By Victor Akaa.
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Friday announced a major significant successes recorded in their ongoing operations against terrorism and oil theft, dealing a decisive blow to terrorist groups and economic saboteurs across the country.
Major General Edward Buba, Director Defence Media Operations in a statement said troops have actively disrupted the operational capabilities of terrorists through ongoing operations, eliminating five IPOB/ESN terrorist leaders during the week.
He, however, said the most significant breakthrough came with the arrest of a notorious terrorist commander, Usman Maisaje, a close associate of wanted terrorist leader Kachalla Boka.
Maisaje’s arrest in the North Central operational theatre has yielded valuable intelligence, as he is cooperating with troops and providing crucial information for further operations.
This development is expected to severely impact Kachalla Boka’s operations and network.
In addition to Maisaje’s arrest, troops neutralized 96 terrorists and arrested 227 persons, further degrading terrorist capabilities. The military also rescued 157 kidnapped hostages and arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft.
The estimated sum of N712,065,450.00 was denied to oil thieves in the Southern region, while troops recovered 71 assorted weapons, 1,463 assorted ammunition, and other items, including vehicles, motorcycles, and mobile phones.
In the Niger Delta region, troops discovered and destroyed 4 dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums, and 38 storage tanks used for illegal oil refining.
Additionally, 55 cooking ovens, 2 speedboats, and 60 illegal refining sites were recovered, along with 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO.
General Buba reaffirmed the commitment of the military to degrading terrorist fighting capability and effectiveness through sustained operations.
Enugu Reporters reports that these successes demonstrate the Nigerian Armed Forces’ determination to protect the nation and its citizens from terrorism and economic sabotage.
