Military Operations Intensify as Nigerian Armed Forces Strike Significant Blows Against Terrorists, Criminal Networks
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
As it continues to push to secure Nigeria’s sovereignty and stability, the Nigerian Armed Forces have recorded substantial successes across various regions, making headway in the fight against terrorism, insurgency, and other forms of criminality.
These efforts, as reported by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, showcase the military’s resolve to dismantle terrorist networks and restore peace in the nation.
Crushing Insurgents in the Southeast
In the southeastern theatre of operations, the military carried out successful raids targeting members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) where troops from Forward Operating Base (FOB) Orsu captured a key figure in the ESN’s operations in the Orsu area of Imo State, IPOB leader, Pius Iguh.
Another major success came from a raid in Amaruku, where IPOB commander Emmanuel Onwugu, was apprehended in Abia State’s Mbano Local Government Area.
Combating Cultism and Criminality
Beyond insurgency, the military’s operations have extended to dismantling dangerous criminal networks.
In a joint operation with security forces, troops arrested notorious cult leader, Ifeanyi Rock, alongside ten of his armed members in Arochukwu, Abia State. Their capture marks a significant blow to cult-related violence in the region.
Widespread Success Across Nigeria
The scope of military operations goes far beyond the Southeast.
Over the past week, a total of 140 insurgents were neutralised, and 135 others were arrested, highlighting the military’s growing momentum in quelling insurgent activities.
Troops also rescued 76 kidnapped hostages and made critical arrests, including 18 perpetrators of oil theft, a crime that has long plagued the nation’s economy.
Recovering Arms and Disrupting Oil Theft
In the fight against illegal arms and economic sabotage, the military recovered a staggering 241 weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, pistols, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.
These seizures are critical to weakening the firepower of criminal groups.
In the Niger Delta region, troops discovered and destroyed 47 illegal oil refining sites, alongside 33 crude oil cooking ovens and 19 dugout pits. Over 1.1 million liters of stolen crude oil and 557,210 liters of illegally refined diesel (AGO) were recovered.
These actions, which prevented the theft of over N1.7 billion in oil, underscore the military’s dedication to preserving the nation’s resources.
A Call to Action
As operations continue to deepen across the country, the military urges all Nigerian citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security forces in the ongoing battle against terrorism and criminal activities.
Major General Edward Buba reaffirmed that the Armed Forces will persist in their mission to defeat terrorists in every corner of the nation, ensuring Nigeria’s path to peace and prosperity remains strong.
“We call on citizens to see themselves as the outstretched arm of the military and never to give terrorism any oxygen to thrive in our nation,” Buba emphasized.
The ongoing military operations reflect a commitment to restoring peace and security in Nigeria, protecting its citizens, and ensuring that terrorist elements are decisively defeated on all fronts.