Soldiers arrest 450 suspects, rescue 180 civilians in September – DHQ
By Douglas Ahiaba – Abuja
Troops of the Nigerian Armed Forces have foiled oil theft valued at over ₦112 million and arrested about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists, and other criminals across the country in September, according to the Defence Headquarters (DHQ).
Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, said the military’s sustained nationwide operations have continued to yield significant results in the fight against insecurity and economic sabotage.
DHQ revealed that troops of Operation DELTA SAFE uncovered and disrupted illegal refining activities valued at ₦112,175,220 in the Niger Delta region.
The seizures included 49,321 litres of stolen crude oil, 6,970 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (diesel), 1,900 litres of Dual Purpose Kerosene, and 1,475 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (petrol).
It added that 41 illegal refining sites were destroyed during the operations.
“These results reflect the troops’ commitment to ending the criminal exploitation of national resources.
“For the month of September, about 450 terrorists, bandits, extremists and other criminals were arrested, 39 of them surrendered, while 180 civilians were rescued”, DHQ said.
The military also recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition during the operations, including 63 weapons, 4,475 rounds of ammunition, and 294 assorted items such as grenades, improvised explosive device materials, handheld radios, motorcycles, and vehicles.
According to the DHQ, several automatic rifles, rocket-propelled grenade tubes, machine guns, locally fabricated firearms, and large quantities of live cartridges were also seized from criminal hideouts and terror enclaves across multiple theatres of operation.
In the North-East, the statement said troops of Operation HADIN KAI intensified counterterrorism operations against Boko Haram and Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) insurgents in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe states.
DHQ noted that the joint ground and air operations , carried out in Konduga, Gwoza, Mafa, Monguno, Damboa, Biu, and Kukawa local government areas of Borno; Madagali, Hong, and Mubi South in Adamawa; and Gujba in Yobe, led to the elimination of several terrorists and the destruction of their camps and logistics bases.
“Their efforts also supported the safe resettlement of displaced persons and unimpeded farming activities across the region,” it added.
The Defence Headquarters reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining the ongoing counterinsurgency and anti-crime campaigns across all operational theatres, including Operation WHIRL STROKE in the North-Central and Operation DELTA SAFE in the Niger Delta.
It also assured Nigerians that the Armed Forces remain resolute in restoring peace and safeguarding the nation’s resources from criminal elements.
