CurrentReport Blog The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has reported significant successes in its ongoing operations against terrorism, oil theft, and other criminal activities across Nigeria. Over the past week, troops eliminated 82 terrorists, arrested 198 suspects, and rescued 93 kidnapped hostages, demonstrating the military’s unwavering commitment to national security.
Major Successes in Counter-Terrorism Operations
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Markus Kangye, provided a detailed update on the military’s efforts. He disclosed that troops recovered 152 assorted arms and ammunition, including five magazines and other military hardware.
Among the recovered weapons were:
- 86 firearms, including 46 AK-47 rifles, 18 locally fabricated guns, 19 Dane guns, and three pump-action guns.
- 2,040 rounds of assorted ammunition, comprising 1,165 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 128 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
- 600 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammunition, 51 cartridges, and 96 assorted rounds of ammunition.
Anti-Oil Theft Operations in the South-South
The Nigerian military also intensified its crackdown on oil theft in the South-South region. Troops apprehended 22 individuals involved in illegal oil bunkering and prevented the theft of crude oil and petroleum products worth approximately N587 million.
Kangye provided a breakdown of the intercepted items, which included:
- 366,530 litres of stolen crude oil.
- 117,320 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).
- 600 litres of Dual-Purpose Kerosene (DPK).
Additionally, troops destroyed 38 crude oil cooking ovens, 27 dugout pits, 22 boats, two speedboats, 60 storage tanks, 34 drums, and 32 illegal refining sites to dismantle the criminal networks operating in the region.
Other recovered items included three pumping machines, one tricycle, three motorcycles, five mobile phones, and two vehicles.
Surrender of Boko Haram and ISWAP Terrorists
In a major development in the North-East, 41 terrorists surrendered to the troops of Operation Hadin Kai. The group consisted of 10 adult males, 12 adult females, and 19 children. They handed over several weapons, including:
- One PKT gun.
- One AK-47 rifle with two magazines.
- One AK-101 rifle with two magazines.
- 135 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammunition.
- 59 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
- 28 rounds of 5.56mm ammunition.
Military’s Commitment to National Security
Maj.-Gen. Kangye reaffirmed the military’s dedication to protecting lives and property across the country. He emphasized that Nigerian troops remain resolute in combating security threats, ensuring peace and stability.
“The gallant men and women of the armed forces will continue to safeguard all Nigerians in line with their mandate,” he stated.
These recent successes underscore the effectiveness of ongoing military operations and the determination of the Nigerian government to eliminate terrorism and organized crime.
