Armed Forces Achieve Major Breakthroughs in Counter-Terrorism, Securing Peace Ahead of Edo Election
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
The Armed Forces are taking decisive and unwavering steps to end terrorism and insecurity across the country. Through ongoing military operations, our troops are dismantling terrorist networks and wiping out their leadership. Many top commanders and fighters have already been neutralized on the battlefield, demonstrating the success of these efforts.
Furthermore, in preparation for the off-cycle governorship election in Edo State, scheduled for September 21, 2024, troops are being strategically deployed to ensure a peaceful, fair, and credible election. Their presence will bolster the efforts of the police in guaranteeing the safety and security of voters, while also preventing any attempts to disrupt the process.
In the past week alone, our forces achieved remarkable results: neutralizing 159 terrorists, arresting 174 individuals, and rescuing 188 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, 45 oil thieves were captured, with stolen crude oil worth approximately **N736.97 million** denied to criminals in the South-South region.
Troops also made significant recoveries of arms and ammunition, seizing 151 assorted weapons and over 12,000 rounds of ammunition, including **92 AK-47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, and RPGs**. A breakdown of these captures underscores the comprehensive nature of our operations.
In the Niger Delta, our troops discovered and destroyed illegal refining sites and equipment, including **9 dugout pits, 35 boats, and 71 illegal refineries**. They also recovered nearly **800,000 liters of stolen crude oil** and other illegally refined petroleum products.
These achievements reflect the Armed Forces’ dedication to securing the nation and stabilizing areas impacted by terrorism and violence. We remain steadfast in our commitment to wiping out all threats to Nigeria’s peace and security, as our troops continue to press forward relentlessly.