- According to Onoja, scores of extremists were neutralised, 86 suspects arrested, 24 kidnapped victims rescued
- He added that concrete steps are expected in the coming days or months
- terrorists in the region have increasingly deployed drones in attacks targeting civilians
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has disclosed that it is collaborating with other Federal Government agencies to track and stop the use of drones by terrorist groups, saying investigations have reached an advanced stage.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Major General Michael Onoja, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure on Friday in Abuja while highlighting recent military operations and successes across the North-East.
EDITOR’S PICK
- ADC Requests INEC to Postpone FCT Area Council Elections
- Tope Alabi Welcomes Grandchild
- CBN to Introduce New Policy to Regulate Debit Card Issuance, ATM Operations
In recent months, terrorists in the region have increasingly deployed drones in attacks targeting civilians and security personnel, raising concerns about their evolving tactics and the sophistication of weapons being used.
“The use of advanced drone technology by terrorists has become a worrying trend. Measures are being taken in partnership with relevant agencies to identify the sources and stop their deployment by non-state actors,” Onoja said.
He added that concrete steps are expected in the coming days or months. “We have reached an advanced stage in tracing where these drones are coming from, in collaboration with other Federal Government agencies. I believe that very soon, decisive actions will be implemented,” he noted.
Onoja further explained that agencies with the technical capacity to prevent drone deployment have been engaged and that actionable measures would be taken imminently.
On claims circulating on social media that soldiers at checkpoints in Bauchi State were being forced to remit weekly sums to their commanders, Onoja described the allegations as unverified. “The military is a transparent institution. If the allegations are found to be true, necessary actions will be taken,” he said.
He also addressed the return of Nigerian refugees from Cameroon, saying it reflects the success of military operations in restoring security to affected communities.
“The military, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has done everything within its power to ensure security. The return of refugees is a positive indication of operational success,” he said.
Providing an update on operations in the North-East under the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Onoja said troops continued to deny freedom of action to Boko Haram, Islamic State West Africa Province, and Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad terrorists.
He explained that ground forces, working with air units, hybrid forces, and local security groups, carried out aggressive operations across the region, neutralising terrorists, arresting informants, recovering weapons, and dismantling networks.
“During the month, operations were conducted in Gwoza, Damboa, Mobbar, Askira Uba, and Konduga LGAs of Borno State, as well as Michika and Damaturu LGAs of Adamawa and Yobe states.
Several terrorists were neutralised, 17 suspects arrested, and 12 kidnapped victims rescued. Weapons and other materials recovered are in military custody for further action,” he said.
In Plateau State, troops under Operation Enduring Peace responded to reports of terrorist activity, carrying out offensive operations across Plateau and parts of Kaduna State.
According to Onoja, scores of extremists were neutralised, 86 suspects arrested, 24 kidnapped victims rescued, and arms and ammunition recovered.
FURTHER READING
