The Nigerian military has announced significant achievements in its ongoing efforts to tackle national security threats. Over the past week, its operations resulted in the neutralisation of 181 terrorists, the arrest of 253 suspects, and the rescue of 161 kidnapped victims.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement on Friday. Among those apprehended was a notorious arms dealer, Mohammed Musa, also known as Mamman, who was arrested in Plateau State.
Crackdown on Oil Theft
In the South-South region, military troops thwarted oil theft operations valued at approximately ₦728.3 million.
Weapons and Ammunition Recovered
The statement detailed the recovery of 228 assorted weapons and 6,749 rounds of ammunition. The haul included:
- Weapons: 85 AK-47 rifles, 38 fabricated rifles, 36 Dane guns, 12 FN rifles, 4 general-purpose machine guns (GPMGs), 3 G3 rifles, and 24 locally made pistols, among others.
- Ammunition: Over 5,000 rounds, including 2,891 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 1,354 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, and 821 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo.
Other recovered items included 63 magazines, 33 motorcycles, 42 mobile phones, and ₦577,800 in cash.
Destruction of Illegal Refineries in Niger Delta
In the Niger Delta, troops destroyed 25 crude oil cooking ovens, 10 dugout pits, 44 storage tanks, 47 illegal refining sites, and 38 boats used for illicit operations. They also confiscated 765,680 litres of stolen crude oil and 86,725 litres of illegally refined diesel.
Commitment to Peace and Security
Major General Buba reaffirmed the military’s commitment to degrading terrorist groups and ensuring the safety of citizens. “Troops will continue to act with tremendous force to ensure terrorists and their collaborators are completely neutralised,” he stated.
The military reiterated its determination to create a secure environment where citizens can live in peace, free from the threat of terrorism.
