• How Nigeria got Niger back into MNJTF, by Abubakar
• Patriotism will enable us defeat terrorism, insurgency, says CAS
Defence Minister Mohammed Abubakar has said over 100,000 insurgents have surrendered to Nigerian troops in the course of their operations across the country.
The minister, who did not give period of the surrenders, said many terrorists’ commanders had also been killed as troops intensified their campaigns in operation theatres.
He said: “Owing to the onslaught on insurgents, the Armed Forces have degraded their capacity, necessitating the surrender of more than 100,000 insurgents and the elimination of their top commanders.
“Thanks to the renewed vigour, incidences of security breaches have been reduced by an estimated 65 per cent across the country and will continue until the nation achieves insignificant level of breaches on its security.
“In the same vein, oil production has received a big boost as the country’s production has doubled from the level obtainable last year.
“There is hope of achieving a two-million-barrel per day output before the end of the year 2024.
“It is gladdening to note that scores of insurgents have been surrendering and renouncing terrorism.”
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Abubakar announced that the Nigerian Armed Forces, led by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, had succeeded in getting the Republic of Niger back into the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) in consolidating efforts to end insurgency.
Ababakar, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence, Dr. Abubakar Kana, said this while addressing reporters on activities earmarked for next year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration yesterday in Abuja.
The minister said the return of Niger Republic to MNJTF would help in securing the very extensive Nigerian border with the neighbouring country as well as contribute to the overall effectiveness of the counter-insurgency operations.
According to him, the troops of the MNJTF have continually dealt fatal blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region through a series of daring operations.
“In one such operation conducted on June 15, several terrorists were neutralised and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents,” Abubakar said.
The minister said the Armed Forces of Nigeria had risen up to the challenges, irrespective of the costs paid by the troops, adding that the military had continued to adopt new strategies and switch up their tactics to take the battle to terrorists’ doorsteps.
Also, the CAS, Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, has said patriotism will enable the military to defeat terrorism and insurgency in the country.
Abubakar said this during the graduation of 432 officers, Airmen/Airwomen of the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), sundry military courses yesterday in Kaduna.
He said: “It is the knowledge you have acquired, along with your adherence to our core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do that will enable us to defeat terrorism and insurgency.
“This will make Mr. President’s Renewed Hope Agenda a living reality for all Nigerians.
“Attending ceremonies like these are always deeply gratifying as they reaffirm the Nigerian Air Force’s commitment to technical education.
“It is as a crucial tool in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of ensuring the integrity of the Nigerian airspace for the safety, security, and well-being of all Nigerian citizens.
“We are very proud of the work you do here, and we recognise the top quality of human capital development that this institution delivers, not just for Nigeria but also for allied African countries.”