DHQ reaffirms confidence in U.S. counter-terrorism support
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed confidence in the ongoing military assistance being rendered to Nigeria by the United States in addressing the nation’s security challenges. The Director of Defence
- 201 terrorists killed, 284 commanders arrested,188 abducted civilians rescued
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has expressed confidence in the ongoing military assistance being rendered to Nigeria by the United States in addressing the nation’s security challenges.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen Michael Onoja, announced this at a press conference yesterday.
Gen Onoja said it was “very pleased” with the arrangement, which focuses on providing intelligence support to the Nigerian military and other security agencies, stressing that the United States has no troops on the ground in Nigeria.
Onoja said there was no going back on the arrangement with the U.S. for now based on the significant results being recorded by the troops since it started.
Speaking on fears being entertained in some quarters about security in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and its environs, the Defence spokesperson said the nation’s capital city is fortified with adequate security being provided all the security forces
“Abuja is not a safe place for criminals to want to operate, such criminals will not live to tell the sad story awaiting them,” he said.
He assured the residents to go about their normal daily life activities as there was no cause for concern at all times.
On the recent killing of a member of the National Youth Corps (NYSC), by soldiers of the Guards Brigade during a military operation against armed robbers in Abuja, Gen. Onoja said the incident would be thoroughly investigated to get to the root of the matter
He assured that the members of the public would be duly briefed on the outcome of the investigation and appropriate action taken against whoever found culpable.
Also, the DHQ says troops deployed in internal security across the country killed 201 terrorists and arrested 284 commanders and collaborators in April.
It added that troops rescued 188 abducted civilians, including women, children, farmers and worshippers, and reunited them with their families.
Onoja said the outcomes were not abstract achievements, noting: “Behind every rescued victim is a family made whole, and behind every destroyed enclave is a community reclaimed.”
According to the Defence spokesperson, across every geopolitical zone, troops executed precision kinetic strikes against insurgent and criminal formations, dismantled terrorist enclaves and logistical networks, and rescued scores of abducted civilians.
“Their actions restore safety to communities that had endured the menace of terrorism, kidnapping, and armed violence,” he said.
On successes recorded in the Northeast, Onoja said troops of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, killed 136 terrorists, arrested 114 suspects, rescued 18 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of nine insurgents and their families.
He said: “On April 1, eight terrorists were neutralised in a coordinated ambush at the Gadangari axis, Bama Local Government Area of Borno State, with no casualties recorded on the troops’ side. Clearance at the Dajin Madam and Kumbodoro Forests dismantled multiple terrorist camps and led to the capture of a deputy ring leader and his wife.
“On April 22, nine captives including women and children who had escaped from terrorist captivity in the Mandara Mountains were rescued by troops, who subsequently repelled a determined enemy counterattack launched to recapture them.”
On troops successes under FANSAN YAMMA in the Northwest, the Defence spokesperson said troops delivered “devastating and precise strikes” against terrorist elements across Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi, Sokoto, and Zamfara states throughout the period, “systematically dismantling criminal networks and protecting communities from violent attacks.”
“During the month, troops neutralised 20 terrorists’ fighters, arrested 32 suspects, rescued 70 kidnapped victims, and facilitated the surrender of one insurgent,” he said.
The troops of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta intensified security across the Southsouth region, dismantling criminal networks, protecting communities, and rescuing abducted civilians with decisive force.
“Troops arrested 17 suspects, destroyed two illegal refining sites, and recovered 101,443 litres of petroleum products such as crude oil, Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), Dual Purpose Kerosene(DPK), and Premium Motor Spirit(PMS) combined, “ he said.
