Over 6,000 Terrorists Neutralized Nationwide as Military Ramps Up Security Efforts
Abuja — The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has made a disturbing revelation regarding the recent massacre in Yelwata, Benue State, where dozens were killed. He disclosed that some residents of the state allegedly provided shelter, food, and even women to the armed criminals who carried out the deadly attack.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja on Thursday, General Musa said that local informants not only harboured the attackers but also directed them to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, leading to the high number of casualties recorded.
“These criminals were harboured by people in the community. They were given food. They were even given women. They were guided on where the IDP camp was located. Yet, security forces received no information,” he lamented.
General Musa revealed that although troops had earlier received intelligence on potential attacks in other communities across the state, they were misled. By the time security operatives arrived at the identified locations, the real attack had already occurred in Yelwata using a swift hit-and-run tactic.
The CDS stressed the need for citizens to play an active role in national security by promptly reporting suspicious activities. He reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s directive for full deployment of all national security assets — including the Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, and intelligence agencies — to track down the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“This is why we consistently urge communities to be vigilant. Security is everyone’s responsibility,” he said.
Porous Borders a National Threat
General Musa also used the occasion to highlight the growing threat posed by Nigeria’s porous borders, especially as instability in the Sahel region continues to worsen. He cited the unchecked inflow of arms and fighters from conflict-ridden countries such as Libya, Sudan, and the Central African Republic.
To address this, he recommended the adoption of border fortification strategies similar to those used by Pakistan in securing its frontier with Afghanistan.
Military Operations: A Two-Year Review
Providing a comprehensive breakdown of military efforts across the country, Deputy Director of Defence Media Operations, Brigadier General Ibrahim Abu-Mawashi, revealed that:
6,260 terrorists and criminals have been neutralized
14,138 suspects arrested
5,365 civilians rescued
Regional highlights include:
North-East: 1,246 Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters neutralized, 2,467 arrested, 1,920 civilians rescued
North-West: 1,374 bandits killed, 2,160 arrested, 3,288 hostages rescued
North-Central: 730 terrorists killed, 7,153 arrested, 1,510 civilians rescued
Niger Delta: N83 billion worth of stolen crude recovered, 103 criminals killed, 2,760 suspects arrested
South-East (Operation Udoka): 440 terrorists killed, 1,677 arrested
South-West: 80 criminals killed, 1,763 arrested, 89 kidnap victims rescued
The operations also led to the recovery of thousands of rounds of ammunition and hundreds of firearms across the country.
Armed Forces Reaffirm People-Centric Approach
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, emphasized the military’s commitment to transparency and public engagement. He stated that the media interaction reflects General Musa’s vision of a “people-centric Armed Forces.”
“Our Armed Forces are not just fighters, but protectors and partners in national progress,” he said.
As Nigeria continues to face threats on multiple fronts, the Defence Headquarters urged all citizens to remain alert, support security agencies, and take an active role in promoting peace and national unity.
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