Kehinde Fajobi
The Nigerian military has neutralised 148 terrorists and arrested 258 suspects, including two ammunition couriers, during operations across the country in the past week.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
According to him, the couriers, identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, were apprehended in Alkaleri Local Government Area of Bauchi State.
“During the week, troops in the North Central theatre of operation intercepted and apprehended two ammunition couriers collaborating with the terrorists.
“The arrested persons, identified as Danweri and Abubakar Hamza, were apprehended in Alkaleri LGA of Bauchi State and are cooperating with troops,” Buba stated.
He further revealed that 291 kidnapped victims were rescued during the operations, while 51 individuals involved in oil theft were also arrested.
“Troops thwarted oil theft valued at ₦798,146,470 in the South-South region. They discovered and destroyed 68 crude oil cooking ovens, 13 dugout pits, 41 boats, 45 storage tanks, and 66 illegal refining sites,” Buba said.
Recovered items included 657,470 litres of stolen crude oil, 127,870 litres of illegally refined diesel, and 5,000 litres of kerosene.
“Additionally, four speedboats, one drone, 150 drums, five vehicles, and two motorcycles were seized.
Buba also highlighted the recovery of 146 assorted weapons and 2,599 rounds of ammunition.
“The breakdown includes two PKT guns, 72 AK-47 rifles, 33 fabricated rifles, 28 Dane guns, two locally made SMGs, three locally made pistols, and other items,” he explained.
Further recoveries included ₦1.8 million in cash, 40 mobile phones, and three Baofeng radios.
Buba emphasised the military’s commitment to safeguarding the nation and maintaining its efforts to dismantle terrorist networks and other criminal activities.