The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) of Nigeria has announced significant achievements in its ongoing fight against terrorism and oil theft, highlighting the capture of a notorious terrorist leader and the arrest of hundreds of individuals involved in criminal activities.
The operations, conducted over the past week, resulted in the elimination of terrorists, the dismantling of illegal oil refining sites, and the rescue of kidnap victims, underscoring the military’s determination to safeguard the nation.
In a statement released on Friday, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, confirmed the capture of Usman Maisaje, a prominent terrorist leader.
Maisaje is known to be a close associate of Kachalla Boka, another high-profile terrorist.
His arrest has been seen as a major breakthrough in the fight against insurgency in the country, with Major General Buba emphasizing that Maisaje has been providing invaluable intelligence to Nigerian troops, helping them plan and execute further operations against terrorist groups.
The military’s operations resulted in the arrest of 226 suspected terrorists and the elimination of 96 terrorists during various engagements.
These efforts were part of broader security operations aimed at reducing the threat posed by terrorist groups, particularly in the northern regions of Nigeria, which have been plagued by violence for many years.
In addition to their counterterrorism efforts, Nigerian forces made substantial progress in combating oil theft, a rampant issue in the Niger Delta.
The DHQ reported the arrest of 45 suspected oil thieves and the destruction of 60 illegal refining sites.
These sites are often used to process stolen crude oil, contributing to environmental damage and significant financial losses for the country.
Over 712,535 liters of stolen crude oil and 76,800 liters of illegally refined automotive gas oil (AGO) were recovered during the operations.
The total value of the recovered resources was estimated at around N712 million, according to the DHQ.
Major General Buba also highlighted the military’s efforts in rescuing 157 kidnap victims during the operations.
Kidnapping for ransom has become a serious issue in several parts of Nigeria, and the rescue of these victims is a critical part of the military’s broader mission to improve security.
Troops also confiscated a significant amount of weaponry, including 71 weapons, 50 of which were AK-47 rifles, along with a large cache of ammunition.
In the Niger Delta, the troops’ focus on dismantling illegal refining sites led to the seizure of numerous items, such as boats, drums, and vehicles, which are frequently used in the illicit oil trade.
The military’s actions in this region are part of its continued efforts to secure Nigeria’s oil resources and crack down on the widespread theft that has plagued the country’s oil industry for years.
The Defence Headquarters expressed optimism about the continued success of these operations, stating that the military remains fully committed to defeating terrorism, curbing oil theft, and ensuring the overall security of Nigeria.
Major General Buba emphasized that the recent victories are a testament to the ongoing dedication and effectiveness of the Nigerian troops in maintaining peace and security across the country.
