By Harriet Tornguvan -Abuja
The Defence Headquarters has reported significant achievements in ongoing security operations across the country, revealing that between January 3 and February 13, 2025, a total of 75 terrorists were neutralized, while 138 suspects were arrested, also security forces apprehended 36 individuals involved in oil theft and successfully rescued 46 kidnapped victims.
Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, made these disclosures during the bi-weekly briefing on military operations. He outlined that joint operations, conducted in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security agencies, and hybrid forces, comprised various combat strategies, including patrols, raids, ambushes, and search-and-rescue missions.
He stated that during the operations, troops successfully neutralized multiple terrorists, apprehended their collaborators, and rescued kidnapped victims.
Additionally, several insurgents voluntarily surrendered, while security forces also arrested gunrunners, oil theft syndicates, and other violent extremists.
He further highlighted that the air component carried out numerous missions, including close air support, armed reconnaissance patrols, and precision airstrikes to disrupt criminal activities.
In the South South, troops foiled oil theft estimated to the tune of about Six Hundred and Forty-six Million, One Hundred and Eighty-nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety Naira (N646,189,690.00) only. The breakdown includes: 497,152 litres of stolen crude oil, 142,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,075 litres of PMS.
Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 164 crude oil cooking ovens, 37 dugout pits, 19 boats, 16 storage tanks, 38 drums and 42 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 3 pumping machines, 4 tricycles, 7 motorcycles, 5 mobile hones and 3 vehicles among others.
In related development, troops recovered 104 and 2,639 assorted weapons and ammunition respectively. These includes, 55 AK47 rifles, 20 locally fabricated guns, 8 dane guns, 18 pump action guns, 1,826 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 376 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 366 rounds of 7.62 x 12.7mm ammo, 26 cartridges as well as 14 and 45 assorted arms and ammunition respectively.
Major General Kangye also revealed that a total of 65 terrorists comprising 12 adult males, 19 adult females and 34 children surrendered to troops within the theatre of operation.
He said troops of Operation HADIN KAI neutralized 22 terrorists, arrested 13 others and rescued 34 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 12 Ak47 rifles, 2 G3 Rifles, 3 dane guns, 2 fabricated rifles, 102 rounds of 12.7mm ammo, 317 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 82 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO, one RPG tube, 3 RPG bombs and 11 magazines. Also, 2 aircraft engines, one double barrel cannon gun, 16 missiles and the sum of N58,980.00 only amongst others.
"Troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized 58 terrorists, arrested 11 others and rescued 16 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 31 AK47 rifles, 9 fabricated rifles, 2 GPMGs, one RPG tube, 252 Chain link of 12.7mm, 558 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 94 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammo, 12 magazines, 5 boefeng radios, 13 motorcycles, 11 mobile phones and the sum of N2,451,820.00 only among others.
"Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH arrested 51 violent extremists/criminals and recovered 2 fabricated rifles, 34 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 2 vehicles, 20 motorcycles and 24 mobile phones amongst others.
"Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN neutralized one, arrested 51 violent extremists and rescued 11 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 3 AK 47 Rifles, one fabricated rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 4 magazines, 2 vehicles and 7 mobile phones among others.
"Troops of Operation WHIRL STROKE neutralized 3 violent extremists, arrested 14 and rescued 12 kidnapped hostages. Troops recovered 2 AK47 Rifles, one dane gun, one baretta pistol, 2 fabricated rifles, 134 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, one magazine, 10 motorcycles and the sum of N2,667,720.00 only.
"Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE recovered 497,152 litres of stolen crude oil, 142,000 litres of illegally refined AGO and 4,075 litres of PMS. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 164 crude oil cooking ovens, 37 dugout pits, 19 boats, 16 storage tanks, 38 drums and 42 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 3 pumping machines, 4 tricycles, 7 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones and 3 vehicles among others.
"Troops apprehended 23 suspected oil thieves and other violent extremists. Troops also recovered 2 baofeng radios, 2 magazines, 9 assorted arms and 162 assorted ammunitions.
"Troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 4 IPOB/ESN terrorists, arrested 6 others and rescued 4 hostages. Troops recovered one FN rifle, one Single Barrel Pump Action gun, one double barrel gun, 2 Pistols, one dane gun, 440 rounds of 7.62 mm NATO, 60 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammo, 13 magazines, one RPG bomb, 2 hand grenades, 15 IEDs, 33 Boafeng Radios, one binocular, 6 mobile phones and the sum of 46,300.00 only.
He said, all recovered items, apprehended suspects, and rescued hostages have been handed over to the appropriate authorities for further investigation and necessary action.
General Kangye stated that the Nigerian Armed Forces are committed to safeguarding lives and property, pledging to uphold their constitutional duties in ensuring national security and stability.
