By Anan Geolengs
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said troops neutralised 217 terrorists and arrested 333 others.
DHQ added that the troops also rescued 349 kidnapped victims across the country.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, disclosed this on Friday in Abuja, while giving update on military operations in the country.
Onoja said 70 insurgents surrendered to troops within the month.
He added that 105 arms and 3,174 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
According to him, military operations in October indicate that adversary is under pressure from multiple fronts.
He said in North East, mounting surrenders, disrupted supply routes and decisive counter-attacks had steadily eroded terrorist cohesion.
In North West and North Central, he said rescue of civilians, raids on terrorist enclaves and arrest of kingpins, gunrunners and collaborators significantly restricted terrorists and criminals from perpetrating heinous crimes against innocent civilians.
In South-South and South East, he said troops curbed oil theft and disrupted kidnapping and secessionist networks.
He said Air Component provided precise and timely support throughout, while Navy focused on disrupting illegal refining activities and supporting other security operations.
“Overall successes recorded in fight against crude oil theft have continued to frustrate activities of economic saboteurs, yielding recovery of 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products and destruction of 49 illegal refining sites,” he said.
Onoja said Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) recorded 98 attacks across various theatres of operation during the period.
He said Operation HADIN KAI recorded 27 attacks, Operation FANSAN YAMMA 24, Operation ENDURING PEACE 29, Operation WHIRL STROKE 12, Operation UDO KA four, while Operation DELTA SAFE and Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD recorded one attack each.
“Troops responded decisively to these incidents, swiftly engaging assailants with superior firepower and tactical maneuver, and successfully repelled the attacks,” he said.
The defence spokesman said Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, extended condolences to Government and people of Taraba, especially families of civilians who lost their lives in terrorist attacks in Binari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area on Oct. 23.
He said CDS prayed for souls of departed and assured nation that no effort would be spared to apprehend perpetrators and bring them to justice.
Onoja said CDS commended resilience of troops across all theatres and urged them to remain disciplined, uphold rules of engagement and respect for human rights.
He urged troops to guard against complacency, particularly with approach of festive season.
Onoja said CDS appreciated other security agencies for collaboration and called on them to deepen intelligence sharing and joint planning.
He also appreciated media for reportage, urging continued accuracy and verification, particularly on sensitive communal matters, so that no report inflames tension or compromises ongoing operations.
He appealed to traditional rulers, community leaders, youths and all stakeholders to report threats promptly, reject mob action and refuse safe havens to criminals.
“CDS further warns that terrorist collaborators, informants, logistics suppliers, recruiters and gunrunners will not be spared, once arrested.
“General public is also encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to nearest military formation or through toll-free line 193.
“You are assured that all information received will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
“AFN remains resolute to deter terrorist and criminal elements freedom of action in order to ensure peace and security across the nation,” he said.
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