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In a span of nine weeks, the armed forces’ troops have effectively neutralized 23 terrorists, arrested 109 criminals, and apprehended five kidnappers, the Defence Headquarters announced. Additionally, within the same period, 22 suspected oil thieves and one informant were also apprehended across the country.

Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, divulged in a statement on Friday that the troops also heroically rescued 41 kidnapped hostages. Buba further revealed that 231 terrorists, along with their families—consisting of 25 adult males, 63 adult females, and 143 children—voluntarily surrendered to the troops in the North East region.

During these operations, the troops successfully recovered an arsenal of weapons, including 41 firearms and 300 assorted weapons. The cache encompassed 14 AK47 rifles, one AK49 rifle, and two AK47 rifles loaded with 7.62mm special ammunition, among others. Also among the weapons seized were explosives, such as an LMG, two pump-action guns, and three locally fabricated rifles.

In addition to the firearms, the troops also discovered and confiscated various equipment, such as 13 motorcycles, 22 mobile phones, one bicycle, 10 machetes, and a pair of camouflage attire.

Parallel to their activities in the North East, the troops carried out operations in the South-South geopolitical zone, culminating in the arrest of 682,400 litres of stolen crude oil, 70,950 litres of illegally refined AGO, and 23,250 litres of DPK. These operations resulted in an estimated financial loss of N414.3 million for the oil thieves.

Maj.-Gen. Buba reiterated the military’s unwavering commitment to relentlessly pursuing and apprehending the violent groups responsible for instigating insecurity and instability in the country. He assured the public that the troops would continue to improve their efforts to ensure the safety of citizens and restore security nationwide.