The Defence Headquarters has confirmed the successful elimination of 96 terrorists and the arrest of 227 suspects during various military operations conducted in Northern Nigeria.
Among those captured is Usman Maisaje, a notorious terrorist commander closely linked to a high-profile terrorist leader, Kachalla Boka.
In a detailed statement issued on Friday, the Director of Defence Media Operations,Major General Buba Edward, revealed that Maisaje’s arrest has significantly aided intelligence efforts, as he is currently cooperating with security forces and providing critical information for further operations.
According to Edward, “During the week, troops neutralised 96 [terrorists], arrested 227 persons, and rescued 157 kidnapped hostages. Troops in the NC operational theatre arrested a notorious terrorist commander identified as Usman Maisaje. The arrested terrorist commander is a close associate of a wanted high-profile terrorist leader known as Kachalla Boka. The arrest has been rewarding in intelligence value as he is cooperating and providing troops with much-needed intelligence for further operations.”
In addition to the successes in the fight against terrorism, troops in the South-South region cracked down on large-scale oil theft, seizing crude oil worth an estimated N712 million and apprehending 45 individuals suspected of involvement in the illicit trade.
“Meanwhile, in the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N712,065,450.00 only. Troops also arrested 45 perpetrators of oil theft,” Edward disclosed.
He further elaborated on the wide-ranging operations in the Niger Delta, where troops discovered and destroyed multiple illegal refining facilities, including 4 dugout pits, 48 boats, 52 drums, and 38 storage tanks.
Key recoveries from these operations include 712,535 litres of stolen crude oil and 76,800 litres of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil).
The operations also yielded significant weapon seizures, with troops recovering 71 assorted firearms and over 1,400 rounds of ammunition.
The list of recovered weapons includes 50 AK-47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, five Dane guns, and several locally made pistols.
Buba shared further specifics, stating, “The breakdown is as follows: 50 AK-47 rifles, 16 fabricated rifles, 5 Dane guns, 5 pump-action guns, 5 locally made pistols, one revolver pistol, and 16 AK-47 magazines. Others are 784 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 403 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 164 rounds 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 53 rounds of 9mm ammo, 67 live cartridges, one baofeng radio, 19 vehicles, 23 motorcycles, 35 mobile phones, and the sum of N4,087,630.00 and 46,000 cfa only amongst other items.”
The continued success of these operations highlights the determination of Nigeria’s military forces to tackle insecurity and dismantle both terrorist networks and criminal enterprises across the nation.
