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Soldiers

Nigerian Military Records Significant Gains in Fight Against Insurgency

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Nigerian military, in conjunction with other security agencies, has recorded substantial achievements in the ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations in the country. Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, briefed Defence Correspondents on the quarterly military operations, highlighting the successes of troops in eliminating terrorist kingpins, arresting suspects, and rescuing kidnapped victims. Despite minor setbacks, troops demonstrated courage and resilience, showcasing professional competence in encounters with non-state actors.

Key Takeaways:

  • Nigerian troops, in collaboration with security forces, killed several terrorist kingpins and foot soldiers, arrested over 1,191 suspects, and rescued 543 kidnapped victims.
  • The military recorded significant achievements in counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, with troops eliminating key terrorists commanders, bandits kingpins, and IPOB/ESN criminals.
  • Economic saboteurs and terrorists' logistics suppliers were also arrested during the quarter.
  • A total of 682 terrorists and their families surrendered to troops, while about 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil, 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 41,465 litres of DPK were recovered.
  • Troops discovered and destroyed 174 illegal refining sites, seized 45 vehicles, and recovered assorted weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices.
  • Notorious gunrunners and kidnappers, including Buhari Umar, Hassam Mohammed, and Saleh Sani, were arrested and taken into custody for interrogation.
  • The quarter also witnessed the mass surrender of Boko Haram and ISWAP/JAS terrorists due to troops' overwhelming firepower.

Statistics:

  • 1,191 suspects arrested
  • 543 kidnapped victims rescued
  • 682 terrorists and their families surrendered
  • 2,381,239 litres of stolen crude oil recovered
  • 605,393 litres of illegally refined AGO recovered
  • 41,465 litres of DPK recovered
  • 26,905 litres of PMS recovered
  • 174 illegal refining sites discovered and destroyed
  • 45 vehicles seized
  • $1 billion equivalent (N3,500,435,234.00) worth of oil theft foiled
  • Assorted weapons, RPG tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices recovered

Sources:

  • Defence Headquarters
  • Major General Markus Kangye
  • Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN)

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