In the latest update from the Defence Headquarters, it was revealed that Nigerian Army troops engaged in internal operations nationwide accomplished significant results in just one week. Among the achievements are the neutralization of 135 terrorists, apprehension of 182 suspects, and successful rescue of 140 hostages.
According to Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, the operations also led to the arrest of 15 individuals involved in oil theft, with the recovery of stolen products worth N731,448,262.00 during the period under review.
The troops also seized a total of 97 assorted weapons and 3,117 assorted ammunition, effectively crippling the military capabilities of criminal groups operating in the region.
Among the recovered weapons were AK-47 rifles, a PKM MG, an FN rifle, locally fabricated guns, dane guns, pump action guns, pistols, hand grenades, and improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
Additionally, a large quantity of ammunition including rounds of various calibers, live cartridges, magazines, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, mobile phones, and a considerable sum of money were confiscated.
In the Niger Delta region, troops discovered and dismantled 40 illegal refining sites, along with various equipment used in illegal activities. This included dugout pits, boats, drums, receivers, reservoirs, storage tanks, cooking ovens, generators, vehicles, and pumping machines.
Maj.-Gen. Buba declared that the military’s efforts have significantly weakened terrorist groups, leading to the elimination of several key leaders in the ongoing fight against insurgency.