estimated at ₦623 million.
Additionally, troops destroyed 46 illegal refining sites, confiscated 705,294 liters of stolen crude oil, 6,865 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO), 1,500 liters of kerosene (DPK), and 800 liters of petrol (PMS).
Further seizures included: 219 assorted weapons (including 68 AK-47 rifles, one General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), and seven pump-action guns). 2,871 rounds of ammunition of various calibers.
28 boats, 8 pumping machines, 6 speedboats, 10 vehicles, 42 motorcycles, and 29 mobile phones used in illicit activities.
Buba noted that the Nigerian Armed Forces remain committed to defeating insurgency and terrorism, despite occasional tactical challenges.
“Our strategic objective of breaking the terrorists’ will to fight remains resolute. While setbacks occur in any theatre of war, we are eliminating resurgent threats, particularly in the North-East and North-West, where foreign fighters from the Sahel region are attempting to infiltrate,” he explained.
Emphasizing the role of civilians in national security, Buba urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies.
“Security is everyone’s business, not just the military’s. If we compromise on security, we compromise our collective safety.”
The military’s recent successes reflect a renewed determination to eliminate threats to national stability, ensuring that insurgents and criminals face decisive action across the country.