The Defence Headquarters has announced that 92 terrorists were killed, 111 suspected terrorists apprehended, and 75 kidnapped hostages rescued in various military operations across the country in the past week.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a press briefing on Thursday in Abuja. He stated that troops also recovered a total of 117 assorted weapons and 2,939 rounds of ammunition during the operations.
According to Kangye, the recovered weapons included 58 AK-47 rifles, 21 locally fabricated guns, 26 dane guns, seven pump-action guns, and four PKT guns.
Others were two General Purpose Machine Guns (GPMGs), one QJC W85 gun, one HK 21 gun, one M60 machine gun, 11 RPG bombs, two RPG tubes, and one fabricated 60mm mortar.
“They also recovered 2,278 rounds of assorted 7.62mm ammunition, 26 live cartridges, 64 rounds of 9mm ammo, 18 magazines, as well as other eight assorted arms,” he said.
In a major crackdown on oil theft in the South-South region, troops arrested 18 individuals involved in illegal activities and foiled operations valued at approximately ₦521.8 million.
Troops under Operation Delta Safe recovered 452,396 litres of stolen crude oil, 224,175 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil, and 1,920 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS).
Kangye further disclosed that troops discovered and destroyed 87 crude oil cooking ovens, 28 dugout pits, 23 boats, 33 storage tanks, 61 drums, and 47 illegal refining sites. Other recovered items included two pumping machines, three tricycles, five motorcycles, two mobile phones, and six vehicles.
In the North East, Kangye said troops under Operation Hadin Kai recorded the surrender of 101 terrorists, comprising 11 adult males, 39 adult females, and 51 children, who voluntarily gave themselves up during the week.
Additionally, troops killed 25 terrorists, including a top commander, Abba Alai, also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa. Fourteen other terrorists were arrested, and seven kidnapped victims were rescued.
“The gallant men and women of the armed forces will continue to carry out the constitutional responsibilities of protecting lives and properties of all Nigerians in line with our rules of engagement and code of conduct for internal security operations,” Kangye assured.
Military Efforts to Restore Normalcy in the South East
Addressing concerns over the persistent sit-at-home order in the South East, Kangye acknowledged that fear still keeps many residents indoors on Mondays.
However, he assured that the military is actively working to restore normalcy and eliminate the influence of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“Who gave the order? IPOB/ESN criminals. Because of what was happening in the South East, Operation Udo Ka was set up—just like Operation Hadin Kai in the North East,” he explained.
He praised the efforts of security commanders in the region, stating, “The past three commanders in the region have been doing very well. They continue to encourage people to go about their normal business, but in some areas, locals stay home out of fear of being attacked. The commanders are working hard to free the South East from IPOB/ESN influence.”
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