By MONDAY IJEH

The Defence Headquarters says troops of the Armed Forces have in February, neutralised scores of terrorists, arrested 354 suspects over terrorism and other criminal offences, and rescued 409 kidnapped victims nationwide.

The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja said this on Friday in Abuja at the monthly media briefing on the operations of troops of the Armed Forces.

He said troops of operation HADIN KAI in the North-East facilitated the surrender of 46 insurgents during the month under review.

Onioja said troops under the operation had effectively curtailed mobility and logistical capabilities Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Jama’tu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad (JAS) factions in the region.

He said the troops had achieved this through joint efforts with hybrid forces, the Civilian Joint Task Force and local hunters.

The director said significant recoveries of arms, ammunition and equipment had eroded terrorist networks, enabling the safe return of displaced persons and revitalising local economies.

“On Feb. 23, troops intercepted a Toyota pick-up laden with vehicle spares and fabrics destined for Boko Haram, alongside a truck carrying 460 bags of fertilizers in Bade LGA of Yobe State.

“Similarly, 42 illegal miners were also apprehended in Gulani LGA of Yobe, thereby disrupting illicit activities that fund insurgency,” he said.

He said Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South had ramped up anti-oil theft measures, arrested 59 criminals, rescued hostages, recovered 144,050 litres of crude oil.

The director said the troops also, recovered 31,601 litres of Automated Gas Oil (AGO), and destroyed 32 illegal refining sites in the region.

“Working together, maritime and land components as well as other security agencies dismantled processing equipment, thus safeguarding national assets,” he said.

Onoja said the operation of FANSAN YAMMA in the North-West had been instrumental in countering terrorism across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara States.

According to him, by fusing ground manoeuvres with air interdiction and real-time intelligence, troops maintained operational superiority, neutralised several terrorists, arrest 36 suspects, and rescued 251 hostages.

He said the Interceptions of arms caches and ammunition from gunrunners across the theater had severely hampered criminal logistics, reducing the frequency of ambushes and raids in the region.

Onoja said the efforts had also, encouraged community dialogues, leading to voluntary disarmament in some areas and bolstering local vigilance networks.

“Building on these kinetic successes, the operation has introduced agro-security patrols to protect farmlands and herders, mitigating conflicts that terrorists exploit.

“This proactive measure, combined with infrastructure repairs in bandit-prone zones, is fostering economic revival and deterring youth recruitment into criminal groups, thereby addressing root causes of insecurity in the region,” he said.

He said Operation ENDURING PEACE in Plateau had effectively addressed terrorism, kidnapping, and ethno-religious tensions through robust responses to distress calls.

The director said troops had neutralised several terrorists, arrested 29 criminals, rescued 22 hostages, and recovered arms in multiple raids, demonstrating seamless coordination with air and other security agencies.

“Notably, swift interventions in Babuje and Razat villages of Barkin Ladi LGA and Jol and Dan Tanko communities of Riyom and Bassa LGAs of Plateau quelled farmer-herder clashes.

“This was achieved by restoring calm via dominance patrols and enforcement of law and order.

“Enhancing these efforts, the operation has implemented youth empowerment programs, including vocational training in agriculture and conflict resolution, to prevent radicalization and build harmony.

“These initiatives have been pivotal in transforming conflict zones into models of peaceful coexistence,” he said. (NAN)

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