The Nigerian Minister of Defence, Major General Bashir Salihi Magashi (rtd) has said that the most notable operational achievement by the Armed Forces in the South South zone of Nigeria over the past few months was under reviewed and resulted to prevention of crude oil theft worth more than $500 million.
Magashi who made this known at the Joint Press Conference on Security in Abuja on Monday, stated that as Armed Forces continue to gain experiences in an asymmetric operational environment, and would continue to review its processes based on the components of fighting power, which are conceptual, physical and morale.
According to him, “another operational milestone achievement, which is for the first time, no single incidence of piracy was recorded in our waters for one full year. “Notwithstanding in the past 4 weeks, several illegal refinery sites, which consist of 493 dugout pits, 512 storage tanks, 413 cooking ovens and 59 wooden boats were destroyed”.
The Minister added that several weapons, vehicles, vessels and equipment were recovered. “About 25,800 barrels of crude oil, 3,200 lites of Premium Motor Spirit and 2,000 lites of Dual Purpose Kerosene were recovered during various operations while 21 pipeline vandals were arrested.
He further said that in Southeast zone, the secessionist, violent and criminal activities of Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, Eastern Security Network, presents the greatest threat in the region. “However, kidnapping for ransom, armed banditry, communal clashes have been some of the security threats that had bedeviled the region.
“Accordingly, joint military operations
are being conducted in the Southeast to overcome the existential threats and to entrench peace and security. The military efforts, in collaboration with other security agencies, are achieving set objectives, which are defeat of threats and restoration of peace and security.
“The recent notable operational
achievement in the Southeast zone was the arrest of one member of the IPOB /ESN in Eboni State, recovery of dangerous munitions and equipment as well as motorcycles and ballistics materials.
The Minister reaffirmed that Southwest zone is the most peaceful part of the country. “Although, recent terrorist activities have tended to redefine the situation in the region.
“However, cases of kidnapping for ransom, armed robbery, pipeline vandalism and petroleum products theft, cultism and smuggling have occasionally constituted security threats in the zone.
“Accordingly, Operation AWATSE is being conducted mostly in Lagos and Ogun States to deal with the menace of pipeline vandalism and petroleum products theft as well as sea robbery. It is to be noted that, military formations are located all over the South West, just like in other zones.
“The prevalent security threats in the North Central zone of Nigeria are herders-farmers conflicts, wanton attacks/killing of rural villagers, livestock rustling, kidnapping for ransom and banditry, amongst others.
“There are therefore 2 military operations being conducted in the North Central Zone to deal with the security threats, codenamed Operation SAFE HAVEN and Operation WHIRL STROKE.
“Due to a measure of security threats around the satellite towns of the Federal Capital Territory, there have also been military operations conducted periodically to clear terrorists/criminals from the environs”, he added.
Magashi noted that doctrines are being formulated as tactics, techniques and procedures are constantly reviewed to meet up and overcome evolving asymmetric threats.
“With the utmost support of the President, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria, President Muhammad Buhari, modern platforms and equipment are being procured for the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Navy and the Nigerian Air Force whilst recruitment and quality training and re-training is being carried out.
“With respect to the morale component, the welfare of the fighting troops is being enhanced across the Services whilst ensuring that enthusiastic commanders with requisite experiences are given responsibility to command.
“We would continue to ensure efficient integration of the 3 interdependent components for best operational outcomes leading to the restoration of peace and security all over the country” he said.
The Minister reassured Nigerians that the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces in conjunction with other security agencies remain committed and resolute in its collective efforts to facilitate the Federal Government’s drive of guaranteeing the safety of lives and properties across the country.
“In addition, this present Administration is doing everything possible to ensure the safety and security of all citizens. I therefore urge all Nigerians to support the Armed Forces of Nigeria in its effort towards ensuring peace and security to the nation”.