Military Steps up Operations, Neutralize 171 Terrorists, Recover N846.5 Million
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has made significant strides in its ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations across the country.
Director Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba in a press release issued on August 23, 2024, said, troops have neutralized several terrorist leaders and commanders in the Northeast and Northwest theatres of operations.
In the past week, troops neutralized 171 terrorists and arrested 302 persons, including notorious kidnappers and gun runners. Additionally, 25 perpetrators of oil theft were arrested, and 134 kidnapped hostages were rescued. The military also denied oil thieves the estimated sum of N846,480,800.00 in the South-South region.
The military has also recovered a cache of weapons and ammunition, including 84 assorted weapons and 1,499 assorted ammunition. Other items recovered include vehicles, motorcycles, mobile phones, and cash.
In the Niger Delta area, troops discovered and destroyed 26 dugout pits, 13 boats, and 90 drums used for illegal oil bunkering. They also recovered 799,400 litres of stolen crude oil and 151,150 litres of illegally refined AGO.
The military has reassured citizens that it will maintain its operational activities across the country to ensure the enduring defeat of terror groups. Troops remain committed to protecting citizens and ensuring their safety.
Below is the summary of operations from the various theatres across the country:
Operation HADIN KAI (North East)
– Neutralized 69 terrorists
– Arrested 98 suspects
– Rescued 24 kidnapped hostages
– Recovered weapons and ammunition, including 1 PKT gun, 25 AK47 rifles, and 364 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo
Operation SAFE HAVEN (North Central)
– Neutralized 10 insurgents
– Arrested 79 violent extremists
– Rescued 48 kidnapped hostages
– Recovered 2 AK47 rifles and 47 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo
Operation WHIRL STROKE (North Central)
– Neutralized 8 terrorists
– Arrested 15 violent extremists
– Rescued 16 kidnapped hostages
– Recovered 2 AK47 rifles, 2 locally made pistols, and 2 AK47 rifle magazines
Operation HADARIN DAJI (North West)
– Neutralized 60 terrorists
– Arrested 23 terrorists
– Rescued 25 kidnapped hostages
– Recovered 15 AK47 rifles, 5 pump action guns, and 432 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo
Operation WHIRL PUNCH (North West)
– Neutralized 12 terrorists
– Arrested 37 suspects
– Rescued 13 kidnapped hostages
– Recovered 2 fabricated guns, 4 dane guns, and 131 rounds of 7.62mm NATO
Operation DELTA SAFE (South South)
– Recovered 799,400 litres of stolen crude oil and 151,150 litres of illegally refined AGO
– Destroyed 26 dugout pits, 13 boats, 90 drums, and 45 storage tanks
– Arrested 22 suspected oil thieves and violent extremists
– Recovered 8 assorted arms and 88 assorted ammunitions
Operation UDO KA (South East)
– Neutralized 12 terrorists
– Arrested 25 violent extremists
– Rescued 8 kidnapped hostages
– Recovered 3 pump action guns, 2 dane guns, and 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo.
