From Molly Kilete, Abuja
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), yesterday ,said that troops fighting the counter insurgency and other security operations across the country have killed scores of key terrorists leaders and destroyed several of their camps and logistics bases across the country.
The troops also arrested 430 suspected criminals, including oil thieves, terrorists, kidnappers; rescued some kidnapped victims and rehabilitated scores of civilians affected by the conflict.
Director, Defence Media Operations (DMO), Major General Markus Kangye,said troops dismantled illegal refining operations valued at over N1.93 billion, seized 1,009,733 litres of stolen crude oil, 304,811 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), 3,480 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene (DPK), 19,875 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), and 1,600 litres of engine oil.
He said In addition, troops destroyed an array of illegal refining infrastructure, including: 351 crude oil cooking ovens, 418 dugout pits, 30 boats, nine speedboats, 160 storage tanks, 721 drums, and 95 illegal refining sites.
Gen. Kangye said, “the Armed Forces of Nigeria remains focused and committed to ensuring national security and welfare of its personnel as troops continue to put in efforts to safeguarding the nation’s territorial integrity and protect citizens from all forms of threats.”
Gen. Kangye, at the a media briefing on military operations conducted in the last one week, said that as part of its mandate, the military has launched several key operations aimed at combating insurgency, terrorism, and other forms of criminal activities that threaten our communities.
He said these operations are strategically designed and executed to ensure the safety of innocent civilians and the restoration of peace in affected regions.
While commending personnel of the military for their dedication,Kangye, said troops have demonstrated remarkable courage and professionalism in the face of adversity.
He said,“We are collaborating closely with local and international partners to enhance intelligence-sharing and operational effectiveness. The cooperation of local communities has also been invaluable in our intelligence gathering efforts. We also appreciate your efforts, as you continue to keep Nigerians and the global community informed of our operational successes through your various media outlets.
“In the Month under review, our gallant troops neutralised scores of terrorists, including one of their leaders known as Nkwachi Eze otherwise known as Onowuwho has been on the wanted list of the military. Eze has been responsible for coordinating series of attacks and kidnappings across the South East.
“We have also taken into custody, Buhari Umar, a wanted suspected gunrunner, who also double as leader of a kidnapping syndicate terrorizing Gombe, Bauchi, Plateau and Kaduna States. Furthermore, the troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE successfully arrested a five -man kidnapping syndicate in Lafia LGA,Nasarawa State. They include:Hassan Mohammed, Saleh Sani, Idi Yusuf, Adamu Danmai and Hassan Bello. During the period, 430 perpetrators of oil theft, terrorists and other criminal elements were apprehended. We have rescued 173 kidnapped hostages, while over 204 terrorists and members of their families surrendered to own troops.
“Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE foiled oil theft worth over N1, 931,297,897.00 only during the week. The breakdown indicates: 1,009,733 litres of stolen crude oil, 304,811 litres of illegally refined AGO and 3,480 litres of DPK, 19,875 litres of PMS and 1,600 litres of engine oil. Additionally, they discovered and destroyed 351 crude oil cooking ovens, 418 dugout pits, 30 boats, nine speedboats, 160 storage tanks, 721 drums and 95 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include: pumping machines, drilling machines, tricycles, motorcycles, mobile phones and 42 vehicles.
“Additionally, troops recovered large quantities of various arms, such as automatic weapons, RPG tubes, Machine guns, locally fabricated guns, and improvised explosive devices. Also, some cache of live cartridges and assorted ammunition were recovered.”