The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) said the ongoing counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in the country have continued to degrade the combat capacity of terrorists across the country.
Director Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, disclosed this in a statement at the weekend, adding that during the week, troops in the North West arrested a notorious terrorist leader known as Abubakar Bawa Ibrahim (aka Habu Dogo) in Rumji Village in Illela LGA of Sokoto.
According to General Buba, “Habu Dogo is a wanted terrorist on the watch list of security agencies both in Nigeria and in the Niger Republic because of the cross-border nature of his terrorist activities. Similarly, troops in the South East arrested seven Indigenous People of Biafra and Eastern Security Network (IPOB/ESN) terrorists’ commanders and operatives.
“The IPOB/ESN terror operatives arrested include Dr Nnamdi Chukwudozie and Chigozie Ezetoha (aka Chapet) in Ihiala LGA of Anambra State. Others are, Mrs. Ngozi Chukwuka and Mr. Onyekachi Ohia arrested in Umuahia South LGA of Abia States.
“Additional IPOB operatives arrested are Mr. Ifeanyi Eze, Mr. Augustine Udemba and Mr. Onyedikachi Udemba in Umunneochi LGA of Abia State. While, Elijah Mmaduipeya Obumneke was arrested in Orsu LGA of Imo State.
“Overall, during the period under review, troops neutralised 187 and arrested 262 persons. Troops also arrested 39 perpetrators of oil theft and rescued 147 kidnapped hostages.
“In the South-South, troops denied the oil theft of the estimated sum of One Billion Two Hundred and Fifty-Four Million Nine Hundred and Forty-Six Thousand Six Hundred and Thirty Naira (N1,254,946,630.00) only.
“Furthermore, troops recovered 205 assorted weapons and 5,241 assorted ammunitions. The breakdown is as follows: 2 G3 rifles, 2 PKT guns, 89 AK47 rifles, 22 fabricated rifles, 22 dane guns, 2 FN rifles, 2 pistols, 2 fabricated revolver pistols, 27 locally made pistols, 19 pump action guns, 2 pump action shortgun, one DICON pistol, 8 double barrel guns, one barreta pistol and 32 magazines.
“Others are 1,862 rounds of 7.62mm special ammo, 1,244 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 131 rounds of 7.62 x 54mm, 959 rounds of 7.62 x 39mm, 352 rounds of 9mm ammo, 51 rounds of 7.62 x 51mm ball ammo, 662 live cartridges, 2 baofeng radios, 6 vehicles, 29 motorcycles, 55 mobile phones amongst other items.
“Troops in the Niger Delta area discovered and destroyed 49 crude oil cooking ovens, 11 dugout pits, 72 boats, 21 drums, 30 storage tanks and 98 illegal refining sites. Other items recovered include 4 speedboats, one tricycle, 4 pumping machines, one outboard engine, 2 motorcycles, 2 mobile phones and 3 vehicles. Troops recovered 1,090,135 litres of stolen crude oil and 873,510 litres of illegally refined AGO.
“Troops continue to prevail over the terrorists and are winning the war. The terrorists are left with no choice but to surrender or be killed on the battlefield.”
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