The Nigerian military said it has recovered 842,685 litres of stolen crude oil, neutralized 79 terrorists, and rescued 67 hostages, in its fight against oil theft, terrorism, and other criminal activities across the country one week.
These details were disclosed in a statement by Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations on Friday.
According to the statement, during operations in the South-South region, the military also recovered 12,340 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) and 200 litres of dual-purpose kerosene (DPK).
The troops prevented oil theft worth an estimated ₦747,070,710.00 and dismantled extensive illegal refining networks, which included 215 crude oil cooking ovens, 26 dugout pits, 29 boats, 62 storage tanks, 20 drums, and 42 illegal refining sites.
It stated that the operations further led to the recovery of equipment such as a barge, a tugboat, two pumping machines, two speedboats, nine outboard engines, 21 motorcycles, 11 mobile phones, and eight vehicles.
Across various theatres of operation, the military neutralized 79 terrorists, arrested 224 suspects—including 28 oil theft perpetrators—and rescued 67 kidnapped hostages.
Troops also recovered an arsenal of 104 assorted weapons and 1,953 rounds of ammunition.
“These included 53 AK-47 rifles, 25 fabricated rifles, one FN rifle, 11 dane guns, two pump-action guns, one fabricated submachine gun (SMG), four improvised explosive devices (IEDs), seven rocket-propelled grenades (RPGs), and 30 magazines.
“Ammunition recovered comprised 1,186 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, 417 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 190 rounds of 7.62x54mm ammunition, and 49 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition”, the statement reads.
In the North Central region, troops eliminated Abu Mosaje, a notorious terrorist commander and arms dealer, in Barkin Ladi Local Government Area of Plateau State.
Additionally, they apprehended a high-profile kidnap kingpin, Babangida Gora Usman, in the Sanga Local Government Area of Kaduna State.
In the Southeast, troops arrested seven members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB)/Eastern Security Network (ESN), including a notorious kidnapper and informants, during operations in Enugu North and Ehime Mbano Local Government Areas of Enugu and Imo States.
“The arrest of a notorious gunrunner, Timothy Yusuf, and his son, Timothy Obadiah, disrupted a major supply chain of weapons to criminal elements”, it added.
The military noted that it has intensified operations aimed at dismantling terrorist networks, collaborators, and informants, ensuring the safety and security of citizens nationwide.
Reaffirming its commitment to eradicating terrorism and restoring peace, the armed forces pledged to sustain the momentum of their operations to create a secure environment for all Nigerians.
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