Information minister Lai Mohammed has assured Nigerians that security agencies are determined to sustain the onslaught against criminal elements in our country, and will not relent until peace has been restored to every troubled part of the nation.

”In the words of Mr President, insecurity as a challenge has direct repercussions on our national economic stability, growth, and development,” Mr. Mohammed said at a security briefing in Abuja on Monday.

The information minister also provided updates about recent strides of security agencies across the country, urging Nigerians to contribute their quota against insecurity.

“Some 52 criminal elements were arrested, with scores of arms, ammunition and equipment recovered. Troops have also rescued 17 kidnapped victims across the country,” he said.

He added that 684,856 barrels of stolen crude oil, 1,724,000 litres of stolen diesel and 500,000 litres of kerosene have been recovered; while 1,184 of 25kg bags of Yaraliva fertiliser were impounded by Nigerian troops.

Mr. Lai Mohammed had said the military operatives neutralised terrorist groups and destroyed their hideouts, saying the successes being recorded by the security and intelligence agencies in fighting insecurity did not come cheap.

”They have come as a result of the unrelenting efforts and sacrifices of the gallant officers and men of the military as well as other security and intelligence agencies that conduct operations across the country,” he said.

He also listed the efforts of the security operatives across all regions in the country.
”North-West, 118 armed bandits were killed in action and 11 kidnapped victims were rescued since the beginning of the year. During the same period, a cumulative total of 358 livestock and 5 assorted rifles were recovered from the armed bandits by the gallant troops in the zone.”

”North-East, within the period under review, 30 terrorists, including some of their commanders, were killed by troops, apart from the scores who were killed by air raids/attacks. Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists were eliminated by troops as they attempted to overrun Abbagajiri and Dusula towns in Damboa Local Government Area of Borno.” he noted.
”North-Central, six kidnapped victims were rescued, while five armed bandits, including militia gang leaders, were killed in action.”

”Equally, 11 armed bandits were arrested in the zone. Only on Saturday, the Air Component of Operation THUNDER STRIKE neutralized several armed bandits at Chikwale Forest in the Mangoro area of Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State.”

”South-South, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted anti-crude-oil theft and illegal-oil-bunkering operations, in addition to anti-illegal-maritime activities. In the course of their operational activities, 24 illegal refining sites, 11 wooden boats, 142 metal tanks, 17 dugout pits and 45 ovens were destroyed. Also, 30 suspects were arrested while 14 pumping machines, 13 speed boats and 13 outboard engines were recovered.”
”South-West, troops of Operation AWATSE destroyed several illegal refining sites and arrested 8 boats engaged in illegal activities.”

Mr. Mohammed security agencies have been supported with tools necessary for a successful prosecution of their various operations.