Operations Against Terrorists, Oil Thieves, Successful – DHQ

The Nigerian Armed Forces says its troops have recorded significant successes in their ongoing operations against terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminal elements across the country.

According to a statement by the
Director, Defence Media Operations,
Major General Markus Kangye says over the past week, security forces neutralized 27 terrorists, arrested 62 suspects, and rescued 44 kidnapped victims.

It explained that during various offensive operations, troops engaged terrorists in multiple locations, leading to the recovery of a large cache of weapons, including AK-47 rifles, pump-action guns, RPG bombs, and thousands of rounds of ammunition.

It further stated that the military also dismantled terrorist camps, confiscated motorcycles, and destroyed criminal hideouts, arrested several high-profile criminals, including suspected terrorist collaborators and kidnappers, with some found in possession of cash and communication devices.

In addition to counter-terrorism efforts, security forces intensified their crackdown on crude oil theft and illegal refining activities.

The statement revealed that
over 253,000 liters of stolen crude oil and 42,000 liters of illegally refined diesel were seized, while 24 illegal refining sites were destroyed with several suspects apprehended for their involvement in oil theft and other illicit activities.

It maintained that the military also continued its efforts to combat organized crime, with arrests of gun runners, drug dealers, and violent extremists in different parts of the country.

It highlighted that some operations led to the recovery of arms and ammunition, as well as cash linked to criminal activities and troops intercepted and detained individuals suspected of supporting insurgent groups, including foreign nationals.

The Nigerian Armed Forces therefore reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the nation and ensuring the security of its citizens adding that all arrested suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further investigation and necessary action.

PR/Aisha Adesanya