The Defence Headquarters said on Wednesday that at least 13 soldiers were killed in Nasarawa, Benue, Kogi, Taraba and Kaduna during the Operation Ayem Akpatuma (Operation Cat Race).
The DHQ said 147 herdsmen were arrested and seven soldiers wounded during the operation.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. John Agim, who addressed journalists on the various military operations across the country, said the herdsmen arrested were handed over to the police for investigation and prosecution.
He said there is the need for greater understanding and support for the military on the various operations in the country, adding that the military is overstretched.
He said: “We have a situation at hand. There is a military presence in all the 36 states of the federation, particularly in some state capitals to support the police to maintain peace and attract investors.
“But the truth is that we don’t have barracks in some places and in the hinterlands. If there is trouble in parts of the hinterlands, it would be difficult to move soldiers there because of distance. So largely we depend on intelligence reports to respond to situations. So some things happened in some places and people asked where the military people are. We cannot be everywhere given the limited resources.”
Agim said due to logistic problems, Operation Ayem Akpatuma could not be extended in some states, except Taraba.
He added: “The operation was largely successful as a total of 183 criminals were arrested in Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA in Benue and Taraba States for various offences. In Benue State, 147 herdsmen, six cultists, five rustlers and six armed bandits were arrested while 15 were arrested in Taraba State.
“In 1 Division Area of Responsibility, 13 bandits were arrested. All the arrested suspects have been handed over to the police for further action. ”
“Several arms and ammunition were recovered during Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA. In Benue State, 1×AK 47 rifle, 1 × FN rifle, 3x AK 47 Magazine, 9×round of 7.62mm special, 23 round of 7.62mm NATO, 13 Dane guns, 38 machetes, several spears/axes and assorted charms were recovered. Also, 18 motorcycle and 15 handsets were recovered in Benue State. In Taraba State, 4 ×AK 47 riffles With 3 magazines, 96 rounds of 7.62mm special, 8 rounds of 9mm, and 19 locally made guns were recovered. Others included five locally made pistols, one shot gun and 27 live cartridges. In 1 Div Area of Responsibility, 16 assorted arms were recovered and some ammunition.”
