Insecurity: Troops Comb Abuja Forest Environs, As Military Deploys Special Forces
By ZAKAA LAZARUS-Abuja.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has revealed that, it has deployed special forces to some hotspots in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja and its adjourning states including Nasarawa, Kaduna and Niger States to curb the spate of incessant attacks and kidnappings being experienced recently.
The residents of Abuja in recent times have been faced with a series of security challenges, notably the Bwari incident where the family of Al-Kadriyar were abducted for ransom but were subsequently rescued by the security operatives.
The Director of Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba made this known to newsmen during a bi-weekly media briefing in Abuja on Thursday.
General Buba noted that the DHQ has also deployed several battlefield enablers to enhance intelligence and strike capability to reduce the security challenges to the barest minimum.
“As for the FCT and environs, offensive operations are ongoing at the following locations; Cashew Forest, Kwaku, Gwombe, Gadoro and Tukuba all in Kuje Area Council.
“Other areas covered were Kawu, Igu, Tokulo, Gaba, Zuma 1 and Zuma 2, Shere, Mpape, Jikoko, Berger Quarry and Nukuchi Villages all in Bwari Area Council of FCT.
“In neighbouring states to the FCT such as Niger State. Troops are conducting operations in; Gauraka, Apo Forest, Gyedna/Sabon Wusa and Garam in Tafa LGA of Niger State.
“Additionally, troops covered Numan and Basa in Akwanga and Nasarawa LGAs of Nasarawa State respectively.”
He said the DHQ would constantly rejig its military operational strategies to enable it to adopt the best options to curb the spate of insecurity in the FCT, and other parts of the country.
Speaking about the operational successes recorded within the week, the Director disclosed that troops have neutralised 94 terrorists, nabbed 171 as well as arrested 43 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 29 kidnapped victims.
On the tension that broke out in Mangu Local Government Area of Plateau State in the early hours of 23 Jan 2024, the Director explained that the situation escalated and resulted in the breakdown of law and order in Mangu Town and adjoining communities.
“The crisis which started from Gangaran Kwata escalated to other parts of Mangu LGA despite concerted efforts by troops deployed to the general area to restore normalcy.
“Overall, we would like citizens to clearly understand why we are fighting this war. They should understand that the terrorists will not stop until they are stopped.
“Everyone should understand that the terrorists and their cohorts exist for the sake of war. Therefore for the sake of peace, they must be eliminated,” he noted.
He called on the public to support the military and other security agents with relevant intelligence to enhance their combat efficiency and effectiveness.
