By ZAKAA LAZARUS-ABUJA
The Defence Headquarters (DHQ), on Friday, said troops operating at various theatres of operations across the country killed 358 terrorists, arrested 431 suspected terrorists. apprehended 59 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 249 kidnapped hostages in January.
This was revealed in a statement issued to Defence Correspondents by the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba on the activities of the military in all theater of operations.
Highlight of the statement: “Troops continue to sustain the tempo in defeating terrorists and the cohorts in ongoing counter-terrorist and insurgency operations across the country.
“During January 2025, troops neutralised 358 terrorists and arrested 431 suspected terrorists. Troops also apprehended 59 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 249 kidnapped hostages.
“In the South-South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of over N2 billion (N2,699,660,460.00). The breakdown includes: 2,732,038 litres of stolen crude oil, 42,515 litres of illegally refined AGO, 200 litres of DPK and 2,250 litres of PMS amongst other items.
“Additionally, troops recovered 370 weapons and 4,972 ammunitions which includes and not limited to the following: 105 AK47 rifles, 25 locally fabricated guns, 32 dane guns, 23 pump action guns, 3,066 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 758 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 980 cartridges, 72 assorted arms and 500 assorted ammunitions.
“Overall, the armed forces continue to fight admirably in defeating terrorists and their cohorts across the country. Troops remain focused on creating conditions in which the safety and security of citizens are assured.”
On the activities of the troops, the statement explained that the troops of Joint Task Force Operation Fasan Yamma in the North West recorded the following during the last week, I responded to terrorists’ activities, arrested terrorists and collaborators as well and conducted offensive operation in Kauru Namoda, Tsafe and Anka LGAs of Zamfara State as well as Sabon Birnin and Jibia LGAs of Sokoto and Katsina States. Troops conducted similar operations in Birnin Gwari, Chikun and Kachia Local Government Areas of Kaduna State.
According to it, “Overall, troops of Operation FANSAN YAMMA neutralized 14 terrorists, arrested 4 persons and rescued 26 kidnapped hostages.
“Troops also recovered 13 AK47 rifles, one FN rifle, 2 pump action guns, 2 PKT guns, 471 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 19 PKT rounds, 14 magazines, one vehicle, 13 motorcycles and 3 mobile phones amongst others.”
It added that the troops of Operation UDO KA in the South-East recorded the following during the week under review; arrested violent extremists and collaborators in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State and as well conducted offensive operations, intercepted and arrested 2 IPOB/ESN terrorists collaborators in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State.
According to it, “Overall, troops of Operation UDO KA arrested 2 IPOB/ESN terrorists. Meanwhile, all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.”
The statement further explained that the troops of Operation WHIRL PUNCH in the North Central recorded the following during the period under review; troops arrested violent extremists/kidnappers and conducted offensive operations in Kabba-Bunu, Bassa and Obajana LGAs of Kogi State as well as Abuja Municipal Area Council of the Federal Capital Authority Abuja.
According to it, “Troops of Operation DELTA SAFE in the South-South maintained momentum against the activities of crude oil theft. Troops destroyed several illegal refining sites and recovered stolen products.
“Destroy illegal refining sites. Troops recovered 552,350 litres of stolen crude oil and 19,900 litres of illegally refined AGO. Additionally, troops discovered and destroyed 203 crude oil cooking ovens, 16 dugout pits, 4 boats, 22 storage tanks, 13 drums and 16 illegal refining sites.
Other items recovered include 2 pumping machines, 2 outboard engines, 2 tricycles, one motorcycle, 7 bicycles, 2 mobile phones and 4 vehicles among others.”
It stated that all recovered items, arrested suspects and rescued hostages were handed over to the relevant authority for further action.
