Troops Foil Oil Theft of over N1 billion, Destroy 50 Illegal Refining Sites in Niger Delta; Neutealize 99 Terrorists, Arrest 247 including Oil Theft Criminals; Rescue 139 Kidnapped Hostages

Troops fighting in several theatres of operation accross the country to rid the nation of terrorists, oil theft criminals, kidnappers/bandits have thwarted the stealing of crude oil and its by-products estimated at a sum of One billion, eighteen million, four hundred and eighty three thousand, nine hundred naira (N1,018,483,900.00).

Troops of Operation Delta Safe also discovered and destroyed 50 illegal refining sites, 162 cooking ovens, 245 dugout pits, 31 boats, 69 storage tanks, 23 vehicles, one pumping machine and 3 outboard engines.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba who made this known at a briefing in Abuja said troops recovered 578,900 litres of stolen crude oil, 454,330 litres of illegally refined AGO and 10,000 litres of DPK.

According to Gen Buba, troops during operaions in the last one week neutralized 99 terrorists, arrested 247 of them including oil theft criminals

Troops also rescued 139 kidnapped hostages during offensive operations on terrorists/bandits camps while 141 assorted weapons and 1,463 assorted ammunition were recovered

The waepons and ammunition include one GPMG, one GT3 rifle, one assault rifle, 49 AK47 rifles, one josef magnum pump action gun, one double barrel gun, 2 single barrel guns, 9 locally made pistols, 13 Dane guns, one hand grenade, 7 locally made rifles, 3 RPG chargers, 2 locally made hand grenades.

Others are 347 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 966 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 25 rounds of 9mm ammo, 58 live cartridges, 50 rounds of empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 30 magazines, 27 vehicles, 47 mobile phones, 34 motorcycles and sum of N717,580.00.

Giving details of the operations, Buba said, “Troops of Operation Hadarin Daji in the North West neutralized 20 terrorists, arrested 20 terrorists and rescued 83 kidnapped hostages.

Troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one AK47 rifle loaded with 13 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one long Dane gun, 2 locally made pistols, 72 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 5 empty cases of rounds of 7.62mm special 4 magazines, 5 motorcycles, 7 mobile phones and amongst others

“Troops arrested suspected terrorist in Matazu LGA of Katsina State, rescued kidnapped hostages in Faskari and Batsari LGAs of Katsina State and in offensive operations neutralized terrorists in Bali LGA of Taraba State.

“Troops also responded to bandits activities in Malumfashi and Danmusa LGAs Zamfara and Katsina States respectively as well as Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State as well as arrested suspected impostor in Mallam Madori LGA of Jigawa State.

“On 17 November 2023, the air component of Operation Hadarin Daji conducted air interdiction on a targeted terrorist leader’s enclave known as Lalba Nagogo whose enclave is in Danmusa LGA of Katsina State.

“Following confirmation of terrorist and his foot soldiers presence, the location was struck with rockets and cannons. Battle Damage Assessment revealed several terrorist were neutralized with various structures destroyed.

“Also, troops of Operation Whirl Punch neutralized 16 terrorists, arrested 16 suspected terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 5 AK47 rifles, 2 locally made hand grenades, 7 magazines, 19 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 11 motorcycles, 9 mobile phones, 40 pairs of terrorists uniform and the sum of N165,000.00 amongst others.

“Troops conducted fighting patrols in Chikun LGA and Kuje Area Council of Kaduna and FCT Abuja, conducted ambush operation on terrorists in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State and also responded to information on terrorists activities in Birnin Gwari LGA of Kaduna State.

“On 20 November 2023, troops raided criminal hideout in Gwagwalada Area Council of FCT Abuja. During the operation, troops arrested 5 suspects and recovered one dagger, one POS Machine, 5 mobile phones, illicit drugs and the sum of One Hundred and Sixty-five Thousand Naira (₦165,000.00).

“The air component of Operation Whirl Punch on 16 Nov 23, conducted air interdiction at terrorist‘ leader known as Boderi. The terrorist leader’s new enclave is located in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State.

“The location was observed to be active with terrorists. The location was acquired and engaged with rockets and cannons. The Battle Damage Assessment revealed that the elder brother of the terrorist leader named Nasiru, several of his lieutenants and foot soldiers were neutralized as well as their structures destroyed.

“In the North East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralized 19 terrorists, arrested 21 and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered one GPMG, one GT3 rifle, one assault rifle, 40 AK47 rifles, one single barrel auto gun, 2 locally made rifles, one dane gun, one hand grenade, 333 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 107 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 16 live cartridges, 30 rounds of empty cases of 7.62mm special ammo, 8 magazines and 5 mobile phones.

“Troops arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists collaborators in Gujba LGA of Yobe State, conducted fighting patrols in Askira Uba, Bama, Abadam and Gujba LGAs of Borno and Yobe State. Troops discovered Unexploded Ordinance and IED in Mobbar and Biu LGAs of Borno State.

‘Troops arrested suspected BH/ISWAP terrorists spy and a gunrunner in Damaturu and Kwaya Kusar LGAs of Yobe and Borno States. Troops further conducted offensive operations in Damboa and Mobbar LGAs of Borno State.

“On 21 November 2023, troops with hybrid forces conducted offensive operation and made contact with terrorists in Mobbar LGA of Borno State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 5 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered 7 AK47 rifles, 3 magazines, 70 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo and 2 motorcycles.

“In the North Central, troops of Operation Safe Haven neutralized 3 terrorists , arrested 32 and rescued 8 kidnapped hostages.

“Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, 3 RPG charger, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 513 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one vehicle, and 3 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Troops arrested suspected arms dealers in Zango Kataf and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State, conducted raid operation to criminal hideouts in Mangu LGA of Plateau State and arrested suspected Militias in Mangu LGA of Plateau State.

“Between 14 and 17 November 2023, troops in separate operations arrested 3 suspected arms dealers identified names withheld in Zango Kataf and Kagarko LGAs of Kaduna State.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that they were on their way to deliver ammunition to Bello Turji who is a notorious terrorist leader in Zamfara State. Troops recovered 504 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 100 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 3 RPG chargers, 3 mobile phones, one ATM card and one vehicle.

“Troops of Operation Whirl Stroke neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 9 terrorists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine and 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo amongst other items.

“Troops conducted raid operation at suspected criminal hideout in Takum and Katsina-Ala LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively and also arrested a notorious criminal in Katsina-Ala LGA of Benue State.

“On 15 November 2023, troops raided terrorist hideouts in Takum and Katsina-Ala LGAs of Taraba and Benue States respectively. During the operations, troops made contact with criminals. Following a fire fight, one terrorist was neutralised while others fled. Troops exploited the general area and recovered one AK47 rifle, one magazine and 27 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo.

“On 17 November 2023, troops raided a criminals’ hideout and arrested a notorious criminal in Katsina Ala LGA of Benue State.

“‘On 21 November 2023, troops on fighting patrol responded to kidnapping activities in Tangaza LGA of Sokoto State. Troops rescued 52 kidnapped hostages on the operation.

In the Niger Delta, troops conducted operations in Akpabuyo and Isoko LGAs of Cross River and Delta States respectively and arrested suspected criminals in Ikpoba Okha LGA of Edo State.

‘On 14 November 2023, troops raided a suspected criminal hideout in Akpabuyo LGA of Cross River State. During the operation, troops neutralized one notorious criminal and recovered one locally made pistol loaded with one round.

‘On 15 November 2023, troops with hybrid forces raided suspected drugs peddlers’ hideout in Isoko North LGA of Delta State. During the operation, troops arrested 6 suspects.

“On 17 November 2023, following information on activities of criminals, troops conducted search and rescue operation in Ikpoba Okha LGA of Edo State. During operation, troops arrested one suspected criminal identified as Ganiyu Sheriff who claimed to be a member of Edo State Security Network.

“Troops recovered one single barrel gun, one Josef Magnum Pump action gun, 32 live cartridges, some empty cases of 7.62 mm Special ammo, one vehicle, 3 black fragmental jackets, 2 pairs of Edo State Security Network uniforms, charms and cutlasses.

“On 19 November 2023, following Intelligence Report, troops ambushed suspected kidnappers and made contact in Bakassi of Cross River State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 3 criminals while others fled. Troops recovered 2 locally made pistol, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 mobile phones and one cutlass.

“Troops also neutralized 4 criminals, apprehended 51 suspects fot oil thefts and other criminals elements as well as recovered 3 locally made pistol with one round, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 2 mobile phones and a cutlass amongst other items.

“In thr South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 6 criminals, arrested 14 suspected IPOB/ESN criminals and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered one pump action gun, one double barrel gun, one locally made pistol, 6 rounds of 9mm ammo, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones amongst other items.

“Troops encountered meeting engagement with suspected terrorists in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State, arrested suspected criminals in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State.

“Troops also arrested suspected criminals and kidnappers in Onueke Ezza and Aninri LGAs of Ebonyi and Enugu States.

“On 16 November 2023, troops while on night patrol made contact with suspected terrorists in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Following a fire fight, troops neutralized 2 terrorists and recovered one double barrel gun, one motorcycle and 2 mobile phones.

“On 16 November 2023, troops responded to a distress call on suspected Iyonu Militia criminal activities in Ishielu LGA of Ebonyi State. During the operation, troops arrested 4 suspected criminals and recovered one locally made pistol and 6 rounds of 9mm ammo.

“On 17 November 2023, troops while on fighting patrol arrested one suspected criminal in Onueke Ezza North LGA of Ebonyi State. Troops recovered one Pump action rifle with live cartridges.

“On 19 November 2023, troops on fighting patrol arrested 3 suspected kidnappers Aninri LGA of Enugu State.

Speaking further, Major Gen Buba said, “The war against terrorists, insurgents, violent extremists and others creating insecurity in the country wages on, and the military is progressing towards its goal of total destruction of these elements. In this war, the military is learning every day how to better deal with the threat posed by these groups.

“Going by the outcome of ongoing operations across the country. The military is ready, capable and eager to continue its mission of securing the country by the destruction of terrorists, extremists and insurgents.

“We are maximizing the substantial advantage that we have such as air superiority and aerial cover for the ground forces. The joint operational environment is witnessing communication and coordination of fires between ground and aerial assets to decimate the enemy on the ground.

“Given that there are several lines of operation in countering insurgency. It is pertinent to state that combat operations against these insurgents, terrorists and extremists remains one line of action . It is for this reason that the armed forces is calling on Nigerians for support, particularly in the area of public opinion. We have to show support for our troops to win this war.

“The gallant men and women of the armed forces continue to put themselves in harms way to ensure the safety and security of citizens. We have to exhibit patriotism and encourage them in our public discuss.

“The leadership of the armed forces under the Chief of Defence Staff , General CG Musa, is open to workable ideas to improve ongoing operations. Nigeria belongs to us all and therefore victory in this war, is non-negotiable. Together, we not just win, but we have dominion”.