The Nigerian military reported significant successes against terrorist groups in October, with 481 terrorists killed, 741 arrested, and 492 hostages freed, according to the Defence Headquarters on Thursday.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, provided further details, noting that troops also seized 480 weapons and over 9,000 rounds of ammunition. Recovered arms included 263 AK-47 rifles, 81 locally made guns, 91 dane guns, and 76 pump-action guns, along with assorted ammunition types.
Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized the military’s superiority over terrorist forces, urging them to surrender or face defeat. He confirmed that several terrorist leaders and fighters had expressed a desire to surrender, prompting the military to establish a corridor for safe surrender.
In addition, troops intercepted stolen goods valued at nearly N3.9 billion, including 3.2 million liters of stolen crude oil and other refined products.
Maj.-Gen. Buba assured the public that despite the tragic loss of Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, the armed forces remain committed and undeterred in their fight to eliminate terrorism and maintain national security. He reaffirmed that the military is determined and well-equipped to bring an end to insurgency in the nation.