Defence HQ says attacks fell 73% in October as troops free 349 kidnap victims
- Defence Headquarters says attacks across military operations fell from 367 in September to 98 in October.
- Troops neutralised more than 217 suspects, arrested 333 and freed 349 kidnap victims, the military said.
- The military also condoled with Taraba over civilian killings in Karim Lamido on October 23.
The Defence Headquarters says the number of attacks recorded across the country's military operations dropped sharply in October, from 367 in September to 98 — a fall of 73.3 per cent.
Maj. Gen. Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, gave the figures in Abuja on Friday while updating reporters on operations nationwide. He put the drop at 269 fewer attacks in a single month and credited troops in the various theatres for the improvement.
For ordinary Nigerians, the numbers are a measure of how safe their roads, farms and communities are. Fewer attacks, if sustained, could mean safer travel and farming, and less pressure on security spending.
Where the attacks happened
Operation Enduring Peace recorded the most incidents in October, with 29. Operation Hadin Kai followed with 27 and Operation Fansan Yamma with 24. Operation Whirl Stroke had 12, Operation Udo Ka four, while Delta Safe and Savannah Shield had one each.
In September, the same operations logged far higher figures: Enduring Peace 147, Fansan Yamma 115, Whirl Stroke 55, Hadin Kai 33, Savannah Shield 13 and Udo Ka four. Delta Safe recorded none that month.
Onoja said troops did not only repel attacks. More than 217 people described by the military as terrorists and criminals were neutralised during the month, 333 suspects were arrested and 349 kidnap victims were freed. Another 70 insurgents surrendered, he said, while troops recovered 105 weapons and 3,174 rounds of ammunition.
On crude oil theft, the spokesman said 756,837 litres of stolen crude oil products were recovered and 49 illegal refining sites destroyed. Oil theft cuts into government revenue and, by extension, money available for public services.
The military also sent condolences to the Taraba State government and people over the killing of civilians in Binari, Karim Lamido Local Government Area, on October 23. Onoja said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, has promised that those behind the attack will be found and brought to justice.
Oluyede asked troops to stay disciplined, follow the rules of engagement and respect human rights, and warned against complacency as the festive season nears. He also urged security agencies to share intelligence and plan jointly, and asked community leaders and residents to report suspicious activity on the military's toll-free line, 193.
The figures come from the military and have not been independently verified. Residents in some affected areas have in the past reported attacks that did not appear in official counts.
