August 04, (THEWILL) – The Defence Media Organisation (DMO), said soldiers fighting the insurgency war in the northeast and other internal security operations across the country, killed 37 bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and other criminals terrorising the peace of the country in the last two weeks.
The DMO also said the soldiers arrested 137 terrorists and their logistics suppliers, bandits, kidnappers, oil thieves and rescued 140 kidnapped victims across the country.
Director DMO, Major General Edward Buba, who made this known at a media briefing on military operations conducted in the last two weeks, said that the soldiers recovered several arms, ammunitions and dangerous weapons from the criminals.
Giving an update on military operations conducted within the period under review, Gen Buba said the troops also arrested 3 gunrunners, 2 kidnappers, 6 collaborators, 15 perpetrators of oil theft and recovered the sum of N3,177,650.00 in Cash.
He said the troops also discovered and destroyed 61 dugout pits in the Niger delta region in the country, 32 wooden boats, 87 storage tanks, 3 vehicles, 126 cooking ovens, 3 outboard engine, one speedboat, 2 motorcycles, one generator, 2 pumping machines and 36 illegal refining sites.
Gen Buba said the Troops also recovered 310,700 litres of crude oil, 14,675 litres of Automotive Gas Oil, 49,000 litres of Dual Purpose kerosine, one weapon, 3 ammunition and arrested 22 suspected oil thieves.
He further stated that a total of 313 terrorists comprising 12 male adult, 138 female adult and 162 children, surrendered to troops at different locations within the theatre of operation in the last two weeks.
According to him, “The men and women of the military have answered a call to duty to fight the perpetrators of these evil to submission. We are in a good fight, and must flush them out from amongst us.
“in the course of operations across the country troops recovered a total number of 37 weapons and 370 ammunition.
“16 AK47 rifles, 6 pump action guns, 6 dane guns, 3 fabricated rifles, 2 locally made pistol, 199 rounds of 7.62mm special, 6 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 9 AK47 magazines and 2 G3 magazines, 8 vehicles, 45 motorcycles, 32 mobile phones, 925 machetes, 151 machete sharpeners.
“Others include 61 dugout pits, 32 wooden boats, 87 storage tanks, one speedboat, 32 cooking ovens, 3 outboard engine, one generator, 2 pumping machines, 36 illegal refining sites, 310,700 litres of stolen crude oil, 14,675 litres Automotive Gas Oil, 49,000 Dual Purpose Kerosine and 5 litres of Premium Motor Spirit.”
On the joint task force (JTF) operations in the North East zone of the country, Major General Buba said the troops of Operation HADIN KAI conducted offensive operations in Konduga and Bama LGA of Borno State.
He explained that a sting operation was also carried out within Maiduguri metropolis while air interdiction was conducted in Gwoza Local Government Area of the state, which resulted in neutralised terrorist, rescued hostages and the arrest of terrorist collaborators. Others include, recovery of weapons and arrest of a notorious gang member.
“In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 2 AK47 rifles, 8 rounds of 7.62mm special, one motorcycle, 4 mobile phones, 5 litres of PMS, one axe and one knife. Troops also neutralized 9 terrorists and arrested 19. Troops arrested 6 terrorist collaborator/courier and rescued 12 hostages”, he said.
In the North Central zone, the troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN conducted fighting patrols and raids on criminal hideouts in Mangu and Barkin Ladi LGAs of Plateau and Katsina-Ala LGA in Benue States, while same operation was carried out in Jema’a Local Government Areas of Kaduna States.
“In the course of operations, troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN recovered 3 AK47 rifles, 3 dane guns, one locally fabricated pistol, one locally made gun, 23 rounds of 7.62mm special, one cartridge, 3 mobile phones, a pair of camouflage, jack knife. Also, troops arrested 10 suspects.
“in Jibia, Matazu and Funtua Local Government Areas all in Katsina State. Troops also, foiled attacks on farmer, conducted several air interdictions and recovered arms and ammunition in Maru and Zurmi Local Government Areas of Zamfara State.
“In the course of operations, troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI recovered one AK47 rifle, 4 AK47 rifle magazines, 2 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one motorcycle and 80 livestock. Troops also rescued 20 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH neutralised 11 terrorists and recovered 2 fabricated rifle, 16 rounds of 7.62mm special, 3 motorcycles and 80 livestock. Troops also arrested 16 terrorist, logistic suppliers or collaborators and rescued 2 kidnapped hostages”, he added.
Buba, while assuring that the Nigerian armed forces will continue to sustain the momentum in tackling the security challenges and fight the perpetrators to submission, called on Nigerians to support the military flush out the perpetrators causing havoc in the country.
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