- ‘Terrorist Turji’s capture imminent’
The military yesterday reaffirmed its determination to rid the country of terrorists and bandits, who are perpetrating violence and disrupting socio-economic activities.
Service chiefs said the Armed Forces were winning the battle against banditry, urging Nigerians to cooperate with security agencies in their bid to ensure safety of lives and properties.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Christopher Musa, who spoke with reporters after the meeting of Security Chiefs at the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, said the days of the notorious bandit, Bello Turji, were numbered.
He assured the nation that the military would soon capture him.
At the meeting were the National Security Adviser (NSA) Nuhu Ribadu, Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Taoreed Lagbaja, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Hassan Abubakar and heads of para- military agencies.
Also, the Nigerian Custom Service is tightening its noose against petrol smuggling across the borders as part of efforts to restore sanity to the disrupted petrol distribution chain.
Yesterday, the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) said it had uncovered 134 illegal refineries, adding that the battle against oil theft would be sustained.
The terrorist kingpin, Turji, and members of his gang, have been wrecking havoc on Zamfara and neighbouring Northwest states, killing, maiming and kidnapping civilians while also attacking security agents.
Apart from terrorising the communities, they also imposed levies on the people.
The CDS, Service Chiefs, and the Minister of State for Defence relocated to Sokoto State last week on the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to access troops operation, following the resurgence of banditry in the state, which led to the death of a traditional ruler.
Gen. Musa said the joint task force operations to tackle terrorism and banditry in the North West would be harmonised to enhance efficiency.
He also said adequate troops would be deployed in schools in troubled states to provide security for pupils and their teachers.
Turji would be captured, says CDS
Gen. Musa who assured that “Turji’s capture is imminent,” urged the communities to support the military and other security agencies in their onslaught against the adversaries.
He said: “On the issue of Turji, like I said, it is just a deranged individual that feels power. Bt I can bet you, that it is just a matter of time.
“We are going to get him and I can assure you within the shortest possible time, we are going to address that issue. That is why we all must come together to work with members of the Armed Forces and security agencies to deny them the ability to move freely within our communities.”
The CDS added: “Please, do not give them any support. Do not give them information on the movement of troops because this is what is really happening. Most of the area where this thing is continuing is because we have informants within the communities.
“I have always reminded Nigerians that asymmetric warfare is something that should not be allowed to commence because once it is done, it is a very difficult operation. You are dealing with non-state actors that are not wearing uniform. You don’t know them, but they know you.
“Within the communities, if you don’t have the support of the community, it makes it extremely very difficult.”
Gen. Musa said the Armed Forces would continue to lead other security agencies to leverage their strengths to rid the country of security threats.
Military: 175 terrorists surrendered
Giving an insight into troops operation across the country, the Chief of Defence Training and Operations (CDTOPS), Maj.-Gen. Emeka Onumajuru, said success in the Northeast was due to the commitment of troops.
He said 170,000 civilians have returned to their homes in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States, adding that 175,000 Boko Haram terrorists have surrendered to the military.
Onumajuru said: “Our operations in Borno and the entire North East remained a success. Going down to other theaters, the Northcentral is also stable, despite the challenges we have in the Shiroro areas of Niger State and also some other areas within the same state. However, we are tackling the situation.
“The rest of the North Central is relatively stable. Operations of militia groups in Benue and Nasarawa states have been reduced, likewise, in spite of kidnapping in the general areas.”
The CDTOPS said troops’ operations against oil thieves and bunkerers in the Niger Delta was yielding desired results.
He said: “ In the Southsouth, we have recorded huge successes, based on the directive of President Bola Tinubu to ensure increased oil production. That has been achieved.
“The outcome of that directive is that we have a central command. We have also been able to establish a Joint Intelligence Fusion Center to increase situational awareness. We deployed a joint monitoring team to monitor what our troops and all the stakeholders are doing towards ensuring accountability in the entire process.”
25 crude oil thieves apprehended
No fewer than 25 suspected crude oil thieves have been apprehended by security agencies in one week in the Niger Delta, according to an NNPCL documentary titled: “ War on Crude Oil Theft.”
The national oil company also said from August 31 to September 6 security operatives discovered 63 illegal crude oil connections.
According to NNPCL, “25 suspects were arrested all of whom have been handed over to government security agencies for further investigation.”
It said in the period under review, 302 incidents were recorded.
NNPCL said of the incidents that took place in deep blue water, 81 occurred in the central region, 134 in the eastern region, and 39 in the western region.
NNPCL said in Bayelsa State, repels were swiftly executed on pipelines in Bobokiri, Kwokwokiri, Efonosa, Nembe and Kusho.
It further revealed that in Rivers State, security agencies uncovered secret storage locations at Okrika 6 and Guguma South East.
Also, in Bayelsa State, illegal crude oil meant for the black market were seized in Oliobiri and Kaima
The documentary also said in Rivers State, law enforcement agencies apprehended a vehicle filled with stolen crude oil packed in Jerry cans.
The driver was apprehend before he could escape.
NNPCL added: “At about 2:00am on the 8th of September 2024, a joint team of Manton Engineering Company; Tantita Security Services; the Nigerian Army, and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defense Corps on night patrol discovered a large wooden boat releasing loaded crude oil from a barge AGSO 1 at the court on Channel one flow station within OML 18 Operating area.”
The discovery, according to NNPCL, was based on credible intelligence
It also said the large wooden boat was caught receiving crude oil from the barge.
NNPCL said the large AGSO Channel One was told to cover channel flow station oil toy boat FSHO2, which is also in custody.
The documentary said five speed boats used in towing the large wooden boat to the illegal loading site were detained.
The particulars of boat and barge used for the illegal operation have been seized for further investigation.
Reiterating its commitment to end illegal deals, NNPCL said: “There is no backing down on the war on crude oil theft until the menace is eradicated for good.”
Ribadu: no room for petrol smuggling
Ribadu said the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), led by Comptroller -General Adewale Adeniyi, has tightened surveillance across borders to curb petrol smuggling.
He commended the NCS boss for the efforts during stakeholders meeting in his office.
He described petroleum smuggling as a “cancer that kills,” adding that it drains vital resources needed for national development and undermines government revenue drive.
Ribadu said security apparatus should agree to work together to tackle the smuggling menace, which would continue to destabilise the oil sector and foster illegal activities, if not properly addressed.
