Nigerian military arrests killers of soldiers, neutralizes 197 terrorists in one week
By Innocent Raphael
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria announced on Thursday that troops have apprehended the suspects responsible for the recent killing of five soldiers at a checkpoint in Aba, Abia State.
Major-General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), disclosed these updates on Thursday, during the bi-weekly briefing for Defence Correspondents on ongoing military operations by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) and other security forces.
According to the military, within the past week, 197 terrorists have been eliminated and 310 other suspected criminals arrested as part of a renewed offensive against insurgent activities across the country. The operations span various regions across the six geopolitical zones of Nigeria.
Following the fatal attack on the soldiers in Abia, troops conducted intelligence-driven operations leading to the discovery and destruction of several camps operated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), including a significant site in Igboro Forest, Arochukwu LGA, Abia State. Numerous suspects were detained during these raids, with those found culpable still in custody and aiding in further operations.
Major-General Buba emphasized that the military’s strategy is to relentlessly pursue and eliminate terrorist threats to ensure peace. “Our operations are focused on defeating and dismantling the terrorist infrastructure across the country,” he stated.
In the reviewed week, troops arrested 22 individuals involved in oil theft and rescued 251 kidnapped hostages. In the South-South region, operations prevented oil theft amounting to approximately N765.7 million. The military also recovered 180 assorted weapons and over 5,100 rounds of ammunition, including AK-47 rifles, grenades, and mortar bombs.
Similarly, in the Niger Delta, troops destroyed illegal refining sites, recovering 728,360 liters of stolen crude oil and other petroleum products.
Addressing allegations made by the Zamfara State Governor against the military, General Buba clarified that the Armed Forces remain a professional entity under political authority and stressed the importance of cooperation between state governments and military forces.
He noted that nine military personnel had been killed in Zamfara in June, highlighting the sacrifices made in the fight for security.
Buba concluded by emphasizing the necessity of public support in the fight against terrorism, affirming the military’s commitment to ensuring national security.
“Citizens must understand that the terrorists will not stop until they are stopped. The military is working relentlessly to guarantee the safety and security of every citizen from acts of terror,” he assured.
