Troops Neutralize 96 Terrorists, Arrest Key Commander
The Defence Headquarters has reported the elimination of 96 terrorists and the arrest of 227 suspects, including a key terrorist commander, during recent military operations in northern Nigeria. This announcement was made by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Buba Edward, in a statement released on Friday. Among those arrested was Usman Maisaje, a close associate of the notorious terrorist leader Kachalla Boka, who is wanted by the authorities.
Maj. Gen. Buba emphasized the importance of Maisaje’s arrest, noting that the terrorist commander is cooperating with the military by providing valuable intelligence that will assist in further operations. He stated, “The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much-needed intelligence for further operations.”
In addition to the significant progress made in counter-terrorism efforts, troops also rescued 157 kidnapped hostages during these operations. The continued military crackdown in the Northern region reflects the government’s commitment to dismantling terrorist networks and restoring peace to the region.
Anti-Crude Oil Theft Operations in the South-South
In the Niger Delta region, troops conducted successful operations to combat illegal oil refining and theft. Maj. Gen. Buba revealed that the troops recovered crude oil valued at approximately N712 million and apprehended 45 suspected oil thieves. The operation led to the discovery and destruction of four dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums, 38 storage tanks, and 60 illegal refining sites. Additionally, 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) were recovered.
The military’s efforts have not only focused on combating terrorism but have also extended to protecting the nation’s resources from criminal exploitation. In the Niger Delta, security forces also seized weapons, vehicles, and communication devices used by criminals. According to Maj. Gen. Buba, 71 sophisticated weapons and 1,463 rounds of ammunition were recovered during various operations across the country.
These achievements underscore the ongoing resolve of the Nigerian military to tackle insecurity in all its forms, ranging from terrorism in the North to economic sabotage in the South.
