Abuja: The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops neutralised scores of terrorists, eliminated several high-value insurgent leaders and rescued dozens of kidnapped victims in nationwide operations in the last week.
The Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Michael Onoja disclosed this on Friday in Abuja while providing updates on military operations conducted between Feb. 28 and March 6.
Onoja said troops seized about 51,000 litres of stolen crude oil last week.
He explained that operations across all theatres targeted terrorists, kidnappers, oil thieves, and other criminals undermining national security.
In the North-East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI stepped up operations targeting Boko Haram and ISWAP terrorists.
He reported troops killed several terrorists, captured 20 suspects, secured the surrender of 11 insurgents and their families, and freed 24 kidnapped victims.
“Notably, the air component conducted precision strikes on terrorist enclaves in the Sambisa Forest, which neutralised key terrorist ring leaders identified as Saddam, Saleh Garin Kago and Ba Alayi Benbem, alongside fighter Hussaini Ubaida.
“Human intelligence further indicates that over 18 terrorist commanders and 42 fighters were eliminated during the strike,” he said.
Onoja stated troops thwarted terrorist attacks in Bama and Nganzai Local Government Areas of Borno, seizing arms, ammunition, armed drones, anti-tank bombs, and components for making improvised explosive devices.
In the North-West, Operation FANSAN YAMMA troops neutralised terrorists, arrested eight suspects and rescued five hostages during operations in Zamfara and Kaduna states.
He stated troops also seized arms and 542 rounds of ammunition hidden in a bag of rice during a stop-and-search operation.
Onoja said troops fighting under Operation SAVANNAH SHIELD in Niger and Kwara states killed more than 17 terrorists in a fierce gunfight in Roguwa Forest, Patigi Local Government Area of Niger.
He added that troops intercepted eight 50-kg bags of ammonium chloride, a chemical precursor in explosive production.
In the North-Central region, he reported troops from Operation WHIRL STROKE arrested 12 suspected terrorists in Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi.
“Items recovered from the suspects include an AK-47 rifle, ammunition, mobile phones and the sum of N645,000.
He stated, ‘Preliminary analysis of their phones revealed coded contacts connected to criminal networks.’
According to Onoja, Operation ENDURING PEACE troops also arrested suspected arms traffickers in Kaduna and Plateau states and seized fabricated rifles and other weapons.
In the South-South, he said, Operation DELTA SAFE troops intensified crackdowns on crude oil theft and illegal refining.
He said troops dismantled four illegal refining sites, arrested seven suspects, and confiscated large quantities of stolen petroleum products.
“On Feb. 27, troops intercepted a wooden boat carrying about 45,000 litres of suspected stolen crude oil near Cool Beach in Bonny Local Government Area of Rivers.
“In total, about 50,970 litres of stolen crude oil and illegally refined products were recovered during the week,” he said.
Onoja confirmed that Operation UDO KA troops in the South-East sustained actions against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He said troops arrested five suspected terrorists and recovered arms, foreign currency, and other incriminating materials in clearance operations in Imo, Cross River, and Abia states.
He stated the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Olufemi Oluyede, praised the troops’ gallantry and professionalism across all operational areas.
Onoja added that the CDS also urged Nigerians to continue supporting the Armed Forces with credible intelligence to sustain the fight against terrorism and other security threats in the country.
