The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said that military operations across the country thwarted oil theft worth over N587 million, neutralised 82 terrorists, and rescued 93 kidnapped victims within a week.
According to a statement released on Thursday night by the Director of Defence Media Operations, General Markus Kangye, troops in the South-South region disrupted illegal oil operations valued at N587,190,740.
They recovered 366,530 litres of stolen crude oil, 117,320 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 600 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK). Additionally, 38 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, two speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums, and 32 illegal refining sites were discovered and destroyed.
According to the statement, troops arrested 22 suspected oil thieves and confiscated various equipment, including three pumping machines, a tricycle, three motorcycles, five mobile phones, and two vehicles.
They also recovered a cache of weapons, including two rifles, 152 assorted rounds of ammunition, and five magazines.
In related operations across different regions, the military said it recorded a series of breakthroughs against criminal elements.
“Between February 14 and 21, troops neutralized 82 terrorists, arrested 198 suspects, and rescued 93 kidnapped victims. Operations also targeted oil theft collaborators, gunrunners, and other violent extremists.
“In the North-East, under Operation HADIN KAI, 41 ISWAP/JAS terrorists, including 10 adult males, 12 adult females, and 19 children, surrendered to troops between February 13 and 19. They handed over weapons, including a PKT gun, AK-47 rifles, AK-101 rifles, and various rounds of ammunition,” the statement read.
It noted that troops also launched offensive operations in Borno and Yobe States, neutralizing 14 terrorists, arresting two, and rescuing 11 kidnapped victims. Recovered arms included 11 AK-47 rifles, dane guns, locally fabricated weapons, and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.
In the North-West, troops of Operation FASAN YAMMA carried out clearance operations in Zamfara, Sokoto, and Katsina States, neutralizing 21 terrorists, arresting six, and rescuing 60 kidnapped victims.
The troops, according to the DHQ, seized 13 AK-47 rifles, fabricated weapons, and a large cache of ammunition. In a separate operation, troops responded to terrorist activities in Zamfara and Sokoto States, neutralizing three terrorists and rescuing five hostages.
The DHQ also noted that the fight against criminality extended to the North-Central, where troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH conducted raids in Edo, Ondo, and Abuja, neutralizing five criminals, arresting 32 suspects, and rescuing two kidnapped victims.
“In Kwara State and the Federal Capital Territory, 14 criminals were apprehended with weapons and a significant quantity of cannabis,” it added.
According to DHQ, in the South-East, Operation UDO KA troops engaged IPOB/ESN terrorists in Imo, Ebonyi, and Abia States, arresting two extremists and rescuing two kidnapped victims.
The military disclosed that troops also intercepted trucks loaded with contraband drugs and recovered N3.4 million during separate raids.
Meanwhile, in the North-Central, Operation SAFE HAVEN troops arrested 26 violent extremists in Plateau and Kaduna States.
“They also responded to distress calls in Plateau, neutralizing three extremists and rescuing five kidnapped hostages.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested two suspected kidnappers in Taraba and Benue States and dismantled an illegal mining site in Nasarawa State, arresting 51 individuals and seizing mining equipment and precious stones,” the military stated.
The DHQ emphasized that all arrested suspects, recovered items, and rescued hostages had been handed over to relevant authorities for further action.
It further reaffirmed the commitment of the Armed Forces of Nigeria to protecting lives and property, urging citizens to support the military’s efforts in maintaining peace and security.
“The gallant men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria will continue to carry out their constitutional responsibilities of protecting the lives and property of all Nigerians,” DHQ stated.
