By; AMOS TAUNA, Kaduna
The House of Representatives has hailed the Nigerian Armed Forces for their sustained pressure against insurgency and terrorism in trouble spots across the country.
Babajimi Benson, the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Defence, made the observation in Abuja on Wednesday, saying the troops have recorded remarkable achievements in recent times.
According to him, the successes recorded in various operations across the country underscore the bravery, professionalism, and unwavering commitment of the military personnel to safeguarding the nation.
In a statement on Wednesday, he noted that the feats are a testament to the resilience and sacrifice of the men and women in uniform, that tirelessly work to ensure the safety and security of all Nigerians.
He emphasized, “The recent successes of our armed forces in various operations across the country are highly commendable. These victories not only reflect the strategic prowess of our military leadership but also the dedication and bravery of our soldiers, airmen, and ratings. We owe them a debt of gratitude for their relentless efforts to protect our nation.”
The chairman, representing Ikorodu Federal Constituency in Lagos State, explained that the troops of the Multinational Joint Task Force have continually dealt fatal blows to terrorist groups in the Lake Chad region through a series of daring operations.
He noted that in one such operation conducted on June 15, 2024, several terrorists were neutralized and 34 women and children were rescued from insurgents, adding that in Abia State’s Ihechiowa community of Arochukwu Local Government Area, the Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, impressively intensified their efforts against the Indigenous People of Biafra and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network.
He added that the troops raided and cleared IPOB/ESN camps in the Umudi Forest and Umuaku areas of Umunneochi Local Government Area thereby liberating the communities from the clutches of miscreants and terrorists.
According to him, on June 15, 2024, the Nigerian Navy Ship Soroh discovered and deactivated an illegal refining site in the Isonogbene area of Brass Local Government Area, Bayelsa State, saying that the site contained unspecified quantities of stolen crude oil and illegally refined AGO.
The Nigerian Air Force, according to him, carried out impressive airstrikes on June 17, 2024, in Katsina State, resulting in the elimination of over 80 terrorists, pointing out that the strikes, along with previous ones in various parts of the North West and North East have significantly disrupted terrorist activities and enhanced the safety of several communities for their residents.
The chairman assured the nation’s armed forces of the readiness of the parliament to provide the necessary support to enable them to succeed in their mission of safeguarding the lives and property of Nigerians.
He assured that the House of Representatives remains committed to supporting the Armed Forces in every possible way, saying that it is understood that the importance of providing adequate resources and legislative backing to ensure the effectiveness of the military operations.
He said that they should be rest assured that the National Assembly would continue to prioritize the welfare, training, and equipment needs of the troops to maintain their operational readiness and efficiency.
