Q2: Troops degrade terrorists, neutralize 2,245, as DHQ reassures protection of farmers-Spokesman

By AGATHA NWOKOCHA, Abuja

The Nigerian Armed Forces have said that its troops in the Niger Delta under the Operation Delta Safe have denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N10 bn (N10,533,131,470.00) only, in the second quarter of 2024.

The Armed Forces authorities also declared their resolve to destroy  terrorists and dismantle their military capabilities in order for citizens to be safe.

Similarly, the AFN stated its plans to encourage bumper food harvest by protecting farmers across the country.  Unfolding the plans, the Defence Headquarters said the protection of farmers was calculated to address food the current shortage in the country.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, DMO, Major General Edward Buba said  troops are actively fighting in different forms and retain operational flexibility which gives  the ability to respond to different events,  adding, is also to project the forces  according to strategic needs.

Buba made this disclosure while giving insights on the ongoing military operations between April and June, 2024.

According to him, the military has greatly degraded the terrorist, “even though they are still present in the theatres of operation.

“It would take time and effort to completely destroy these terrorists, particularly as counter insurgency is akin to a marathon not a sprint”.

He added that the military will continue to wipe out the terrorist through synchronised ground and air operations.

He said, “During the second quarter of this year, troops neutralized 2,245 terrorists, arrested 3,682 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements as well as rescued 1,993 kidnapped hostages.

Furthermore, troops recovered 2,783 weapons, 64,547 ammunitions and  denied the oil theft of an estimated sum over N10 bn (N10,533,131,470.00) only.

“Breakdown  for the period includes and is not limited to the following: 1,169 AK47 rifles, 36,273 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 14,764 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 713 assorted arms and 9,850 assorted ammo.

“Others are 9,225,149 litres of stolen crude oil, 2,874,916 litres of illegally refined AGO, 29,900 litres of DPK and 31,380 litres of PMS amongst other item.

“Troops operations  are continually  assessed in order to make adjustments in our actions, thereby amending our operations to increasingly ensure we minimize civilian casualties.

“Our operations are progressing according to plan e en as we abide International laws governing armed conflict.

“Overall, we will do everything within the bounds of the law to make our nation safe for citizens.

“The military will keep up with the fighting spirit and maintain the stamina in the frontlines”.