By Uzair Adam
Nigerian military troops have intensified their nationwide operations, eliminating 135 terrorists, apprehending 185 suspects, and rescuing 129 kidnapped victims within the past week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, provided the update during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Saturday.
He disclosed that in the North Central region, some terrorists have begun surrendering due to sustained military offensives and collaborative non-kinetic engagements with community stakeholders.
Among those who surrendered are notable figures such as Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi (Alhaji Lawal), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e, and Babangida.
Buba emphasized that the military would maintain its operational momentum to dismantle terrorist networks and encourage further surrenders.
During the operations, troops recovered 113 weapons and 2,415 rounds of ammunition, including 72 AK-47 rifles, 11 fabricated guns, 15 Dane guns, eight pump-action shotguns, and four hand grenades. They also seized 46 motorcycles, 15 vehicles, 28 mobile phones, and various communication devices.
In the Niger Delta, troops destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, and 82 illegal refining sites.
They also recovered 909,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 71,060 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 13,580 litres of petrol.
Maj.-Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to addressing Nigeria’s security challenges, stating, “We remain in a winning position in this war and will continue to innovate in our approach.”