Killings: DHQ Deploys Special Forces In Southern Kaduna

Following the unabated killings by suspected terrorists in Southern Kaduna, the Defence Headquarters has deployed more troops in the communities in the area.

It disclosed that special forces on Operation Safe Haven were carrying out patrols at the various flashpoints in the communities, noting that the move was expected to curtail the bloodshed in the general area.

Speaking on the measures to address the violence and criminality in Southern Kaduna settlements and other parts of the country during the weekly press conference at the DHQ, Abuja, on Thursday, the Coordinator, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. John Enenche expressed the conviction that the atrocities in the North-West would be curbed soon.

He stated, “In a bid to curb the recent attacks and isolated killings in Southern Kaduna, troops of Operation Safe Haven have continued to intensify efforts aimed at securing the lives and property in the general area.

“Particularly, Special Operations Forces have been deployed to the Joint Operations Area covering the various flashpoints. This move is expected to achieve the desired result with the provision of credible and actionable intelligence specifically from primary sources.”

On the situation in the North-West zone, Enenche revealed that the aggressive operations by troops of Operation Hadarin Daji had led to a reduction in banditry in Katsina, Kebbi, Zamfara, Sokoto, and adjoining states.

He added, “Most of these criminal elements have been decimated; gradually, there is the restoration of human activities in the zone. Farmers have returned to their farms while other economic activities have picked up across the zone.

“The troops have continued to dominate the general area with clearance patrols, aggressive fighting, and confidence-building patrols.”

“The High Military Command congratulates the troops for the feat recorded and encourages the good people of the zone to continue to provide credible information to the troops.”

On the allegations that troops on counter-insurgency in the North-East were engaged in illegal fishing and other commercial activities in Baga, the Coordinator described the accusation as baseless, noting that “in line with military procedures, it was investigated and found to be baseless.”

Sequel to the warning by United States Africa Command that extremists have begun deploying several strategies to silently re-establish themselves across Africa, Enenche stated that the Armed Forces and other security agencies were leaving nothing to chance, adding that strategies and actions were being reviewed to respond to the threat.