The military high command has assured Nigerians and the residents of Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Abuja, that their lives are safe and the security of the country is intact.
It said that threats of attacks by Boko Haram/Islamic State of West African Province, ISWAP, terrorists are empty and mere propagandas to create fear on the populace.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Defence Headquarters, Major General Benard Onyeuko gave the assurance on Thursday during the bi-weekly briefing on troops activities and operational successes at the various operational theaters of the six geo-political zones of the Country.
“The hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies wishes to re-assured Nigerians of its commitment and pact with all Nigerians”.
He said that ” with the recent operations carried out from 23 July we wish to assure residents of FCT Abuja in particular that we are undaunted and unrelenting in our efforts to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
“People should go about their normal business as their safety is guaranteed. The support and cooperation of all Nigerians is hereby solicited as security is everybody’s business. Citizens are encouraged to report any unusual persons in your community to security agencies. If you see something say something,’ he added.
Give useful information to troops and other services who are assiduously working to eliminate terrorists, bandits and other criminals . Stop fielding information on troops movement to the enemies, he enjoined .
Major General Onyeuko said troops of 7 Guards Battalion and 167 Special Force Battalion in conjunction with the air component of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted a clearance patrol around Bwari general area between 24 – 26 July 2022 following the ambushes attack on troops.
“The troops successfully clear Kawu and Ido villages. Consequently, about 30 terrorists were neutralized and their enclave and hide out destroyed. Ground troops also recovered 6 x motorcycles, 2 x AK47 rifles, 1 x fully loaded LMG magazine amongst others during mob up.”
The report also showed that the Joint Task Force Operation HADIN KAI in the North East zone between the 17 and 19 July 2022 responded to the activities of Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province criminals who kidnapped some civilians and rustled some cattle at Balkani village in Jere Local Government Area.
“Troops made contact with the terrorists and rescued the kidnapped civilians and recovered the rustled cattle. Also, at another location troops rescued 2 civilians that were kidnapped by Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists at Kayamade village in Kondoga Local Government Area of Borno State.”
“In another operation, troops on fighting patrol repelled Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province attacks at Gwalaram village in Magumeri Local Government Area. Own troops fire power forced the criminals to flee the location.”
However, the troops came in contact with terrorists along Kwang – Kilakasa road, Monguno, Gajiran and in an ensued battle with the terrorists neutralized 20 of the insurgents.
Troops further exploited the area and recovered 6 x AK47 rifles, 3 bicycles, 1 Toyota Landcruiser van, 3 x tyres, 490 rounds of 108mm, 274 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, metal links, 5 x magazine, 2 x Improvised Explosive Device cylinders and 100 litres of Premium Motor Spirit among others items.
Troops on July 25, 2022 rescued 4 women with children at Aulari in Borno State, two of them Hanatu Musa and Kauna Sarah Luka were identified to be in list with serial number 7 and 38 of the missing Chibok girls.
The Director of Defence Media Operations said that within the weeks in focus, a total of 2,016 suspected Boko Haram Terrorists/Islamic State of West Africa Province terrorists and their families comprising of 360 adult males, 580 adult females and 1076 children surrendered to own troops at various locations in the North East theatre of Operation.
He said that all rescued civilians and recovered items were handed over to relevant authority, while surrendered Boko Haram Terrorists and their families were profiled and handed over to the appropriate agencies for further action.