HURIWA urges sustained offensive against terrorists

The Nigerian Army has recorded another operational success in the South-East, with sustained offensives by troops of the 82 Division/Joint Task Force South-East, Operation Udo Ka (OPUK), forcing members of a militant group to surrender their weapons. Troops also recovered additional arms and an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) during separate operations.

The Army in a statement yesterday, said the breakthrough followed sustained operational pressure by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade and the recent arrest of suspects linked to the killing of a soldier.

According to the statement, the relentless military operations left members of the militant group operating in Egbema and surrounding communities with little option but to voluntarily surrender their arms.

“One of the arrested suspects also led security operatives to a location where the group’s weapons had been buried,” it said.

The Army said the latest achievements highlight the effectiveness of its combined kinetic and non-kinetic strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and restoring lasting peace and security across the region.

Items recovered from the operation include one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, 54 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and four locally fabricated firearms.

In a separate operation, troops of Sector 5, Operation Udo Ka, acting on credible intelligence, recovered two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), 45 rounds of 7.62mm x 51 ammunition, and one Improvised Explosive Device (IED). The Army said the recovery further weakened the operational capability of criminal elements and reduced threats to public safety.

The Army described the voluntary surrender of weapons as evidence that sustained military pressure, backed by strategic engagement and collaboration with other security agencies, is producing positive results by compelling criminal elements to abandon violence and renounce their activities.

It reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining the current operational tempo until all criminal networks are dismantled and lasting peace is restored across the South-East.

The Army also reiterated its resolve to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguard the lives and property of citizens through intelligence-driven operations carried out in collaboration with other security agencies and key stakeholders.

It urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies, stressing that public support remains crucial to sustaining operational successes and strengthening national security.

MEANWHILE, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Waidi Shaibu, for recent measures aimed at strengthening the country’s fight against terrorism.

It urged the military to sustain its offensive against Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed groups.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko yesterday, HURIWA praised the Nigerian Army’s swift response to intelligence reportedly provided by the Department of State Services (DSS), which allegedly uncovered plans by Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) to launch fresh attacks in the North-East.

The association said the military’s proactive deployment underscored the importance of intelligence-led counterterrorism operations and called for sustained pressure on terrorist groups until they are completely dismantled.

HURIWA also applauded President Tinubu for approving the expansion of the Nigerian Army through the creation of four additional divisions and new brigades in strategic locations across the country.

According to the group, the development represents one of the most significant structural reforms in the history of the Nigerian Army and demonstrates the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening the nation’s defence architecture.

“The expansion of the Nigerian Army is a historic milestone that aligns with global best practices in military organisation. A stronger force structure, backed by improved command and control, will enhance rapid deployment, strengthen border security and improve the country’s capacity to respond effectively to emerging security threats,” the statement said.

The rights group further welcomed the appointment of General Officers Commanding for the newly established divisions, expressing confidence that the new operational formations would enhance military presence in vulnerable areas and improve coordination among the armed forces and other security agencies.

HURIWA also commended the recent announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff on the Federal Government’s plan to review upward the salaries and welfare packages of military personnel.

It noted that improved remuneration, enhanced welfare and increased operational support would boost the morale, professionalism and combat effectiveness of troops engaged in operations against terrorists, bandits and other violent criminal groups.

The association further praised the Chief of Army Staff for directing tighter security along humanitarian supply routes in Borno State, particularly the Dikwa-Gamboru Ngala corridor, where remnants of terrorist groups have continued to threaten relief operations.

It described the directive as a demonstration of the Army’s commitment to protecting humanitarian workers, internally displaced persons and other vulnerable communities affected by insurgency.

While commending the ongoing reforms, HURIWA urged the military high command to continue strengthening intelligence-driven operations, deploy modern surveillance technology and sustain aggressive military campaigns aimed at eliminating Boko Haram, ISWAP and other armed non-state actors threatening Nigeria’s security.

The group stressed that defeating terrorism requires sustained political support, adequate funding, improved troop welfare, stronger inter-agency collaboration and continued public support for the Armed Forces.

HURIWA reaffirmed its support for lawful measures aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s security institutions and called on Nigerians to assist the military by providing timely and credible intelligence to support ongoing counterterrorism operations.