The Defence Headquarters has deployed a substantial number of troops to Ondo State ahead of the upcoming governorship election on November 16, 2024, to bolster police efforts in maintaining peace and security. This decision, announced by Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, is intended to create a secure atmosphere for voters, ensuring they can participate freely without fear of harassment or intimidation.
The presence of military forces is also meant to deter any groups or individuals who may attempt to disrupt the election process.
In addition to troop deployment, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is aiding the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by transporting sensitive electoral materials needed for the voting process.
Major General Buba also shared recent accomplishments in national security efforts over the past week. Notably, security operations across various regions have successfully neutralized 88 terrorists, detained 228 individuals, and rescued 181 kidnapped victims.
In the Niger Delta, troops disrupted illegal oil activities, saving an estimated 1 billion Naira worth of resources by dismantling 59 unauthorized refineries, 13 crude oil ovens, and other illicit structures. Recovered assets included large quantities of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products, in addition to 84 assorted weapons, 2,393 rounds of ammunition, various vehicles, motorcycles, and cash.
Highlights from regional operations include:
1. Operation Hadin Kai (North East): Troops neutralized 40 terrorists, arrested 50 suspects, and freed 27 hostages. An impactful air strike targeted ISWAP and JAS militants moving from the Lake Chad Basin.
2. Operation Safe Haven (North Central): Nine extremists were neutralized, 41 suspects arrested, and 27 kidnapped individuals rescued in ongoing operations across Plateau and Kaduna States.
3. Operation Whirl Stroke (North Central): Two terrorists were neutralized, 20 extremists detained, and eight hostages rescued, along with seized weapons and motorcycles.
4. Operation Hadarin Daji (North West): Security forces neutralized 33 terrorists, arrested 41 suspects, and freed 21 hostages, with airstrikes launched against terrorist camps in Zamfara State.
5. Operation Delta Safe (South-South): Troops apprehended 40 suspects involved in oil theft, recovered stolen crude oil, and destroyed illegal refineries.
6. Operation Udoka (South East): Four terrorists were neutralized, five suspects apprehended, and various firearms and ammunition recovered.
Additionally, Major General Buba highlighted that ISWAP and other terrorist organizations face challenges in recruiting new members and have increasingly turned to social media for recruitment efforts.
Security agencies are closely monitoring these tactics to curb recruitment and ensure ongoing stability. All seized items, rescued hostages, and apprehended suspects have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further processing and action.
