By Anan Geolengs
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that Nigerian troops neutralized 217 terrorists, arrested 333 suspects, and rescued 349 kidnapped victims across various operational theaters in October.
Briefing newsmen on Friday in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, provided an update on the military’s monthly counter-insurgency and anti-crime efforts nationwide.
Gen. Onoja disclosed that 70 insurgents surrendered to government forces during the period, while troops recovered 105 firearms and 3,174 rounds of ammunition.
He noted that sustained operations throughout October have left non-state armed groups severely pressured on multiple fronts.
According to the military spokesman, anti-terror operations in the North East recorded a surge in surrenders and disrupted supply lines, steadily dismantling insurgent cohesion.
In the North West and North Central zones, targeted raids on enclaves and the arrest of high-profile kingpins, gunrunners, and logistics suppliers significantly curtailed criminal activities against civilians.
In the southern regions, operations aimed at protecting critical infrastructure yielded notable results.
“Overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft have continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs, yielding the recovery of 756,837 liters of stolen crude oil and the destruction of 49 illegal refining sites,”Onoja said.
He further detailed that the Armed Forces responded to 98 adversary encounters across various theaters during the month including 27 under Operation HADIN KAI, 24 under Operation FANSAN YAMMA, 29 under Operation ENDURING PEACE, 12 under Operation WHIRL STROKE, four under Operation UDO KA, and one each under Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD.
“Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging assailants with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, and successfully repelled the attacks,” he stated.
Onoja conveyed the condolences of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, to the government and people of Taraba State over the October 23 terrorist attack in Binari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area.
The CDS assured the public that security forces will leave no stone unturned in hunting down the perpetrators.
Commending troops for their dedication, Gen. Oluyede cautioned personnel against complacency ahead of the upcoming festive season and reiterated the imperative of maintaining discipline, respecting human rights, and strictly adhering to rules of engagement.
The defence chief also issued a stern warning to criminal facilitators, emphasizing that informants, recruiters, gunrunners, and logistics suppliers will face the full weight of the law once apprehended.
He urged the public to support security forces by reporting suspicious activities promptly via the toll-free emergency line, 193.
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