148 Terrorists Killed, 258 Arrested in Week of Military Operations – Defence Chief
In a series of successful military operations, the Nigerian Armed Forces have neutralized 148 terrorists and arrested 258 suspects across various theatres of operation in the past week. This was disclosed in a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, on Saturday.
The military’s successful operations also led to the arrest of two ammunition couriers, Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State. These individuals were reportedly collaborating with terrorist groups, and their capture is seen as a significant achievement in the ongoing fight against terrorism in the region.
Buba’s statement detailed the scope of the operations, saying, “During the week, troops in the North Central theatre of operation intercepted and apprehended two ammunition couriers who were collaborating with the terrorists. The arrested persons, identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, were apprehended in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State and are cooperating with troops.”
Key Achievements:
- Terrorist Neutralizations: 148 terrorists were killed during the week’s operations.
- Suspect Arrests: 258 individuals were arrested, including the two ammunition couriers.
- Hostage Rescues: A total of 291 kidnapped hostages were successfully rescued.
- Oil Theft Interceptions: 51 suspected oil thieves were arrested, with crude oil worth N798 million recovered.
- Weapons and Ammunition Seizures: 146 assorted weapons and 2,599 rounds of ammunition were recovered, including AK-47 rifles, locally-made guns, RPGs, and various rounds of ammunition.
In the Niger Delta, military forces targeted illegal oil refining activities and seized significant amounts of stolen crude oil. Buba mentioned the destruction of 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, and numerous boats and vehicles used for illegal oil refining. “Troops in the South-South discovered and destroyed 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats, 45 storage tanks, and 66 illegal refining sites,” he noted.
Additionally, the military forces recovered 657,470 liters of stolen crude oil, 127,870 liters of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil), and 5,000 liters of DPK (Dual Purpose Kerosene). The army also seized several vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones, including a drone and various other illicit items.
Breakdown of Weapons and Ammunition Recovered:
- Two PKT guns
- 72 AK-47 rifles
- 33 fabricated rifles
- 28 Dane guns
- Two locally made SMGs
- Three locally made pistols
- Two pump-action guns
- One RPG bomb, one RPG tube
- 39 magazines
The military also recovered large amounts of ammunition, including:
- 1,596 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo
- 636 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo
- 111 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ammo
- 114 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo
- 25 rounds of 9mm ammo
- 98 live cartridges
Other items seized include three Baofeng radios, three vehicles, 36 motorcycles, 40 mobile phones, and N1,838,000 in cash.
These successful operations are seen as part of the ongoing effort to curb terrorism, oil theft, and criminal activities in Nigeria, with significant achievements reported in several parts of the country. The military has vowed to continue its fight against these criminal groups while ensuring the safety and security of the Nigerian people.
