In a significant update, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations (DMO), has revealed that as of September 22, the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) have accomplished the elimination of 52 terrorists and the apprehension of 53 individuals nationwide. General Buba shared these remarkable achievements in a press release issued on Friday.
Furthermore, General Buba reported that the troops involved in Operation Delta Safe have effectively disrupted oil theft activities, preventing a substantial sum of N946,387,570.00 in losses within the South-South region.
General Buba provided a comprehensive breakdown of these achievements, explaining, “As of September 22, 2023, the armed forces have successfully neutralized 52 terrorists and conducted arrests involving 53 criminals, including 7 suspected oil thieves, while simultaneously rescuing 61 kidnapped hostages. Notably, 7 terrorists, comprising 5 adult males and 1 adult female, voluntarily surrendered to our troops.”
He went on to detail, “The gallant troops of Operation DELTA SAFE have effectively thwarted oil theft activities, preventing an estimated sum of N946,387,570.00 in losses. Their operations in the South-South region yielded significant results, including the recovery of 496,250 litres of stolen crude oil, 83,400 litres of illegally refined AGO, 1,200 litres of PMS, 4 pumping machines, 5 Speed Boats, 34 dugout pits, 57 storage tanks, 16 wooden boats, 85 ovens, and 3 outboard engines.”
General Buba also highlighted the recovery of a total of 77 weapons and 658 assorted types of ammunition, featuring 53 AK47 rifles, 2 AK47 rifles loaded with 8 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 18 locally fabricated rifles, 1 Beretta pistol, 3 pump-action guns, 650 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 50 AK47 magazines, 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62 NATO, and 5 fragmentation jackets.
In addition, he added, “Our troops have also reclaimed 15 vehicles, 12 motorcycles, 12 bicycles, 5 mobile phones, 12 cutlasses, 2 generator sets, 2 gas cylinders, 133 livestock, along with a sum of N602,000 and Airtel airtime worth N8,000.”
General Buba concluded by reaffirming the military’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the safety and security of citizens across the entire nation through their ongoing operations.