DHQ Neutralises 8,034 Terrorists, Arrests 11,623 Suspects, Rescue 6,376 Hostages

The Defence Headquarters, DHQ has reported significant progress by the Armed Forces of Nigeria AFN and other security agencies in combating insurgency and criminal activities nationwide.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on the activities of troops, this year, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, stated that troops neutralized 8,034 terrorists, arrested 11,623 suspects, and rescued 6,376 hostages.

He noted that troops also recovered 8,216 weapons, 211,459 rounds of ammunition, and disrupted oil theft operations valued at over ₦57 billion.

General Buba highlighted that in the South-South, the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe has sustained its efforts against crude oil theft and illegal refining, which has significantly boosted Nigeria’s daily crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels.

He urged greater transparency from International Oil Companies IOCs, accurate metering, and cooperation from local communities to maintain progress in the region.

In the South-East, the director said troops maintained an active presence to counter violent extremists and secure communities.

He emphasized that in the North Central region, the Joint Task Force Operation Safe Haven conducted multiple offensives targeting violent extremist hideouts.

Similarly, in the North-East, General Buba stated that the Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai remained focused on eliminating terrorist threats from Boko Haram and ISWAP.

He added that:the North-West also saw continuous military operations aimed at neutralizing bandits and other criminal elements.

The Director, Defence Media Operations commended the troops’ dedication and successes across all five active theatres in the country, noting that heightened vigilance and readiness have significantly curtailed terrorist aggression and insecurity.

He assured Nigerians that the armed forces, in collaboration with other security agencies, are working to ensure a peaceful and crime-free Yuletide season.

Aisha Adesanya, Edited By Grace Namiji