The Armed Forces of Nigeria,AFN, said on Friday that troops operational record for the month of July stands as compelling testimony of military sustained resolve to ensuring a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace to thrive in our country.
Director of Defence Media Operation Major General Michael Onoja who stated this during the monthly press briefing on troops activities, said over 102 terrorists and criminals were neutralized in July, while a total of 345 terrorist/criminals were arrested across the country.
He also said that 393 kidnap victims were rescued from their captives in July.
“Additionally, 57 insurgents surrendered to troops, while 59 arms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition were recovered.
“Similarly, the overall successes recorded in the fight against crude oil theft has continued to frustrate the activities of economic saboteurs. On the whole, the AFN has significantly degraded the capabilities of criminal and terrorist across the nation, ” he claimed.
The Director listed several troops operations across the six theatres of war in the country where terrorists were neutralized and over 345 others arrested.
He was however silence on the troops’ responses to the killings of 30 unarmed civilians on Monday in Naridon Village in Kamaru ward, Chawai Chiefdom ,Kauru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
Nor did he said anything about the killing on Tuesday of a DIA’s Senior Intelligence officer Colonel Abdulsalam Ude by an unidentified assailants at his residence in Army Housing Estate Kurudu, Abuja, even when these incidences have left people in fears that needs to be explain away.
On troops unwavering efforts, the director said the Chief of Defence Staff, General Olufemi Olatunbosun Oluyede, has commended their professionalism across all theatres of operation for the successes recorded during the month of July.
“The CDS specially commends troops of the AFN and other security agencies for the synergy that culminated in the safe rescue of the 44 pupils and teachers who were tragically abducted from schools in Oriire LGA of Oyo State, on 15 May .”
He added “it is imperative to note once again, that the rescue was achieved without any concession to the abductors and no quarter shall be given to perpetrators of such heinous crime, going forward.”
The CDS extends heartfelt condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the course of that woeful incident, as well as to the loved ones of officers and soldiers who paid the supreme sacrifice during the period.
General Oluyede reaffirms the AFN’s unwavering commitment to the protection of lives and property nationwide and its resolve to ensure that terrorism, kidnapping, secessionist agitation and other forms of criminality are purged from our society.
He equally thanked the media for its continued balanced and responsible reportage of military operations, and commends other security agencies and local vigilante groups for their sustained collaboration with troops.
The CDS reminded all Nigerians that national security is a shared civic responsibility, therefore the general public is encouraged to continue providing timely and accurate information to the nearest military formation or through the toll-free line 193. He assured that all information received will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.