The Nigerian Military High Command has disclosed that troops deployed across the country neutralized 10,937 terrorists, apprehended 12,538 suspects, and rescued 7,063 hostages over the past year.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed this during a press briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, providing a comprehensive overview of military operations conducted in 2024. He highlighted the significant progress made in degrading terrorist capabilities, noting that 16,171 combatants and their families surrendered during the year.
In addition, the military recovered 8,815 weapons and over 228,000 rounds of ammunition, while thwarting oil theft activities valued at an estimated ₦68.4 billion.
Comprehensive Breakdown
Maj. Gen. Buba detailed the recoveries as follows:
- Weapons: 4,332 AK-47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, 838 Dane guns, and 259 pump-action rifles.
- Ammunition: 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 45,445 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5,103 cartridges, and 29,176 assorted ammunition.
Regional Achievements
North-East
Under Operation Hadin Kai, troops neutralized 3,151 terrorists, arrested 2,503 suspects, and rescued 1,605 hostages. Key recoveries included 1,802 AK-47 rifles, 446 fabricated rifles, 438 Dane guns, and 42,439 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
North-Central
Operations Safe Haven and Whirl Stroke resulted in the neutralization of 1,047 violent extremists, 3,001 arrests, and the rescue of 1,782 hostages. Troops also recovered 549 AK-47 rifles and over 19,000 rounds of ammunition.
North-West
In the North-West, Operation Hadarin Daji accounted for 2,906 neutralized terrorists, 1,826 arrests, and 2,616 rescued hostages. Troops recovered 1,450 AK-47 rifles and over 31,999 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
South-South
Operation Delta Safe recorded 78 neutralized terrorists, 2,357 arrests related to crude oil theft, and the rescue of 93 hostages. Additionally, troops blocked the theft of 56.2 million litres of crude oil and destroyed 2,612 illegal refining sites.
South-East
Under Operation Udo Ka, troops targeted IPOB/ESN operatives, neutralizing 734 terrorists and arresting 974 suspects. A total of 372 hostages were rescued, and several collaborators, gunrunners, and informants were apprehended.
Collaboration and Call for Support
Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized the importance of heightened collaboration with neighbouring countries and regional organizations to effectively tackle terrorism. He urged Nigerian citizens to support the military’s efforts, stressing that the fight against terrorism requires collective action.
“The troops remain in high spirits, fully committed, and believe in the justness of the cause,” Buba stated, expressing confidence in the military’s ability to maintain momentum in the ongoing campaign.
