Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have in the last one week, neutralised 109 terrorists, apprehended 81 suspects and rescued 43 kidnapped hostages across theatres of operation in the country.

During the week under review, troops neutralised 109 and arrested 81 persons.This is contained in a statement by the Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. -Gen. Edward Buba on Friday in Abuja. Buba said the troops also nabbed six perpetrators of oil theft and denied oil thieves of an estimated sum of N618.7 million during the week.According to him, troops recovered 21 assorted weapons and 124 assorted ammunition, comprising nine AK-47 rifles, five fabricated rifles, four dane guns, and locally made pistols.He said the troops also recovered seven magazines, 97 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 22 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, five live cartridges, three baofeng radios, four vehicles, six motorcycles and four mobile phones amongst other items.Buba said the troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 10 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 12 boats, four storage tanks and 10 illegal refining sites.“Other items recovered include three pumping machines, 12 speedboats, 20 drums, two motorcycles, one mobile phone and four vehicles among others.“Troops recovered 631,709 litres of stolen crude oil, 3,140 litres of illegally refined AGO and 2,250 litres of PMS.“Troops are sustaining the winning ways of ongoing operational engagements.“Accordingly, citizens will continue to witness the incremental effectiveness and efficiency of the armed forces,” he said. (NAN)

Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has pledged to improve the security of lives and property in Nigeria in 2025.

Musa made the commitment during a visit to troops of Sector Seven, Operation Safe Haven (OPSH), in Samaru, Zangon Kataf Local Government Area (LGA) of Kaduna State, on Thursday.

The CDS was in company of Maj.

-Gen. Abdulsalam Abubakar, the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 3 Division of the Nigerian Army, Jos and Commander OPSH.

He acknowledged that 2024 had been a challenging year for the military but assured that 2025 would bring better outcomes.

“2024 was challenging, but we made remarkable improvements. 2025 will be better.

“Our plan is to do more to bring lasting peace to Nigerians; the enemy is not sleeping, and we will not rest until we get it right,”he said.

Musa expressed gratitude to Nigerians for their support, urging them to continue collaborating with the military to defeat the enemies of the country.

“We want to thank Nigerians for their support; we are appealing to them to collaborate with us to defeat the enemies of our land,” he appealed.

The CDS also thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing the necessary resources and environment for military operations, and commended the National Assembly for approving the 2025 budget, particularly for the procurement of sophisticated military equipment.

Musa lauded the troops of Sector Seven for their commitment to ensuring peace and security in the region, advising them to avoid any unprofessional conduct.

“The president is proud of what we are doing, and Nigerians are relying on us to make the country safe.

“We cannot fail. We are on the right track, but we must do more to fully secure Nigerians this year.”he said

He further urged the troops not to engage in illegal activities, to cooperate with other security agencies, and to build trust with the civil populace.

“You must be fair and impartial, that’s the only way to deal with criminals. Go after the criminals, not innocent civilians,” he advised.

Also speaking, Sen. Sunday Marshall, representing Kaduna South, commended the military for the relative peace currently enjoyed in the area.

He promised to collaborate with and support the security agencies in achieving lasting peace in the region and the state.(NAN)

The special brigade of the Nigerian Army has neutralised scores of Lukurawa bandits and destroyed about 22 camps in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

The Theatre Commander of Operation FANSAN YAMMA, Maj.- Gen. Oluyinka Soyele, disclosed this to the newsmen on Friday in Sokoto.

Speaking through the Acting General Officer Commanding (GOC), 8 Division of Nigerian Army Sokoto, Brig.

Gen. Ibikunle Ajose, Soyele said the special operation brigade was deployed by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa for the exercise.

He noted that the successes were recorded through a fresh onslaughts lunched against Lakurawa bandits that led to the destruction of bandits camps.

Soyele said that the operation was to consolidate successes achieved in the ongoing operation under ” FOREST SANITY III CHASE LAKURAWAS OUT. ”

He charged the troops to ensure total destruction of the Lakurawas sects and enjoined them to abide by the rules of engagement and ensure the protection of lives and properties of law abiding citizens.

Soyele further highlighted that troops have been selected and trained for this mission, hence Nigerians are counting on their ability and professionalism to flush out the Lakurawas.

He added that the special operation was to ensure total elimination of the Lakurawas sects in Sokoto and Kebbi states.

He explained that the operation reached forests and enclaves at Rumji Dutse East of Sarma, Tsauna and Bauni, Malgatawa, Gargao, Tsauna and Magara forests in Kebbi state.

Other areas raided included; Kaideji, Nakuru, Sama, Sanyinna, Kadidda, Kolo and Dancha villages in Illela, Tangaza and Binji local government areas of Sokoto state.

The operation, he said led to the recovery of four rifles and 409  PKT 7.62mm NATO and 94 pieces of 7.62mm special rounds ammunition besides destruction of about 22 camps, neutralization of several members of the sect members.

He stressed that the deployment of the brigade would be an added impetus in frustrating the activities of the bandits and restoring normalcy to the affected communities and the Northwest states.

Soyele added that prior to the deployment of the Brigade, troops of 8 Division under Operation FANSAN YAMMA had begun precursor and shaping the areas. (NAN)