Military Operations in Nigeria: Key Takeaways and Statistics

Strategic Insights -

Troops in Nigeria engaged in counter-terrorism and other security operations across the country, achieving significant milestones in 2023. According to the Defence Media Operations (DMO), soldiers killed a total of 6,886 terrorists and other suspected criminals, arrested 6,970 suspects, rescued 4,488 kidnapped persons, and recovered 3,320 assorted weapons and 39,075 assorted ammunition. The troops also neutralised numerous security threats, including banditry, terrorism, kidnapping, oil theft, secessionist agitations, and farmers/herders clashes, which were adequately handled by the troops and security agencies.

Key Takeaways:

  • The troops neutralized 6,886 terrorists and other criminal elements in 2023, highlighting the effectiveness of military operations in addressing security threats.
  • The recovery of 100m litres of stolen crude oil and 60m litres of diesel underscores the success of efforts to combat oil theft and other forms of criminality.
  • The proliferation of small arms, exacerbated by porous borders and local arms fabrication, remains a significant challenge in addressing security threats across the country.
  • The major threats in Nigeria's six geopolitical zones were addressed through kinetic and non-kinetic efforts by the armed forces, which included tackling armed banditry/terrorism in the North Central and North West regions.
  • The recent attack in Plateau state by bandits on Christmas Eve highlighted the challenges posed by inaccessible terrain and reactive security measures.

Statistics:

  • 6,886 terrorists and other suspected criminals were neutralized by troops in 2023.
  • 6,970 suspects were arrested by the military.
  • 4,488 kidnapped persons were rescued by troops.
  • 3,320 assorted weapons and 39,075 assorted ammunition were recovered.
  • 100,316,600 litres of crude oil, 60,339,426 litres of AGO, 3,465,450 litres of DPK, and 3,544,990 litres of PMS were recovered.

Sources:

  • Defence Media Operations (DMO)
  • Major General Edward Buba, Director, Defence Media Operations