Troops sustain aggressive tempo against terrorists nationwide, neutralise scores

Troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) deployed to different theatres of operations across the country have sustained aggressive posture against terrorists, bandits, kidnappers and crude theft.

During the week under review, troops eliminated scores of Boko Haram/ ISWAP terrorists, arrested many and rescued many kidnapped victims.

The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, made the position known on Friday while providing an update on gains recorded in the ongoing counterterrorism and counterinsurgency operations between 17 and 23 July.

He assured of troops’ aggressive posturing against terrorists and other enemies of the State across theatres of operation until “normalcy is fully restored”.

He said during the period under review, Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) sustained internal security and counter-terrorism operations across the country.

“During the period, troops conducted offensive operations to neutralize/apprehend terrorists, kidnappers and their collaborators as well as rescue abducted and kidnapped victims.

“The operations also led to the recovery of weapons, various types of ammunition, and logistics items intended for use by insurgents, kidnappers, oil thieves and other criminal elements.

“The AFN also ensured the safety of strategic national corridors and secured interstate road and rail networks for continuous safety of movement of the populace, goods and services.

“The AFN continues to appeal to members of the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious activities promptly to security agencies, and support ongoing efforts to rid communities of criminal elements.

“Troops remain resolute and will sustain the tempo of operations until normalcy is fully restored across the country”, General Onoja vowed.

According to him, the successes recorded across the operational theatres during the period under review underscore the professionalism of troops of the AFN in the conduct of internal security and counter-terrorism operations nationwide.

“The AFN wishes to reassure Nigerians of its unwavering commitment to protecting lives and property, degrading the capabilities of terrorists, kidnappers, militias and other criminal elements, and restoring lasting peace and stability across all theatres of operations,” he said.