By Ndujihe Clifford Chiebuka
The Nigerian military has made significant progress in combating insecurity across the country, eliminating 481 terrorists, arresting 741 others, and rescuing 492 kidnapped hostages in October 2024. This achievement demonstrates the military’s commitment to ending insecurity in Nigeria.
Key Achievements:
- Neutralized Terrorists: 481 terrorists were eliminated, including 85 in the North East, 12 in the North Central, 59 in the North West, and 6 in the South East.
- Arrests: 741 terrorists and violent extremists were arrested, including 78 in the North East, 43 in the North Central, 29 in the North West, and 31 in the South East.
- Rescued Hostages: 492 kidnapped hostages were rescued, including 20 in the North East, 33 in the North Central, 95 in the North West, and 15 in the South East.
The military’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to address the root causes of radicalization and insecurity in Nigeria. This includes strengthening bilateral relations with neighboring countries to combat transnational organized crime and jihadist activities. Additionally, the government is working to build the capacity of the military through training and technology transfer.
Ongoing Challenges:
- Conflict and Violence: Nigeria has experienced persistent conflict and violence, affecting households and communities across the country.
- Armed Banditry: The North West region has been plagued by armed banditry, requiring sustained peace negotiations and security interventions.
- Trans-Border Crime: Nigeria’s borders remain vulnerable to trans-border crime, including smuggling, arms trafficking, and human trafficking.
The Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing these challenges is crucial to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.
