The Defence Headquarters has reiterated the necessity for the government to intensify efforts in creating conditions that discourage individuals from being willing to participate in terrorism.

It said that good government and solving the problem of unemployment were among the factors that could make terrorism and insurgency unattractive to the youths.

The military high command said through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj Gen. Edward Buba, during a press briefing at the DHQ, Abuja, on Thursday, February 22.

Buba said the military is wasting no time and sparing any effort to ensure the security and safety of citizens across the country.

He said: “We have eliminated several terrorists, their leaders and commanders. Troops are continually going after the terrorists and dislodging them from their hideouts. In spite of all these, it would appear that there is more to be done to win this war outside the use of military pressure.

“Accordingly, we must now win this war by changing the conditions that make the insurgents willing to fight. We must also win the war by increasing support for the government at various levels through heart and mind projects indicative of good governance.

Giving an update on troops in the past week, the defence spokesperson said troops neutralized 286 and arrested 244 of them. Troops also arrested 83 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 122 kidnap victims.

He said troops also recovered 587 assorted weapons and 7,943 assorted ammunition.

On operations in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), which has been plagued with incidences of kidnapping in recent times, the defence spokesperson said troops arrested 11 violent-extremist were in Abuja Municipal Area Council within the week.

Speaking on troops of Operation Delta Safe, a military operation against crude oil theft in the Niger Delta area, Buba said troops recovered 2,947,770 litres of stolen crude oil, 251,800 litres of illegally refined diesel, 6,125 litres of kerosene and 6,790 litres of petrol.

He said troops also discovered and destroyed 134 dugout pits, 79 boats and 116 storage tanks.

Other items recovered, according to him, include 149 cooking ovens, one speedboat, 11 vehicles, eight motorcycles and 74 illegal refining sites.

He said although things are difficult due to the economic situation, “citizens are urged to realize that tough times don’t last, but tough people do.”

He added: “As a people, we are renowned for our pride in being tough and resilient. There is no better time to manifest these qualities in us in overcoming the pains of today, in order for the gains of tomorrow. We dare say that, this too shall pass.

“The time is ripe for patriotic and well-meaning citizens to contribute alternative ideas on ways to make a difference in turning the situation around. Collaborative effort is essential at this time. Simply put, we are one people, one nation and one destiny.” (The Nation)

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