In a recent briefing in Abuja, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that troops engaged in internal security operations successfully neutralized 40 terrorists, apprehended 191 suspects, and rescued 80 hostages within a one-week period. Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided details of the achievements, highlighting that troops also arrested 68 suspected oil thieves and recovered stolen products valued at N408,147,460.00. Additionally, the operations resulted in the recovery of 72 assorted weapons and 338 assorted ammunition.
Breaking down the recovered weapons and ammunition, General Buba listed items such as 20 AK47 rifles, six FN rifles, eight pump-action guns, four locally fabricated rifles, 19 Dane guns, two 36 hand grenades, and various rounds of ammunition. Other confiscated items included one PKM barrel, one locally made bomb, two RPG chargers, 34 magazines, 10 vehicles, 32 mobile phones, 18 motorcycles, 23 bicycles, six boafeng HH radios, and the sum of N895,900.00, among other valuables.
In the Niger Delta region, troops took action against illegal activities, destroying 23 dugout pits, 30 boats, 99 storage tanks, two motorcycles, and 13 vehicles. The operations also resulted in the recovery of 135 cooking ovens, one speedboat, five pump machines, two motorcycles, and the dismantling of 68 illegal refining sites. Substantial quantities of stolen crude oil and refined petroleum products were seized, including 406,500 litres of crude oil, 252,112 litres of illegally refined AGO, 3,158 litres of DPK, and 10,800 litres of PMS.
General Buba emphasized that the armed forces remain committed to pursuing and neutralizing terrorists across the country, prioritizing the protection of citizens. He highlighted the ongoing synchronized strikes between ground and air forces on terrorist enclaves and hideouts, reinforcing the military’s determination to eradicate threats to national security.