By Victor Akaa.
In a sweeping crackdown on criminal elements, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) announced that troops deployed across Nigeria have achieved a significant milestone, neutralizing 108 criminals, arresting 172 suspects, and rescuing 214 kidnapped hostages in a single week.
This remarkable feat underscores the military’s unwavering commitment to ensuring peace, security, and stability in Nigeria.
According to Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, the troops’ operations spanned various regions, including the Niger Delta, North-East, North-West, and South-East, targeting a range of criminal activities.
He said the military’s efforts resulted in the arrest of 32 oil theft perpetrators, the recovery of 66 assorted weapons, 4,087 assorted ammunition, and the destruction of 487 dugout pits, 32 boats, and 12 storage tanks used for illegal oil bunkering.
General Buba said , in the Niger Delta region, troops discovered and destroyed 76 illegal refining sites, recovering 1,133,800 litres of stolen crude oil, 228,770 litres of illegally refined AGO, 100 litres of DPK, and 20,000 litres of PMS.
He added that, troops rescued 20 sinking dredging personnel at sea during a search and rescue operation.
In the North-East, troops neutralized 47 terrorists, arrested 18 suspects, and rescued 130 kidnapped hostages. The military also conducted air interdiction missions, destroying terrorist hideouts and logistics in Sambisa Forest and Timbuktu Triangle.
In the North-West, troops neutralized 15 terrorists, arrested 22 suspects, and rescued 27 kidnapped hostages. The military also conducted air interdiction missions, destroying terrorist kingpins’ enclaves and hideouts in Katsina State.
In the South-East, the Director said troops neutralized 5 terrorists, arrested 12 suspects, and rescued 4 kidnapped hostages. The military also conducted anti-illegal bunkering operations, arresting 2 suspected violent extremists/bunkers, including an NSCDC personnel.
The DHQ’s operations demonstrate the military’s resolve to address emerging security challenges, protect Nigeria’s sovereignty, and ensure the safety of citizens. The significant results achieved in one week underscore the military’s commitment to peace and security in Nigeria.
