The Nigerian military says its operational performance for the year 2020 is a show its commitment, synergy and determination to lay down their lives to protect the Nation.
The Coordinator Defence Media Operations Major General John Enenche stated this while briefing journalist on the operations of the Armed Forces between 18 of March to December 30 2020. Voice of Nigeria Defence Correspondent, Nokai Origin was there and filed in this report.
General Eneche who emphasize that the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in the Year 2020 yielded appreciable results, assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces will continue to sustain the offensive and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled zone in Nigeria.
While outlining some of the successes recorded by the armed forces in the year under review he said the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralized two thousand, four hundred and three (2,403) criminal elements across the country in addition to scores of other terrorists and armed bandits killed during airstrikes.
The Troops also rescued a total of 864 kidnapped victims across the Country prominent among which, is the recent rescue of 344 schoolboys of Government Science Secondary School Kankara, as well as the Islamiya children, all in Katsina State. In addition, 9,684,797 litres of stolen AGO and 33,516,000 litres of DPK were also recovered.
A total of 1,910 criminal elements were also arrested and a large cache of arms, ammunition and equipment were recovered while 46,581.8 barrels of stolen crude oil and 22,881,257 litres of stolen PMS were recovered by the troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria.
According to General Enenche the series of land, maritime and air operations, involving both kinetic and non-kinetic activities across the country led to these appreciable successes.
A breakdown of the activities in the various zones showed that “In the North-West zone of the country, between 18 March and 31 December 2020, a cumulative total of 5,281 livestock, 6,951 rounds of ammunition and 120 assorted rifles, 455 kidnapped victims were rescued and 473 armed bandits were killed in action, 461 arrests were made including high profile armed bandits, gun runners, bandit’s and collaborators, total cash of N6,365,550 was recovered from armed bandits and their informants by the gallant troops in the Zone.
“In the North-East Zone, 200 kidnapped victims were rescued, 1,385 rounds of ammunition made up of 45 grenades as well as 95 assorted rifles were recovered from BHT/ISWAP fighters in addition to several gun trucks captured, others destroyed during airstrikes. 1,805 insurgents/terrorists including commanders were killed, scores killed by air raids/attacks, 79 arrests including high-value targets made.
“In the North-Central Zone, troops of Operations SAFE HAVEN, WHIRL STROKE and THUNDER STRIKE rescued a total of 130 kidnapped victims, 105 assorted rifles, as well as 513 rounds of ammunition and 1,055, rustled cattle were recovered from armed bandits.
“A total of 1,250 criminals including family members of the Darul Salam sect were arrested, 125 armed bandits including militia gang leaders neutralized by the troops.
“In the South-South Zone, the Armed Forces working with other security agencies recovered a total of 8,890,300 litres of stolen AGO and 33,516,00 litres of DPK were impounded by troops of Operation DELTA SAFE.
“A total of 185 illegal refining sites were immobilized, 85 dugout pits, 163 metal storage tanks, 31,236.8 barrels of stolen crude oil impounded as well as 12,272,652 litres of stolen PMS from oil thieves.
“47 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 72 vandals and criminals were arrested, 4,250 bags of 50kg foreign parboiled smuggled rice impounded, 45 boats engaged in illegal activities, 53 pirates arrested, 25 trucks, 23 rifles, 65,330 rounds of ammunition recovered and 23 sea pirate camps destroyed.”
Similarly, troops of Operation AWATSE in the South-West Zone impounded a total of 10,458,600 litres of PMS; 15,345 barrels of stolen crude oil and 345,000 litres of stolen AGO, 3,594 rounds of ammunition and 14 assorted rifles were recovered. A total of 23 illegal refining sites were immobilized, while 15 boats and 23 trucks engaged in illegal activities were arrested, 35 kidnapped victims were rescued, while 48 arrests were made” outlined Enenche.
The armed forces also did a series of Civil-Military Cooperation Activities (CIMIC) The Military High Command appreciated the general public for their support and solicit for further cooperation towards providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements in its operations while commending all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment.
Suzan O
