From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Armed Forces of Nigeria in their joint operation in the fight against terrorism and other criminal acts across the country have neutralized 177 terrorists, arrested 263 persons and rescued 158 kidnapped hostages within one week.
The troops also arrested 41 perpetrators of oil theft and denied them the estimated sum of Five Hundred and One Million eighty-nine thousand four hundred naira (N501, 089, 400.00).
In a statement signed and issued to newsmen at the weekend in Abuja by the Director, of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba said that as of Friday being 5th, July 2024, the Military troops in their ongoing operational activities in the country further recovered 170 assorted weapons and 4,602 assorted ammunitions among other items.
According to Major General Buba, the military is combating terrorism and other forms of insecurity across the operational theatres in the country.
He said their role in the ongoing war is clear and they are increasingly making progress.
He said “During the week under review, troops neutralised 177 and arrested 263 persons. Troops also arrested 41 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 158 kidnapped hostages.
“In the South-South region, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of Five Hundred and One Million Eighty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred Naira the same (N501,089,400.00) only.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 170 assorted weapons and 4,692 assorted ammunition.
“The breakdown is as follows: 6 PKT guns, 63 AK47 rifles, 3 FN rifles, one SMG rifle, 29 locally fabricated guns, 37 Dane guns, 20 pump action guns, one short double barrel gun, 2 double barrel guns, 2 single barrel guns, one locally made single barrel, 6 locally fabricated pistols, 4 bandoliers, RPG bombs, RPG charger, 2 primed IEDs and materials.
“Others are 2,100 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,239 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 419 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 212 rounds of 5.56 x 54mm ammo, 722 live cartridges, 13 empty cases of 7.62mm ammo, 74 AK47 magazines, 2 FN magazines, 6 baofeng radios, 17 vehicles, 43 motorcycles, 31 mobile phones and the sum of N2,149,700.00 only amongst other items.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 20 dugout pits, 32 boats and 32 storage tanks. Other items recovered include 58 cooking ovens, 17 vehicles, one pumping machine, 5 mobile phones and 49 illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 1,007,115 litres of stolen crude oil and 141,664 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Troops are taking the fight to the terrorists and making significant strides each passing day. Much is being done, however, we are focusing on doing much more to address the security situation and safeguard citizens,” he concluded.
