Nigerian Armed Forces Strike Big: Over 800 Terrorists Neutralized in June
By Matthew Eloyi
The Strategic Communication Interagency Policy Committee (SCIPC) announced that Nigeria’s armed forces have achieved significant victories against terrorism and crime in June. The forces neutralized 857 terrorists, arrested 1,638 suspects, and rescued 921 kidnapped hostages.
SCIPC, a committee comprising spokespersons from the military, police, intelligence, and response agencies, was established by the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA). The update was shared during a news conference by the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in Abuja on Thursday.
Adejobi reported that troops recovered 894 weapons, 21,538 rounds of ammunition, and thwarted oil theft worth over N5 billion in June alone. The recovered arsenal included 313 AK47 rifles, 76 locally fabricated guns, 92 dane guns, and 14,243 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition. Additionally, 4,209 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 222 assorted arms, and 3,369 assorted ammunition were seized.
Other significant seizures included 3,994,080 liters of stolen crude oil, 1,879,630 liters of illegally refined AGO, 29,275 liters of DPK, and 26,900 liters of PMS, among other items.
“The security agencies have shown unwavering dedication to preserving Nigeria’s territorial integrity and ensuring the safety of its citizens,” Adejobi stated. He emphasized the steadfast resolve and fighting spirit of the armed forces, which led to numerous successes across various operations.
In the past three months, the Nigerian military eliminated 2,245 terrorists and apprehended 3,682 suspects, showcasing sustained and effective operations against insurgent elements. A notable victory included the capture of a notorious terrorist in Yobe on June 13.
Demonstrating their proactive stance, the army deployed 5,937 new soldiers on June 15 to combat banditry, secessionist agitation, and other threats. The MNJTF also eliminated 70 terrorists during Operation Lake Sanity 2 in the Lake Chad Basin through recent airstrikes targeting terrorist camps in Cameroon and Nigeria. This operation destroyed eight vehicle-borne improvised explosive devices (VBIEDs) near Arinna Ciki and ammunition bunkers northeast of Malam Fatori.
The Nigerian forces also recorded operational breakthroughs in Kogi with the rescue of abducted Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH) students. The Nigerian Navy focused on maritime security, combating oil theft by destroying illegal refining sites and intercepting N10 billion worth of stolen crude oil, highlighting the navy’s determination to safeguard national assets.
“In June, the Nigerian Army also took delivery of two Bell UH-1 ‘Huey’ helicopters to provide air cover for troops battling insecurity across the country,” Adejobi added. These helicopters, equipped with advanced sensors, will conduct various missions, including reconnaissance, rescue, and medical evacuations.
“The unwavering dedication to safeguarding lives and maintaining national security is evident in the successes achieved in recent operations, reaffirming our resolve to protect the nation,” he concluded.
