In a bid to nip the rising cases of insecurity in the country in the bud, the Armed Forces of Nigeria says special forces have been deployed to hotspots across the country to address the menace.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated this while addressing newsmen on activities of troops in their respective theatres of operation across the six geopolitical zones of the country.
According to him, the Military High Command is working assiduously to address the situation in the immediate and long term to ensure the safety of lives and property with troops’ redoubling efforts to ensure citizens live in a peaceful environment and have a prosperous life.
“The Armed Forces will destroy the cancer of terrorism that is ravaging our country, thereby creating situations such as the ongoing one in Plateau State. The insecurity we are confronted with is self-inflicted by our own citizens upon one another. Nevertheless, it is our duty to protect citizens and create a safe environment for them to have a prosperous future.”
The Director further stated that multiple operations are currently ongoing, noting that “accordingly, we have deployed special forces to some of the hotspots to conduct targeted operations. We have also deployed several battlefield enablers to enhance intelligence and strike capability against these terrorists”.
“We are encouraging warring factions to sheathe their swords. As for the FCT and environs, offensive operations are ongoing at the following locations: Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro, and Tukuba, all in Kuje Area Council. Other areas covered include Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry, and Nukuchi Villages, all in Bwari Area Council of the FCT. In neighboring states to the FCT, such as Niger State, troops are conducting operations in Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wuse, and Garam in Tafa LGA of Niger State. Additionally, troops covered Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa LGAs of Nasarawa State, respectively”.
General Buba, while reiterating the commitment of the military to end the ongoing unrest in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State, said that some arrests have been made, and troops deployed to restore normalcy in the area.
“As for the situation in the NC, tension broke out in Mangu in the early hours of January 23, 2024. The situation escalated and resulted in the breakdown of law and order in Mangu Town and adjoining communities. The crisis, which started from Gangaran Kwata, escalated to other parts of Mangu LGA despite concerted efforts by troops deployed to the general area to restore normalcy”.
The Director explained that “overall, during the week under review, troops neutralized 94 and arrested 171 of them. Troops also arrested 43 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 29 kidnapped hostages. In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Four Hundred and Eighty-Five Million Nine Hundred and Eighty-Three Thousand One Hundred and Fifty Naira (N485,983,150.00) only. Furthermore, troops recovered 168 assorted weapons and 2,757 assorted ammunition, among other items”.
General Buba urged Nigerians to continue providing prompt and credible information to security agencies to help win the war against insecurity.
“Everyone should understand that the terrorists and their cohorts exist for the sake of war. Therefore, for the sake of peace, they must be eliminated. All hands must be on deck in our villages, communities, and environments to ensure that the security forces are supported with necessary information to win this war. We also urge trusted voices by the people to use their voices for good and not for evil. There is a need to stop the bleeding and commence the healing”.
Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji
Top popular
Post comments (0)