By Obinna Ejianya (9News Nigeria – Melbourne, Australia)
Troops of the Nigerian Military eliminated 188 terrorists and arrested 330 others
The Nigerian Military has reported a major breakthrough in its operations against terrorism in the northern parts of the country. In a statement released by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen. Edward Buba, it was revealed that a total of 188 terrorists were killed and 330 others were apprehended during operations conducted last week. Additionally, the troops successfully rescued 133 kidnapped individuals.
Major General Edward Buba emphasized that these recent achievements have bolstered the military’s position in the ongoing war against terrorists. He expressed confidence in the armed forces’ ability to restore security and protect citizens, highlighting their determination to make the terrorists pay a heavier price for their actions.
Furthermore, the Nigerian Military’s efforts to combat oil theft have also yielded positive results. During the operations, 36 suspects involved in oil theft were arrested, and stolen crude oil valued at N637 million was recovered. Troops in the Niger Delta region made significant discoveries, including the destruction of 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks, and 4 vehicles. In addition, they dismantled 21 illegal refining sites and seized various items, such as cooking ovens, totaling 28, as well as 672,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,530 litres of illegally refined AGO.
The statement read, “The armed forces are working decisively to kill the terrorists, stop the insecurity, and ensure the safety of citizens. Accordingly, we are making the terrorists pay a much heavier price than we have been forced to pay.”
“The troops will continue to operate with tremendous force against terrorists across the country. During the week under review, the troops neutralised 188, arrested 330 persons, and rescued 133 kidnapped hostages.
‘’The military is in a good and strong position in the war against terrorists with many terrorist leaders killed. We will continue to provide security for citizens with the tools at our disposal.”
“In the SS, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of N637,710,310.00 only. Troops also arrested 36 perpetrators of oil theft.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 51 dugout pits, 24 boats, 21 storage tanks and 4 vehicles. Other items recovered included 28 cooking ovens and 21 illegal refining sites. They also recovered 672,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 90,530 litres of illegally refined AGO,” he stated.
The statement further detailed the weapons and ammunition confiscated by the troops. A total of 270 weapons and 5,083 rounds of ammunition were recovered, comprising various rifles, pistols, guns, and explosive devices. Additionally, the troops seized magazines, radios, vehicles, motorcycles, bicycles, mobile phones, and other related items, along with a substantial sum of money.
“Others are 2,129 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,686 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 116 rounds of 9mm ammo, 133 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ball ammo, 151 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammo, 619 live cartridges, 34 magazines, eight HH radios, eight vehicles, 40 motorcycles, six bicycles, 50 mobile phones and N610,210.00 among other items,” Buba added.
9News Nigeria reports that these recent accomplishments build upon the military’s earlier successes. Between January and March 2024, a total of 2,351 terrorists were eliminated, 2,308 were arrested, and 1,241 kidnapped hostages were rescued. Moreover, stolen crude oil worth N20 billion was recovered during the first quarter of the year.
The Nigerian Military continues to demonstrate its commitment to improving security and protecting the country’s citizens. With these significant achievements, they are poised to make further advancements against terrorism and criminal activities.
9News Nigeria
