In the face of the alarming impact of kidnappings on affected families and the heightened fear among citizens, the armed forces express their deep concern and extend heartfelt sympathy to the affected families and loved ones. Acknowledging the gravity of recent events in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the armed forces are unwaveringly committed to addressing the distressing situation.
In an official statement released Friday, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided comprehensive details on the ongoing military operations conducted by the Armed Forces of Nigeria as of January 19, 2024.
While acknowledging that all the answers may not be immediately available, citizens are urged to rest assured that the armed forces are diligently working to find solutions. Collaborating seamlessly with other security services and stakeholders, troops are actively engaged in investigations to gather intelligence on the kidnapping gangs, particularly in the FCT.
To counter the menace, troops have strategically prioritized areas affected by kidnappings, implementing heightened ground and air surveillance. Cutting-edge technologies have been deployed to detect and locate kidnapping gangs in their hideouts and enclaves.
Furthermore, the tempo of operations has been increased, aiming to locate, degrade, and destroy terrorists and their cohorts in the FCT and surrounding regions. Noteworthy progress has already been made, with troops successfully clearing areas such as Kawu, Gaba, Deidei, Kubwa Hills, Ushafa, Garam, Jibi, back of Zuma Rock, Gidan Dogo, Kuyeri, and Kuyeri Hills.
Intensified night patrols have been instituted in critical areas like Mpape, Kubwa, Lugbe, Pyakasa, Keti, Gbaupe, Gbaukuchi, and Airport Road, among others, to enhance security.
In a recent development in the Northeast, the air component of Operation HADIN KAI, on January 10, 2024, eliminated three top ISWAP terrorist commanders in Borno State. The successful air strikes targeted and destroyed Abou Maimuna, Abou Zahra, and Commander Saleh, along with their lieutenants in a canoe.
The week’s operations yielded significant results, with 43 terrorists neutralized, 76 arrested, and 29 perpetrators of oil theft apprehended. Additionally, 27 kidnapped hostages were rescued, and troops successfully prevented the theft of an estimated sum of One Hundred and Thirty-One Million One Hundred and One Thousand Seven Hundred and Fifty Naira (N131,101,750.00) in the South-South region.
A substantial arsenal of 81 assorted weapons and 2,150 assorted ammunition was recovered, including rifles, grenades, bombs, and various types of guns. Further discoveries included vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, radios, and a sum of N1,266,920.00.
In the Niger Delta area, troops discovered and destroyed 7 dugout pits, 13 boats, 23 storage tanks, 2 barges, and 4 vehicles. Notably, illegal refining sites were dismantled, leading to the recovery of 139,045 liters of stolen crude oil, 25,115 liters of illegally refined AGO, and 5,200 liters of DPK.
Mindful of the persistent threat posed by kidnapping gangs and terrorists across the country, the armed forces are committed to continually reviewing internal processes. The military is determined to address these threats both in the short and long term, ensuring the creation of a safer environment for all citizens.
