The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported that intensified military offensives in the North-East have severely weakened the ranks of ISWAP terrorists, forcing them into a desperate recruitment drive. According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, these terror groups are now using social media to recruit in the North-West as well.
“Troops are fully aware of the recruitment attempts and are collaborating with other security agencies and local authorities to counter these efforts,” Major General Buba stated in a press briefing on Thursday.
In the past week, troops have achieved significant results, including the elimination of 88 terrorists, the arrest of 228 suspects, and the rescue of 181 hostages. Anti-oil theft operations also led to the capture of 40 suspected oil thieves and the recovery of stolen petroleum products valued at over N1 billion.
The military’s recent operations yielded 84 assorted weapons and 2,393 rounds of ammunition. Among the recovered weapons were 34 AK-47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, and various other firearms. Additional seized items included 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, and 77 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Other confiscated assets included 16 vehicles, 35 motorcycles, and cash totaling N1.85 million.
In the Niger Delta, troops dismantled 59 illegal refining sites, destroyed 13 crude oil ovens, 20 dugout pits, 73 boats, and 25 storage tanks. They recovered three barges, seven speedboats, 73 drums, a tricycle, and five pumping machines, among other items.
The anti-oil theft operations led to the recovery of 942,420 liters of stolen crude oil, 175,075 liters of illegally refined diesel, and 4,980 liters of petrol, marking a major victory in the fight against illegal refining and resource theft in the Niger Delta.
