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  • Troops kill 8,034, rescue 6,376 kidnap victims

    Troops kill 8,034, rescue 6,376 kidnap victims

    This year proved detrimental for terrorists in Nigeria as the military neutralised over 8,034 of them and their leaders.

    In several operations conducted by troops in security-prone areas, more than 8,216 weapons and 211,459 rounds of ammunition were also recovered from terrorists and other non-state actors.

    Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, highlighted these achievements during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

    He also reported that troops arrested 11,623 criminals and rescued 6,376 kidnap victims throughout the year.

    Read Also: Troops recover 1.2m litres of stolen products

    He said: “The breakdown of the recoveries are as follows: 4,053 AK47 rifles, 1,123 locally fabricated guns, 731 dane guns, and 240 pump action guns. Others are; 120,247 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 41,515 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 5,373 cartridges, 1,940 assorted arms, and 25,664 assorted ammunitions.”

    On military successes in the Niger Delta region, the defence spokesman said troops recovered: 53,101,430 litres of stolen crude oil with an estimated sum of over N57 billion.

    He said troops also recovered 9,179,181 litres of illegally refined diesel, 90,595 litres of kerosene and 156,095 litres of petrol. 

  • Troops recover 1.2m litres of stolen products

    Troops recover 1.2m litres of stolen products

    • Destroy 56 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have announced a breakthrough in their ongoing war against economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

    The troops destroyed over 56 illegal oil  bunkering sanctuaries, 88 cooking drums, 20 boats and recovered 1.2million litres of stolen crude in their various operations in the region.

    The Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed the arrest of 17 suspected oil thieves, interception of seven vehicles, discovery of six illegal connection points and destruction of five motorcycles used for perpetrating economic sabotage across the region.

    Danjuma said in Bayelsa State, at an abandoned Oando wellhead situated in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), 15 illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 755,000 litres of stolen crude as well as over 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) recovered.

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    He said around Biseni Forest in Yenagoa LGA, 12 illegal refining sites with over 34,000 litres of stolen crude as well 5,500 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated.

    He said in Rivers State, around Kula I, general area in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops discovered one illegal connection on 36 inches Government pipeline, with three inches hose connected on it, used as a loading point by oil thieves.

    He said: “This was in addition to a ground reservoir of 80 by 80 tarpaulin stocked with over 100,000 litres of stolen products recovered during the operations.

    “The operation was also extended to Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where an abandoned truck ladened with 35,000 litres of stolen crude stocked in a fabricated tank and  concealed with bags of sawdust was uncovered.

    “Relatedly, around Bakana and Buguma general area in Degema LGA, eight illegal refining sites with over 27,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated.“

  • Troops neutralise 135, apprehend 185 suspects in one week

    Troops neutralise 135, apprehend 185 suspects in one week

    Troops of the Nigerian military eliminated no fewer than 135 terrorists, apprehended 185 suspects and rescued 129 kidnapped hostages through well executed operations across the country in the last one week.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, made this known in the Defence Headquarters weekly update on the operations of the military on Saturday in Abuja.

    Buba said that terrorists in the North Central have begun to surrender to troops.

    “These surrenders are occasioned by overtures from the terrorist leadership based on troops onslaught against them,” he said.

    He said that a non kinetic collaborative effort with stakeholders was deployed to encourage the surrendering process

    “Accordingly, several terrorist leaders, commanders and combatants have so far surrendered with more indicating interest to surrender.

    “Notable terrorist that have surrendered include; Yellow Jambros, Alhaji Mallam, Ardo Idi(Alhaji Lawal ), Lawal Kwalba, Salkado, Yellow Ibrahim, Gana’e and Babangida among others.

    “Nevertheless, troops will sustain its operational tempo in order to destroy or cause further surrendering by terrorists.

    “However, during the week under review, troops neutralised 135 and arrested 185 persons.

    “Troops also arrested 61 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 129 kidnapped hostages,” he said.

    Read Also: Scores killed as troops, IPOB/ESN clash in Imo

    Buba said the troops also recovered 113 assorted weapons and 2,415 ammunition comprising 72 AK47 rifles, 11 fabricated rifles, 15 dane guns, eight pump action guns, four hand grenades, one RPG bomb and tube.

    Others according to him are, 1,554 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 380 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 203 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 129 live cartridges, 28 shotgun cartridges, and 500 54mm empty case of MG ammo.

    He added that 30 rounds of 7.62 x ammo, 49 rounds of 5.7mm ammo, 165 live cartridges, 10 rounds of 9mm ammo, 38 magazines, radios, 15 vehicles, 46 motorcycles, and 28 mobile phones were recovered among other items.

    Buba said the troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 93 crude oil cooking ovens, 12 dugout pits, 37 boats, 127 drums, 41 storage tanks and 82 illegal refining sites.

    “Other items recovered include one outboard engine, four speedboats, three HH radios, four motorcycles, five mobile phones and 14 vehicles.

    “Troops recovered 909,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 71,060 litres of illegally refined AGO and 13,580 litres of PMS.

    “Overall, troops will continue to find innovative solutions in tackling the myriad of security challenges confronting the nation.

    “We remain in a winning position in the war,” he added.

    (NAN) 

  • Troops recover 80,000 litres of stolen products

    Troops recover 80,000 litres of stolen products

    • Kill armed vandal in gun duel

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in collaboration with other security agencies, have continued to sustain crackdown on economic saboteurs recovering 80,000 litres of stolen petroleum products in the Niger Delta.

    Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said at the weekend that the troops conducted fresh operations in the creeks of Rivers, Bayelsa and Delta states.

    He said in Buguma Creeks in Asari-Toru Local Government Area (LGA), over eight illegal refining sites were deactivated, with dugout pits containing over 25,000 litres of stolen products.

    Danjuma said at Iyalama/Bakana, also in Buguma, a Wellhead used as a loading point by the criminals was discovered and that many cooking pots of different sizes, receivers as well as four wooden boats were taken out with over 8,000 litres of stolen products confiscated.

    He said the troops, also intercepted a wooden boat stocked with over 6,000 litres of condensate in the same area adding that around Ogaji – Ama, in Buguma South East River, two wooden boats loaded with over 3,000 litres of stolen crude were intercepted.

    Danjuma noted that operations were conducted around Asaramatoro Creek in Bonny LGA, where an illegal refining site with over 10,000 litres of stolen crude housed in a local reservoir was discovered.

    He said along Idu Ekpeye in Ahoada West Local Government Area, a wooden boat with over 2,000 litres of stolen products was intercepted by the troops confirming that at Obiafu general area in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area LGA (ONELGA), over 3,000 litres of stolen crude concealed in sacks were recovered.

    “Also, at Oboburu in ONELGA, troops had an encounter with an armed vandal  who opened fire on them. They responded and he was neutralised. One pump action gun and 5 cartridges were recovered at the scene.

    Read Also: Troops recover 80,000 litres of stolen products in Niger Delta crackdown

    “While, around Ke Community in Degema Local Government Area, a large wooden boat hidden inside the creek suspected to be used by the oil thieves was intercepted. Further combing of the general area led to the confiscation of a fibre boat ladened with over 1,500 litres of stolen products.

    “Clearance operations was also conducted along the Imo River, particularly around Oyigbo, Asa, Ukwa and environs, with remarkable successes  recorded. These included the dismantling of over 20 illegal refining sites, 169 cooking drums, 29 metal container receivers as well as the recovery of over 15,000 litres of stolen products”.

    In Bayelsa State, Danjuma said the troops conducted operations at Clough Creek in Ekeremor Local Government Area with a wooden boat hidden inside the Creek loaded with over 2,500 litres of stolen products intercepted.

    He said around Sangakubu general area in Nembe Local Government Area, an illegal refining site was dismantled with over 1,500 litres of stolen products recovered.

    According to Danjuma, the operation was also extended to Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, along Tebidaba Creek, where illegal refining sites, a wooden boat with unquantified quantity of stolen products handled appropriately.

    While in Delta State, Danjuma confirmed that the troops on routine patrol, along Ekpan in Uvwie LGA, intercepted over 2,500 litres of stolen products stored in a tank within the premises of Lamiel Hotel and Suites.

    “Additionally, troops on pursuit, intercepted two vehicles stocked with stolen products at Abe Community in Orhiomwon Local Government Area of Edo State. In Akwa State, troops have continued to dominate land and waterways to ward off criminal activities”, he said.

    Danjuma added: “During the operations conducted within the period under review, several achievements were recorded across the joint operations area.

    “These included, the dismantling of 34 illegal refining sites, arrest of eleven suspected oil thieves, deactivation of 19 boats and over 80,650 litres of stolen products recovered.

    “Others included, the deactivation of 180 cooking drum pots, 29 metal container receivers, several vehicles and motorcycles. Those arrested have been profiled and handed over to the relevant authority, while  products were  handled appropriately”.

  • Troops kill ISWAP commander, 114 terrorists in one week

    Troops kill ISWAP commander, 114 terrorists in one week

    Troops on operations across the e country have killed 115 terrorists, including an Islamic State for West Africa (ISWAP) commander in the North East, Munzur Ya Audu.

    Troops also arrested 238 criminals and rescued 138 kidnap victims in the past week.

    The Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, announced this on Thursday, November 20, at a press briefing, in Abuja.

    He said troops’ efforts led to recovery, from terrorists, of 145 high calibre weapons and 3,825 ammunition, comprising one GPMG, two PKT guns, 68 AK47 rifles, two AK56 rifles, 24 fabricated rifles, 28 dane guns, one fabricated revolver pistol, six locally made pistols, one pistol, 8 pump action guns, one hand grenade, four fabricated hand grenades, one RPG bomb, and three explosives.

    Read Also:  Troops recover arms, destroy 46 illegal refineries

    Other items recovered from terrorists, according to Gen. Buba, are 2,093 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 246 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 317 rounds of 7.62mm GPMG/PKM ammo, 129 live cartridges, 28 shotgun cartridges, 500 empty cases of MG ammo, 147 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 3 empty cases of cartridges, and 54 magazines, among others.

    On troop successes in the Niger Delta region, Gen. Buba said troops of Operation Delta Safe destroyed 56 illegal refining sites and arrested 51 oil thieves.

    The defence spokesman said troops recovered 872,070 litres of stolen crude oil and 67,985 litres of illegally refined diesel.

    He said: “Troops also discovered and destroyed 78 crude oil cooking ovens, 21 dugout pits, 56 boats, 56 drums, 26 storage, two speedboats, one barge, two tricycles, one pumping machine, and 12 vehicles, among others.”

  •  Troops recover arms, destroy 46 illegal refineries

     Troops recover arms, destroy 46 illegal refineries

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have destroyed 46 illegal refineries in the Niger Delta.

    The troops also destroyed 47 boats used to ferry stolen products across the hard terrain, arrested 28 oil thieves and recovered over 95,000 litres of stolen products.

    Acting Deputy Director 6 Division, Army Public Relations, Lt.-Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said yesterday that the achievements were in addition to other strangulation operations targeted at crippling the criminal network of cartels in the region.

    According to Danjuma, troops mobilized to the Oando pipeline in Ebocha, New base in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area Area (ONELGA), following credible intelligence.

    “On reaching the spot, the troops encountered armed vandals, who opened fire on them and in the ensuing exchange, the criminals, who were overwhelmed by superior fire, fled in disarray.

    “Further exploitation of the general area led to the recovery of one AK-47 riffle, one magazine loaded with 17 rounds of 7.62 mm (Special) ammunition abandoned by the fleeing armed vandals.

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    “Several successful operations were conducted in the region. Around Obiafu-Ndoni, large wooden boats were intercepted conveying over 472 sacks of stolen crude estimated to be 28,320 litres. Seven suspected oil thieves have been arrested in connection to the heinous crime. Several operations were also conducted around Buguma general area in Asari Toru council, which led to the dismantling of numerous illegal refining sites, deactivation of several boats as well as the recovery of over 9,500 litres of stolen products.

    “Operations were also conducted around Tuma and Krakrama general areas in Degema councilm with a number of wooden and fibre boats destroyed, and over 10,500 litres of stolen Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) confiscated.

    “At Bille also in Degema council, a wooden boat, with two drums hidden inside the creek, stocked with over 2,500 litres of stolen products was intercepted. Similarly, at Obiafu Oil field, troops discovered over 7,000 litres of stolen products in a holding facility.

    “While, at the Imo River stretch, clearance operations were conducted with over 16 wooden/fibre boats destroyed, 15 illegal refining sites taken out, 41 coking drums, 25 container receivers, several pumping machines as well as over 12,000 litres of stolen products recovered.

    “There were several operations also conducted around Utukuna in Omoku and Obiafu Otuwa at ONELGA with over 13,000 litres of stolen products seized and suspected oil thieves arrested.

  • Troops kill 88 terrorists, destroy 59 illegal refineries

    Troops kill 88 terrorists, destroy 59 illegal refineries

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Thursday said troops offensives have depleted the capability of the Islamic State for West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists in North East Nigeria.

    It said the blow has forced the terror group on a recruitment drive for new fighters across the region. 

    The DHQ said the terrorists in the North West also suffered the same fate and were on membership recruitment on social media.

    The Military High Command said this in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba.

    Gen. Buba said: “Troops are aware of the situation and working with other security agencies and governments to thwart the plans.

    “Troops are also deployed in strength to provided assistance to the police in ensuring a hitch free off-cycle governorship election in Ondo State, slated for November.

    “Indeed, troops presence is to ensure security of citizens enabling them to cast their votes without any form of harassment or intimidation, while keeping mischief makers at bay. 

    “The NAF is already engaged in flying sensitive electoral material in support of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    Giving updates on successes across various theaters of operation in the past week, the defence spokesman said troops killed 88 terrorists, arrested 228 criminals, and rescued 181 kidnap victims.

    Gen. Buba said troops recovered 84 high caliber weapons, comprising 34 AK47 rifles, 15 fabricated rifles, 11 dane guns, five fabricated revolver pistol, eight locally made pistols, three pump action guns and one magnum pump action.

    He said troops recovered 2,393 ammunition, comprising 1,807 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 314 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 146 rounds of 7.62mm PKM ammo, 77 rounds of 9mm ammo, 49 live cartridges, and 25 magazines, among others.

    Read Also: Troops intensify onslaught against terror group Lukarawas

    On troops successes in the Niger Delta region, Gen. Buba said troops destroyed 59 illegal refining sites and arrested 40 oil thieves.

    He said: “Troops recovered 942,420 litres of stolen crude oil, 175,075 litres of illegally refined diesel and 4,980 litres of petrol.

    “Troops also discovered and destroyed 13 crude oil cooking ovens, 20 dugout pits, 73 boats, 25 storage tanks and 59 illegal refining sites, three barges, seven speedboats, and 73 drums, among others. “

  • Soldiers repel gunmen attack in Abia 

    Soldiers repel gunmen attack in Abia 

    Soldiers of Goodluck Ebele Jonathan Barracks; 14 Brigade headquarters, Ohafia, attached to 144 Battalion, Ukwa West local government area of Abia State have repelled an attempted attack by gunmen on police and military checkpoints in the state.

    The NATION reports the gunmen reportedly attacked some police officers on a stop-and-search operation near the popular Aro Ngwa axis of the Enugu-Aba-Port Harcourt Expressway.

    It was learnt the quick response of soldiers from the 144 Battalion stopped the gunmen from setting the patrol van of the police team on fire.

    It was further gathered soldiers at the Aro Ngwa junction, on receiving information on the attack of the police personnel, alerted their colleagues at the Forward Operation Base (FOB) in Aba, the commercial nerve of the state for support.

    Read Also: Gunmen kill police officer, abduct two Chinese in Cross River

    Some of the commuters who witnessed the event described the gun battle as a near-war battle situation.

    According to the commuters, the gun battle was fierce with many abandoning their vehicles to take safety in nearby bushes to avoid being hit by stray bullets.

    Efforts to reach Abia Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Maureen Chinaka failed.  

    A source at the 14 Brigade, Ohafia who confirmed the rescue operation by the 144 Battalion personnel said the gunmen were members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) apparently looking for weapons.

    The source disclosed that the IPOB members who operated in a white Sienna Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) were overpowered by the superior weapons of the military personnel and ran into the bush.

    The source however informed a soldier wounded in the shoot-out has been admitted for medical attention.

    The source disclosed that the gunmen fled through the Owerrenta axis of Owerri-Aba Expressway on the heat of the gun duel.

  • Troops recover 700,000 litres of stolen products

    Troops recover 700,000 litres of stolen products

    • Arrest 24 oil thieves   
    • Destroy 29 illegal refineries

    Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army in partnership with with other security agencies have impounded 700,000 stolen petroleum products and arrested 24 oil thieves in their ongoing operations to rid Niger-Delta region of economic sabotage.

    Acting Deputy Director 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said the operations, which occurred in the region within one week also led to the destruction of 29 illegal refineries and 14 boats used for economic sabotage.

    He said in a major operational breakthrough in Rivers State, the troops intercepted one massive wooden boat ladened with over 150,000 litres of stolen crude around Kula general area in Akuku-Toru Local Government Area (LGA).

    He said six suspects connected to the crime were arrested, adding that one massive wooden boat conveying over 50,000 litres of crude was impounded by the operatives.

    “This was in addition to three illegal refining sites deactivated, with several large cooking pots containing over 20,000 litres of stolen AGO recovered. Relatedly, around Kay and Abesa areas in Akuku – Toru LGA, 10 illegal refining sites were destroyed with over 400,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) confiscated”, he said.

    Danjuma said at Rukpoku pipeline, following credible intelligence, troops intercepted two spatially constructed tanker truck with the capacity to carry 15,000 litres each stealing products at the pipeline.

    He said the crackdown was also extended to the notorious Imo River stretch, Bille in Degema, Egbelom Forest and Obiafu Oil Field, Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni local governments with many suspects arrested and illegal refining sites destroyed

    He said: “In Bayelsa State, along Boma creek in Southern Ijaw, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites, with a storage facility containing over 2,500 litres of stolen crude, as well as intercepted two wooden boats with over 2,500 litres of stone products.

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    “Also, in Southern Ijaw, at Obughene creek, one illegal refining site with a storage facility containing over 4,500 litres of stolen crude was handled accordingly. In West Boma creek, one illegal refining site was destroyed with over 3,000 litres of stolen products recovered”.

    Danjuma stated that In Akwa Ibom State, troops intercepted two Toyota Camry marked AYB 704 FQ and KY 379 EB loaded with illegally refined AGO concealed in 60 nylon bags and 25 nylon bags respectively.

    He said the products were estimated to be over 3,000 litres confirming that two persons were arrested on the vehicles.

    He said along road Ikot Abasi – Abak, a Toyota Camry marked KTS 277 LN loaded with 30 nylon bags of illegally refined AGO was intercepted and the driver was also arrested.

    Danjuma said: “In Delta State, several operations were conducted, where troops intercepted a tricycle at Beneku, conveying stolen iron pipes at a Community in Kwale, Ndokwa West LGA. The pipes were suspected to be stolen from Oando non operational pipelines. One suspect, Stanley Asikewe who is notorious for illegally cutting iron pipes along side the tricycle operator, Jerry Okwuagu have been taken into custody.

    “Additionally, troops acting on tip off swooped on an illegal storage dump at Patani town, in Patani LGA. The dump contained over 40 jerricans of 25 litres of stolen products.

    “Likewise at Uro Community waterways in Isoko South LGA, troops intercepted one wooden boat conveying over 200 sacks of premium motor spirit. The occupants fled on sighting troops.

    *Around Opete Sand beach at Aladja general area in Udu LGA, troops discovered one makeshift shop by the River bank stocked with several jerricans of stolen AGO. All the people arrested have been handed over to the appropriate agency for prosecution, while products confiscated have been handled accordingly inline with subsisting operational mandate”.

  • Troops avert tanker explosion in Rivers

    Troops avert tanker explosion in Rivers

    Troops of 6 Division on Wednesday morning raced down to Rumuokwuta Roundabout in Port Harcourt to stop an explosion of a tanker laden with Petroleum Motor Spirit.

    The tanker reportedly tumbled while conveying the product sparking panic and fear of possible explosion.

    But the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, confirmed troops immediately rushed to the area to avert what he said would have been a major inferno in Port Harcourt.

    Danjuma said the military’s gesture was a significant push towards improving  the already existing civil-military relations in its area of responsibility,

     He said the Acting Commanding Officer, 760 Transport Battalion, Maj. Almustapha Shawwal Adams swiftly mobilised and led the 6 Division Fire Crew to the scene to prevent any fire outbreak.  

    Danjuma said: “The operation which was conducted with sister agencies ensured all safety and security protocols were strictly observed.

    ” The area was cordoned off and all the necessary preventive drills were carried out. Fortunately, no life or property was lost as the situation was subtly brought under control. 

    Read Also: Troops destroy 32 new illegal refineries, 54 boats in Niger Delta 

    “The fire prevention response by the 6 Division Fire Service was done in fulfillment of the Nigerian Army’s commitment to effective Civil-Military Relations and the Division’s efforts in supporting host communities”.

    Danjuma said the General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Maj.- Gen. Jamal Abdussalam commended troops for the swift response.

     He reassured the good people of Rivers State and environs of the resolve of the Division under his watch to continue to carry out people-centric operations in line with the Chief of Army Staff, Lt.- Gen.  Taoreed Lagbaja command philosophy.