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  • Troops destroy 32 new illegal refineries, 54 boats in Niger Delta 

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

    Troops of the 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have deactivated 32 new illegal refineries destroyed 54 local boats constructed by oil thieves and recovered 250, 000 litres of stolen products in their ongoing operations to stop economic sabotage in the Niger Delta.

    A statement by the Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lt. Col. Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, said many suspects were arrested and few vehicles intercepted during the operations, which he said involved other security agencies.

    In Rivers State, where he said many  operations were conducted with huge successes recorded, Danjuma confirmed that at  Omoku in Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni Local Government Area (LGA), along River Ekpe-Mgbedei, troops deactivated two illegal refining sites.

    He said they also destroyed  three  large tanks filled with over 45,000 litres of stolen crude, 6 drums filled with over 1,200 litres of Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), two mini tanks with over 3,000 litres of stolen products.

    “Others include 4 dugouts pits with over 12,000 litres of crude, 3 empty tanks, 3 sacks of stolen AGO estimated to be over 2,000 litres and 8 drums”, he said.

    Danjuma said around Soku Gas Plant in Akuku-Toru LGA, a tug boat with over 50,000 litres of AGO was intercepted with five crew members.

    He said: ” At Karakrama in Degema LGA, 21 wooden boats, twelve fibre boats used for criminality were destroyed with over 28,000 litres of stolen crude confiscated. Troops, also conducted operations at VIP creek and new Jerusalem in Okrika LGA, where numerous jerricans filled with stolen products were intercepted. 

    “At the adjoining creeks, along the fringes of Imo River, over Fourteen illegal refining sites, 102 cooking drums, ten ovens, twelve boats were destroyed, with  a number of dugout pits with over 15,000 litres of stolen products handled appropriately”.

    He said in Bayelsa State, troops conducted several strangulation operations adding that at Olukama 1 and Amalaghakiri general areas in Nembe LGA,  two illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 5,000 of stolen products recovered. 

    “Likewise, around Bolo Bokini general area, in Nembe LGA, two illegal refining sites were destroyed with over 4,500 litres of stolen products recovered. At Clough and Diebu Creeks, in seperate operations conducted, two illegal refining sites one boat with over 7,000 litres of stolen products were confiscated”, he said.

    Danjuma noted that in another decisive operations conducted at Ngiloba community,  Ekeremor LGA, several sacks with products estimated to be over 2,000 litres were recovered. 

    “This was in addition to 2 empty wooden boats suspected to be used for illegal bunkering activities destroyed. The situation around Okordia forest in Yenagoa LGA, was the same with one illegal refining site destroyed with over 4,000 stolen crude recovered, with one reported case of illegal connection handled”, he said.

    In Delta State, he said a tipper truck was intercepted with over 30 drums of stolen condensates and two occupants of the vehicle were arrested. 

    He added: “Also, at North of Benneth Island in Warri South LGA, two active illegal refining sites were taken out with several holding facilities destroyed. Additionally, several dugout pits were discovered with over 12,500 litres of stolen crude. 

    “At Aghigho Oil Field also in Warri South LGA, troops intercepted a wooden boat loaded with crude oil packaged in 40 cellophane bags estimated to be over 1,800 litres”.

    Danjuma said the operation  at Elume community in Okpe LGA, led to the destruction of one illegal refining site with five empty drums. 

    Read Also: Troops kill five IPOB leaders, one bandit kingpin, arrest terrorist commander

    He said: “Troops, also conducted operations around Jones creek, in Warri South where two suspects were arrested in connection with the vandalization of an oil well head equipment at Wells seven and 40. It was also discovered that suspected saboteurs fixed a valve on the pipeline within Idemili general area.

    “Various equipment were recovered at the scene. These include two drilling machines, two shovels, two spanners and ten nuts and bolts. Other items included one electric cable, two valve cover, one tarpaulin, one pack of electrons and a short pipe. 

    “Akwa Ibom State had several anti illegal oil bunkering operations conducted. This led to the arrest of two trucks with over an 30,000 litres each of stolen products along Port Harcourt Ikot Abasi road. Relatedly, at Ette junction in Ikot Abasi LGA, troops intercepted several jerricans, 6 polythene bags filled with stolen crude”.

  • Troops kill five IPOB leaders, one bandit kingpin, arrest terrorist commander

    Troops kill five IPOB leaders, one bandit kingpin, arrest terrorist commander

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ)says troops on operation in South East has  killed five Indigenous People of Biafra/ Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) members in the past one week.

    It said troops also killed a prominent terrorist leader, Kachalla Boka, in the North West and arrested a notorious terrorist commander, known as Usman Maisaje, in the North Central.

    The military high command announced these in a statement on Friday by the Director Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba.

    He said troops also killed 91 terrorists, arrested 226 criminals and rescued 157 kidnap victims. 

    Buba said troops on operation in the Niger Delta region, destroyed 60 illegal refining sites, recovered 712,535 litres crude and arrested 45 oil thieves.

    According to him, troops also destroyed four dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums, 38 storage tanks and 55 cooking ovens.

    He said:: “Furthermore, troops recovered 71 assorted weapons and 1,463 assorted ammunition. The breakdown is as follows: 50 AK47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 5 dane guns, 5 pump action guns, 5 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol and 16 AK47 magazines.

    Read Also: Troops destroy 37 illegal refineries in Niger Delta

    “Others are 784 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 164 rounds 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 53 rounds of 9mm ammo, 67 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones and the sum of N4,087,630.00 and 46,000 cfa only , amongst other items.”

    Buba said the military would not relent on its plan to kill terrorists and destroy their infrastructure. 

    “We will increasingly degrade the terrorist military capability and effectiveness through our operations,” he said. 

  • Troops destroy 65 illegal refineries in one week

    Troops destroy 65 illegal refineries in one week

    • 789,200 litres of stolen crude seized

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said troops on operation in the Niger Delta region destroyed 65 illegal refineries in the past one week.

    It said the troops also seized 789,200 litres of stolen crude, 64,950 litres of diesel and arrested 35 oil thieves.

    The military high command announced this through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, at a media briefing at the Defence Headquarters yesterday in Abuja.

    Buba said troops destroyed two dugout pits, 58 boats, 39 storage tanks, 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, four speed boats, and 13 vehicles used by oil thieves and bunkerers.

    Giving an update on troops’ operations in other parts of the country, the DHQ spokesman said troops neutralised 165 terrorists, including a terror kingpin, popularly called Mai Hijabi, in Jigàwa State.

    Buba said troops also arrested 238 criminals and rescued 188 kidnap victims.

    Read Also: Troops destroy 65 illegal refineries, seize 789,200 liters stolen crude 

    He said: “Furthermore, troops recovered 153 assorted weapons and 2,182 assorted ammunition. The breakdown is as follows: 81 AK-47 rifles, 23 fabricated rifles, 27 Dane guns, 13 pump action guns, five locally-made pistols, three revolver pistols, 30 AK-47 magazines and one bayonet.

    “Others are: 1,561 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 278 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 70 rounds of 50mm ammo, 72 rounds of 9mm ammo, 87 live cartridges, one Baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 21 motorcycles, 45 mobile phones and N64,100.00, amongst other items.”

    The defence spokesman said the Armed Forces “strategically” deployed troops across the country to combat the nation’s adversaries and “intensified its war efforts through mobilisation of lethal forces and air strikes on terrorists”.

    He added: “Our role in the ongoing war is clear and we are winning the war. The military is not oblivious of some security challenges faced by citizens in certain quarters and are reassessing operations in those areas to better secure and protect citizens.

    “The Armed Forces seize this opportunity to caution persons or groups from making threats or inflammatory comments or untoward activities against troops’ presence or deployment as a result of ongoing operations. The outcome of such an act is better imagined than experienced.

    “Troops recognise the urgency to ensure peace and security for all citizens across the country. Accordingly, we are working on new strategies to better protect the nation and citizens.”

  • Troops destroy 65 illegal refineries, seize 789,200 liters stolen crude 

    Troops destroy 65 illegal refineries, seize 789,200 liters stolen crude 

    The Defence Headquarters, on Thursday, October 10, said troops on operation in the Niger Delta region destroyed sixty- five illegal refineries in the past week.

    It said troops also seized 789,200 liters of stolen crude, 64,950 liters diesel and arrested 35 oil thieves.

    The military high command announced this through the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj-Gen Edward Buba, during a briefing at the Defence Headquarters, Abuja.

    According to General Buba, troops destroyed two dugout pits, 58 boats and 39 storage tanks, 13 cooking ovens, 35 drums, four speed boats, and 13 vehicles used by oil thieves and bunkerers.

    Giving an update on troops operations in other parts of the country, the defence spokesman said terrorists neutralized 165 terrorists, including a terror kingpin, popularly known as Mai Hijabi, in Jigàwa state.

    General Buba said troops arrested 238 criminals and rescued 188 kidnap victims.

    He said: “Furthermore, troops recovered 153 assorted weapons and 2,182 assorted ammunition. The breakdown is as follows: 81 AK47 rifles, 23 fabricated rifles, 27 dane guns, 13 pump action guns, 5 locally made pistols, three revolver pistols, 30 AK47 magazines and one bayonet.

    “Others are 1,561 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 278 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 70 rounds of 50mm ammo, 72 rounds of 9mm ammo, 87 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 21 motorcycles, 45 mobile phones and the sum of N64,100.00 only amongst other items.”

    Read Also: Troops destroy 15 illegal refineries

    The defence spokesman said armed forces have “strategically” deployed troops across the country to combat the country’s adversaries, and “intensified its war efforts, through mobilization of lethal forces and air strikes on terrorists.”

    He said: “Our role in the ongoing war is clear and we are winning the war. The military is not oblivious of some security challenges faced by citizens in certain quarters and are reassessing operations in those areas to better secure and protect citizens. 

    “The armed forces seized this opportunity to caution persons or groups from making threats or inflammatory comments on untoward activities against troops presence or deployment as a result of ongoing operations. The outcome of such an act is better imagined than experienced. 

    “Troops recognize the urgency to ensure peace and security for all citizens across the country. Accordingly, working on new strategies to better protect the nation and citizens, ” General Buba added. 

  • Troops kill 118 terrorists, arrest 97 criminals, rescue 96 kidnap victims

    Troops kill 118 terrorists, arrest 97 criminals, rescue 96 kidnap victims

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says troops on operations across the country killed 118, arrested 97 suspected criminals, and rescued 96 kidnap victims in the past week.

    It said troops destroyed 44 illegal refineries and seized 602,200 litres of stolen crude, 64,900 litres of illegally refined diesel, 12,690 litres of petrol, and arrested oil thieves in the Niger Delta region.

    The military high command announced this in a statement by the Director of Defence Media Operations Maj-Gen Edward Buba, on Friday, October 4.

    Read Also: Troops recover rocket bombs, kill several terrorists in Borno

    According to Gen. Buba, in the past week, troops recovered 87 assorted weapons comprising one PKT gun, one PKM, one RPG, one auto pistol, 43 AK47 rifles, 14 fabricated rifles, 14 dane guns, five pump action guns, and 6 AK47 magazines.

    He said troops also recovered 2,244 assorted ammunition comprising 1,715 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 505 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 8 rounds of 9mm ammo, 14 live cartridges, and 89 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, among other items.

    Gen. Buba said troops were in a “good place” in winning the war against terrorists.

    He said: “Indeed, the armed forces would continue to innovate and develop new strategies to defend the country and protect citizens from the perpetrators of insecurity.

    “Troops are eliminating more and more terrorist commanders and combatants on the battlefield through ongoing operations across the country.

    “The armed forces are indeed determined and remain focused on destroying terrorist networks and infrastructures across the country.”

  • Troops recover rocket bombs, kill several terrorists in Borno

    Troops recover rocket bombs, kill several terrorists in Borno

    As the military continued its offensive operations against adversaries, troops of the Nigerian Army have killed several high-profile terrorist fighters and recovered lethal weapons, including rocket bombs in Borno State.

    The army on its X handle on Tuesday, October 1, said the action had further crippled the adversary’s freedom of action.

    Giving details of the operation, the army said: “On 29 September 2024, a high-intensity raid was launched on Boko Haram/ISWAP strongholds in Ajiri and Mastari villages of Bama Local Government Area, Borno State. The troops, leveraging superior firepower, decimated four notorious fighters. A meticulous sweep of the area uncovered 2 Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bombs, 2 AK-47 magazines, 28 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 25 rounds of 7.62x54mm Light Machine Gun ammunition, and a Light Machine Gun Barrel. 

    “In another encounter at Banki Junction in Bama local government, troops also neutralized another terrorist.”

    It said troops of Operation Save Haven, acting on intelligence, conducted a raid operation in Plateau State that led to the capture of two notorious kidnappers, Isah Abdullahi, 24, and Mujahid Musa, 23, in the forested mountains of Panyam.

    Read Also: NAF air strikes destroy terrorists’ logistics base in Kaduna

    According to the army, initial investigations reveal the duo’s involvement in a series of violent attacks on villages within Mangu Local Government Area. 

    Items recovered during the operation, according to the army, include two motorcycles, three mobile phones, and various paraphernalia. 

    It said troops also apprehended a notorious arms dealer, Kabiru Zaki, in Bukuru town of Jos South Local Government Area, alongside another suspect linked to a recent murder in Brazongo village, Bassa Local Government Area.

    On operation in the South East, the army said troops engaged fighters of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra/Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) in a ferocious firefight at Lilu, in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State, “after the terrorists attempted to ambush the troops with Improvised Explosive Device.” 

    It said: “Overwhelmed by superior firepower, the militants retreated into the surrounding forests, leaving behind a Closed Circuit Camera and components of Improvised Explosive Devices.

    “Additionally, troops responded swiftly to a distress call about the abduction of civilians along the Gurbi-Jibia road in Jibia local government Area of Katsina State. Upon sighting the advancing troops, the terrorists fled, abandoning four injured victims who were immediately rescued by the troops and evacuated for medical attention.”

  • Troops eliminate eight terrorists, rescue 40 hostages – Army

    Troops eliminate eight terrorists, rescue 40 hostages – Army

    The Nigerian Army says its troops have eliminated eight terrorists and rescued 40 abducted individuals in a series of coordinated operations across the country.

    The army, in a post on its official X Handle on Monday, said the recent victories had further tightened the noose around the necks of unrepentant terrorists and their collaborators.

    The post added that the troops also apprehended a notorious arms courier found with a large cache of ammunition, striking a major blow against arms proliferation by criminal elements.

    According to army, troops, acting acting on genuine intelligence on Sept. 28, conducted a strategic stop-and-search operation along the Lafia-Keffi Road in Nasarawa State.

    “This resulted in the arrest of a firearms courier and the recovery of 303  live rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition concealed in a bag.

    “The suspect and the vehicle were immediately taken into custody, and further investigations are ongoing to apprehend his accomplices.

    “In another operation in Kaduna State, troops executed precision strikes in the forests near Danmari and Saulawa villages in Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, where one terrorist was eliminated.

    “Additional engagements in Ankwa village of Kachia Local Government Area also led to the annihilation of two more terrorists and the recovery of a locally made firearm, 11 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, and a motorcycle used by the terrorists,” it said.

    Read Also: Troops dismantle 20 illegal refineries, impound 22 boats, arms

    The post also revealed that troops in an encounter with fleeing terrorists at Faayijiwa Fandanari village in Magumeri Local Government Area of Borno, recovered two AK-47 rifles, 61 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO), 51 rounds of 7.62mm (special ) ammunition, hard drugs and various supplies.

    It said the terrorists abandoned the firearms and ammunition after succumbing to the troops’ superior firepower.

    According to the post, further operations in Gwoza Local Government Area resulted in the neutralization of three terrorists near Ashigashiya village, while vigilant troops responding to credible intelligence, pursued and intercepted a convoy suspected of transporting logistics to terrorists at Gubio.

    “Three vehicles loaded with food supplies intended for terrorist camps were seized, and the sum of N2,400 recovered.

    “The efforts in Kukawa Local Government Area yielded another victory as troops, acting on intelligence, intercepted terrorists attempting to relocate abducted victims from Cijin village.

    “The terrorists fled upon sighting the troops, abandoning 38 hostages, including six men, eight women, and 24 children, who were safely rescued by the troops.

    “Meanwhile, in Yobe, troops responding to reports of terrorists extorting civilians staged a successful ambush in Sasawa village in Damaturu Local Government Area.

    “The troops neutralized one terrorist and recovered one AK-47 rifle along with a motorcycle.

    “The Chief of Army Staff has commended the troops for their bravery and relentless fight for peace. He also expressed gratitude to the citizens whose continuous provision of credible information has been instrumental in these successes.

    “The Nigerian Army remains steadfast in its mission to obliterate terrorism and safeguard the lives of all Nigerians,” it added.

    (NAN)

  • Troops intensify operations against crime in Lagos, Ogun

    Troops intensify operations against crime in Lagos, Ogun

    The 81 Division of the Nigerian Army has intensified operations across Lagos and Ogun States to enhance security and address rising criminal activities.

    Acting on credible intelligence, troops carried out a series of successful operations last week, leading to several arrests related to kidnapping, theft, and vandalism.

    Among those arrested was 27-year-old Usman Abubakar, a suspected kidnapper from Kebbi State, who was apprehended while travelling from Benin, Edo State, to Epe, Lagos.

    He has since been transferred to Benin for further investigation.

    In another incident, 32-year-old Uche Kehinde Akwari was caught stealing building materials at Elegushi Beach in Lagos.

    A group of nine suspects from Katsina State was also arrested at Bonny Cantonment Mammy Market for vandalizing and stealing equipment belonging to NNPC Atlas Curve Company.

    The suspects, aged between 18 and 22, included Sabiu Hashimu, Fahadu Maaru, Muhammed Salaudeen, Samaila Abubakar, Abdul Ahmadu, Nasiru Shuiabu, Tanko Sani, Safiyanu Madi, and Ibrahim Abdullahi. They have been handed over to relevant security agencies for further inquiry.

    Read Also: Troops kill two vandals, arrest18 others in Niger Delta

    These operations, which involved both foot and vehicle patrols, underscore the 81 Division’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in its Area of Responsibility (AOR).

    The General Officer Commanding the division, Maj General Farouk Mijinyawa, commended the troops for their professionalism and dedication.

    He also expressed gratitude to the public for their support and encouraged continued collaboration in providing intelligence to thwart criminal activities.

    “The troops will remain vigilant in their efforts to ensure a safer environment for all residents of Lagos and Ogun States,” General Mijinyawa stated.

  • Troops burst another gunrunner syndicate, recover weapons in Jos

    Troops burst another gunrunner syndicate, recover weapons in Jos

    Barely 72 hours after the arrest of five suspected notorious gunrunners leading to the recovery of automatic weapons and about 6,000 rounds of assorted rounds of ammunition at Bayameni along Bauchi Road in Jos North LGA of Plateau State, troops of Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) have burst another gunrunner syndicate, as two more have been nabbed.

    A statement by Major Samson  Zhakom, the OPSH public information officer explained: “Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted follow up operations in Bokkos Town, Bokkos LGA of Plateau State on 18  September 2024.

    “During the intelligence-based sting operations, security agencies busted another criminal syndicate while finalizing transactions for sales of arms and ammunition amounting to Five Million Naira (N5,000,000.00) at Banana Island Hotel in Bokkos.

     “Consequently, 2 notorious gunrunners identified as Matawal Bitrus and Thomas Benedict were apprehended.

    The troops recovered, two AK-47 Rifles, one Automatic Pistol, three AK-47 magazines.  

    “The suspects have been taken into custody for interrogation with a view to extracting information in order to arrest other members of the gunrunning syndicate on the run.  

    Read Also: Edo election: Military deploys troops to ensure voters’ safety

    “The latest arrest of gunrunners and recovery of arms and ammunition from both Jos North and Bokkos LGAs confirms the assertion that criminality is not defined by any ethno-religious boundary  

    “Criminality is a common enemy that we must jointly tackle to afford law-abiding citizens the freedom to carry out their socio-economic endeavours without fear.

    “While it has been proven that the proliferation of firearms is a major driver of security threats, Operation SAFE HAVEN is ever ready in conjunction with other security agencies to clamp down on individuals carrying out this illegal act.  

    “The good people of Plateau, Bauchi and Southern Kaduna are please enjoined to continue furnishing security agencies with credible information towards arresting criminal elements in order to ensure a crime-free environment”

  • Troops kill four bandits, rescue 20 in Kaduna

    Troops kill four bandits, rescue 20 in Kaduna

    • Arrest five gunners in Plateau

    Troops of the Nigerian Army have neutralised four bandits and rescued 20 kidnapped victims in separate operations across Birnin Gwari and Giwa Local Government areas of Kaduna State.

    The Overseeing Commissioner for the Ministry of Internal Security and Home Affairs,  Samuel Aruwan, broke the news yesterday.

    According to Aruwan in a statement, troops of Operation Forest Sanity conducted clearance in the Alawa area of Birnin Gwari Local Government Area, where they encountered and neutralised two bandits.  “Two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, three motorcycles, and a Baofeng radio were recovered,” he added.

    Read Also: FG, States, councils share N1.203tr for August 2024

    In another operation, Aruwan said the troops of Sector 6, Operation Whirl Punch, carrying out fighting patrols around Nakwakina village in Giwa LGA acted  on credible intelligence, and laid an ambush and neutralised two bandits, while others fled with gunshot wounds.

    Aruwan noted that two motorcycles, a cutlass, and a mobile phone were recovered during the operation.

    Also, troops of Operation Safe Haven have arrested five notorious gunrunners and recovered a significant cache of arms and ammunition in an intelligence-driven operation in Plateau State.