Major-General Edward Buba the Director Defence Media Operations in a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja today, reeled out some achievement of the Nigeria troops to end terrorism and insecurity across Nigeria.
He said that the military is taking concrete steps by creating a safer environment for citizens translates to eliminating all threat hindering the safety and security of citizens. That troops conducted synchronised strikes between the ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves killing significant number of them believing that these strikes have had significant impacted on the terrorist adversely.
Buba explained that the focus of the armed forces is to conduct its operations in support of national security interest. Consequently, in February troops recorded significant successes in theatres across the 6 geopolitical zero new of the country.
That in February 2024 alone, troops recorded the following: neutralized 974 terrorists, arrested 621 of them and rescued 466 kidnapped hostages. Furthermore, troops recovered 1,573 assorted weapons, 23,345 assorted ammunitions and denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over #8 bn (N8,006,996,894.00) only. Breakdown for the month of February includes and is not limited to the following: 640 AK47 rifles, 248 locally fabricated guns, 93 pump action guns, 168 dane guns, 15,120 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6,102 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 512 rounds of 9mm and 2,132 live cartridges. Others are 8,993,245 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,062,635 litres of illegally refined AGO, 18,950 litres of DPK and 45,950 litres of PMS amongst other item.
The Director elaborated that if these terrorist groups don't come to the table in peace, then the armed forces will continue to punish them with overwhelming military force. That even even recently, the military took delivery of additional air platform to further enhance their lethal capabilities.
He cautioned that contrary to the opinion of some that the troops are making significant strides and recording notable successes in operations across the country. Though it might not seem so to some, the fact remains remarkable progress is being made.
He then urged Nigeria citizens to endure today's pain for tomorrow's gain that Nigerians should take solace in knowing that, It is all in a bit to make Nigeria great again.
"We can all begin in making Nigeria great again, by taking on the Celebrate Nigeria Challenge. I therefore throw open the Celebrate Nigeria Challenge" Buba said.