Military neutralizes 8,034 terrorists, arrests 11,623, rescues 6,376 kidnapped victims in 2024 – DHQ

The Nigerian military has reported significant progress in its ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, criminal activities, and insurgency across the country in 2024. According to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), the military has neutralized over 8,000 terrorists, arrested more than 11,000 individuals involved in criminal activities, and rescued thousands of kidnapped victims as part of its operations against insurgents and armed groups.

Achievements in Counter-Terrorism Operations

The DHQ’s latest update highlights a series of successful military operations across different parts of Nigeria, particularly in the North-East, North-West, and Middle Belt regions, where terrorist groups and bandits have been wreaking havoc for years. The report outlines the continued success of the Nigerian Armed Forces, especially in terms of neutralizing terrorists linked to Boko Haram, Islamic State in West Africa (ISWAP), and other violent groups operating in the country.

The military’s operations have led to the neutralization of 8,034 terrorists who were actively engaged in violence against civilians, military personnel, and government facilities. This significant achievement is seen as a major step in reducing the influence of these terrorist groups, which have terrorized communities, displaced thousands, and disrupted local economies.

The military also highlighted its strategic approach to dismantling terrorist cells, targeting both their leadership and lower-ranking operatives, which has resulted in the degradation of their operational capabilities. The success of these counter-insurgency operations is attributed to intelligence-sharing, enhanced coordination among military units, and collaboration with other security agencies, including the police and the Department of State Services (DSS).

Arrests and Operations Against Criminal Networks

In addition to the neutralization of terrorists, the Nigerian military has also made significant strides in curbing criminal networks, particularly those responsible for kidnapping, armed robbery, and other violent crimes. A total of 11,623 individuals were arrested by the military in various operations across the country in 2024. Many of those arrested are believed to be members of armed groups and criminal gangs involved in various illicit activities, including terrorism, kidnapping for ransom, and banditry.

The arrests are seen as a critical component of the military’s broader strategy to disrupt criminal operations and ensure justice for victims of violence. The Nigerian military has been working closely with local communities to gather intelligence and target the criminal syndicates responsible for kidnappings and other heinous acts.

As part of its effort to ensure long-term peace and security, the DHQ has also been focusing on dismantling the logistics and financial networks that support terrorism and criminality. This includes targeting financial networks used by terrorist groups to fund their operations and intercepting weapons and supplies that fuel violence across the country.

Rescued Kidnapped Victims

Perhaps the most heartening aspect of the DHQ’s report is the successful rescue of 6,376 kidnapped victims. Nigeria has faced a severe crisis of abductions, with thousands of citizens taken hostage by terrorist groups and criminal gangs, often for ransom or as a means to exert control over communities. The military’s rescue operations have brought hope to many families affected by this devastating trend.

The rescued victims include both civilians and security personnel who had been taken by terrorists and criminal groups. The DHQ reported that several coordinated military operations, often involving airstrikes, ground assaults, and the use of special forces, led to the safe release of the victims from various locations where they were being held.

These operations have significantly weakened the ability of criminal groups to hold civilians hostage, and the military’s efforts to secure the release of kidnapped victims are seen as a critical step in restoring public confidence in the government’s ability to protect its citizens.

Strategic Military Partnerships and Cooperation

The successes outlined in the DHQ report are a testament to the Nigerian military’s ability to adapt to the evolving security challenges posed by terrorism and organized crime. A key factor in these achievements is the increased level of collaboration between various arms of the military, as well as partnerships with regional and international security agencies.

The Nigerian military has worked closely with its regional counterparts, particularly the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF), which involves several countries in the Lake Chad Basin area, including Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. These collaborations have been crucial in addressing cross-border terrorism, as militant groups often operate in multiple countries, and have helped to improve intelligence-sharing and coordinated military responses.

Moreover, Nigeria has received support from international partners, including the United States and the United Kingdom, in the form of training, equipment, and intelligence assistance. This support has played a significant role in strengthening Nigeria’s counter-terrorism efforts and enhancing the capacity of its armed forces to confront security threats more effectively.

Despite the notable successes reported by the military, significant challenges remain. Nigeria continues to face security threats from terrorist groups such as Boko Haram and ISWAP, which remain active in certain parts of the country, particularly in the North-East. These groups are often able to regroup in remote areas, making it difficult for the military to fully eliminate their presence.

Additionally, criminal gangs responsible for kidnapping and banditry continue to operate in several northern and central states. These groups often rely on guerrilla tactics, including ambushes and sudden attacks, making it challenging for the military to completely eradicate their operations.

The military has acknowledged the need for ongoing operations and a multi-faceted approach to addressing the underlying factors contributing to insecurity, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited access to government services in affected regions. In particular, efforts to address the root causes of terrorism, including youth radicalization and recruitment, remain essential for achieving long-term stability.

The Nigerian military’s success in neutralizing over 8,000 terrorists, arresting more than 11,000 criminals, and rescuing over 6,000 kidnapped victims in 2024 is a significant achievement in the country’s fight against terrorism and organized crime. While there are still challenges to overcome, these successes demonstrate the military’s ongoing commitment to improving security and protecting Nigerian citizens from the threat of violence and abduction.

The military’s efforts in 2024 show that, with strategic planning, intelligence-sharing, and international cooperation, Nigeria can make substantial progress in addressing its security challenges. The road ahead may be long, but the Nigerian military’s continued focus on counter-terrorism, law enforcement, and the protection of civilians is crucial for building a safer, more stable Nigeria.