The Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt.-Gen. Faruk Yahaya, says it is on record that Nigeria recorded its highest rating in the fight against terrorism in 2022 since 2011 till date.

Mr Yahaya said this at the opening of the Chief of Army Staff First Quarter Conference 2023 on Monday in Abuja.

“In the past 11 years, from 2011 to date, Nigeria recorded its highest rating against terrorism last year, 2022,” he said.

He said the efforts in Operation Hadin Kai (OPHK) in synergy with the sister services and other security agencies had significantly curtailed terrorism and insurgency that bedevilled the North-Eastern part of the country.

He said the continuous injection of trained troops and special equipment through Operations Lake Sanity and Desert Sanity to complement efforts by OPHK had been rewarding.

According to Mr Yahaya, the insurgents and terrorists no longer have freedom of action.

He added that it had, amongst other benefits, resulted in massive surrender by the adversaries.

The COAS said the Nigerian army was channelling more efforts towards consolidating on the successes to neutralise the insurgents that failed to surrender completely.

He said that the outcome of the 2022 COAS Annual Conference in the country’s North-West had created the necessary impact that had continued to improve the success of army operations in the region.

He said the intensified offensive operations to eliminate bandits and other criminal elements in the regions had also yielded positive results.

According to him, the Nigerian army troops deployed for Operations Hadarin Daji and Forest Sanity have projected forces and intensified offensives to clear bandit enclaves.

He said the army’s effort was also evident in the “peaceful” conduct of the general elections across the country, including the South-East, where additional efforts through Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA paid off.

He said this had resulted in successful elections in the region, though IPOB/ESN and their supporters had threatened that there would be no elections in the zone.

The COAS commended personnel over their professional conduct, apolitical disposition, and strict adherence to his directives and guidance during the just concluded general elections.

The Chief of Policy and Plans (Army), Maj.-Gen. Anthony Omozoje, said the conference was to consolidate the successes attained so far in all army activities.

The COAS used the event to present a Toyota Hilux vehicle each to 14 deserving army warrant officers as their official vehicles.

He also unveiled some locally produced Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles manufactured by the Defence Industries Cooperation of Nigeria and partners for army operations and the inauguration of the Historical Park.  

(NAN)