At least 10,000 terrorist leaders, alongside their foot soldiers have been killed and over 12,500 terrorists arrested in 2024.
The military also rescued 7,063 hostages during the year, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Speaking at a year-end briefing in Abuja on Tuesday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, outlined the military’s achievements in tackling terrorism and violent extremism.
“Some of the notable terrorist leaders eliminated this year include Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, and Mohammed Amadu,” General Buba reported. “Our troops have continued to make tremendous progress in degrading the capabilities of these groups.”
The military also seized a large quantity of weapons and ammunition, including 4,332 AK47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, and 228,004 rounds of ammunition. In total, the Armed Forces recovered 8,815 weapons, as well as substantial amounts of stolen fuel, denying oil thieves over N68 billion.
General Buba stressed the success of the operations in reducing terrorism’s grip on the country. “These efforts have dealt a significant blow to terrorism in Nigeria,”he stated. “Our troops are in high spirits and are fully committed to pushing further in 2025. We’re determined to rid the country of terrorism.”
He also called for more public support for the military’s efforts, stressing that the fight against terrorism is a national responsibility. “This war is not just for the Armed Forces but for all Nigerians. We need the collective effort of all citizens to ensure lasting peace,” Buba added.
