From Atiku Sarki, Abuja
Between January 3 and February 13, 2025, military operations across the country resulted in the neutralization of 75 terrorists and the arrest of 137 suspects. Additionally, 36 individuals involved in oil theft were apprehended, and 46 kidnapped hostages were rescued.
At a press briefing in Abuja, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Markus Kangye, provided updates on ongoing military activities.
He stated that the Armed Forces, in collaboration with the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), security agencies, and hybrid forces, conducted multiple operations.
These included patrols, raids, ambushes, clearance missions, and search-and-rescue efforts.
According to Kangye, the operations led to the neutralization of several terrorists, the arrest of their collaborators, and the rescue of kidnapped victims. Additionally, surrendered terrorists, gunrunners, and oil theft accomplices were taken into custody.
The air component of the operations carried out close air support missions, reconnaissance patrols, and airstrikes.
Oil Theft and Illegal Refining Operations Disrupted
In the South-South region, troops disrupted oil theft operations worth approximately ₦646.2 million. The breakdown includes:
- 497,152 litres of stolen crude oil
- 142,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO)
- 4,075 litres of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS)
Destruction of 164 crude oil cooking ovens, 37 dugout pits, 19 boats, 16 storage tanks, 38 drums, and 42 illegal refining sites
Troops also seized 3 pumping machines, 4 tricycles, 7 motorcycles, 5 mobile phones, and 3 vehicles.
Arms and Ammunition Recovered
During the operations, security forces recovered 104 firearms and 2,639 rounds of ammunition, including:
- 55 AK-47 rifles
- 20 locally fabricated guns
- 8 dane guns
- 18 pump-action guns
- 1,826 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition
- 376 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition
- 366 rounds of 12.7mm ammunition
- 26 cartridges
- 14 assorted weapons
The military reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining these operations to combat terrorism, banditry, and oil theft across the country.
