Nigerian Military Neutralizes Over 2,000, Arrests 3,682 Terrorists in Q2 2024 — DHQ
By Alabidun Shuaib AbdulRahman
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) in Abuja has reaffirmed its commitment to eradicating terrorism, announcing the neutralization of over 2,000 terrorists in the second quarter of 2024.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba, during a bi-weekly briefing on ongoing military operations from April to June.
In his briefing, Buba noted the significant impact of the military’s offensive posture, which has considerably weakened terrorist groups across Nigeria.
The military’s actions have not only neutralized terrorists but also led to the arrest of numerous high-profile members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He added that Nigerian Military also dismantled several illegal refining sites and thwarted the theft of over 9 million litres of crude oil.
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The senior officer elaborated on the successes of the armed forces, stating, “The resolve of the armed forces is very clear – to destroy the terrorists and dismantle their military capabilities to ensure the safety of our citizens.”
He emphasized that the military’s operations are flexible, allowing them to respond effectively to various threats and strategic needs.
During the period under review, the military also recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition as Buba noted, “Indeed, the military has greatly degraded the terrorists, even though they remain present in operational theatres. Counter-insurgency efforts are akin to a marathon, not a sprint.”
In specific figures, the second quarter saw the neutralization of 2,245 terrorists, the arrest of 3,682 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, and the rescue of 1,993 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered 2,783 weapons and 64,547 rounds of ammunition. The thwarted oil theft amounted to an estimated N10.5 billion.
The DDMO provided a detailed breakdown of recovered items, which included 1,169 AK-47 rifles, 36,273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 14,764 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition. Additionally, troops seized 713 assorted arms and 9,850 assorted rounds of ammunition.
Moreover, illegal refining activities were significantly disrupted, with troops confiscating 9,225,149 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,874,916 litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO), 29,900 litres of dual-purpose kerosene (DPK), and 31,380 litres of premium motor spirit (PMS).
Buba further stressed that Nigerian military operations are continuously assessed to minimize civilian casualties and ensure compliance with international laws governing armed conflict. “Overall, we will do everything within the bounds of the law to make our nation safe for citizens,” he affirmed.
