Muhammed Abubakar, Reporting
ABUJA — Troops deployed across various theatres of operations have neutralised over 102 terrorists and 345 criminals during the month of July, the Defence Headquarters has disclosed.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major-General Michael Onoja, revealed this on Friday while briefing journalists in Abuja, describing the operational record for July as “compelling testimony to the sustained resolve of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to ensure a secure environment for socio-economic stability and peace to thrive in our country.”
General Onoja further disclosed that 57 insurgents surrendered to troops during the period, while security forces recovered 59 arms and 1,811 rounds of ammunition.
High-Value Targets Eliminated
Among the major successes recorded in July was the killing of Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief, dealing a significant blow to the insurgents’ leadership and information network.
“On 12 July, troops countered a Boko Haram/ISWAP attack in Kukawa Local Government Area of Borno State, neutralising Abu Salim al-Barnawi, a senior terrorist commander and propaganda chief,” General Onoja stated.
In another significant breakthrough, troops recorded the surrender of a senior ISWAP finance operative along the Ladari-Jegarawa-Tunokalia axis on the Gamboru-Wulgo Main Supply Route on 25 July.
“The operative, identified as the Chief Finance Officer of the ISWAP enclave at Jubillaram, surrendered alongside two children and handed over an AK-47 rifle, four magazines, 101 rounds of ammunition, a motorcycle and cash,” the defence spokesperson added.
Joint Operations Yield Results
General Onoja noted that in collaboration with other security agencies and local groups, troops achieved notable successes across operational theatres in various geopolitical zones.
These successes included the rescue of abducted and kidnap victims, as well as the neutralisation and arrest of terrorists, kidnappers, militias and other criminal elements.
“The period also recorded the successful neutralisation and surrender of several high-value targets, which has furthered our operations to diminish the effectiveness of the terrorists’ and criminals’ leadership structures in identified areas across the country,” he said.
Community Development Initiatives
Beyond kinetic operations, the military has also embarked on several community development projects, including the construction of town halls, provision of solar-powered boreholes, installation of transformers, rehabilitation of schools and restoration of electricity infrastructure in communities across the country.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring peace and security nationwide, urging citizens to continue supporting the military’s efforts to combat insurgency and other criminal activities.
