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Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Taoreed Lagbaja
The Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, on Thursday, assured Nigerians that the Army was on a victory path in the ongoing war against banditry, terrorism and kidnapping in the country.
This was as the Defence Headquarters said a total of 1,166 terrorists were killed in the operations conducted in August.
Lagbaja, speaking in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, at the closing session of the Chief of Army combined 2nd and 3rd Quarters Conference 2024 on Thursday, said though the challenges of insecurity in the country were daunting, the military would achieve a clean victory soonest.
“I must say that the feedback from the various commanders is encouraging. They show that the prevailing security challenges facing our dear nation, though daunting, are surmountable and that we are indeed on the right path to victory.
“I assure Nigerians of the Nigerian Army’s resolve to continue to collaborate with its sister services and other security agencies to ensure security of lives and property across the country. I encourage law-abiding Nigerians to continue to support the government and the security forces in their efforts to make our country safe and prosperous,” the COAS said.
He pointed out that the conference enabled the army to confirm the level of implementation of the policies and decisions agreed upon at the previous conference.
“We also utilised the conference to fine-tune our last quarter activities for the year, particularly as we transit to the popular ember month of the year.
“I believe that the secretariat has adequately captured the decisions arrived at during our deliberation and will decimate them in good time after my approval,” Lagbaja said.
Speaking at the bi-weekly briefing of the DHQ in Abuja on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba said 1,096 suspected terrorists were arrested, and 721 kidnapped civilians were rescued in August.
“The motivation of the terrorist is getting lower and lower in the North-East, which is leading to the mass surrendering recorded. Troops aim to replicate the same in other theatres of operation to bring peace and safety to citizens.
“The military is on high alert, and we have increased our readiness to protect the country from further terrorist aggression. We urge citizens to understand that this war is not a quick fix but a long and enduring military operation. It is certain that in the end, these terrorists will be destroyed, and our nation will be safe and peaceful again.
“During the month of August 2024, troops neutralised 1,166 terrorists, arrested 1,096 suspected terrorists and other criminal elements, as well as rescued 721 kidnapped hostages. Additionally, troops recovered 391 weapons and 15,234 ammunition rounds,” Buba said.
In addition, he said, “Troops denied oil theft of an estimated sum over N5,045,160,010.00. 5,047,150 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,152,500 litres of illegally refined AGO, 320 litres of DPK and 28,500 litres of PMS, amongst other items, were recovered.”
