The Armed Forces of Nigeria says they remained resolute in their operations and engaged in series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations in all theatres of major and subsidiary operations to restore lasting peace in the country.
The Acting Director Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko who stated this during a news briefing in Abuja, said sequel to that, they are now resuming their usual updates on the “unrelenting and committed efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies in tackling security challenges facing our dear nation”.
Onyeuko noted that these operational efforts of the Nigerian military are intended to achieve sustainable peace and ensure normalcy returns to all troubled zones in Nigeria.
According to him, the Armed Forces have also worked cooperatively and in great synergy with other security and intelligence agencies to gain several successful and credible outcomes in our operations.
He said for land operations, “the gallant troops have been actively engaged in constant clearance patrols, ambush, raid, picketing, cordon and search operations as well as artillery bombardments”.
Maritime sector
Onyeuko noted that in the maritime environment, troops conducted various operations involving anti-piracy, anti-illegal oil bunkering, anti-crude oil theft, anti-pipeline vandalism and anti-smuggling operations.
Moreover, the Air Component conducted comprehensive air operations, which included air patrols, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, offensive air strikes, air interdictions, search and rescue operations as well as close air support for ground troops.
He said as a result of these operations, “troops neutralized scores of terrorists and bandits including senior BHT/ISWAP and ESN commanders as well as major bandit leaders”.
Similarly, many of their fighters were incapacitated and their camps destroyed through artillery and air bombardments.
Additionally, troops rescued several kidnapped victims and arrested bandits/kidnappers informants and collaborators in different parts of the country. Our operations also inhibited activities of economic saboteurs as well as exposed and forestalled other criminal activities.
Acting Director said “troops also recovered large caches of arms and ammunition as well as equipment, vehicles and livestock within the period. In the maritime domain, troops disrupted smuggling activities, immobilized illegal refining sites, arrested some perpetrators, seized illegally imported rice and other contraband goods as well as recovered petroleum products”.
He noted that although some of their personnel paid the supreme price in the course of these operations, our dogged troops consistently demonstrated gallantry and resilience.
According to him, the Military High Command has renamed the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North East from Operation LAFIYA DOLE to Operation HADIN KAI.
This was done to reflect the renewed spirit of jointness in the North East operational environment. The combined efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies demonstrate our commitment, synergy and determination to lay down our lives to protect our great Nation, he said.
He added that they will continue to sustain the offensive posture and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled zone in Nigeria.
The general public is also assured of our commitment to protect our economic assets anywhere.
Onyeuko said “security is everybody’s concern, thus, they encourage every well-meaning Nigerian to support the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, by providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements to address the threats”.
Supporting fight against criminality
Meanwhile, the High Command of the Nigerian Military has urged the public to support and cooperate in the fight against criminality in the country.
The Military High Command also commended 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.
Emmanuel Ukoh
