Author: The Nation

…seize 652,000 litres of stolen crude in Niger Delta

…two impersonators of the COAS arrested in Edo

Troops engaged in internal security operations across the country have killed several terrorists and recovered a large cache of arms and ammunition in the ongoing onslaught against non-state actors.

In the past week, the troops also arrested criminals and terrorist collaborators and rescued kidnap victims during operations spanning five geopolitical zones nationwide.

They also seized 652,000 litres of stolen crude, destroyed three illegal refining sites, and arrested five oil thieves.

In the North East, where troops are battling Boko Haram and its splinter groups, several Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP/JAS) fighters were killed, weapons were recovered, and three kidnap victims were rescued.

A statement by the Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Michael Onoja, on Monday, revealed that troops repelled an ISWAP attack on a Forward Operating Base (FOB) in Mairari, striking a blow to the group’s capability.

According to the statement, terrorists tried to breach the base with two Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Devices (VBIEDs), but were detected and neutralised, preventing their penetration into the troops’ location.

“The operation led to multiple terrorist casualties and seized weapons, ammunition, and logistics,” the statement said.

According to the statement, troops discovered and safely detonated an improvised explosive device (IED) along the Damboa–Komala axis, thereby ensuring the safety of commuters. They also intercepted a Lagos-registered vehicle along the Maiduguri–Bama Road conveying suspected logistics supplies for Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists and arrested two suspects.

Read Also: Police rescue 377 kidnap victims in Edo

“Also, seven of their collaborators, informants, sympathizers, and spies were arrested, while three kidnapped victims were rescued,” it said.

In the North West theater of operation, from December 12 to 17, troops conducted offensive operations in Zurmi, Maradun, Maru, and Bukkuyum Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Zamfara State; Kachia, Kaura, and Igabi LGAs of Kaduna State; Sabon Birni and Isa LGAs of Sokoto State; Wasagu and Bagudo LGAs of Kebbi State; Malumfashi and Rafi LGAs of Katsina and Niger States.

According to the statement, during these operations, troops killed several terrorists, arrested eight others, rescued four kidnap victims, and recovered weapons, vehicles, livestock, and other household items.

Earlier, on December 3, during a routine check at Kadage in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State, troops intercepted two passengers carrying ₦9,000,000.00 intended for the payment of ransom to secure the release of six of their adopted children.

“Efforts are ongoing to arrest the perpetrators.”

The statement said that troops of Operation Enduring Peace conducted operations between December 13 and 18 in Bassa, Jos North, Riyom, Jos South, Mangu and Jos East LGAs of Plateau State, as well as Kaura, Sanga, Jema’a, and Kafanchan LGAs of Kaduna State, during which several terrorists were neutralised, 16 suspects were arrested, and 19 kidnap victims were rescued.

It said, “Similarly, troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE in Benue, Nasarawa and Taraba States between December 13 and 17, conducted several offensive operations to various kidnappers’ hideouts in Akwanga, Nasarawa Eggon, Awe and Obi LGAs of Nasarawa State as well as Apa, Otukpo, Guma, Ukum LGAs of Benue State.

“They responded to distress calls on kidnapping activities in Takum, Wukari, and Karim Lamido LGAs of Taraba State, as well as Lokoja, Ijumu, Kabba, Kogi, Ifelodun, and Eru LGAs of Kogi and Kwara States, respectively. During the operations, troops arrested eight suspected kidnappers, while 43 kidnapped victims were rescued. Arms and ammunition, motorcycles and other items were also recovered.”

On operations against oil theft, the statement said that in the Operation DELTA SAFE theatre, covering Bayelsa, Delta, Imo, and Rivers states, troops foiled oil theft valued at over ₦15,697,975.00 during the week.

The breakdown, according to the statement, showed that troops recovered 652,000 litres of stolen crude oil, 1,510 litres of diesel, and 2,015 litres of petrol. In addition, three illegal refining sites were destroyed, while five oil thieves were arrested.

It stated that during air and land operations conducted between December 13 and 17 in Yenagoa and Kolokuma/Opukuma LGAs of Bayelsa State, as well as Okrika and Oyigbo LGAs of Rivers State, troops arrested nine criminal suspects, including three suspected gunrunners found in possession of arms and ammunition. The suspects are now in custody for interrogation.

The statement further said that on December 11, following intelligence reports, troops apprehended two individuals impersonating the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General W. Shaibu, in Utesi, Ovia South West LGA of Edo State. The suspects are currently in troop custody, undergoing investigation before being handed over to the appropriate authorities for further action.

On operations in the SouthEast region, the statement said troops of Operation UDO KA conducted offensive operations within the South East region and encountered Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) fighters.

“For instance, between December 12 and 15, troops arrested four suspected criminals in Ihiala, Ogbaru, and Onitsha North LGAs of Anambra State,” the statement said.