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The Defence Headquarters said, during the course of operations in the last one week, the military Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in conjunction with other security forces arrested 11 perpetrators of oil theft, discovered and destroyed 14 illegal refining sites, arrested 4 cultist and denied oil theft of an estimate sum of Two Hundred and One Million Four Hundred and Two Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty Naira (N201,420,260.00).
Director, Defence Media Operations, Maj. General Edward Buba revealed in a press statement today that, military also neutralized 31 terrorists and arrested 81 of them, as well as rescued 10 kidnapped hostages while a total of 63 BH/ISWAP terrorists and their families surrendered to troops across theaters of operation.
Maj. General Buba noted that the ongoing military operations continue to set the stage for social and economic progress.The ultimate goal is to secure the country through the defeat of those threatening safety of citizens and perpetrating insecurity across the country.
He said troops of Operation DELTA SAFE destroyed 14 illegal refining sites, 9 boats, 7 dugout pits, 25 storage tanks, 39 cooking ovens and 3 pumping machines.
He revealed that, Troops recovered 367,300 litres of stolen crude oil, 11,353 litres of illegally refined AGO, 12,500 litres of DPK and 5,000 litres PMS, 3 vehicles, 8 weapons, 30 assorted ammunitions. Troops also apprehended 15 suspected oil thefts and other criminals.
He added that, on 27 September 2023, following a tip off, troops fighting patrol arrested 4 cultist in Sapele LGA of Delta State. The criminals are members of Arrow Baggar Cult Group and were arrested during the initiation of a member that was brutally injured with a machete.c.
"On 28 September 2023, following intelligence on activities of Eiye cult group, troops recovered arms during the burial of one of cult member in Sapele LGA of Delta State. Troops despatched their activities and recovered one empty Barretta pistol magazine, 2 rounds of 9 mm ammo, one broken unity bank ATM card, one gold necklace amongst other items.d. Armed Robbery Activities.
"On 2 October 2023, troops responded to a distress call on armed robbery activities in Okpe LGA of Delta State. The criminals fled on sighting troops. Troops pursued and neutralized one criminal. Troops as well recovered one locally fabricated Rifle and one torch light.
"In the conduct of operations, troops of Operation UDO KA neutralized 3 terrorists and arrested 4 suspected criminals.
"Troops recovered one AK47 rifle, one AK47 rifle loaded with 10 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, one pumpkin action gun, 36 cartridges, one power bike, 4 motorcycle and one tanker
"Troops of Operation HADIN KAI recovered; 12 AK47 rifles, 2 locally fabricated rifles, 3 dane guns, 181 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 4 magazines, 3 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, one bicycle and the sum of N322,910.00.4. Troops neutralized 13 terrorists, arrested 12 and rescued 5 kidnapped hostages
"Troops of Operation SAFE HAVEN arrested 5 suspects and recovered one AK47 rifle, 3 locally fabricated rifles, one locally fabricated pistols, 27 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 9 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 3 rounds of 9mm ammo, 3 axes and 145 rustled cows.
"On 26 September 2023, troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH in conjunction with hybrid forces apprehended a suspected bandits’ collaborator in Chikun LGA of Kaduna State. Troops searched his residence and recovered 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm Special ammo, 3 motorcycles, charms, 2 National ID Cards, one cutlass amongst others.c. Interception of Kidnapped Victims.
"On 29 September 2023, troops intercepted 2 kidnap victims at Munya LGA of Niger State. The kidnapped victims claimed to have escaped from kidnappers’ captivity. Preliminary investigation revealed that they were abducted from Igu Tsauni general area in Niger LGA on 26 September 2023.
"Troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH eliminated one terrorists and recovered 3 AK47 rifles, one AK47 magazine loaded with 5 rounds of 7.62 mm Special ammo, 32 rounds of 7.62mm special, 10 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm war heads, one cutlass amongst other items.
"Troops of Operation HADARIN DAJI neutralized 6 terrorists, arrested 12 terrorists and rescued 33 kidnapped hostages. Troops also recovered 4 AK47 rifles, 2 dane guns, 35 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 3 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, one cutlass and 5 solar panels."he disclosed
The armed forces and citizens are partners in combating a common enemy which are the terrorist and violent extremist groups. Accordingly, the military through its operations continues to prevail against the effects of insurgency and terrorism with an ultimate goal of securing the country against perpetrators of insecurity for national progress