The Defence Headquarters has reported that, troops successfully apprehended two leaders of the Islamic State for West African Province (ISWAP) in the Tafa and Suleja Local Government Areas of Niger State.
These terrorist kingpins were captured during clearance operations, conducted jointly by the military and other security agencies on September 21.
During a press briefing regarding the military’s recent activities, Major General Edward Buba, the Director, Defence Media Operations, revealed that in a separate operation within the Abuja Municipal Area Council, 51 suspects were apprehended, and three vehicles were recovered.
He stated, “On September 21, 2023, in collaboration with personnel from sister agencies, our troops conducted operations targeting terrorist hideouts in Tafa and Suleja Local Government Areas of Niger State. These operations resulted in the apprehension of two high-profile ISWAP terrorists. Furthermore, on September 20, 2023, during routine patrols, our troops raided criminal hideouts in the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This operation led to the arrest of 51 suspects and the seizure of three vehicles due to various offenses. All detainees have been handed over to the relevant authorities for further legal action.”
He went on to report, “Over the course of the past week, our forces have accomplished significant achievements. Specifically, we have successfully neutralized 191 terrorists, apprehended 184 individuals associated with these groups, and rescued 91 hostages who had been kidnapped.”
Highlighting another development, he added, “Across multiple theaters of operation, we’ve seen a total of 104 Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and their families voluntarily surrender to our troops.”
Regarding efforts to combat oil theft, Buba provided details, stating, “Our troops have thwarted attempts at oil theft, preventing an estimated sum of N388,469,650 in illicit gains and arresting 22 suspected oil thieves. In the Niger Delta region, our operations uncovered and dismantled 38 dugout pits, seized 21 boats, dismantled 57 storage tanks, confiscated three tapping hoses, four drum receivers, 89 cooking ovens, six pumping machines, three outboard engines, and dismantled 34 illegal refining sites. During these operations, we successfully recovered 696,250 liters of stolen crude oil, 54,400 liters of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), and 1,200 liters of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).”
Addressing concerns about ongoing threats from terrorist groups, Buba affirmed, “The armed forces remain resolute and undeterred by the sinister tactics employed by these extremist factions. Their malevolent intentions are now fully exposed for what they are: a cynical scheme to amass wealth through acts of violence and terror