The Defence Headquarters announced a significant deployment of troops to support police efforts in ensuring a peaceful governorship election in Ondo State on November 16, 2024......See Full Story>>.....See Full Story>>
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated that the presence of troops aims to provide a secure environment, enabling citizens to vote freely without harassment or intimidation, while deterring any disruptive elements.
Additionally, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) has begun transporting sensitive electoral materials to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Meanwhile, Major General Buba also revealed that within the past week, security operations have neutralized 88 terrorists, arrested 228 individuals, and rescued 181 kidnapped victims.
In the Niger Delta, troops thwarted oil thefts valued at over 1 billion Naira, discovering and dismantling 59 illegal refineries, 13 crude oil ovens, and other illegal infrastructure, recovering significant quantities of stolen crude oil and refined products. Additional assets seized included over 84 assorted weapons, 2,393 rounds of ammunition, vehicles, motorcycles, and cash.
Regional Operations and Arrests:
Operation Hadin Kai: Neutralized 40 terrorists, apprehended 50 suspects, and rescued 27 hostages, with a significant air strike conducted on ISWAP and JAS fighters moving from Lake Chad Basin.
Operation Safe Haven: In the North Central region, neutralized nine extremists, arrested 41, and rescued 27 kidnapped individuals in operations spanning Plateau and Kaduna States.
Operation Whirl Stroke: Neutralized two terrorists, detained 20 extremists, and rescued eight hostages, seizing weapons and motorcycles.
Operation Hadarin Daji: In the North West, neutralized 33 terrorists, arrested 41, and rescued 21 hostages, conducting airstrikes on terrorist camps in Zamfara State.
Operation Delta Safe: In the South, arrested 40 suspects involved in oil theft, recovering stolen crude oil and destroying illegal refineries.
Operation Udoka: In the South East, neutralized four terrorists, arrested five suspects, and recovered multiple firearms and ammunition.
Further, General Buba indicated that ISWAP and other terrorist groups are struggling to replenish their ranks and have resorted to social media for recruitment, a tactic under surveillance by troops and security agencies. All seized items, rescued hostages, and arrested suspects have been handed over to appropriate authorities for further action.