Linus Aleke, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), said that insurgents and terrorists are making life miserable for citizens, especially in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, Plateau state, and other troubled spots across the six geo-political zones.
This came as Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria neutralised no fewer than 94 terrorists and apprehended 214 suspects including kidnappers and oil thieves in various operations in the last week.
The Armed Forces of Nigeria, however, assured citizens that it is working assiduously, in collaboration with other security agencies to address the situation.
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, gave this assurance while briefing Defence Correspondent in Abuja.
Revealing that the situation of insecurity in the country is self-inflicted by citizens, Buba further said that it was the duty of the military to protect citizens and create a safe environment for them to have a prosperous future.
He said, “The military is conscious of the fact that the ongoing insurgency has contributed to making life worse for many citizens in several geo-political zones, across the country such as the North-East, North-West, North-Central, and South-East.
“We also recognise the apprehension occasioned by kidnappings, particularly with recent events recorded in the FCT and other areas.
“Indeed, we may not have all the answers now. However, we assure citizens that we are working assiduously to address the situation both in the immediate and long term to ensure the safety of lives and property.”
The Director also noted that the military is redoubling its efforts to ensure citizens live in a peaceful environment and have a prosperous life.
This, Buba stressed, was achievable, adding that the Armed Forces of Nigeria was focused on achieving it.
“The Armed Forces would destroy the cancer of terrorism that is ravaging our country thereby creating situations such as is ongoing in the Plateau State. The situation of insecurity that we are confronted with is self-inflicted by our citizens upon one another.
“Nevertheless, we must protect citizens and create a safe environment for them to have a prosperous future,” he added.
He noted that it is on this premise that the military constantly rejigs its operational strategies to adopt the best course of action that would make these ugly experiences a thing of the past.
He said, “We have deployed special forces to some of the hotspots to conduct targeted operations. We have also deployed several battlefield enablers to enhance intelligence and strike capability on these terrorists. We are encouraging the warring factions to shield their swords.
“As for the FCT and environs, offensive operations are ongoing at the following locations; Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro, and Tukuba all in Kuje Area Council. Other areas covered were Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry, and Nukuchi Villages all in Bwari Area Council of FCT.
“In neighbouring states to the FCT such as Niger, troops are conducting operations in Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wusa, and Garam in Tafa LGA of Niger State. Additionally, troops covered Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa LGAs of Nasarawa State respectively.
“As for the situation in the North-Central, tension broke out in Mangu LGA of Plateau in the early hours of January 23, 2024. The situation escalated and resulted in the breakdown of law and order in Mangu Town and adjoining communities. The crisis which started from Gangaran Kwata escalated to other parts of Mangu LGA despite concerted efforts by troops deployed to the general area to restore normalcy.”
During the week under review, Buba said that troops killed 94 terrorists and arrested 171 others.
Troops, he added also arrested 43 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 29 kidnapped hostages.
