The Nigerian Army announced that troops in the North West have arrested a notorious terrorist leader, Abubakar Ibrahim, also known as Habu Dogo, this week.
A statement signed by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, on Saturday described the arrest as a significant achievement in ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations, which continue to weaken the combat capabilities of terrorists across the country.
Habu Dogo, a wanted terrorist on the watchlist of security agencies in both Nigeria and Niger Republic due to his cross-border activities, was arrested in Rumji Village, Illela Local Government Area of Sokoto State.
In addition, troops in the South East apprehended seven commanders and operatives of the IPOB/ESN. Among those arrested were Dr Nnamdi Chukwudoze and Chigozie Ezetoha (alias Chapet), detained in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Ngozi Chukwuka and Oyekachi Ohia were apprehended in Umuahia South LGA of Abia State, while Ifeanyi Eze, Augustine Udemba, Onyedikachi Udemba, and Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke were detained in Umunneochi LGA, Abia State, and Orsu LGA, Imo State, respectively.
During this period, troops neutralised 187 insurgents and detained 262 individuals. Additionally, 39 suspects involved in oil theft were arrested, and 147 hostages were rescued.
In the South-South, troops thwarted oil theft amounting to an estimated value of N1.2 billion, seizing 205 assorted weapons and 5,241 rounds of ammunition. Among the recovered weapons were two G3 rifles, two PKT guns, 89 AK47 rifles, 22 fabricated rifles, 22 Dane guns, two FN rifles, two pistols, and various locally made firearms.
The seized ammunition included 1,862 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 131 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, and 959 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, among others. Other confiscated items included two baofeng radios, six vehicles, 29 motorcycles, and 55 mobile phones.
In the Niger Delta region, troops uncovered and destroyed 49 illegal crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, 30 storage tanks, and 98 unauthorised refining sites. Recovered items included four speedboats, one tricycle, four pumping machines, one outboard engine, two motorcycles, two mobile phones, three vehicles, 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil, and 873,510 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO).