Gift Wada
The military said it has conducted a series of coordinated operations across the country, resulting in the rescue of kidnapped victims, arrest of criminal suspects, and destruction of illegal oil refining sites worth millions of naira.
Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, disclosed this during a press briefing with journalists in Abuja on Friday. He said the operations, which took place between June 5 and June 11, targeted terrorism, oil theft, and other criminal activities in various regions.
He said the Niger Delta, troops under Operation Delta Safe uncovered and dismantled illegal refineries valued at over ₦146 million. Over 140,000 litres of stolen crude oil were recovered, and more than 20 suspects were arrested during the raids.
“In the North East, troops under Operation Hadin Kai recorded the surrender of several Boko Haram and ISWAP members, including women and children. Joint operations in Borno and Yobe states led to the killing of terrorists, arrest of logistics suppliers and a foreign suspect, and the recovery of arms, ammunition, vehicles, and improvised explosive devices,” he explained.
According to Kangye, Operations in the North West under Operation Fasin Yamma led to the elimination of armed fighters and rescue of hostages in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Katsina states. In one instance, four kidnapped victims were rescued during a military raid.
“In the North Central region, troops under Operation Whirl Stroke arrested criminal suspects and recovered weapons in Benue, Nasarawa, Taraba, and Kwara states. In Plateau and Kaduna, Operation Safe Haven troops also arrested suspected extremists and cattle rustlers, and rescued additional victims.
In the South East, Operation Udo Ka troops carried out operations in Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states, resulting in the arrest and neutralisation of suspected criminals. Weapons, stolen vehicles, and laptops were recovered,” he noted.
Kangye said troops across all theatres maintained pressure on criminal elements, dismantling hideouts, destroying weapons, and recovering motorcycles, phones, and other items used in criminal operations.
He urged citizens to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies in ongoing efforts to restore peace and security across the country.