In a robust campaign against insecurity, particularly targeting terrorism and banditry, Nigerian troops have rescued 140 kidnapped victims nationwide over the past week.
Naija News learnt that the operations also resulted in the neutralization of 125 terrorists and the arrest of 220 criminal elements, including 20 individuals involved in oil theft.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the troops prevented the theft of oil valued at approximately N744.15 million.
The military also recovered 120 assorted weapons and 1,793 rounds of ammunition, which included 56 AK47 rifles, 26 locally fabricated guns, 22 dane guns, one SMG rifle, seven pump-action guns, one fabricated Beretta pistol, and five 60mm mortar bombs. 
Among other items seized were 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 383 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 88 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 78 live cartridges, 21 AK47 magazines, six vehicles, 11 motorcycles, five bicycles, 38 mobile phones, and N2,737,145 in cash.
In the Niger Delta, troops discovered and destroyed 31 illegal refinery sites, 11 dugout pits, five boats, 20 storage tanks, 31 cooking ovens, five vehicles, and three mobile phones. They recovered 715,325 liters of stolen crude oil and 148,415 liters of illegally refined AGO.
Buba detailed various successful operations, stating: “Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were neutralized and their structures destroyed.
“Similarly, on 13 July 2024, air interdiction was conducted at terrorists camps located in Igabi LGA of Kaduna State. Battle Damage Assessment revealed that several terrorists were eliminated and their structures as well as logistics destroyed.
“Troops of Operation Delta Safe in Niger Delta apprehended 20 suspected oil thefts and other violent extremists as well as recovered 6 assorted ammo and 3 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.
“Troops recovered 715,325 litres of stolen crude oil and 148,415 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 11 dugout pits, 5 boats and 20 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 31 cooking ovens, 5 vehicles, 3 mobile phones and 31 illegal refining sites.
“Between 10 and 12 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations foiled a kidnap incidents in Akoko-Edo and Owan West LGAs of Edo State. During the operations, troops rescued 9 kidnapped hostages.
“On 14 and 15 July 2024, following a tip-off, troops in separate operations raided suspected violent extremists hideouts in Ukanafu and Isoko North LGAs of Akwa Ibom and Delta States respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested 3 suspects and recovered 3 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 6 cartridges and 3 mobile phones.
“In the South East, troops of Operation Udoka neutralized 2 terrorists, arrested 45 violent extremists and rescued 3 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 7 pump action guns, one locally fabricated barreta pistol, 7 locally made guns, 72 cartridges, one HHR and 13 mobile phones amongst other.
“On 8 July 2024, troops in separate operations raided violent extremists/cultists hideouts in Ohaozara and Aba South LGAs of Ebonyi and Abia States respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested 30 suspects and recovered 2 pump action guns, one fabricated barretta pistol and 34 live cartridges amongst others.
“Between 10 and 12 July 2024, troops in separate offensive operations raided violent extremists/IPOB/ESN members hideouts in Osisioma LGA of Abia State.
“Similar operations were conducted to Orsu and Okigwe LGAs of Imo State. During the operations, troops arrested 9 suspected violent extremists including a high profile extremists Identified as Chinedu Iwedo and Chineye Wisdom.
“Troops also recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 5 pump action guns, 7 locally made guns, 38 cartridges, one HHR and 13 mobile phones amongst others.
“In the South West, troops of Operation Aatsw arrested 23 violent extremists and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 2 magazines, 152 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 6 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 9 mobile phones and a pair of woodland camouflage.
“All recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
“On 13 and 15 July 2024, troops in separate counter/anti kidnapping operations responded to information on activities of suspected violent extremists/kidnappers in Emure and Edu LGAs of Ekiti and Kwara States respectively.
“During the operations, troops arrested one suspect and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages as well as recovered one AK47 rifle, 22 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 6 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo.
“Between 10 and 13 July 2024, troops with hybrid forces arrested 22 suspected violent extremists, kidnappers including an arms dealer in Ifelodun and Ogbomoso South LGAs of Kwara and Oyo States respectively.
“During the operations, troops recovered 2 AK47 rifles, one dane gun, 130 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo and 9 mobile phones amongst others.”
General Buba concluded by asserting that the military is in a strong position in the fight against terrorism, with numerous terrorist leaders killed and operations continuing to focus on providing security and stability for the nation and its citizens.
The post Insecurity: Troop Neutralise 125 Terrorists, Rescues 140 Kidnapped Victims, Dismantles 31 Illegal Refinery Sites appeared first on Naija News.
