The Nigerian Armed Forces high command has said it has killed no fewer than 59 terrorists and arrested 88 of them, while ten kidnappers and over a dozen oil thieves are in their net.
Defence Media Operations (DMO) spokesman, Major General Edward Buba who made the disclosure, reiterated that the Armed Forces of Nigeria is engaged in several operations across the 6 geopolitical zones to tackle the security challenges confronting the nation.
“As at July 28, 2023, the military has neutralized 59 terrorists, arrested a total number of 88 criminals, 10 kidnappers, 20 gunmen and 19 suspected oil thefts. Troops have also rescued 88 kidnapped hostages.
“In the course of operations across the country troops recovered a total number of 68 weapons and 1,364 ammunition. Troops recovered 26 AK47 rifle, 1 GPMG, 1 AKMS rifle, 1 FN rifle, 4 pump action, 5 pistols and 19 dane guns. Also, recovered are 1,083 rounds 7.62mm special, 228 rounds 7.62mm NATO, 14 rounds 5.56 x 45mm, 15 fully loaded AK47 magazines, 9 rounds of 9mm ammo and sum of N41,915.00 only and CFA 49,000.
“Others include: 323,650 liters of stolen crude oil, 128,700 liters of illegally refined AGO and 4,000 liters of DPK. While an estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts.”
Giving details of the operation, the General noted that, troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted offensive operations against the terrorist enclaves in Gwoza, Konduga, Bama and Mafa Local Government Areas of Borno State.
“Troops made contact with the terrorist during these operations neutralizing the terrorist, rescuing hostages and recovering weapons.
“Troops offensive caused some terrorists fighters to surrender, denouncing the terrorist ideology. In a separate development, troops arrested a gunrunner in Bogoro LGA of Borno State and arrested a terrorist collaborator in Damaturu in Yobe State.”
He added: “On July 18, 2023, troops arrested one suspected gunrunner at Boi in Bogoro Local Government Area of Bauchi State. Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect was a dismissed soldier from 5 Brigade Damasak.
“Troops recovered 2 pistols, 2 magazines and 8 rounds of 9 mm ammo. On the same day, troops in another operation arrested 2 suspected Boko Haram/Islamic State West Africa Province terrorists’ logistic suppliers at Kukareta market in Damaturu LGA of Yobe State and recovered two mobile phones and the sum N7,265.00 only among other sundry items.”
He also noted that the Air Component of Operation DELTA SAFE conducted air interdiction missions at Degema and Krakrama in Rivers. Over the locations, the active illegal refining sites were engaged with rockets, damaging some equipment.
“In the course of operations, troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 498,650 litres of crude oil, 168,145 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, and 4,400 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosine.
“Troops also recovered 152 assorted rounds of ammunition, 23 calibers of weapons and 8 AK47 magazines. Others include: six vehicles, two boafeng radios, one 8HP, electric saw, matchets, axe and IPOB flag dagger.
“Troops destroyed 42 illegal refining sites, 36 wooden boats, 68 storage tanks, 77 ovens, 19 dugout pits, 4 speedboats and 5 outboard engines. Meanwhile, a total of 41 suspected criminals were apprehended within the period. An estimated sum of N388,441,660.00 was denied the oil thefts during the period in focus.”
General Buba said troops of Operation UDOKA raided camps/hideouts of suspected Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network gunmen at Oroma, Umuemu and Umuewelum villages in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“Similarly, troops raided gunmen hideouts in Mmiata Anam Forest in Anambra West Local Government Area of Anambra State. And,Garki and 9th Mile in Enugu East and Udi Local Government Areas of Enugu State.
“During these operations troops neutralized some of the gunmen and recovered weapons. Several kidnapped hostages were rescued in the process.”
He added: “In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA recovered 3 AK47 rifle, one AKMS rifle, four pump action gun, two dane gun, one locally made pistol, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 86 live cartridges and one locally made hand grenade.
“Others are six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, three mobile phones, Nigerian Police uniform and boots, IPOB uniforms, one chain saw, rain coats and boots, one pumping machine. Troops also neutralized three gunmen and apprehended 23 suspects.
“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued abducted civilians were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.”