Significant Operation Targets Terrorists, Oil Thieves, and Criminal Syndicates Across Multiple Regions
In a series of highly effective operations conducted by security forces across various theaters of operation, a total of 151 terrorists have been neutralized, 76 kidnapped hostages have been successfully rescued, and 501 individuals associated with terrorist activities and oil theft have been apprehended. Additionally, 89 illegal refinery sites, 138 storage tanks, 29 dugout pits, 235 cooking pots, and 56 boats used for crude oil theft have been discovered and destroyed.
During a briefing in Abuja, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, provided an overview of these remarkable achievements. Notably, an estimated N1.01 billion worth of crude oil and related products were denied to oil thieves within the past week.
Operations and Results:
North East
In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 44 terrorists, arrested 21 individuals, and successfully rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. In a decisive ambush against BH/ISWAP terrorists at a checkpoint in Konduga LGA, Borno State, 12 terrorists were neutralized, with others fleeing the scene. Five AK47 rifles, two locally fabricated rifles, two dane guns, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 4 motorcycles, and 3 cutlasses were recovered during this operation.
In various regions, including Jere, MMC, Biu LGAs in Borno State, as well as Gujba LGA in Yobe State, troops arrested 12 BH/Islamic logistics suppliers and collaborators. Recovered items included N3.18 million in cash, 4 AK47 rifles, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 3 locally made guns, 10 magazines, 3 vehicles transporting food items, one mobile phone, and 50 jerrycans of PMS and AGO. Furthermore, 17 AK47 rifles, 3 locally made guns, 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo, and 42 empty cases of 7.62mm by 54 ammunition were captured from the suspects.
North Central
In the North Central region, Operation Safe Haven resulted in the neutralization of 16 terrorists, the arrest of 16 individuals, and the successful rescue of a kidnapped hostage. Security forces also seized 12 AK47 rifles, 2 pistols, 5 locally fabricated rifles, 6 dane guns, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 15 magazines, and 3 motorcycles.
Additionally, separate operations were carried out in Barkin Ladi and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State, leading to the neutralization of 5 terrorists and the arrest of 7 suspected cattle rustlers and arms dealers. Security forces recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 6 dane guns, and 2 motorcycles during these operations.
A successful fighting patrol in Guma LGA of Benue State resulted in the arrest of suspected terrorists and the recovery of 7 AK47 rifles, 4 pistols, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 3 empty magazines. Investigations revealed that the suspects belonged to a syndicate responsible for terrorizing the local community.
Operation Whirl Stroke
In the operation’s latest success, troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 6 individuals associated with terrorist activities, and successfully rescued a kidnapped hostage. Furthermore, security forces recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 4 pistols, 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, and 3 empty magazines.
North West – Operation Hadarin Daji:
In the North West region, troops of Operation Hadarin Daji achieved a major victory by neutralizing 18 terrorists, arresting 5 terrorists, and rescuing 10 kidnapped hostages. Responding to intelligence regarding the abduction of locals in Bukuyyum LGA, Zamfara State, troops engaged in a firefight, neutralizing 6 terrorists and rescuing 4 kidnapped victims. In another operation in Ungwa Doka, Faskari LGA of Katsina State, troops intercepted and rescued 3 civilian abductees while neutralizing 7 terrorists.
The air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted interdiction missions, targeting terrorists’ groups, logistical bases, and disrupting their freedom of action.
Operation Whirl Punch:
Operation Whirl Punch delivered significant blows to terrorists, eliminating 17 of them, arresting 3 suspected terrorists, and successfully rescuing 7 kidnapped hostages. Security forces also seized 34 assorted weapons, 399 IED detonator primers, one vehicle, and 2 motorcycles.
The air component of Operation Whirl Punch conducted air reconnaissance and interdiction missions over Gidan Hassan and Amfu Hills, effectively denying terrorists freedom of action.
Niger Delta – Operation Delta Safe:
In the Niger Delta region, troops of Operation Delta Safe recovered approximately 1,205,950 litres of stolen crude oil, 452,910 litres of illegally refined AGO, 22,650 litres of PMS, and 3000 litres of DPK. Security forces also apprehended 59 suspected oil thieves and other criminal elements. Additionally, a raid on a criminal hideout in Tai LGA, Rivers State, resulted in the arrest of 14 suspects and the recovery of 14 assorted weapons.
The air component of Operation Delta Safe conducted air interdiction missions over Bille and Ijawkiri, targeting active illegal refining sites, equipment, and reservoirs with rockets and cannons.
South East – Operation Udoka
In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 17 IPOB/ESN terrorists, arrested 11 suspected criminals, and successfully rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Security forces also recovered 10 AK47 rifles, 5 Dane guns, 7 pump-action guns, 4 magazines, and 34 cartridges.
Major General Buba, while emphasizing that security agencies were aware of terrorists exploiting illegal activities for personal gain, stated, “The situation underscores the importance of ongoing military operations, which is critical to the nation’s effort to achieving peace and security. The military is up to the challenge, and more than ever before, the outcome is not in doubt.”
These operations collectively reflect the determination of security forces to disrupt terrorist activities, recover illicit goods, and dismantle criminal networks, furthering the mission of maintaining peace and security across the nation.