The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday disclosed that troops neutralized 156 terrorists, arrested 464 others and rescued 181 hostages in one week.
The outgoing Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who gave the military update at the farewell briefing with the Defence Correspondent in Abuja said troops have made a significant progress in thwarting terrorist activities, despite the challenges posed by the influx of the foreign militants.
He said troops within the period also arrested 29 suspected oil thieves and recovered stolen products worth N623,447,390.00 only.
General Buba added that troops recovered 219 assorted weapons and 2,871 assorted ammunition within the period under review.
He gave the breakdown of recovered weapons as one GPMG, 68 AK47 rifles, one AK56 rifle, 12 fabricated rifles, four FN rifles, four dane guns, seven pump action guns, one foreign double barrel gun, nine fabricated IEDs, 18 FN grenades, six RPG bombs, 27 magazines, four IEDs and making materials.
Other items recovered during the period include 1,618 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 676 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 68 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 317 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 73 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 175 rounds of PKT ammo, one box of 12.7mm ammo, 25 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 10 vehicles, 42 motorcycles, 29 mobile phones, amongst other items.
Meanwhile, troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 46 illegal refining sites, 48 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, and 56 storage tanks.
Furthermore, troops also recovered 705,294 litres of stolen crude oil, 6,865 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,500 litres of DPK and 800 litres of PMS.
Other items recovered in the area include 28 boats, eight pumping machines, six speedboats, three outboard engines, six drums, eight motorcycles, one mobile phone and eight vehicles, among others.
Buba said, “Overall, the military is profoundly conscious of its role and responsibility in ending insurgency and terrorism in the nation. Accordingly, troops are thwarting and eliminating forms of resurgent terror attacks in the North-West and North-East, caused by influx of foreign fighters from the Sahelian Region.
“Though troops might record occasional tactical setbacks which is common place in any theatre of war, our strategic objective of breaking the terrorists’ will to fight remains resolute and unhindered.”
He therefore, urged citizens to embrace security as everybody’s business and not only that of the military.
“Citizens must not compromise on security, otherwise everyone’s security is compromised,” he added.
“Military remains steadfast in its commitment to securing Nigeria from both domestic and foreign terrorist threats, working tirelessly to bring an end to insurgency and safeguard the future of the nation, “Buba concluded.
However, Days after insurgents attack on Dumba community of Bagsa, the Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has paid a sympathy visit to Baga and warned farming and fishing communities to refrain from any form of collaboration with Boko Haram insurgents.
Governor Babagana Zulum who issued the warning yesterday while addressing residents at the palace of the District Head in Baga expressed sympathy on the recent tragic event in Dumba community but emphasized the importance of abiding by military regulations to ensure the safety of the area.
“I urge the people of Baga and surrounding communities to conduct their farming activities only within areas approved by the military. While we encourage agricultural efforts, it is crucial that our people remain law-abiding and adhere to the rules set forth by both the Nigerian military and Borno State government,” Governor Zulum stated.
He further condemned the actions of individuals colluding with insurgents, calling it “unacceptable” and a direct threat to the region’s stability.
Also during the visit, Governor Zulum also inspected the 2,000-hectare solar-powered surface irrigation system being used for the cultivation of wheat and cassava in Mile 3.
The governor emphasized that this irrigation project marks a significant milestone in efforts to enhance farming activities and achieve food security not only in Borno State but across the nation.
Speaking in an interview, Governor Zulum highlighted the transformative potential of the solar irrigation system: “This irrigation scheme will be a game-changer in our efforts to boost agricultural production and ensure food sufficiency. Similar projects have already been launched in Damasak, Ngala, and other parts of the state.”
He reiterated that this initiative aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s vision of improving food security and livelihoods across Nigeria. “By adopting this solar-powered irrigation system, we are reducing the cost of food production to its minimum and making strides towards greater self-sufficiency,” he added.
Zulum assured that his administration will continue to prioritize investments in wheat and cassava production, sectors in which Borno State has a comparative advantage. “After the wheat harvest, the entire 2,000 hectares of land will be used for cassava cultivation. With the adoption of solar irrigation, production costs will drop significantly,” he concluded.
Similarly, in a carnival-like reception, Governor Zulum and his entourage were given warm reception in Kukawa town.
While addressing the inhabitants of the town, Zulum promised to step up the ongoing reconstruction work in areas of education, healthcare and other infrastructure.
The governor also addressed troops of 101 Special Forces Battalion where he lauded their gallantry and pledged the state government’s continued support.
The governor was accompanied on the visit by the senator representing Borno North, Senator Mohammed Tahir Monguno, member representing Marte, Monguno, Nganzai federal constituency, Engr. Bukar Talba, member representing Kukawa at the State Assembly, Hon Karta Maina Ma’aji, and other government officials.
Chidimma Uchegbu – Abuja and AHMED MARI, Mauduguri @TheChampion
