Military Achievements In 2024: Terrorists Neutralized, Hostages Rescued

In 2024, Nigeria’s military neutralized 10,937 terrorists, rescued 7,063 hostages, and made significant strides against insecurity. Read about their impactful operations and achievements.

military operations, Nigeria security, terrorism, hostage rescue, oil theft prevention, military achievements

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters reported remarkable achievements in 2024, showcasing the military’s commitment to combating insecurity nationwide. By December 31, combined operations by ground, sea, and air forces successfully neutralized 10,937 terrorists, arrested 12,538 suspects, and rescued 7,063 kidnapped victims.

Key Highlights of Military Operations:

Terrorist Elimination and Arrests: Over the year, troops eliminated over 1,000 notable terrorist leaders and commanders while significantly degrading their operational capacities. The synergy between intelligence and security agencies also led to the capture of high-profile terrorists such as Isiya Boderi, Alhaji Kabiru, and Buhari Alhaji Halidu.
Hostage Rescues: The military rescued thousands of hostages, ensuring the safety and stability of affected communities.
Oil Theft Prevention: Troops disrupted illegal oil theft activities, recovering an estimated 56,223,002 liters of stolen crude oil, 9,735,836 liters of illegally refined AGO, and other petroleum products. They also dismantled 2,612 illegal refining sites and seized 2,019 wooden boats.
Arms and Ammunition Recovery: A total of 8,815 weapons and 228,004 rounds of ammunition were recovered, including 4,332 AK-47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, and 838 Dane guns.

Regional Operations Breakdown:

North West – Operation Hadarin Daji:
- Terrorists neutralized: 2,906
- Suspects arrested: 1,826
- Hostages rescued: 2,616
- Arms recovered: 1,450 AK-47 rifles, 31,999 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
North East – Operation Hadin Kai:
- Terrorists neutralized: 3,151
- Hostages rescued: 1,605
- Weapons recovered: 3,002 firearms and 71,537 rounds of ammunition
- Over 16,000 terrorists and their families surrendered due to intensified operations in key strongholds like Sambisa Forest and Lake Chad Basin.
North Central – Operation Safe Haven:
- Violent extremists neutralized: 447
- Suspects arrested: 1,995
- Hostages rescued: 1,094
- Arms recovered: 254 AK-47 rifles, 19,577 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition
Niger Delta – Operation Delta Safe:
- Oil theft prevention: Over 56 million liters of crude oil recovered
- Illegal refining sites destroyed: 2,612
- Hostages rescued: Several kidnapped victims

Impact of Military Operations:

The military’s offensive strategy significantly curtailed the activities of terrorist groups, forcing rival factions into clashes that further weakened their operations. Key terrorist leaders, including Amir Garin Manzo and Abu Mohammed, were neutralized. Additionally, the operations ensured a conducive environment for agricultural and socio-economic activities in affected regions.

Conclusion:

The Nigerian Armed Forces have made commendable strides in restoring security across the nation in 2024. Their relentless efforts in neutralizing threats, rescuing hostages, and curbing oil theft reflect a robust commitment to safeguarding the nation’s sovereignty and well-being. As the year ends, the military’s achievements serve as a testament to their dedication to protecting citizens and combating insecurity.