The House of Representatives has praised the Defence Headquarters under the leadership of General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede for its stance against terrorists in the Northern region and other parts of Nigeria. The commendation comes amid intensified efforts by the military to tackle terrorism and banditry. The lawmakers noted that the military has moved beyond rhetoric in the fight against terrorism and banditry, with recent operations showing growing pressure on terrorist networks.
According to figures released by the Defence Headquarters, troops conducted operations across the country in July and August, neutralizing 1,487 terrorists and insurgents, rescuing 777 kidnapped victims, and arresting 354 suspects. The operations also resulted in the recovery of 91 firearms, 1,331 rounds of ammunition, and 44 improvised explosive devices. These operations were carried out in various theatres, including Operations Hadin Kai, Fansan Yamma, Whirlstroke, and Safe Haven.
In the North-East, troops operating under Operation Hadin Kai continued to target Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province elements. In August, the operation resulted in the neutralization of 114 terrorists, the arrest of 146 suspects, and the rescue of 60 kidnapped victims. The military also reported that improved security had enabled some displaced communities to begin returning.
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Waidi Shaibu, reported that Operation Hadin Kai had achieved significant successes, including the neutralization of 1,993 terrorists, arrest of 2,645 suspects, and rescue of 1,778 civilians. The operations also resulted in the recovery of weapons and ammunition. The military's efforts have been praised by lawmakers, who noted that the character of the operations is changing, with intelligence gathering, air strikes, ground offensives, and inter-agency coordination being deployed together.
Deputy spokesperson for the House, Philip Agbese, commended the military for its efforts, saying that the Armed Forces have gone beyond rhetoric and are now a nightmare to terrorists. He noted that the rescue of hundreds of innocent Nigerians, many of them women and children, speaks volumes about the commitment and professionalism of the troops. Agbese also urged Nigerians to provide credible information to security agencies, stressing that community intelligence is critical to identifying terrorist hideouts and collaborators.
Agbese cautioned against complacency, saying that recent operational gains should be consolidated through sustained investment in military equipment, intelligence, surveillance, logistics, and personnel welfare. He noted that the sacrifices being made by personnel on the front lines must be matched by effective leadership, coordination, and the provision of the equipment and intelligence required to sustain operations.
The military has intensified its efforts in September, with troops dominating the Northern region to ensure citizens' safety. The operations have resulted in significant successes, with the military moving to clear the North of insurgents. The lawmakers expressed confidence that continued military pressure, improved intelligence, and stronger inter-agency cooperation would further weaken terrorist networks and create conditions for the restoration of normal life in affected communities.
Key points
- 777 kidnapped victims rescued in July and August
- 1,487 terrorists and insurgents neutralized in July and August
- 354 suspects arrested in July and August
