Defence Hqtrs vows diligent protection of Nigeria, citizens

The military has restated its resolve to diligently protect Nigeria and the citizens, vowing that its officers were ready to lay down their lives for the task at hand.

Acting Director, Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Ben Onyeuko, told reporters yesterday in Abuja that the military’s resolution to curtail activities of terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements should never be in doubt.

He said: “Within the period in focus, troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria remained resolute in their operations and engaged in series of kinetic and non-kinetic operations in all theatres of major and subsidiary operations.

“We have also worked cooperatively and in great synergy with other security and intelligence agencies to gain several successful and credible outcomes in our operations. For land operations, our gallant troops have been actively engaged in constant clearance patrols, ambush, raid, picketing, cordon and search operations, as well as artillery bombardments.

“In the maritime environment, troops conducted various operations involving anti-piracy, anti- oil bunkering, anti-crude oil theft, anti-pipeline vandalism and anti-smuggling operations. Moreover, the air component conducted comprehensive air operations, which included air patrols, Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) missions, offensive air strikes, air interdiction, search and rescue operations as well as close air support for ground troops.”

Onyeuko continued: “As a result of these operations, our troops neutralised scores of terrorists and bandits, including senior BHT/ISWAP and ESN commanders, as well as major bandit leaders.

“Similarly, many of their fighters were incapacitated and their camps destroyed through artillery and air bombardments.

“Additionally, troops rescued several kidnapped victims and arrested informants and collaborators in different parts of the country. Our operations also inhibited activities of economic saboteurs, exposed and forestalled other criminal activities.

“Troops also recovered large caches of arms and ammunition as well as equipment, vehicles and livestock within the period. In the maritime domain.”

, troops disrupted smuggling activities, immobilised illegal refining sites, arrested some perpetrators, seized illegally imported rice and other contraband goods, as well as recovered petroleum products. Although some of our personnel paid the supreme price in the course of these operations, our dogged troops consistently demonstrated gallantry and resilience.”

The spokesman further said: “You are also aware that the Military High Command has renamed the ongoing counter-insurgency operation in the North East from Operation LAFIYA DOLE to Operation HADIN KAI. This was done to reflect the renewed spirit of oneness in the North East operational environment. The combined efforts of the Armed Forces of Nigeria and other security agencies demonstrate our commitment, synergy and determination to lay down our lives to protect our great nation.”