In a remarkable display of military prowess, the armed forces have accomplished a series of successful operations in Nigeria, resulting in the neutralization of 37 terrorists and the apprehension of 124 individuals within a span of just one week. These operations, executed by troops of the armed forces, have also led to the rescue of 53 kidnapped hostages across the country.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, released a statement in Abuja on Friday, providing a comprehensive account of the recent achievements. Maj.-Gen. Buba highlighted that among the apprehended individuals, 95 are suspected terrorists and their collaborators, while 19 arrests were made in connection with oil theft in the Niger Delta region.
Furthermore, the troops recovered an impressive cache of weaponry and ammunition. This extensive haul includes 45 AK-47 rifles, 11 locally fabricated AK-47 rifles, six pump-action guns, 12 dane guns, and two AK-47 rifles loaded with 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo. In addition, two locally made guns, two locally fabricated pistols, two locally made revolvers, 925 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 28 rounds of 9mm ammo, 157 live cartridges, and 23 magazines were seized.
The successful military operations also resulted in the retrieval of a significant number of vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones—27 vehicles, 25 motorcycles, and 38 mobile phones to be precise.
Maj.-Gen. Buba underscored that the North East region witnessed remarkable achievements, with 20 terrorists neutralized, 57 arrests made, and 16 kidnapped hostages rescued by the troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The troops also seized 13 AK-47 rifles, five dane guns, four magazines, two fabricated guns, 203 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, eight motorcycles, four mobile phones, two bicycles, medical supplies, and assorted food items.
In the North Central region, the troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) neutralized three terrorists, arrested 53 individuals, and successfully rescued 16 kidnapped hostages in various operations. The recoveries from these operations included three AK-47 rifles, two AK-47 rifle magazines loaded with 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, two fabricated AK-47 rifles, 34 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 28 rounds of 9mm ammo, and 37 live cartridges. Additionally, 12 empty cartridges, four magazines, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, one Baofeng radio and charger, as well as the sum of N451,360 were seized.
Operation Whirl Stroke, operating in the North West region, witnessed the neutralization of 17 terrorists, the arrest of 10 individuals, and the successful rescue of 19 kidnapped hostages during raids in Katsina, Sokoto, and Zamfara States. The troops also recovered four AK-47 rifles, several burnt AK-47 rifles, seven burnt magazines, 158 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, and 17 motorcycles.
Maj.-Gen. Buba further revealed that Operation Whirl Punch has eliminated 10 terrorists, arrested 31 others, and ensured the safe release of 10 kidnapped hostages. Notably, the troops apprehended a terrorist collaborator in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State. The recoveries from these operations included nine locally made guns, 17 dane guns, three locally made pistols, seven magazines, 211 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, four cartridges, two motorcycles, one HH radio, five mobile phones, one amulet jacket, 20 arrows, and N50,000 in cash.
In the South-South region, the troops of Operation Safe Haven successfully apprehended 19 individuals involved in oil theft, effectively putting an end to oil thieves’ activities and preventing a financial loss of N3.3 billion. The troops also discovered and destroyed 56 illegal refining sites, 42 dugout pits, 82 boats, 143 storage tanks, 234 cooking ovens, 61 hoses, 17 drums, one pumping machine, two outboard engines, and one vessel. Moreover, they recovered 6.01 million litres of stolen crude, 425,715 litres of illegally refined AGO, 38,100 litres of DPK, and 4,500 litres of PMS.
The South East region saw the troops of Operation UDO KA neutralizing four terrorists, arresting 21 criminals, and rescuing one kidnapped hostage during raids on IPOB/ESN hideouts. The troops seized six pump-action guns, 48 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 113 live cartridges, two motorcycles, one HH radio, four mobile phones, 10 generator sets, four refrigerators, and 33,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, among other recovered items.
Maj.-Gen. Buba emphasized that all the recovered items, arrested suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action. He commended the relentless efforts and dedication of the military, as their successful operations continually disrupt and dismantle the activities of terrorists and insurgents in the country.
“The military is engaged in a resolute battle and is emerging victorious in this war. Our operations have resulted in the elimination or capture of numerous terrorist and insurgent leaders, as well as their facilitators and key associates,” Maj.-Gen. Buba proudly stated. “Consequently, the insurgents and terrorists are in a perpetual state of mourning as they continually bury their dead, and we will ensure that they continue to do so.”
He further lauded the communities across the country for their invaluable assistance in exposing these nefarious elements, highlighting that their cooperation has had a tremendous impact on the ongoing military operations, depriving the criminals of safe havens.
