The Military High Command announced on Friday that in its intensified efforts to combat insurgency across the country, the gallant troops of the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN), along with other security agencies, have neutralised 165 terrorists, arrested 185 suspects, and rescued 106 kidnapped hostages within one week.
This was disclosed by the Director of Defence Media Operations (DDMO), Major General Edward Buba, in a statement made available to Defence Correspondents in Abuja. He provided an update on the military operations conducted in various theatres across the country as of Friday, 13th September.
In the South-South region, the military denied oil thieves access to an estimated N1,306,140,000 worth of stolen resources. Additionally, during the operations, troops recovered 145 weapons and 8,926 rounds of ammunition.
General Buba provided a breakdown of the recovered items, which included:
- 69 AK-47 rifles
- 31 locally fabricated guns
- 38 Dane guns
- 2 PKT guns
- 3,112 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 3,094 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- 2,720 rounds of 7.62mm x 38mm ammunition
- 5 assorted arms
- 269 assorted ammunitions
- 1,239,400 liters of stolen crude oil
- 308,195 liters of illegally refined AGO (Automotive Gas Oil)
- 1,120 liters of DPK (Dual-Purpose Kerosene)
The military leadership emphasised that the troops remain in a strong and advantageous position in ongoing counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency operations nationwide.
In the North East, troops of Operation HADIN KAI are actively working to ensure the safe evacuation of inmates affected by flooding at the Medium Security Custodial Centre in Maiduguri.
“Troops are also working to bring stability to areas requiring it,” said Gen. Buba. He highlighted the deployment of 23 boats by troops in Maiduguri Municipal Council to relocate residents affected by the flood to safer areas.
He concluded by assuring Nigerians that the Armed Forces will continue to operate with full force against terrorists and violent extremists, adding, “We will work tirelessly to end insecurity and ensure the safety of all citizens.”
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