The Defence Headquarters , DHQ, said on Friday that troops operations against the insurgents, bandits and violent extremists during the week resulted in the elimination of 152 terrorists in encounter.
Major General Edward Buba ,the Director of Media Operations, DMO, who stated this in a statement also disclosed that 109 terrorists and violent extremists were arrested while 91 hostages were rescued.
He said troops carried out surgical operations against two prominent terrorist commanders and decimated their strongholds. Namely, Sadiku Enclave in Tsora Hill in Safana LGA of Katsina State and Alhaji Yusuf Enclave at Yadi Forest in Giwa LGA of Kaduna State.
“Troops crippled crude oil theft activities at the following locations through air interdiction: Bugama, Idama, Cawtorne Channel and Krakrama, all in Rivers State and apprehended 2 female terrorists collaborators responsible for negotiations with relatives of victims for ransom, he said.
Major General Buba disclosed that
in the South South Zone where operations are currently in high gear to raise the country crude oil production, “troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Seven Hundred and Ninety Five Million Six Hundred and Eighty Three Thousand Three Hundred and Ninety Five Naira (N795,683,395.00)) only” within the week.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 183 weapons, 4,443 ammunitions across the country .The breakdown as follows: 95 AK47 rifles, 35 locally fabricated guns, 76 dane guns, One GPMG, 2 PKT guns, 4,131 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 165 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 115 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm ammo, 28 cartridges, 53 assorted arms and 197 assorted ammunitions.”
”Others are 725,920 litres of stolen crude oil and 475,250 litres of illegally refined AGO amongst other item.,” he added.
According to him, troops are sustaining the momentum on war against terrorists, insurgents, violent extremists and others elements perpetrating insecurity in the country and we will achieve victory.
“Indeed, the armed forces is steadily progressing towards the goal of total destruction of all these elements,” he assured.
However, he said that “given recent events, the military learns every day and makes improvements on ways to better deal with threat situations posed by these terror groups. “Troops are moving in against the terrorist and denying them freedom of action.”
On the whole, “the gallant men and women of the armed forces continue to take pride in putting themselves in harms way to ensure the safety and security of citizens. Citizens on the other hand, must constantly see the need to show support for troops to win the war,” the director stated.