The Nigerian military has dealt a heavy blow to terrorist groups operating in the country, neutralising several high-profile commanders and arresting key gunrunners and logistics suppliers.
The operations, carried out across various theatres from January to March, significantly weakened the command structures of Boko Haram, ISWAP, and other insurgent factions.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this on Thursday in Abuja, stating that troops demonstrated “uncommon bravery, resilience, determination, and strong will” in their engagements with the terrorists.
Among those neutralised were Abba Allai (also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa), Abdullahi (aka Honour), Jagaban, and Dan Danger. One of the most wanted terrorist leaders, Abdullahi Ali, was captured alive with severe gunshot wounds.
According to Maj.-Gen. Kangye, the sustained military pressure has led to serious cracks within the ranks of the terrorist factions, triggering infighting for supremacy.
“There was also infighting for supremacy within the ranks of the various terrorist factions, which sparked cracks in their leadership hierarchy, hence the observed confusion in their various camps,” he said. “Our gallant troops exploited the situation and dealt decisively with them on various fronts, hence their resort to attacking soft targets and using improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and isolated ambushes.”
Oil Theft Worth ₦7.4 Billion Foiled
In addition to counter-terrorism efforts, troops of Operation Delta Safe intensified their crackdown on illegal oil bunkering.
Security forces foiled the theft of crude oil and petroleum products worth over ₦7.4 billion, recovering over 6.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.3 million litres of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO), and other petroleum products.
“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 257 crude oil cooking ovens, 128 dugout pits, 192 boats, 138 storage tanks, 236 drums, and 122 illegal refining sites,” Maj.-Gen. Kangye added.
Other recovered items included a barge, speedboats, pumping machines, drilling machines, and 90 vehicles used by criminals in their illicit trade.
Arrest of Gunrunners and Logistics Suppliers
The military also made significant arrests, dismantling supply networks that have sustained terrorist activities.
Among those apprehended were notorious gunrunners and logistics suppliers, including Mansur Mohammed, Shehu Babangida, Sagi David, Blessing Paul, and Shuaibu Maji.
Large caches of weapons were seized, including machine guns, RPG tubes, automatic rifles, locally fabricated guns, and IED components. Troops also recovered assorted 7.62mm and 9mm ammunition, as well as live cartridges.
Successful Operations Across the Country
The military’s offensive efforts extended beyond the North East.
Troops of Operation Hadin Kai carried out raids in Bama, Gwoza, Kaga, and Konduga Local Government Areas of Borno State between 27 and 29 March, leading to the neutralisation and capture of several terrorists, as well as the recovery of AK-47 rifles and locally made firearms.
From 27 March to 1 April, security forces intercepted 11 terrorist logistics suppliers during joint operations with hybrid forces.
In the North West, Operation Fasan Yamma targeted terrorists and kidnappers in Sokoto, Katsina, and Kano States, rescuing 16 kidnapped victims and recovering firearms and motorcycles.
Troops of Operation Whirl Punch also made notable arrests, including that of the notorious gunrunner, Shuaibu Maji, in Kogi, Edo, and Kwara States.
In North-Central Nigeria, Operation Safe Haven conducted counter-kidnapping operations in Plateau and Benue States, rescuing seven victims and recovering assorted ammunition.
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