The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced the arrest of over 100 suspects in response to the attack by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and Eastern Security Network (ESN) on a military checkpoint in Abia State, which resulted in the deaths of five service personnel. The announcement was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Thursday.
Maj.-Gen. Buba stated that following preliminary investigations, some of the arrested individuals who were not found culpable in the attack have been released. He also disclosed that nine soldiers were killed in June alone by non-state actors across the country.
Briefing journalists two weeks after the attack, General Buba highlighted the intelligence-based operations conducted by troops, leading to the discovery and destruction of several IPOB/ESN terrorist camps in the region, including the Igboro Forest in Arochukwu LGA of Abia State. He emphasized the significance of the raids and arrests, noting that those detained are providing valuable intelligence to locate other camps, sleeper cells, and high-profile individuals involved in terrorist activities.
Troops Seize Nine Million Litres of Crude Oil in Operation Delta Safe
In a significant crackdown on illegal oil activities, troops of Operation Delta Safe (OPDS) confiscated 9,225,149 litres of stolen crude oil in June. This was part of broader operations that also led to the seizure of 2,874,916 litres of diesel and 31,380 litres of petrol.
Maj.-Gen. Buba reported that in the second quarter of the year, troops across the country killed 2,245 terrorists, arrested 3,682 suspected criminals, and rescued 1,993 kidnap victims. These operations are part of the ongoing efforts to curb terrorism and criminal activities nationwide.
