The Nigerian military has reported significant achievements in its fight against terrorism and other criminal activities in 2024, with 8,034 terrorists killed and 11,623 arrested during various operations nationwide.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen. Edward Buba, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja during the biweekly update on military operations.
He said, “Troops’ aggression across the various theatres of operation since the beginning of the year culminated in 8,034 neutralised terrorists; arrested 11,623 and rescued 6,376 hostages.”
In addition to these achievements, the military recovered crude oil worth ₦57 billion and rescued 6,376 kidnapped victims between January and December 2024.
Buba detailed other recoveries made by the troops, including over 53 million litres of stolen crude oil and thousands of litres of refined petroleum products.
He stated, “Troops recovered 53,101,430 litres of stolen crude oil; 9,179,181 litres of illegally refined diesel (AGO); and 90,595 litres of kerosene (DPK). Others include 156,095 litres of petrol (PMS).”
The military also seized 8,216 weapons, including 4,053 AK47 rifles, 1,123 locally-fabricated guns, and 240 pump-action guns, as well as 211,459 rounds of ammunition.
Buba assured Nigerians that the armed forces remain committed to ongoing operations to eliminate terrorism and protect citizens.
“The military is through these operations, increasingly creating conditions in which terrorists can’t carry out acts of terror or harm citizens,” he said.
He added, “On the whole, the armed forces are constantly examining ways to improve the effectiveness of its operations and guarantee the safety of citizens.”
The Defence Headquarters also confirmed the death of three soldiers during a recent Boko Haram attack in the Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State. The attack was repelled by troops of Operation Hadin Kai.
In a statement, the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, commended the soldiers for their bravery and urged them to sustain their efforts.
