Nigerian Armed Forces operating in several theatres of operations to purge the nation of criminal elements have killed 151 terrorists, rescued 76 hostages, and detained 501 terrorist collaborators and combatants in addition to oil thieves.
In addition, 89 illicit refinery installations, 138 storage tanks, 29 dug-out trenches, 235 cooking pots, and 56 boats used to steal crude oil were found and destroyed by troops over the last week.
While addressing reporters in Abuja yesterday, Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba revealed this, adding that oil thieves had been denied access to an estimated N1.01 billion worth of crude oil and related goods over the previous week.
According to him, the troops were able to recover 216 assorted weapons and 443 assorted ammunition made up of 62 AK-47 rifles, seven pump action guns, 19 Dane guns, 10 locally fabricated rifles, five locally made pistols, 399 IED detonator primers, 225 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 10 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 round of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62mm x 54mm, 57 cartridges, 49 magazines, 21 vehicles and four motorcycles.
He stated:
“In the North-East, troops of Operation Hadin Kai neutralised 44 terrorists, arrested 21 and rescued four hostages.
“Troops ambushed BH/ISWAP terrorists at a check point in Konduga LGA of Borno State and following a fire fight, neutralised 12 terrorists while others fled. Troops recovered five AK-47 rifles, two locally fabricated rifles, two dane guns, 30 rounds of 7.62mm special, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, four motorcycles and three cutlasses.
“At Jere, MMC, and Biu LGA in Borno State, as well as Gujba LGA Yobe State, troops after firefights, troops arrested 12 BH/Islamic logistics suppliers and collaborators.
“Troops recovered N3.18 million, four AK-47 rifles, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, three locally made guns, 10 magazines, three vehicles conveying food items, one mobile phone, 50 jerrycans of PMS and AGO.
“Consequently, troops captured 17 AK-47 rifles, three locally made guns, 116 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, five rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 13 rounds of 9mm ammo, 20 rounds of 7.62 mm x 54 ammo and 42 empty cases of 7.62 mm by 54 ammunition.”
cc: Vanguard Ng
