The Nigerian Army has raised concerns over an increase in recruitment efforts by terrorist groups, especially the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), through social media platforms. The military has pledged to intensify its operations to counter these threats.
In a statement on Saturday, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, highlighted that recent military actions have severely disrupted the operations of these groups. He noted that coordinated air and ground offensives have destroyed numerous terrorist camps and inflicted heavy casualties.
On November 6, 2024, air forces under Operation HADIN KAI conducted precision strikes on ISWAP strongholds located on the KWALLARAM and ARAINNA CIKI islands in Borno State. These operations reportedly eliminated over 70 militants at KWALLARAM, with additional casualties recorded at ARAINNA CIKI.
Buba reported significant progress in recent counter-terrorism efforts, including the neutralization of 169 terrorists and the arrest of 641 suspects. He also noted the rescue of 181 kidnapped victims and the detention of 40 individuals involved in oil theft.
In the Niger Delta, the military disrupted large-scale oil theft operations, preventing losses estimated at over N1.4 billion. Troops seized a substantial cache of weapons, including 106 AK-47 rifles, 38 homemade guns, 26 locally made firearms, one FN rifle, three makeshift revolvers, and five pump-action shotguns. They also recovered 2,970 rounds of ammunition, explosives, communications equipment, 40 mobile phones, seven vehicles, 29 motorcycles, and N729,000 in cash.
Operations in the Niger Delta also uncovered numerous illegal oil refining sites. The military dismantled 20 crude oil ovens, 42 boats, and 83 illegal refineries, seizing large quantities of stolen resources, including 914,445 litres of crude oil, 537,325 litres of refined diesel, and 1,285 litres of petrol.
Maj. Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s commitment to eradicating terrorism and safeguarding Nigeria’s resources from illegal activities, emphasizing that they will continue their efforts to maintain national security.
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