DHQ Warns Of Conspiracy To Undermine Military Operations By Terrorists Sponsors

DHQ alerts the public a scheme by terrorists to undermine military Activities

The Defense Headquarters (DHQ) expressed concern on Thursday, April 18, over alleged plots by terrorist organizations and those who support them to undermine the military's accomplishments in combat.

Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Edward Buba, claims that the planned smear campaign is in response to recent military operations that were effective in attacking terrorist strongholds and logistical hubs around the country, causing the terrorists to suffer major casualties.

He gave assurances that the military is still fully dedicated to stopping terrorist threats, stopping terrorist activity, and protecting people.

Military operations over the last two weeks have resulted in the death of 192 terrorists, the arrest of 341 more, the release of 62 kidnapped hostages, and the surrender of 122 ISWAP/JAS soldiers along with their families.

Significant financial losses were avoided thanks to operations in the Niger Delta region, which notably resulted in the destruction of many terrorist sites and the arrest of oil thieves.

General Buba emphasized the continuous objective of reducing terrorist operational capacity and support networks by means of strategic military actions conducted around the nation.

He declared, “The military is working decisively to kill the terrorists, dismantle their networks and create conditions whereby they cannot carry out acts of terror or harm citizens.

“It is for these reasons that the armed forces would continue to hunt the leadership of these terrorist groups, everywhere, across these theatres of operations.

“Being a professional force, due diligence by way of intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is painstakingly taken to distinguish the terrorists before air strikes are conducted. These air strikes have resulted in the death of several of these terrorist leaders and the cohorts hibernating in enclaves across the theatres of operation.

“It's not surprising that these terrorists and their sympathizers are attempting to blackmail the military after our successful airstrikes. Their plot is to portray casualties as innocent civilians rather than terrorists. The media must be cautious of these groups' tactics. Our operations have thwarted their strategic aims.

“During this period, our troops neutralized 192 terrorists, arrested 341 individuals, and rescued 62 hostages. Additionally, 122 ISWAP/JAS combatants surrendered with their families. We also apprehended 37 oil theft perpetrators, preventing an estimated loss of over N821 million.

“Furthermore, we recovered 211 assorted weapons and 6,288 rounds of ammunition, including 128 AK47 rifles and 26 dane guns. In the Niger Delta, troops discovered and destroyed 99 dugout pits, 36 storage tanks, and 192 cooking ovens, seizing significant quantities of stolen oil and refined products.”

He added, “The lifeline of these terrorist groups is the support of the people. Winning this war requires whole-of- society support. It's time for citizens to recognize their responsibility to the nation.

“Acts of terrorism and violence against the state are unconstitutional and unacceptable. Those who defy this face decisive military action.

“Our troops remain strong, resilient, and committed. We have no choice but to continue this fight to defeat the enemy and ensure the safety of our citizens.”