Nigerian Military Eliminates 10,937, Arrests 12,538 Terrorists in 2024
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Nigerian Military Eliminates 10,937, Arrests 12,538 Terrorists in 2024
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Nigerian military has announced a significant achievement in its fight against terrorism, with the killing of 10,937 terrorists, 12,538 arrested, and 7,063 hostages rescued in 2024.
This feat was disclosed by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a press briefing on Tuesday in Abuja.
According to General Buba, the military’s war effort was designed to defeat and destroy terrorist enclaves, hideouts, and strongholds, and it is clear that they have made tremendous progress.
Notable terrorist leaders who met their waterloo in 2024 include Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, Mohammed Amadu, Chinemerem (aka Bam Bam), Jeremiah Uzuoma (aka Escoba), Tochukwu Awo (aka Ojoto), and Egwuatu, amongst others.
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The military also recovered a significant amount of weapons and ammunition, including 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, and 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
Additionally, they denied the oil theft of an estimated sum of over N68 billion (N68,453,376,040.00) and recovered 56,223,002 litres of stolen crude oil.
General Buba stated that the military’s successes were recorded across various theatres, with Operation HADIN KAI in the North East neutralizing 3,151 terrorists, arresting 2,503 suspects, and rescuing 1,605 kidnapped hostages.
The operation also saw the surrender of 16,171 terrorists and their families. Furthermore, troops recovered 1,802 AK47 rifles and 42,439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
In the North Central, Operation SAFE HEAVEN restored peace in the Plateau, neutralizing 447 violent extremists, arresting 1,995 suspects, and rescuing 1,094 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered 254 AK47 rifles, 321 fabricated guns, and 19,577 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
Operation HADARIN DAJI in the North West created a conducive and stable security environment, neutralizing 2,906 terrorists, arresting 1,826 suspects, and rescuing 2,616 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered 1,450 AK47 rifles, 477 fabricated guns, and 31,999 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
In the South South, Operation DELTA SAFE maintained the momentum against crude oil theft, neutralizing 78 terrorists, arresting 2,357 persons involved in crude oil theft, and rescuing 93 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also denied the oil theft of 56,223,002 litres of crude oil and recovered 538 assorted weapons.
Operation UDO KA in the South East sustained the momentum in fighting IPOB/ESN terrorists, killing 734 terrorists, arresting 974 suspects, and rescuing 372 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered 167 AK47 rifles, 259 pump action guns, and 9,004 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo.
General Buba emphasized the military’s effort in the fight against terrorism, urging citizens to lend their support to the war effort, stating that “the war is not for the armed forces alone, but for all citizens”.
He further noted that the military is confident that with the support of citizens, they can win the war, and reiterated that “victory against terrorists in 2025 is non-negotiable”.
