Buratai lauds inter-agency synergy in recent military successes
• Neutralise insurgents, recover arms in Borno, Yobe
• Airstrikes hit ISWAP fighters in Lake Chad
• Navy disrupts oil theft, piracy in Niger Delta
• Soldiers rescue victims, recover cattle in North-West
Former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, has said Nigerian troops have recorded significant operational successes across multiple theatres, signalling renewed momentum in the fight against terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and economic sabotage.
Buratai, in a statement, said recent coordinated operations by the Nigerian Army and the Nigerian Air Force had dealt heavy blows to criminal elements across the country.
According to him, troops under Operation Hadin Kai repelled a coordinated terrorist attack in Kukareta, Borno State, killing 24 insurgents and recovering 18 AK-47 rifles, three machine guns, two anti-aircraft guns and rocket-propelled grenade launchers.
He added that follow-up operations led to the discovery of additional bodies of fleeing terrorists, while troops in Kanamma, Yobe State, killed four insurgents during another attempted infiltration.
Buratai further disclosed that troops neutralised a top ISWAP commander, Abu Jarir, describing the development as a major setback for the group’s leadership structure.
He said the successes were bolstered by precision airstrikes conducted by the Air Force in the Lake Chad region, where several ISWAP fighters were killed after their positions on Kaniram Island were bombarded.
In the North-West, Buratai noted that troops of Operation Fansan Yamma recorded breakthroughs against bandits. In Katsina State, soldiers forced a notorious bandit leader, Muhammad Filani, to abandon 225 rustled cattle, which were subsequently returned to their owners.
He added that troops destroyed criminal camps in Munhaye Forest, Zamfara State, and carried out ambush operations in Kaduna State, leading to arrests, recovery of ammunition and rescue of kidnapped victims.
In the North-Central, he said troops of Operation Enduring Peace arrested suspected militia members involved in cattle rustling in Plateau State, recovering dozens of stolen livestock.
Highlighting operations in the South-South, Buratai commended the Nigerian Navy for its role in Operation Delta Safe, noting that naval personnel uncovered illegal oil bunkering sites in Rivers State and recovered thousands of litres of stolen crude oil.
He also praised the Navy’s sustained surveillance and deterrence patrols, which he said had contributed to a drastic reduction in piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.
In the South-East, Buratai disclosed that troops arrested a suspected IPOB commander linked to attacks on security personnel, while also recovering the remains of two soldiers killed in 2022, who are now set to receive full military honours.
The former army chief attributed the recent gains to improved intelligence, enhanced inter-agency cooperation and the resilience of troops on the frontline.
He urged Nigerians to support the military and avoid spreading unverified information capable of demoralising personnel.
“The momentum must be sustained. The enemy is weakened but not defeated. This is the time to intensify operations and consolidate on the gains recorded,” he said.
Buratai also commended the leadership of the armed forces and security agencies for fostering coordination across operations nationwide.
He added that continued public support and cooperation with security agencies would be critical to restoring lasting peace across the country.
