The Nigerian Military have neutralized 974 terrorists, arresting 621, and rescued 466 kidnapped hostages, across the country in February.

Major General Edward Baba, Director Defence Media Operations while briefing journalists  on the ongoing military operations, in Abuja on Thursday.

Gen Buba noted that the coordinated air and ground strikes on terrorist enclaves, have lead to the neutralization of a substantial number of insurgents.

Buba while highlighting the weekly  operations of the armed forces,  he advised terrorists to repent and come to the table for peace, as the Armed Forces will continue to punish unrepentant criminals with overwhelming military force.

He said the troops of operation HADIN KAI neutralized 57 terrorists and arrested 13 BH/ISWAP terrorists. Troops recovered one GPMG, 55 AK47 rifles, 18 fabricated guns, 3 dane guns, one RPG tube, 2 RPG bombs, 6 hand grenades, 1,095 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 666 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 194 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 24 magazines, 25 motorcycles, 34 mobile phones and the sum of N310,500.00 among others.

According to him, “Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 15 violent extremists/terrorists, arrested 10 violent extremists and rescued 27 kidnapped hostage. Troops recovered 6 AK47 rifles, 2 G3 rifles, 2 pump action guns,  5 fabricated guns, 3 fabricated pistols, one fabricated revolver gun, 254 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 215 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 56 rounds of 9mm ammo, 136 live cartridges, 141 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, one G3 magazine, 7 magazines, one rifle butt, one vehicle, and 5 mobile phones amongst others.

“Overall, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralized 43 insurgents, arrested 34 violent extremists/terrorists and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 18 AK47 rifles, 4 locally fabricated guns, 12 dane guns, 2 fabricated pistos, 477 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 275 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 76 rounds of 9mm ammo and, 64 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 6 magazines, 10 motorcycles, one baofeng radio and 7 mobile phones amongst other items.

Overall, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 1,289,945 litres of stolen crude oil, 399,360 litres of illegally refined AGO, 4,100 litres of DPK and 39,150 litres of PMS. Additionally, Troops discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 81 boats, 520 drums and 82 storage tanks.  Other items recovered include 63 cooking ovens, one outboard engine, 2 pumping machines, 5 vehicles, 3 tricycles, 13 mobile phones and 85 illegal refining site”, he said.

The DDMO said troops are making significant strides and recording  notable successes in operations across the country. Though it might not seem so to some, the fact remains remarkable progress is being made.

He acknowledged that while some citizens might not perceive the progress being made, they are confident in their achievements and urge Nigerians to persevere through current challenges for a brighter future.