Military operations ongoing to flush terrorists out of FCT – DHQ
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed that ongoing military operations are underway to eliminate terrorists from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
According to Director Defence Media Operations Major-General Edward Buba, troops have been successful in arresting several criminals and their collaborators in FCT, who are now providing valuable intelligence to aid the operations.
This announcement comes in response to the rising insecurity in certain areas of the FCT, including Dei-Dei, Dutse, Garam, and other nearby communities in the Bwari Area Council, where several kidnappings have taken place, causing fear among residents.
Speaking about the recent developments, Buba highlighted the recent achievements of the troops deployed to various parts of the country. In the past week alone, 86 terrorists were neutralized, and 101 others were apprehended.
He elaborated on specific operations conducted, stating that on January 5, 2024, troops carried out fighting patrols in Bwari Area Council of FCT and Kagarko LGA of Kaduna State. During these operations, two suspected extremists’ informants were arrested, and a mobile phone was recovered.
Continuing the crackdown the next day, troops, along with hybrid forces, conducted fighting patrols in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Rijau LGA of Niger State. Three suspected violent extremists’ sympathizers were arrested during these operations.
Furthermore, based on intelligence reports, troops raided suspected violent extremists’ hideouts in Bwari Area Council of FCT Abuja and Tafa LGA of Niger State. As a result, 10 suspects, including an informant and two kidnappers, were arrested. The valuable intelligence provided by these suspects is aiding the ongoing efforts to enhance the safety of the FCT.
In addition to combating terrorism, the military has also been tackling oil theft in the Niger Delta region. Thirty perpetrators of oil theft have been apprehended, and 21 kidnapped hostages have been rescued across different operational theaters. The seized stolen crude has an estimated value of N736,115,470. Troops have destroyed dugout pits, boats, storage tanks, vehicles, cooking ovens, pump machines, speedboats, and illegal refining sites. Furthermore, large quantities of stolen crude oil, illegally refined AGO, and DPK have been recovered.
The military operations in 2024 remain focused on finding and eliminating the terrorists to ensure their enduring defeat. The high command is determined to deny these terrorists the ability to terrorize and harm citizens across the country. Major-General Edward Buba emphasized that the military operations intend to target the terrorist commanders and their senior leadership. Every effort will be made to neutralize or make these individuals surrender.
In a tragic incident in Jibia, Katsina State, terrorists attacked and killed Haruna Abale, the traditional ruler of Kukar Babangida, along with his son and nine other residents. This comes amidst a wave of heightened terrorist activities in the North-west region of Nigeria.
The police command in the state has confirmed the incident, stating that armed assailants shot and killed nine people and burned down five vehicles. Investigations are ongoing, and efforts are being made to apprehend the perpetrators of this heinous act.
Kukar Babangida village has been heavily affected by terrorist activities, with its location on the road connecting Katsina metropolis to Marabar Jibia, a border community with Niger Republic.
The ongoing military operations and increased effort to secure the FCT and other parts of the country are aimed at curbing terrorism and ensuring the safety and well-being of Nigerians. The Defence Headquarters is resolute in its determination to rid the nation of these terrorists and restore peace and stability.
