Terrorists Take Heavy Blow as Nigerian Military Arrests Key Leaders, Neutralizes 140
By Lawrence Bilal Audu
The Armed Forces of Nigeria has recorded significant victories in their ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations, dealing a major blow to terrorist groups across the country. According to the Defence Media Operations, troops have successfully arrested key leaders, neutralized 140 terrorists, and prevented oil theft worth N1.75 billion.
The military’s successes were recorded across various theatres of operation, with notable achievements in the South East. Troops at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Orsu conducted a sting operation that led to the arrest of Pius Iguh, a founding father of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) group in Imo State. Similarly, another IPOB commander, Emmanuel Onwugu, was apprehended by troops at FOB Amaruku in Abia State. A combined sting operation also resulted in the arrest of notorious cult leader Ifeanyi Rock and 10 of his combatants in Arochukwu, Abia State.
During the week under review, troops neutralized 140 terrorists and arrested 135 persons. Additionally, 18 perpetrators of oil theft were apprehended, and 76 kidnapped hostages were rescued. The military also recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition, including 241 assorted weapons and 3,254 ammunition. Other items recovered include 13 speedboats, one tricycle, four motorcycles, three vehicles, and the sum of N79,052,150.
In the Niger Delta region, troops discovered and destroyed 33 crude oil cooking ovens, 19 dugout pits, 41 boats, 70 drums, 22 storage tanks, and 47 illegal refining sites. The military also recovered 1,122,710 litres of stolen crude oil and 557,210 litres of illegally refined AGO.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, reassured that the military remains committed to defeating terrorism and urged citizens to support the fight against terrorism. “We call on citizens to see themselves as the outstretched arm of the military and never to give terrorism any oxygen to thrive in our nation,” he stated.
