The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) reported on Thursday that intensified military offensives have severely impacted the operational capacity of the Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in North East Nigeria, pushing the group into a regional recruitment drive for new fighters.
This development, according to the DHQ, reflects the broad success of recent anti-terror operations that have also left terrorist groups in the North West struggling, resorting to social media to bolster their ranks.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated in a press release, “Troops are aware of the situation and are working closely with other security agencies and government authorities to thwart these recruitment efforts.”
He also confirmed that the military is coordinating with the police to ensure a peaceful governorship election in Ondo State, slated for November, with the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) already assisting the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by transporting sensitive materials for the upcoming vote.
Providing an update on the recent progress made across various operational zones, Gen. Buba noted that troops had neutralized 88 terrorists, arrested 228 suspects, and freed 181 kidnapped individuals within the past week.
Additionally, the troops confiscated an array of weapons, including 84 high-caliber firearms: 34 AK-47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, five fabricated revolver pistols, eight locally made pistols, three pump-action guns, and one magnum pump-action shotgun.
Recovered ammunition included 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and other ammunition totaling 2,393 rounds, alongside 25 magazines.
In the Niger Delta region, anti-illegal oil operations saw troops dismantling 59 illegal refining sites and arresting 40 suspected oil thieves.
Troops recovered 942,420 liters of stolen crude oil, 175,075 liters of refined diesel, and 4,980 liters of petrol.
They also discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil processing ovens, 20 dugout pits, 73 boats, 25 storage tanks, and other equipment used in the illicit trade.
This series of successful operations, Gen. Buba emphasized, underscores the commitment of the Nigerian military to maintain stability and secure citizens across all regions.
