The Armed Forces of Nigeria says the plans and efforts of the criminal elements to perpetrate nefarious activities so as to discredit the government and efforts of security forces will in no way deter the military from sustaining the tempo of operations.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Bernard Onyeuko, made this declaration during a media briefing on the updates of the operational activities of the Armed Forces of Nigeria at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday.
He said different theatre Operations of military troops have inhibited economic saboteurs activities and exposed and forestalled other criminal activities in the country.
The director added that the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs have conducted several operational visits to the various theatres of operation and to 6 geo-political zones to consult with Government Officials, traditional and religious leaders and various interest groups for the purpose of sensitization on the current security challenges facing the country.
Onyeuko noted that the Armed Forces have worked cooperatively and in great synergy with other security and intelligence agencies to gain several successful and credible outcomes in all operations.
He said a security Summit that was held recently with relevant stakeholders was aimed at promoting understanding and collaboration of stakeholders and key players on the kinetic approach that is expected to facilitate public support for kinetic action in Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Insurgency (CTCOIN) operations in Nigeria.
He added that the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs had interaction with senior media executives in“Open Ears Press Dialogue”.
These engagements were aimed at ensuring that the Military High Command comes up with improved ways and means of tackling the myriad of security challenges across the country in partnership with other stakeholders.
Brigadier General Onyeuko said, within the period in focus, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained resolute in their operations and engaged in series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations in all theatres of major and subsidiary operations.
Land Operation
He said for land operations, “the gallant troops have been actively engaged in constant clearance patrols, ambush, raid, picketing, cordon and search operations as well as artillery bombardments”.
He noted thats as a result of these operations, troops neutralized scores of terrorists and bandits including senior BHT/ISWAP and ESN commanders as well as major bandit leaders.
Similarly, many of their fighters were incapacitated and their camps destroyed through artillery and air bombardments.
He added that troops rescued several kidnapped victims and arrested bandits/kidnappers informants and collaborators in different parts of the country. Our operations also inhibited activities of economic saboteurs as well as exposed and forestalled other criminal activities.
Troops also recovered large caches of arms and ammunition as well as equipment, vehicles and livestock within the period.
Maritime Operation
He also added that in the maritime environment, troops conducted various operations involving anti-piracy, anti-illegal oil bunkering, anti-crude oil theft, anti-pipeline vandalism and anti-smuggling operations.
“Troops disrupted smuggling activities, immobilized illegal refining sites, arrested some perpetrators, seized illegally imported rice and other contraband goods as well as recovered petroleum products,” he said.
The director added that, although some of our personnel paid the supreme price in the course of these operations, our dogged troops consistently demonstrated gallantry and resilience.
Air Component
Onyeuko moreover said, the Air Component conducted comprehensive air operations, which included air patrols, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance missions, offensive air strikes, air interdictions, search and rescue operations as well as close air support for ground troops.
The military spokesperson noted that the Military High Command recently renamed the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North East from Operation LAFIYA DOLE to Operation HADIN KAI.
“This was done to reflect the renewed spirit of jointness in the North East operational environment. The combined efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies demonstrate our commitment, synergy and determination to lay down our lives to protect our great Nation.
He said, we will continue to sustain the offensive posture and will not relent until peace is restored to every troubled zone in Nigeria.
The military, therefore, encourages every well-meaning Nigerian to support the efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies, by providing credible and timely information that will facilitate proactive engagements to address the threats.
The Military also thanked Nigerians for their support and further solicit their cooperation in the fight against criminality in the Country.
The Military High Command also commends all the gallant troops of the Armed Forces and personnel of other security agencies involved in various operations across the country for their resilience, doggedness and commitment.
