In a significant stride against terrorism and crime, Nigerian armed forces have neutralized 169 individuals and arrested 641 suspects in recent operations, according to Maj-Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja.
By Chimezie Godfrey
In a significant stride against terrorism and crime, Nigerian armed forces have neutralized 169 individuals and arrested 641 suspects in recent operations, according to Maj-Gen Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Defence Headquarters (DHQ) Abuja.
Maj-Gen Buba noted that the operations, which involve synchronized airstrikes and ground assaults, have disrupted terrorist strongholds, particularly in Borno State.
According to him, a notable strike conducted on November 6 by the air component of Operation HADIN KAI targeted terrorist positions at KWALLARAM and ARAINNA CIKI islands, resulting in the elimination of over 70 extremists at KWALLARAM alone, with further casualties inflicted on other groups.
Gen. Buba disclosed that troops also dealt a blow to illegal oil operations, seizing approximately N1.4 billion worth of stolen crude oil.
He said,”Meanwhile during the week under review, troops neutralised 169 and arrested 641 persons. Troops also arrested 40 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 181 kidnapped hostages.
“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion Four Hundred and Two Million Nine Hundred and One Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (N1,402,001,900.00) only.”
He added that in the Niger Delta, military personnel destroyed 83 illegal refining sites along with 20 crude oil cooking ovens, multiple dugout pits, storage tanks, and boats used in the theft and transportation of oil.
The Nigerian armed forces further secured a range of equipment during these operations, including 192 weapons, 2,970 rounds of ammunition, and numerous vehicles, motorcycles, and communication devices.
Maj-Gen Buba emphasized that these efforts have significantly depleted the ranks of terror groups, prompting desperate recruitment attempts on social media by organizations such as the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).
The DDMO assured that the military will continue to intensify its efforts to eliminate all security threats across the country.