By Abimbola Ogunnaike
At least 188 terrorists were killed and 330 arrested during operations conducted across the northern parts of the country in the last one week.
Also, a total of 133 kidnapped persons were rescued by troops deployed across the country within the period under review.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, made this disclosure in a statement issued on Friday, 12 April, 2024.
According to Buba, the recent achievements of the troops had placed them in a strong position to win the ongoing war against terrorists.
The statement read, “The armed forces are working decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens. Accordingly, we are making the terrorists pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.
“Troops will continue to operate with tremendous force against terrorists across the country. During the week under review, troops neutralised 188 and arrested 330 persons. Troops also rescued 133 kidnapped hostages.
“The military is in a good and strong position in the war against terrorists with many terrorist leaders killed. We will continue to provide security for citizens with the tools at our disposal.”
In the ongoing operations against oil theft in the country, Buba said 36 suspects were arrested and stolen crude oil worth N637m recovered.
“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N637,710,310.00 only. Troops also arrested 36 perpetrators of oil theft.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered included 28 cooking ovens and 21 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 672,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,530 litres of illegally refined AGO,” he added.
He, however, said troops recovered 270 assorted weapons and 5,083 assorted ammunition.
“The breakdown is as follows: 122 AK47 rifles, 47 locally fabricated guns, 47 Dane guns, 24 automatic pump action guns, 8 locally fabricated pistols, 2 locally made single barrel guns, one double barrel gun, one hand grenade, and one IED.
“Others are 2,129 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,686 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 116 rounds of 9mm ammo, 133 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ball ammo, 151 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 619 live cartridges, 34 magazines, 8 HH radios, 8 vehicles, 40 motorcycles, 6 bicycles, 50 mobile phones and the sum of N610,210.00 amongst other items,” Buba added.
Recall that between January and March 2024, troops killed a total of 2,351 terrorists and arrested 2,308.
Also, 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued, and stolen crude oil worth N20bn was recovered in the first quarter of the year.
