Nigerian Armed Forces Intensify Crackdown on Terrorism, Oil Theft
Princess-Ekwi Ajide
Defence Headquarters says, the Armed Forces of Nigeria are intensifying their operations against terrorist networks and criminal enterprises across the country, with a recent surge in activities aimed at disrupting violent groups and illegal operations.
According to the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, in a bold push to dismantle terror cells, Nigerian troops have adjusted strategies to contain terrorists in the northwest and beyond, increasing their operational intensity to neutralize these groups and disrupt recruitment efforts.
Buba who spoke on the ongoing military operations across the country, said, in Ondo State, military forces are coordinating with the police to ensure the smooth execution of the upcoming off-cycle governorship election on November 16.
He said troop’s presence is to guarantee citizens’ safety as they vote, free from intimidation adding that in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is delivering sensitive election materials to secure polling locations.
The Director Defence Media Operations revealed that in the past week alone, troops neutralised 88 terrorists, apprehended 228 suspects, including 40 involved in oil theft, and freed 181 kidnapped individuals.
The scale of recovered assets underscores the operation’s success: 84 weapons, over 2,300 rounds of ammunition, 35 motorcycles, and nearly one billion Naira worth of stolen oil have been seized or destroyed.
In the Niger Delta, the military has also targeted the region’s vast network of illegal refineries, destroying 59 illicit sites, and seizing 942,420 liters of stolen crude oil.
These actions continue to strike a blow against oil theft, a significant drain on Nigeria’s resources.
The recent wave of military action has not gone unnoticed by terror groups.
Both ISWAP in the northeast and groups in the northwest are scrambling for new recruits, turning to social media for support. However, Nigeria’s armed forces remain vigilant, actively collaborating with other security agencies to prevent these recruitment efforts from taking root.
Major General Buba, promised that the military remains committed to securing peace and stability across Nigeria, bolstering confidence so that these critical operations bring long-term security to the nation.
