Counter terrorism: Military making progress, kills 6,260 terrorists, rescues 5,365 civilians in 2years -DHQ

.As Tinubu insists on arrest of Benue killer herdsmen

.Visits Kaduna, extols state’s contributions to democracy

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says 6,260 terrorists have been killed while 14,138 terrorists and other criminals were apprehended in joint military operations across the country in the past two years.

The Deputy Director Defence Media Operations, Brig.-Gen. Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, revealed this while giving an overview of military operations in two years, at the Expanded Parley with Media Executives on Thursday in Abuja.

The parley was being held to mark the two years in office of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa and other service chiefs.

Abu-Mawashi said the troops of the armed forces also rescued 5,365 kidnapped victims and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in different operations within the period.

Giving details of military successes in each of the region, he said the troops of Operation Delta Safe in the Niger Delta region recovered N83 billion worth of stolen crude oil.

Abu-Mawashi said the troops also killed 103 criminals, apprehended 2,760 others and rescued 266 civilians from the kidnappers’ den.

In the North East, he said the troops of Operation Hadin Kai intensified operations resulting in the killing of 1,246 Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists, while 2,467 of them were arrested within the period.

According to him, the troops rescued 1,920 civilians, recovered 982 arms and 2,153 ammunition in the Northeast.

In the North West, Abu-Mawashi said the troops of Operation Fasan Yamma killed 1,374 bandits, including their top commanders in Zamfara, Kaduna, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto State.

“They also arrested 2,160 bandits and rescued 3,288 hostages from bandits enclaves.

“The arms and ammunition recovered are 947 weapons and 25,802 rounds, respectively,” he added.

The defence spokesman said troops on operations in the North-Central, killed 730 terrorists, bandits and violent extremists, and arrested 7,153 violent extremists.

He said that a total of 1,510 civilians were rescued, while 1,065 weapons and 19,709 rounds were recovered.

In the South East, Abu-Mawashi said the troops of operation UDO KA had in the past two years eliminated 440 terrorists while 1,677 criminals were arrested.

According to him, the troops also rescued 294 civilians and recovered 683 weapons and 21,300 rounds of ammunition.

“Finally, Joint Task Force South West killed 80 criminals and arrested 1,763 others, while they rescued 89 kidnap victims.

“Troops recovered 143 weapons, and 177,904 rounds of ammunition,” he added.

In his remarks, the Director Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said the event marked a significant milestone in their collective efforts to address and mitigate the complex security challenges confronting the nation.

Gusau said the programme was conceived in alignment with one of the leadership philosophies of the CDS, which is “leading a people-centric armed forces”.

He pledged the commitment of the military to ensuring that the Nigerian public remains accurately and adequately informed about the activities, achievements and sacrifices of the armed forces.

…Visits Kaduna, extols state’s contributions to democracy

President Bola Tinubu on Thursday expressed deep appreciation for the role Kaduna State and its people have played in Nigeria’s democratic journey, describing the state as central to his personal and political history.

Speaking at Murtala Square during the inauguration of several projects, Tinubu acknowledged the contributions of prominent Kaduna figures to national progress.

He corrected an earlier omission by conferring a posthumous national honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) on Mr Kazeem Aminu-Dangiwa.

He also praised long-time comrades like Sen. Shehu Sani for their dedication to the democratic struggle, saying that their sacrifices would never be forgotten.

“I have seen today an example of people-oriented development, with institutions that prepare our youths for future opportunities,” Tinubu said, commending the newly inaugurated vocational and skills centres.

The president lauded Gov. Uba Sani for what he described as a bold and visionary leadership, particularly in restoring peace and security in previously troubled areas like Birnin Gwari.

“I recall visiting this state in 2022 under tense conditions. Today, peace has returned.

“I am told one can move through Birnin Gwari at midnight without fear,” Tinubu said.

He pledged full federal support for the state’s development efforts, reaffirming commitment to projects like the Kaduna light rail, infrastructure, and youth empowerment.

Tinubu also called on other Governors to emulate Kaduna’s focus on vocational training and human capital development.

“Whatever we need to do together, we will do. We’ll soon launch a comprehensive national agenda on skills and food sovereignty,” he added.

The president, visibly moved by the reception, said he looked forward to spending more time in the state in future visits.

“Kaduna is rising again, and we will rise with it,” he concluded.

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