Gift Wada
The Nigeria military said it has dealt a significant blow to terrorist groups and economic saboteurs, neutralizing several top terrorist commanders and preventing the theft of crude oil worth N7.4 billion between January and March 2025.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, Major General Markus Kangye, Director of Defence Media Operations, revealed that “troops successfully eliminated high-ranking terrorist leaders, including Abba Allai, also known as Amirul Khalid of Alafa, Abdullahi, also known as Honour, Jagaban, and Dan Danger. Another commander, Abdullahi Ali, was captured with severe injuries.”
He said these operations, have disrupted the leadership structure of Boko Haram and ISWAP, leading to internal conflicts among the terrorist factions.
According to Kangye, sustained military operations forced many terrorists to surrender, while others were arrested along with their logistics suppliers.
He said Security forces also intensified efforts to curb oil theft, destroying 122 illegal refining sites, 257 crude oil cooking ovens, and 138 storage tanks.
“The crackdown led to the recovery of 6.2 million litres of stolen crude oil, 1.3 million litres of illegally refined diesel, 6,130 litres of kerosene, and 4,545 litres of petrol. Other assets seized during the operations include barges, speedboats, pumping machines, drilling equipment, and over 90 vehicles used for illicit activities,” he noted.
He said, “In recent operations, troops continued to make gains across various regions, conducting clearance missions, intercepting arms smugglers, and dismantling terrorist supply networks. Within the last week, several insurgents, including women and children, surrendered in Borno State following intense military pressure.
He explained that Troops also repelled a terrorist attack in Maiduguri, neutralized threats, and safely detonated explosives planted by insurgents in Abadam. Security forces intercepted 11 terrorist logistics suppliers and recovered weapons, mobile phones, motorcycles, food supplies, and cash.
Kangye assured Nigerians that the military remains resolute in its mission to safeguard lives, eliminate security threats, and protect national resources. He called on the public to support security agencies in their efforts to combat terrorism and economic sabotage.