Military Achieves Significant Gains Against Insurgency In 2024 — Defence Headquarters
Abuja – The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced major achievements in the ongoing fight against insurgency and other security threats across Nigeria, revealing that troops neutralized 8,034 terrorists, arrested 11,623 suspects, and rescued 6,376 hostages between January and November 2024.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, shared the update during a press briefing in Abuja, emphasizing the military’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace nationwide.
Key Achievements in Numbers
Neutralized Terrorists: 8,034
Arrests Made: 11,623
Hostages Rescued: 6,376
Weapons Recovered: 8,216
Ammunition Seized: 211,459
Oil Theft Denied: Over ₦57 billion worth of crude oil and refined products
Regional Theatres of Operation
North-East: Operation Hadin Kai
Troops carried out targeted air and ground offensives against terrorist enclaves, neutralizing 347 terrorists, arresting 268 suspects, and rescuing 111 hostages in November alone. Key recoveries included 183 AK-47 rifles and 3,956 rounds of ammunition. Additionally, 299 Boko Haram/ISWAP combatants and families surrendered during the period.
North-Central: Operations Safe Haven & Whirl Stroke
Operations targeted extremist hideouts across Benue, Taraba, Plateau, and Nasarawa States.
Operation Safe Haven neutralized 48 extremists, arrested 170, and rescued 154 hostages in November, recovering 19 AK-47 rifles and other arms.
Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 22 terrorists, arrested 82, and rescued 79 hostages, with significant arms and ammunition recovered.
South-South: Operation Delta Safe
Efforts focused on combating crude oil theft and illegal refining activities, boosting Nigeria’s crude oil production to over 1.5 million barrels per day. In November, troops arrested 231 suspects, seized 4.7 million liters of crude oil, and destroyed 280 wooden boats used for illegal refining.
Major General Buba assured that the military is maintaining pressure on insurgents while working alongside other security agencies to ensure a peaceful festive season.
“The armed forces are committed to denying terrorists the space to operate, safeguarding lives, and securing the nation’s resources. Through sustained operations, conditions are increasingly unfavorable for insurgents to carry out their activities,” Buba stated.
The military remains vigilant and is continuously improving operational strategies to uphold law and order across the country.
