By Gift Wada
In its combat against economic sabotage and terrorism in 2024, the military said it intercepted over ₦68 billion worth of stolen crude oil and dismantled a vast network of oil thieves.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, made the disclosure on Tuesday during an annual review of the military’s operation.
He said troops neutralized 10,937 terrorists, arrested 12,538, and rescued 7,063 hostages in 2024 alone.
“Among those neutralized were notorious terrorist leaders and commanders, including Dutse Mainasara Idda, Mallam Saleh Umaru, and Mohammed Amadu. The operations significantly degraded the military and logistical capabilities of terrorist groups, delivering a major blow to their infrastructure and strongholds,”Buba noted.
He said, “In addition to neutralizing threats, the military rescued 7,063 hostages, reuniting families and restoring hope to communities terrorized by insurgents.”
Items intercepted by the military in its 2024 operations include: over 56 million liters of stolen crude oil and nearly 10 million liters of illegally refined diesel.
The military also recovered an extensive cache of arms and ammunition from terrorist groups and oil theft syndicates, including: 4,332 AK-47 rifles, 1,244 locally fabricated guns, and 838 dane guns. 128,496 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition and 45,445 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition.
Buba commended the corporation of the civilians who aided the military in achieving these successes.
“The war against terrorism and economic sabotage requires the collective effort of all Nigerians. The armed forces remain committed to securing peace and stability for our nation,” he concluded.