By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Despite recent attacks in the North East and North West caused by the influx of foreign fighters from the Sahelian Region, troops have taken down over 156 terrorists in the last one week.
Also, over 464 suspects have been arrested during the period under review as troops are thwarting and eliminating forms of resurgent terror attacks in the North West and North East.
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations disclosed on Thursday while briefing reporters in what he said was going to be his last function in the capacity as Director Defence media operations.
He said that though troops might record occasional tactical setbacks which is common place in any threatre of war, “Our strategic objective of breaking the terrorists’ will to fight remains resolute and unhindered.
The military is committed to winning the war against terrorists and insurgency across the country. This is demonstrated as troops are fighting with great effort, great determination and great sacrifice to bring about great results.”
According to him, “The just concluded Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day was a stack reminder that our fallen heroes have not died in vain. Indeed, the life of any personnel lost in battle contributes to making our nation safer,” he said and urged citizens to embrace security as every bodies business and not that of the military. “Citizens must not compromise on security, otherwise everyone’s security is compromised.”
While talking about arms recovered from the insurgents, General Buba, whose next point of operation is not disclosed, said during the period under review, troops recovered 219 assorted weapons and 2,871 assorted ammunition.
He gave the breakdown as one GPMG, 68 AK47 rifles, one AK56 rifle, 12 fabricated rifles and 4 FN rifles.
Others include 4 dane guns, 7 pump action guns, one foreign double barrel gun, 9 fabricated IEDs, 18 FN grenades, 6 RPG bombs, 27 magazines, 4 IEDs and making materials, 1,618 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 676 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo, 68 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 317 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 73 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 175 rounds of PKT ammo, one box of 12.7mm ammo, 25 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 10 vehicles, 42 motorcycles, 29 mobile phones amongst other items.