Authorities of the Defence Headquarters on Wednesday disclosed that as a result of operationalization of ‘Operation Ayem Akpatuma’, the Special Operation to rid states in the North Central Zone of the country of incessant killings perpetrated by Fulani Herdsmen, troops have arrested a total of 183 criminal elements in Benue and Taraba states.
“Also, during the exercise, 13 soldiers were killed in action while 7 soldiers were wounded in action. We also had our equipment destroyed during the operation”.
Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General John Agim who made the disclosure at a news briefing in Abuja, stated thus, “In Benue state, 147 herdsmen, 6 cultists, 5 rustlers and 6 armed bandits were arrested while 15 were arrested in Taraba state.
“In 1 division area of responsibility, a total of 13 bandits were arrested. All the arrested suspects have been handed over to the Nigerian Police for further action.
He said several arms and ammunition were recovered during Exercise Ayem Akpatuma. They are: In Benue State, 1 AK 47 rifle, 1 FN rifle, 3 AK 47 Magazines, 9-rounds of 7.62 special, 23 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 Dane Guns, 38 machetes, several spears/axes and assorted charms were recovered.
“Also, 18 Motorcycles and 15 handsets were recovered in Benue state. In Taraba state, 4 AK 47 rifles with 3 magazines, 96 rounds of 7.62 mm special, 8 rounds of 9mm and 19 locally made guns were recovered.
“Others include 5 locally made pistols, one short gun and 27 live cartridges. In 1 div area of responsibility, 16 assorted arms were recovered and some ammunitions.
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Continuing, Brig-General Agim said, “The presence of soldiers and other security agencies gave confidence to the villagers and internally displaced persons affected by the herdsmen/farmers clashes. Everything is being done for the place to return to normalcy especially the troubled areas in both Benue and Taraba states.
“As part of civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) activities, 2 medical outreaches were successfully conducted at Gbajimba at GUMA LGA from 19 to 20 February and Logo LGA, Benue state from 25 to 27 Feb. 2018.
“Other notable achievements include, denying armed men and criminals’ freedom of action, preventing several planned attacks, rescue operations and creating enabling environment for normalcy to return.
On some of the challenges that were faced during the operation, Agim said, “Civil authorities at all levels such as community chiefs, local government area chairmen and state governors are often instrumental to the success of internal security (IS) operations. This is because they provide information, synergy, support, and facilitate a conducive environment for military operations.
“They also assist in winning the hearts and minds of the people in support of military among others.
“Regrettably, during the conduct of exercise Ayem Akpatuma, some civil authorities especially in Taraba State did not accord the military, the desired cooperation. For instance, the chairman of Takum LGA did not cooperate with 93 Battalion but instead, portrayed the military in bad light to the locals.
“His actions before and during Exercise Ayem Akpatuma were clearly anti-military and he incited his people on many occasions to resist and confront the military.
“Defence headquarters hereby appeals to all our political leaders not to play politics with security issues and the armed forces of Nigeria. The military is the strength of every nation, Nigeria inclusive.
“If we take down the on our military, it will dampen their morale, the enemy will be emboldened to cause more havoc and the consequence on our citizens will be dire.”
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