The Minister of Defence, Abubakar Badaru, has said about 9,300 bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other high-profile criminals were killed in the last 12 months.
Badaru also said 1,437 suspected criminals were arrested and 363 killed by the military in its efforts to boost oil production in the country.
The minister disclosed in Abuja, yesterday, during a sectorial ministerial briefing to update Nigerians on the activities and performance of his ministry as directed by President Bola Tinubu.
The former Jigawa State governor explained that the feat was achieved sequel to improved synergy among the three services of the armed forces and other paramilitary agencies.
He said: “The Chief of Defence Staff, Chief of Army Staff, Chief of Naval Staff, and the Chief of Air Staff are working together as against what it used to be. That has led to productivity and efficiency in their operations.
“In addition to this, we have close collaboration with the office of the National Security Adviser, the police, NSCDC, and all other security agencies.”
Giving a further breakdown, the minister revealed that over 4,000 assorted weapons were recovered from criminal gangs, adding that as a result of the ongoing operations against oil theft, “most of the illegal refineries are down”.
