The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has confirmed the deployment of a significant number of troops to Ondo State in preparation for the upcoming governorship election. The deployment aims to support the Nigeria Police Force and ensure a smooth election process in the state.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Buba Edward, explained that the troops’ presence would guarantee voters the opportunity to cast their ballots without fear of harassment or intimidation.
“Troops are also deployed in strength to assist the police in ensuring a smooth off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, scheduled for November 16, 2024,” he said. “The troops’ presence is essential to secure citizens and enable them to vote without interference, while keeping mischief-makers at bay.
The Nigerian Air Force (NAF) is also supporting the election by transporting sensitive electoral materials for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
In addition to the election security efforts, Major General Buba provided an update on military operations in the northern parts of the country. He reported that recent operations had resulted in the deaths of 88 terrorists and the arrest of 228 suspects.
“Troops are conducting an onslaught to crush terrorists in the North West and other regions. These operations are being intensified to neutralize terror groups and dismantle their networks,” Buba stated. “During the week under review, troops neutralized 88 terrorists, arrested 228 individuals, and apprehended 40 perpetrators of oil theft. Additionally, 181 kidnapped victims were rescued.”
Turning to the South-South region, Buba revealed that troops had successfully recovered stolen crude oil valued at approximately N1 billion.
“In the South-South, troops denied oil thieves an estimated sum of N1,021,412,950,” he reported. “In the Niger Delta area, military personnel discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 20 dugout pits, 73 boats, 25 storage tanks, and 59 illegal refining sites.
Other recovered items included three barges, seven speedboats, 73 drums, a tricycle, five pumping machines, three mobile phones, and nine vehicles. Troops also recovered 942,420 liters of stolen crude oil, 175,075 liters of illegally refined AGO, and 4,980 liters of PMS.”
Furthermore, Buba shared details of the recovery of 84 assorted weapons and 2,393 rounds of ammunition.
“The breakdown of these recoveries includes: 34 AK-47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 Dane guns, five fabricated revolver pistols, eight locally made pistols, three pump-action guns, and one magnum pump-action gun,” he said.
“Other items recovered include 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 146 rounds of 7.62mm PKM ammunition, 77 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 49 live cartridges, 25 magazines, two Baofeng radios, 16 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, 27 mobile phones, and N1,851,000, among other items.”
