DHQ Reaffirms Commitment To Combating Insurgency, Terrorism

By Aisha Adesanya

The Armed Forces of Nigeria have reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to combatting terrorism, insurgency, and insecurity in the nation.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized that the fight against these threats cannot be the sole responsibility of the military and reiterated the need for a comprehensive societal approach.

According to him, a “whole-of-society” commitment to counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency efforts is needed because relying solely on military means cannot effectively neutralize terrorism and insurgency.

General Buba explained that through this comprehensive approach, the armed forces aim to suffocate any hope these groups have of achieving victory through senseless violence and dastardly acts.

While recognizing that not everyone can serve in the military, he urged society to find various ways to show their commitment to the shared objective of defeating terrorism and insurgency.

General Buba, who noted that the troops in their various theatres of operations in the six geopolitical zones of the country, have continued to sustain their onslaught on enemies of the nation, said the troops within the period under review successfully neutralized 191 terrorists.

He further noted that the troops also arrested 184 terrorists and 22 individuals involved in oil theft, adding that 91 kidnapped hostages were rescued.

General Buba stated that military operations thwarted an estimated oil theft valued at over Three Hundred Million Naira while 104 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops in multiple theatres of operation.

The Director noted that, in the course of these operations, the military recovered an extensive arsenal of weapons and ammunition, along with various motorcycles and bicycles.

General Buba, while maintaining that the Armed Forces of Nigeria remain undaunted by the actions of extremist groups, stressed that the troops are committed to pursuing peace by targeting those who threaten the nation’s security.

Edited By Grace Namiji